Home Blog Page 22

Games Valley partners with BGaming to expand casino game content

Games Valley, a premier games aggregator, has boosted its casino offerings by teaming up with BGaming, allowing operators to easily connect with one of the industry’s fastest-growing studios via a single integration.

The agreement will see BGaming’s portfolio of innovative online casino titles added to the Games Valley aggregation platform, including a wide range of slots, crash games, casual games and player-focused casino content.

Games Valley and BGaming celebrated the partnership during NEXT Summit Valletta, where both companies supported the BGaming Charity Gala in aid of DAR Bjorn. The shared involvement reflects a partnership built on more than commercial ambition, bringing together two companies that value innovation, collaboration and meaningful community engagement.

Ariel Reem, CEO at Games Valley, said: “BGaming has built a strong reputation as one of the most creative and dynamic studios, with games that combine strong visual identity, engaging mechanics, and genuine player appeal. At Games Valley, our role is to help operators access the content that delivers real value to their players and their business, quickly and efficiently, through a single integration. We’re delighted to welcome BGaming to the Games Valley platform, and we’re especially pleased that this partnership has grown from a relationship rooted in shared values.”

The partnership with BGaming continues Games Valley’s strategy of expanding its platform with best-in-class suppliers across the casino vertical, while giving operators the technology, content, and support they need to move faster in competitive markets.

Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, added: “Games Valley has established itself as a modern and ambitious aggregation partner, helping operators access high-quality casino content with speed, flexibility, and reliability. This partnership allows us to bring BGaming’s portfolio to a wider network of operators through a platform that shares our focus on innovation, strong partnerships, and long-term industry growth.”

Hub88 expands platform with AccaMAX’s creative slots and crash portfolio

Hub88 has entered into a partnership with AccaMAX, enabling its operator partners to access the supplier’s portfolio of casino, sports gaming and crash titles through a single integration.

The agreement will see AccaMAX’s expertly crafted titles, including its flagship SlotsMAX and CrashMAX collection, available through one-click access to Hub88’s partners. The game developer holds a strong reputation for exceptional entertainment value, stunning visuals and soundscapes, and competitive RTP rates that combine to deliver a five-star player experience.

Every AccaMAX game undergoes rigorous testing for fairness, performance, and regulatory compliance across all major jurisdictions, ensuring operators can fill their lobbies with confidence.

The deal with AccaMAX builds on Hub88’s support of globally-recognised studios with a unique edge, with the supplier promising to deliver thrilling bonus engines and an engaging four-tier progressive jackpot network.

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, said: 
“AccaMAX has been making waves over the last year, since the launch of its SlotsMAX library in 2025. With a broad range of themes and a highly motivating jackpot system, the supplier is a welcome addition to our platform. We are excited to deliver their portfolio and see what other surprises await in their roadmap this year.”

Christo Bezuidenhout, CPO at AccaMAX, added: “Partnering with Hub88 means operators can enable our entire product offering in a single step, with none of the usual integration overhead. Every title we ship is crafted for entertainment value and tested for compliance across major markets, and this partnership puts that quality in front of operators worldwide. We’d encourage anyone already on the Hub88 network to switch us on and see the difference for their players.”

Asia Gaming eBrief: HK court rejects ex-Crown exec claim for casino debt interest

0
Good morning. The paper trail bites back. A Hong Kong court has rejected former Crown Resorts executive Chua Eh Fong’s bid to collect 24 percent annual interest on Chinese businessman Huang Youlong’s $42 million gambling debt. The judge found junket group Suncity was the true creditor, not Chua. The ruling also cracks open the old VIP credit machine, where junket accounts, investor deposits and casino risk were shuffled behind the scenes. In Manila, Suntrust is eyeing PAGCOR Gaming System Administrator accreditation as part of a plan to restore positive equity and potentially step into online gaming. Back in Macau, the city topped China’s outbound tourist satisfaction ranking for a second year after record 2025 arrivals.

What you need to know

On the radar


AGB Intelligence

court

HK court rejects interest claim over Chinese tycoon’s Crown casino debt

A Hong Kong court has rejected former Crown Resorts executive Chua Eh Fong’s attempt to collect 24 percent annual interest on Chinese businessman Huang Youlong’s $42 million gambling debt, finding that Suncity was the true creditor. The court said Huang’s losses at Crown Perth were handled through the junket group’s credit line, not a personal loan from Chua, and that the debt had already been fully repaid to the Macau junket operator.

Industry Updates


Corporate Spotlight

How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO for GR8 Tech

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.


INTELLIGENCEASEAN | AWARDSCAREERS | EVENTS

R. Franco Digital unveils action-packed slot Spin Fighters

Spanish iGaming provider R. Franco Digital is stepping into the ring with its latest slot release, Spin Fighters.

Inspired by classic one‑on‑one fighting video games, Spin Fighters lets players choose their two contenders from a character selection screen before entering a fast‑paced battle.

When a winning spin matches one of the four upper icons, the direction of the icon determines which fighter is hit, reducing their health bar. Each winning line triggers an attack, and once a character’s health reaches zero, a respin is activated with special reels that offer a chance to recover. If the fighter fails to return and is eliminated, a new character steps in. The victorious fighter earns a multiplier based on the number of opponents defeated.

The game also includes a bonus round triggered by landing three Scatter symbols. Here, the chosen fighter faces a punch bag and can deliver hits worth up to 100x the stake each.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R. Franco Digital, commented: “Spin Fighters evokes the nostalgia players feel for classic console combat games, with clever mechanics that deliver exciting, action‑packed gameplay. Once again, we’re giving players meaningful choices through character selection, and we’re confident this title will resonate with players around the world.”

Suntrust eyes PAGCOR’s Gaming System Administrator accreditation in plan to restore positive equity

Suntrust Resort Holdings, a minority shareholder in the Westside integrated resort project in Manila’s Entertainment City, has flagged the potential accreditation of its ‘relevant project entity’ as a Gaming System Administrator under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), opening the door to a possible entry into the Philippines’ online gaming sector.

The disclosure was contained in the company’s reply, dated Tuesday and signed by Director and Chief Financial Officer Yip Ho Chi, to a Philippine Stock Exchange query on the negative stockholders’ equity reflected in Suntrust’s quarterly report for the period ended March 31st, 2026.

Under PAGCOR’s regulatory framework, a Gaming System Administrator, formerly known as a Gaming System Service Provider, supplies and maintains the platforms on which licensed online gaming operators host their games.

Suntrust said the financial impact and definitive timetable of any application are not yet determinable, and that it would make disclosures to the exchange as developments warrant.

The company attributed its capital deficiency mainly to pre-operating and financing costs accumulated during the prolonged construction of the Westside project, as well as the classification of its outstanding convertible bonds and related-party advances as liabilities pending their conversion or restructuring.

Other measures outlined to restore positive equity include the possible conversion of its convertible bonds into perpetual instruments that may qualify as equity, the conversion of bonds or advances into shares, an increase in authorized capital stock, additional fund-raising and the opening of Westside, targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

Suntrust was the original developer of the project’s Main Hotel Casino but ceded control last year under a strategic working agreement with Travellers International Hotel Group, subscribing to 40 percent of Westside Bayshore Holding Corporation for an effective 20 percent indirect interest in Entertainment City Resorts Corporation, which assumed all rights and obligations relating to the project.

BetMakers secures ATG horse racing distribution deal in Australia and New Zealand

BetMakers Technology Group has been appointed by Sweden’s national horse racing wagering operator, AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), to distribute its live racing content and data to betting operators throughout Australia and New Zealand.

AB Trav och Galopp (ATG

Under the agreement, BetMakers will make ATG’s nominated Swedish and Danish horse racing available for fixed-odds betting, together with ATG’s live vision signal. The arrangement broadens the international racing product available to operators in the region and deepens BetMakers’ growing library of premium global content.

“BetMakers is incredibly proud to be working with ATG,” said Martin Tripp, Chief Operating Officer, BetMakers Technology Group. “Their racing is among the best in the world, and we’re focused on getting that content live and available to operators across Australia and New Zealand quickly and reliably. This is a partnership we’ve wanted for a long time, and it’s a genuine pleasure to bring ATG’s product to our customers in the region.”

“We at ATG are incredibly happy to expand our partnership with BetMakers. They help us, as a betting company, reach more customers through our products and races. We are delighted that we can now together take our Swedish races abroad, primarily to Australia and New Zealand,” added Peter Johansson, International Business Officer, AB Trav och Galopp (ATG).

The partnership reflects continued demand from operators for differentiated international racing content and reinforces BetMakers’ position as a global racing technology and content provider.

Hub Affiliations wins Programme/Network Campaign of the Year at iGB Affiliate Awards 2026

Hub Affiliations has been recognized at the iGB Affiliate Awards 2026, securing the Programme/Network Campaign of the Year award for its Creator-Powered Live Streaming Rollout initiative and earning a Highly Commended distinction in the Best Affiliate Network category.

The awards highlight the company’s growing influence in the affiliate marketing and iGaming sectors, recognizing its ability to combine live streaming, creator marketing, media assets, AI-driven optimization, and performance marketing into scalable acquisition strategies.

Presented in London, the iGB Affiliate Awards are among the industry’s most prestigious events, celebrating innovation, growth, and commercial success across the global affiliate ecosystem. Hub Affiliations’ winning campaign stood out for integrating sports content, creator-led distribution, live streaming experiences, and affiliate technology into a unified user acquisition model.

Hub Affiliations wins Programme/Network Campaign of the Year at iGB Affiliate Awards 2026

The campaign leveraged several components of the company’s ecosystem, including sports media platform Sporticos, editorial content, social media promotion, data analytics, and AI-supported optimization tools. The strategy was designed to engage sports audiences before the conversion stage, creating a more connected journey from content consumption to operator acquisition.

The recognition comes during a period of significant growth for Hub Affiliations. According to company figures, the group averages more than 20,000 first-time depositors (FTDs) per month, works with over 1,600 registered affiliates, and reaches audiences across 187 countries through its network of media properties.

Beyond the award-winning campaign, Hub Affiliations has expanded its presence through a portfolio of media brands including Sporticos, DerbyDerbyDerby.it, MilanistiChannel.com, Betadvisor, 123scommesse, ScommesseSerieA, and Sbostats. The company says this network enables it to operate across sports content, live streaming, SEO, audience development, and performance marketing.

Hub Affiliations also highlighted its focus on operational standards, noting that it has obtained 16 international certifications covering areas such as quality management, compliance, security, business continuity, and social responsibility.

The company views the dual recognition as validation of a broader strategy that positions affiliate marketing as a comprehensive growth platform rather than a traditional traffic-acquisition model. By combining owned media, technology, creator engagement, and data-driven optimization, Hub Affiliations aims to provide operators with scalable access to qualified sports audiences worldwide.

Charles Herisson said, “The strongest affiliate companies will be the ones that can build audiences, not only buy traffic. Our goal with Hub Affiliations is to connect media, technology, creators and performance into one model.”

Francesco Maddalena added, “Sporticos and live streaming allow us to reach sports fans when their attention is highest. The challenge is not only generating traffic, but creating a better user journey before conversion.”

The latest honors add to the group’s growing international track record, which includes multiple industry nominations and awards across affiliate marketing, sports media, digital publishing, and performance marketing.

Relax Gaming expands Dutch footprint through Starcasino content launch

Relax Gaming has expanded its reach in the regulated Dutch market by taking its content live with Starcasino.

The full Relax portfolio, including recent hits Guitar Quest, Midnight Marauder ClusterBreaker™, and World Class Kick Off Dream Drop, is now available for players to enjoy at starcasino.nl.

Operating under a licence from the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit), Starcasino has built a strong presence in the Netherlands’ regulated online gaming market, pairing a wide-ranging casino offering with a clear emphasis on responsible gambling and consumer protection.

The launch aligns with Relax’s commitment to supporting regulated markets, with Starcasino gaining access to the supplier’s premium content, which is built to drive player engagement and retention.

Cliona Griffin, Business Development Manager at Relax Gaming, said: “Starcasino is a highly respected and popular operator in the Netherlands, so it’s ideal for us to launch content with an operator that prioritises the player experience in such an important market. This rollout is a key milestone in our ongoing mission to expand our footprint across robust, regulated jurisdictions and bring our premium suite to top-tier platforms globally.”

Pieter van den Bos, Director at Starcasino, added: “When it comes to industry-leading content, Relax Gaming needs no introduction. We are thrilled to integrate its celebrated titles into our expanding ecosystem. Integrating the renowned content library reinforces our dedication to delivering elite, responsible gaming experiences to our loyal Dutch audience.”

Macau tops China outbound tourist satisfaction ranking for second straight year

0

Macau has been named the top destination for Chinese outbound tourist satisfaction for the second consecutive year, capping a record 2025 in which the city welcomed 40.06 million visitor arrivals, according to the “2025 Top 10 Destinations for Chinese Outbound Tourist Satisfaction” released by the China Tourism Academy on July 6th.

The full ranking placed Macau first, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Argentina, Spain, Singapore, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. Macau earned particularly high ratings in the “leisure and entertainment” and “attractions and accommodation” categories, retaining the top position it first claimed in the 2024 edition.

court

Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong attended the launch event in Beijing and spoke at a roundtable session, attributing the result to a service quality assurance system built on ‘participation by all, multi-dimensional response, and precise supervision’, with tourism experience embedded across all levels of city governance.

The SAR government has focused on improving the visitor experience, upgrading industry service standards, and expanding reception capacity, while taking part in joint tourism market supervision with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Greater Bay Area cities, per the release.

The ranking follows Macau’s strongest tourism year on record: 2025 arrivals surpassed the pre-pandemic 2019 peak of 39.41 million, with mainland visitors accounting for more than 29 million, according to official data.

MGTO said it will continue working with the industry to optimize services and facilities, step up promotional efforts and major events, and enrich Macau’s positioning as a “World Center of Tourism and Leisure”, offering visitors a safer, more convenient, and more engaging experience.

Chinese embassy links several Philippines kidnapping cases to online gambling disputes

0

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines says seven kidnapping cases involving Chinese nationals were reported during the first half of 2026, with several incidents linked to online gambling, telecom fraud and financial disputes.

In a security advisory issued on Tuesday, the embassy said all of the victims were long-term Chinese residents in the Philippines, while the suspects in the reported cases were also Chinese nationals. The embassy added that Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have jointly arrested and repatriated 56 Chinese nationals involved in criminal activities this year, including four suspects accused of kidnapping.

According to the embassy, several of the kidnappings stemmed from disputes related to online gambling, telecommunications fraud and outstanding debts. Other victims were allegedly targeted after making contact with offenders through social media, employment searches or other personal interactions. Among the reported incidents was the kidnapping of a Chinese student in Makati City in June. The woman was allegedly lured to an apartment under the guise of providing swimming lessons before being restrained, robbed and forced to apply for online loans. The kidnappers also attempted to extort ransom payments from her family and friends before eventually releasing her.

In another June incident, a Chinese woman was allegedly detained at a casino hotel in Manila, where perpetrators transferred a substantial amount of money from her bank account before she escaped. The embassy also cited a case in April in which a Chinese woman was allegedly abducted after meeting a man through social media who claimed to work in Manila. She later escaped from captivity.

Other reported incidents included the abduction of two Chinese men in Manila and Pasay in February and May after they were forced into vehicles. Both were released after their families paid ransoms. In a separate February case, another victim reportedly sought help through social media while kidnappers demanded a ransom of USDT1 million. The embassy said the victim was released after payment, although the amount ultimately paid was not disclosed.

The embassy said it would continue cooperating with Philippine authorities to combat transnational crime, including kidnapping and organized criminal activities involving Chinese nationals. It also urged Chinese citizens living in or visiting the Philippines to exercise caution by avoiding high-risk areas, traveling with companions where possible, using official ride-hailing services and refraining from accepting rides from strangers.

The advisory further warned Chinese nationals to protect their personal information, be vigilant against employment scams and avoid involvement in online gambling, telecommunications fraud and casino-related disputes, which the embassy said can increase the risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.