Home Blog Page 231

Konami Gaming brings innovation to ICE 2026 with Online Interactive launch and Solstice cabinet line

0

Konami Gaming announced the ICE Barcelona debut of two major industry highlights: Konami Online Interactive and the new Solstice cabinet line.

The company is showcasing a selection of omni-channel game releases for casino customers inside stand #2W70—spanning new licensed IP to original creations—alongside its award-winning SYNKROS casino management, trusted by casino venues across global markets for its industry-leading reliability. 

Aching, vice president of iGaming & international gaming operations at Konami Gaming
Aching, VP of iGaming & International Gaming Operations at Konami Gaming

“Whether land-based, online, or both, casino operators are encountering the industry’s latest advancements to reach and engage players at the Konami stand,” said Eduardo Aching, VP of iGaming & International Gaming Operations at Konami Gaming. “The official ICE debut of Konami Online Interactive and Solstice is a must-see at this year’s event, both backed by top Konami game content.”

Following a landmark year of iGaming growth, Konami has announced Konami Online Interactive as the new branded presence for its iGaming offering. Through the company’s owned remote gaming server (RGS), online operators can tap into casino slot games that have been enjoyed by players for decades. Konami Online Interactive’s robust RGS is also home to the latest slot creations, including slots inspired by the BOMBERMAN video game series beloved by players for more than 40 years. 

“The world’s first slot game inspired by BOMBERMAN is among the key omni-channel entertainment showcases at ICE 2026, available exclusively through Konami Online Interactive and Konami’s all-new Solstice game hardware,” added Aching. “Solstice exemplifies the very latest game hardware technology, in everything from its spatial audio package to its signature acrylic lighting elements, which interact with in-game features across a dynamic color spectrum.”

The arrival of Konami’s new Solstice line of casino game hardware is celebrated with a c-curve portrait screen machine called Solstice 49C, backed by a strong game library. In addition to BOMBERMAN slot games, Konami is highlighting Red Fortune Rail at ICE 2026, with a high-energy nested bonus in the credit collection feature that amps the excitement for players through lucrative potential multipliers.

Another key Solstice showcase is a triple bonus game called Dragon Firecracker, delighting players through its bright animations and jolly hero characters. 

During ICE 2026, Konami’s SYNKROS team will highlight top casino systems technology to advance guest service and operational success. This includes SYNKROS Drink System and the Konetic employee mobile application—both recognized in the 2025 Gaming & Technology Awards.

These top systems tools, and more, are further maximized by SYNKROS’ robust reliability, scalability, and data infrastructure. Attendees are encouraged to visit the Konami stand #2W70 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via on January 19 – 21, 2026, to explore these and more Konami releases.

SOFTSWISS Sportsbook named Best Online Sportsbook at the SiGMA South Asia Awards 2025

0

SOFTSWISS Sportsbook sets the standard, taking home the Best Online Sportsbook Provider at SiGMA South Asia Awards 2025, which took place on 30 November in Colombo, Sri Lanka, recognising outstanding achievement and meaningful contributions to the region’s iGaming landscape.

This award comes at a milestone moment for the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, which has just marked its fifth anniversary. Built on a flexible, platform-agnostic architecture, the solution seamlessly integrates with any casino platform on the market in under 14 days.

Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook
Alexander Kamenetskyi

Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, celebrated the milestone, stating: “Winning Best Online Sportsbook Provider in South Asia is meaningful because it reflects the trust and results we deliver for operators in one of the world’s fastest-growing betting regions. Our priority is to give clients a stable, scalable platform backed by reliable technology and strong service support. This award shows that our approach works perfectly.”

Coming in the same year as the product’s fifth anniversary, this milestone follows a series of significant achievements in 2025, including:

  • The launch of the industry’s first Sportsbook Network Jackpot, with a prize of over 80,000 euro from a 166 euro combo bet with total odds of 4.38.
  • A major technical overhaul of API 2.0, enabling faster onboarding and more scalable integrations.
  • A renewed CMS, giving operators deeper control over content, branding, and event management.

Beyond daily operations, the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook team is actively shaping the future of the betting industry. In the recently released 2026 iGaming Trends report, the team shares its insights on emerging microtrends, including the rise of microbetting and the increasing integration of sportsbooks into online casino projects.

Playson powers up gameplay with Tornado Power’s Hold and Win

0

Playson has unleashed a whirlwind of excitement in its latest release, Tornado Power: Hold and Win, introducing a new Tornado Feature and enhanced payouts.

The 3×4, 10 payline slot features immersive visuals with old-school charm, as the untamed gameplay is further enhanced by a new Tornado Feature, which can be randomly triggered whenever a Thunder Bonus Symbol lands during the Main Game or Bonus Game.

Once active, multipliers of up to an impressive 20x may activate as well as Bonus Symbols to increase the likelihood of triggering the Thunder Bonus Feature or Hold and Win Bonus Game.

When both a Bonus Symbol and Thunder Bonus Symbol land on the reels, the Thunder Bonus Feature comes into action. The feature collects the values of all Bonus Symbols in play, including four in-game Jackpot Symbols, before adding them to the winnings for the spin in the Main Game or Total Win in the Bonus Game.

Landing at least one Bonus Symbol on each reel grants access to the Hold and Win Bonus Game, where players benefit from only Bonus and Thunder Bonus symbols for the entirety of the round.

Additional entry to the Bonus Game is also boosted by the Pile of Gold Feature. Any Bonus Symbols that land on the reels during the main game can randomly trigger the feature, which sees Bonus and Thunder Bonus Symbols added to the grid in quantity enough to activate the Bonus Game.

The Tornado Power: Hold and Win release demonstrates Playson’s ability to develop unique mechanics that enhance player engagement based on data-driven insights.

Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Tornado Power: Hold and Win showcases our commitment to elevating the Hold and Win experience with engagement-boosting mechanics that genuinely move the needle. The new Tornado Feature introduces a fresh layer of dynamism to gameplay, giving players more ways to interact with bonus elements and enjoy heightened win potential. It’s a strong reflection of our data-led approach to development, and we’re confident it will resonate across a variety of markets.”

ProgressPlay highlights 13+ years of iGaming innovation at ICE Barcelona 2026

0

ProgressPlay, a pioneering iGaming solutions provider announced its official participation in the landmark ICE Barcelona 2026 event.

From January 19-21, 2026, the company will welcome the global iGaming industry at stand 2D12 in the Fira Barcelona Gran Via to showcase its proven, end-to-end platform.

This appearance marks a significant moment to highlight over a decade of innovation and reliability. ProgressPlay has built its reputation on a robust and flexible technology stack that empowers operators worldwide. The comprehensive platform seamlessly integrates a full spectrum of verticals, including Sweepstakes, Bingo, Casino, and Sportsbook, through customisable white-label, turnkey, and standalone solutions engineered for market growth.

Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay
Marina Nahhas

“We are thrilled to engage with the global iGaming community in the vibrant setting of Barcelona,” said Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay. “ICE provides the ideal stage to demonstrate how our proven platform serves as the foundation for our partners’ success.”

Nahhas added: “We go beyond providing technology; we build lasting partnerships. At the event, we will showcase how our customisable solutions are specifically tailored to help operators captivate players and efficiently expand their market share.”

Attendees will experience ProgressPlay’s platform firsthand, while the company’s team of experts will be on hand to discuss unique market challenges and demonstrate practical, scalable solutions designed to drive revenue and ensure long-term viability.

Itai Lowenstein, CEO of ProgressPlay
Itai Lowenstein

“Our participation in ICE 2026 is a powerful statement of our commitment to the industry and our partners,” said Itai Lowenstein, CEO of ProgressPlay. “Since our inception, our mission has remained unwavering: to deliver reliable, innovative, and fully compliant technology that provides a tangible competitive edge.”

Lowenstein concluded: “The trust we’ve earned from operators globally is a direct result of this consistent dedication. We eagerly anticipate connecting with both current and future partners in Barcelona to help write their next chapter of success.”

SJM Resorts donates MOP700,000 to support the 42nd “Walk for a Million”

0

SJM Resorts has announced its support for the 42nd “Walk for a Million,” contributing MOP700,000 and mobilizing a large team of staff, families, and friends to join the walk on 14 December.

This initiative aims to support the charitable campaign and promote a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. 

The cheque presentation ceremony was at the Grand Lisboa Macau, where Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, and Ms. Angela Leong, Director of SJM and Chairman of its Staff Welfare Consultative Committee, presented the donation to the Macau Daily News’ Readers Foundation.

Representatives from the Foundation included Ms. Ho Teng Iat, President; Mr. Lok Po, Mr. Hoi Kin Chong, Vice President; Mr. Vong Kok Seng, President of the Directive Council, and Mr. Kong Kin Hou, Executive Vice President of the Directive Council. 

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, said, “SJM is deeply committed to society and actively promotes a variety of community activities. The ‘Walk for a Million’ is a major annual charity event in Macau, which SJM has consistently supported. We encourage our team members to actively support, lending a helping hand to those in need. Through these practical actions, SJM aims to spread love and generate positive momentum within society.” 

Logifuture and Sportradar expand collaboration as “Zoom Soccer” strengthens the OneFeed offering

0

Logifuture has joined forces with Sportradar to bring its flagship virtual product, Zoom Soccer, into the OneFeed ecosystem — delivering a seamless, always-on football experience to enrich Sportradar’s portfolio.

Zoom Soccer seamlessly integrates into sportsbooks, delivering a continuous RNG-based feed of ultra-realistic football events 24/7. Sections are always filled with engaging football content, providing operators with a reliable solution during periods when Tier-1 or Tier-2 real football events are scarce or not taking place.

Recreating the world’s most popular leagues, including Zoom EPL, Zoom La Liga, Zoom Serie A & more — the product delivers 30,000+ additional monthly events for players to enjoy. Each match is modelled on real-world team strengths and league dynamics, ensuring authentic, data-driven outcomes that mirror genuine football excitement.

Fully GLI-certifiedZoom Soccer has proven to boost sportsbook turnover by up to 30%, helping operators reduce the volatility of sportsbook revenues and maintain consistent engagement throughout the year.

By joining Sportradar’s OneFeed, a hub that aggregates multiple feed providers into a single plug-and-play solution, Zoom Soccer becomes instantly accessible to Sportradar’s global network of operators, bypassing complex integration processes and accelerating time to market.

Niccolò Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, said: “Zoom Soccer is a great addition for Sportradar’s clients, allowing them to deliver engaging football content 24/7. Users are no longer limited by the scarcity of Tier-1 events — we’ve recreated the most popular leagues, ensuring the same betting experience as real matches. All this, powered by RNG logic, helps fight the volatility of sportsbook revenues and ensures steady returns for our partners.

“This integration perfectly aligns with Logifuture’s vision of creating innovative, scalable solutions that keep sportsbooks active around the clock. We’re thrilled to bring Zoom Soccer to Sportradar’s OneFeed and confident it will become a key driver of engagement and growth across multiple markets.”

IGT officially announces Hector Fernandez as CEO, starting ‘new era of leadership’

0

International Game Technology (IGT) has now officially announced that Hector Fernandez has joined the company as its new CEO, ushering in a ‘new era of leadership’.

In a company release, Fernandez noted that “This is a company with strong talent, deep industry relationships, and significant potential. As we bring together the legacy IGT and Everi teams, in partnership with Apollo, we have an opportunity to evolve how we operate, innovate, and deliver for our customers”.

IGT

The Apollo Global Management fund manager combined IGT’s Digital & Gaming Business with Everi Holdings, at a deal valued at upwards of $6 billion, which was completed mid-year. The combined enterprise operates under the IGT name, while retaining the Everi brand in ‘select markets and product lines’.

Fernandez now comes on to lead the new joint company, leveraging his previous experience as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming and strong background in finance.

Amongst the shift, former interim enterprise CEO and CEO of the Gaming business unit Nick Khin is stepping down and ‘transitioning into a role as a strategic advisor to the senior leadership team and board of directors’.

Speaking of the change, Fernandez noted that “His leadership through this transition period has been invaluable to the organization, and I want to thank him for his dedication and impact”.

The group notes that ‘IGT’s Digital business unit will continue to be led by Gil Rotem and IGT’s FinTech business unit will continue to be led by Darren Simmons’.

1xBet shines at SiGMA South Asia 2025 with breakthroughs, honors, and strategic alliances

0

From November 30 to December 2, Colombo, Sri Lanka, hosted one of the region’s most anticipated iGaming exhibitions, SiGMA South Asia 2025, and the betting powerhouse 1xBet participated in the event, showcasing a range of exclusive offers, recommendations for working with local traffic, and personalized consultations for partners.

To ensure a comfortable and productive interaction, the 1xBet booth featured a relaxation area with refreshments, a series of gaming and interactive activities, and a draw for exclusive branded gifts and a top-of-the-line Apple gadget – the iPad Mini!

The exhibition also featured the SiGMA South Asia Awards ceremony, where 1xBet won two prizes: Best Online Sportsbook and Best Cricket Betting Product. These wins were further recognition of the high quality of the brand’s products and their popularity in the region.

1xBet strategic advisor, Simon Westbury, noted: “It’s always an honour to be recognised by our industry peers and we thank SiGMA for organising such a wonderful ceremony.”

The exhibition’s results confirm the high level of interest in 1xBet in the Asian region, which remains a priority for the company’s development. The 1xPartners affiliate program plays a key role in this process, providing transparent partnership terms for nine years. The program covers over 150 countries, supports over 250 payment methods, and allows partners to earn up to 50% lifetime payouts from each referred player.

Participation in SiGMA South Asia 2025 allowed the brand to consolidate its leadership position, establish new partnerships, and demonstrate its commitment to developing products tailored to the local audience’s needs.

European visitor arrivals to Macau reach 80% of pre-pandemic levels: MGTO

0

Macau’s European visitor arrivals recovered to more than 80 percent of 2019 levels from January to October this year, according to Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.

Speaking after the 50th Congress of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies in Macau, she said the city will intensify efforts to attract more international travelers in 2026.

Senna Fernandes noted that Southeast Asian markets continue to rebound strongly, while Northeast Asia is also showing solid growth. She said the MGTO plans to ramp up international promotions to broaden Macau’s visitor base.

Official data show that Macau recorded 33.1 million visitors from January to October, up 14.4 percent year-on-year, including 2.1 million international tourists, who accounted for 6.5 percent of the total.

konami gaming

According to AGB checks, Southeast Asian arrivals posted the strongest year-on-year increases during the 10-month period: visitors from Vietnam rose 42 percent to 2,823; Thai arrivals grew 31.8 percent to 141,232; and Japanese tourist numbers climbed 25.6 percent to 128,899.

Meanwhile, in the European source markets, Portuguese visitors increased 36.4 percent to 10,337, while Italian visitors rose 22.7 percent to 10,084. The United Kingdom and Germany ranked as the top European source markets, with 33,827 visitors from the UK and 18,012 from Germany during the 10-month period.

In terms of absolute numbers, South Korea remained Macau’s largest international source market, with 434,551 arrivals, followed closely by the Philippines with 427,714.

On the same occasion, Senna Fernandes said that Macau has been selected as the “Ideal Travel Destination 2026” by the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies. She said the city will expand joint promotions next year, including launching online training for industry professionals in English and Spanish. 

Macau will also participate in two major European travel fairs and is exploring cooperation with one of Portugal’s largest travel agencies to develop new tourism products and strengthen awareness of Macau among European operators.

PAGCOR recognized for performance and sustainability at GCG Awards

0

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was recognized with two significant accolades during the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Awards Ceremony on December 1, reaffirming its stature among the country’s top-performing GOCCs.

The Philippines’ gaming regulator received a 99.92% score on its 2024 Performance Evaluation Scorecard and was also awarded the Sustainability Award for its “exemplary efforts in upholding sustainability values and best practices in corporate governance.”

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said that the recognitions reflect the agency’s progress in steadily improving operations, enhancing regulatory systems, and ensuring that its revenues continuously support essential public programs.

PAGCOR recognized for performance and sustainability at GCG Awards

“Our strong 2024 Performance Evaluation Scorecard rating and the Sustainability Award highlight not just operational excellence but also our commitment to transparency, good governance, and nation-building,” he said. 

“These awards from the GCG affirm the work we have done to make PAGCOR a transparent, accountable, and high-performing GOCC. It also strengthens our resolve to serve with integrity.”

Mr. Tengco added that PAGCOR “will continue to raise the bar of government service by ensuring that our revenues support essential social services and uplift communities that need help the most.”

In 2024, PAGCOR further enhanced its contributions to national development by remitting Php68.20 billion to nation-building, supporting programs that directly benefit communities through infrastructure projects and disaster response, among others.

Complementing these efforts are PAGCOR’s consistent and substantial dividend remittances to the National Treasury, funding priority government programs and bolstering national resources for health care, sports development and renewable energy programs.

“PAGCOR remains an active partner of the government not only in revenue generation but also in laying the foundation for a stronger nation,” Mr. Tengco said.

Alejandro H. Tengco

The GCG Awards annually recognize GOCCs that demonstrate outstanding performance, accountability, and impact through rigorous evaluation standards. PAGCOR’s dual recognition this year underscores its sustained operational improvements and unwavering commitment to responsible gaming and national development.