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SOFTSWISS celebrates consolidated status as a key Google Partner

AGBrief Editorial
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SOFTSWISS celebrates consolidated status as a key Google Partner

SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software, has reinforced its status as a key Google partner, supporting licensed iGaming brands in achieving compliant, sustainable growth across more than 40 jurisdictions.

Launched in August 2024, the 360-degree collaboration with the tech giant has entered a new phase, with joint initiatives that translate policy guidance into practical enablement for the market.

Early outcomes from the collaboration show meaningful progress across brand and acquisition metrics. Recent programmes delivered a 50% uplift in brand awareness. The first Search Lift study indicated a 64% relative uplift in organic brand searches, with ongoing Brand Lift work corroborating effectiveness across licensed markets.

At the tactical level, results varied by objective: some programmes added 40,000+ YouTube subscribers at 0.03–0.034 euro per subscriber, while others achieved a notable reduction in cost per first deposit. Importantly, SOFTSWISS partners can now plan Google activity on a long-term footing, free from the recurring disruptions caused by ad blocking, which are common in the category.

One of the joint initiatives within the partnership was an educational programme delivered via client webinars.

The first session in 2025, ‘How to Unlock Google for iGaming & Sports Products’, covered:
Aleksandra Serzhanovich, Softswiss
Aleksandra Serzhanovich
  • Obtaining internal Google certification and navigating local licensing requirements;
  • Setting up compliant ad campaigns step by step across licensed markets;
  • Designing effective YouTube creatives using Google’s ABCD framework to increase brand engagement.

“As we see in the reports, the insights from the Google team are immensely valuable to our partners,” noted Aleksandra Serzhanovich, Head of Digital Marketing at SOFTSWISS. “We’re a natural fit: Google delivers highly responsive support and ongoing knowledge sharing, while SOFTSWISS advises on advertising strategy and optimisation across licensed markets. Together, we give clients the confidence to invest for the long term, backed by proven, effective approaches.”

Beyond events, SOFTSWISS continues to act as a trusted partner and industry expert, working with market leaders to share knowledge through open educational projects as well as through services.

This month, the company published the ‘2026 iGaming Trends Report’. The fourth edition of this annual study provides a data-driven roadmap for operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders as they prepare for the next phase of industry evolution.

Hann Resorts sets February 2026 opening for Hann Reserve in New Clark City

Viviana Chan
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Hann Resorts sets February 2026 opening for Hann Reserve in New Clark City

Hann Resorts has announced that Hann Reserve, a 450-hectare golf-focused lifestyle development in New Clark City, Tarlac, is scheduled to open in February 2026.

The project marks the group’s next major expansion following the launch of Hann Casino Resort in the Clark Freeport Zone, which soft-opened in December 2021.

The company said Hann Reserve will feature three 18-hole championship golf courses, a wellness zone, education facilities, and luxury real estate.

General Manager Tim Neil described the project as one of the world’s largest golf and integrated-resort developments, noting that its long-term vision includes sustainability, education, and talent development. “It’s not just about creating world-class golf courses but leaving a lasting legacy for the Philippines,” Neil said, as reported by iOrbitNews.

Hann Resorts
Hann Reserve’s Leadership Team

The masterplan includes courses designed by Nicklaus Design, K.J. Choi Design, and Faldo Design. The integrated education component will house a PGA Academy and an international school, part of the group’s partnership with the PGA of America aimed at expanding golf training and development in the country.

Hann Resorts also highlighted plans to elevate service standards. Director of Golf Operations Clement Rousseau said the resort intends to align all operations with international benchmarks, supported by IMG during pre-opening preparations. Service will be structured across more than 10 guest touchpoints, including front-of-house teams, caddie services, locker rooms, and on-course facilities. A mystery-guest program will be introduced after opening to ensure service consistency.

In addition to golf amenities, the development will include tea houses, a halfway house, and a pro shop carrying global sports brands. The real-estate component will feature luxury villas and branded residences integrated into the natural surroundings.

Hann Resorts, operated by Hann Philippines Inc., has invested more than PHP50 billion ($873 million) to date in its Clark integrated resort. Hann Reserve is its largest undertaking so far, with total investment projected at around $4 billion.

Banyan Tree, Hann Reserve, Hann Resorts, Philipines

Vietnam jails two former officials in $106 million illegal gambling case

Frank Schuengel
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Vietnam jails two former officials in $106 million illegal gambling case

Two former provincial officials in Vietnam have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a high-profile gambling ring that allegedly handled more than $106 million in illegal bets, according to state media reports.

The case centers on an underground casino operation run by South Korean nationals out of Hanoi’s five-star Pullman Hotel. Prosecutors said the illegal ring involved over 140 participants, including government officials, Communist Party members, business executives, and entertainers.

The King Club, a luxurious gaming venue inside the hotel, is officially licensed to serve foreign visitors only, as Vietnam generally prohibits its citizens from gambling domestically. However, prosecutors alleged that local patrons were allowed to gamble by using membership cards registered under fabricated foreign identities.

Among those convicted was Ho Dai Dung, former vice-chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, who was found to have wagered more than $7 million over 95 gambling sessions. He received a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Ngo Ngoc Duc, a former Communist Party secretary for Hoa Binh City, was sentenced to three years for betting approximately $4.2 million, according to the Dan Tri news outlet.

Authorities continue to pursue the alleged mastermind of the operation, Kim In Sung, a South Korean national whose company had leased the casino premises. Kim is accused of fleeing Vietnam with more than $9 million in player funds and is currently the subject of an international wanted notice issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security.

On the same day, the Hanoi court sentenced four of Kim’s associates – three South Koreans and one Vietnamese – to prison terms ranging from two to four years, while another accomplice received a suspended sentence. State media reported that over 100 other individuals implicated in the case have yet to be tried. Investigators also noted that Vietnamese gamblers collectively recovered only about 0.22 percent of the total wagers placed.

Philippines’ cybercrime unit targets 15 influencers over alleged illegal gambling promotions

Frank Schuengel
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Philippines’ cybercrime unit targets 15 influencers over alleged illegal gambling promotions

The Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has referred 15 social media influencers to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) for potential prosecution over the alleged promotion of unlicensed online gambling websites.

According to CICC officials, the influencers – each with audiences ranging from 1 million to over 9 million followers – were identified after the agency’s digital monitoring team observed their continued endorsement of gambling content linked to unregulated operators.

Authorities said that any formal charges could fall under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, provisions of the Revised Penal Code on fraud (estafa), and laws prescribing stricter penalties for illegal gambling. Further investigation is expected to determine whether a coordinated promotional network exists behind the content.

The CICC emphasized that this marks a transition from passive monitoring to active enforcement, part of a broader inter-agency campaign with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine National Police (PNP) to curb the spread of unlicensed gambling operations online.

Meanwhile, local digital watchdog Digital Pinoys said it is turning over new software tools to the CICC to improve the identification and takedown of illicit gambling links across social media platforms.

Games Global elevates gaming experience with Fire and Roses Gold Blitz Fortune Tower

AGBrief Editorial
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Games Global elevates gaming experience with Fire and Roses Gold Blitz Fortune Tower

Set within the spectacle of the circus, players are invited to step into a world where energy meets elegance. At the centre of the show stands Jolene, the magnetic ringmaster and Joker who commands the reels.

The Fortune Tower rises high behind the grid, brimming with up to 15 cash prizes, waiting to be collected through dynamic features and multipliers.

When Jolene appears on reel three, she activates yellow and blue roses, each capturing cash or jackpot prizes from the tower. Blue roses ascend the tower’s upper tiers for enhanced prize potential, while multiplier surges can further amplify awards.

The show continues in free spins, where the grid expands to a 5×5 layout filled with stacked symbols, roses and jackpots. Free spins can be reactivated as the tower continues to deliver winning combinations.

Following the success of Zeus Gold Blitz Fortune Tower, released in March this year, this latest entry expands the Gold Blitz Fortune Tower series with a distinctive Fire and Roses Joker flair.

Daniel Cass, Business Development Manager at Triple Edge Studios, said: “Fire and Roses Gold Blitz Fortune Tower expands on the Fire and Roses Joker legacy by integrating the popular Gold Blitz Fortune Tower mechanic that was introduced earlier this year. This release combines distinctive visual flair, offering a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.”

The collaboration between Triple Edge Studios and Fortune Factory showcases a seamless fusion of creative design and proven player-favourite mechanics, adding fresh energy to one of Games Global’s most recognisable series.

ENJOY expands distribution with Gamingtec, delivering full suite of live and slot titles

AGBrief Editorial
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ENJOY expands distribution with Gamingtec, delivering full suite of live and slot titles

ENJOY, the industry’s newest game software developer, has announced a strategic partnership with B2B platform provider Gamingtec, extending the availability of its premium titles across international markets. 

The collaboration will see Gamingtec integrate ENJOY Gaming’s full portfolio — including Wonder Wheel, Fire Express, and Hotfire Coins — into its platform. ENJOY Gaming’s catalogue of slots and 24/7 live game shows, streamed from a purpose-built studio and optimised for desktop and mobile, will now be accessible to Gamingtec’s global operator network.

Christos Zoulianitis drops Playson to strengthen ENJOY’s business strategy
Christos Zoulianitis, CCO at ENJOY

Launched in 2024, ENJOY has quickly built a reputation for combining classic casino mechanics with immersive presentation. Guided by the philosophy “Games Made Right,” the studio brings together experienced industry professionals to produce vibrant, feature-rich titles designed for modern players while retaining the appeal of traditional casino entertainment. 

Christos Zoulianitis, Chief Commercial Officer at ENJOY, said: “Partnering with Gamingtec is a significant milestone in our growth journey. Its robust platform and global presence will enable us to bring our innovative content to a wider audience, ensuring operators and players worldwide can experience the unique entertainment ENJOY is proud to deliver.” 

Anastasiia Dylevska, Head of Casino and Games at Gamingtec
Anastasiia Dylevska, Head of Casino and Games at Gamingtec

This partnership represents a key step in ENJOY’s international expansion and complements Gamingtec’s mission to equip operators with diverse, next-generation content that meets evolving player preferences. 

Anastasiia Dylevska, Head of Casino and Games at Gamingtec, added: “We’re truly excited to welcome Enjoy Gaming on board! Partnerships like this bring not only outstanding games but also the passion, creativity, and expertise that inspire us to keep delivering exceptional experiences to our partners and players.” 

Lightning Box expands portfolio with tropical-themed Tiki Tiki Trio DaMax

AGBrief Editorial
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Lightning Box expands portfolio with tropical-themed Tiki Tiki Trio DaMax

Lightning Box, the in‑house studio of the gaming giant Light & Wonder, has unveiled its latest high‑volatility title, Tiki Tiki Trio DaMax, an island‑themed escape adventure.

Set in a vibrant Tiki paradise, this six-reel slot offers 2,304 ways to win and delivers a fresh twist on the classic Hold and Spin mechanic as well as introducing the new DaMax feature, designed to reward player persistence by boosting winning potential the longer they play.

During the base game, landing Volcano symbols fills one of three meters. When a meter is full, the next three paid spins become DaMax Spins, where Colossal symbols appear for bigger win opportunities. This persistence-style feature keeps players engaged by offering a path to bigger rewards, with a maximum win potential of up to 1,000x the total bet.

Landing six or more Coconuts triggers the Hold and Spin bonus, where every collected symbol resets the spin count to three. In addition, the Whirlpool symbol can randomly remove three to ten coconuts from the grid, creating space for more prizes to land and extending the feature’s duration.

The Free Games feature is triggered by landing four Bonus symbols, which awards ten free spins. If free games are triggered with reels joined as part of a Da Max spin, It will remain joined for the duration of the free games.

Michael Maokhamphiou, Studio Director at Lightning Box, said: “Tiki Tiki Trio DaMax is packed with vibrant visuals and loaded with big win potential. We stay true to what we know our players love, so by combining familiar mechanics like Hold and Spin with innovative elements like the DaMax feature, we have created an engaging experience that rewards player persistence.”

Combined with multiple feature triggers and four jackpots, the game delivers a vibrant island adventure filled with big-win potential.

Available exclusively with BetMGM, Tiki Tiki Trio DaMax delivers rewarding features and a tropical twist on high-volatility gameplay.

Australia’s national gambling self-exclusion scheme linked to improved wellbeing – Study

Nelson Moura
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Australia’s national gambling self-exclusion scheme linked to improved wellbeing – Study

A majority of Australians who have opted to self-exclude from online and phone-based gambling report significant improvements in their quality of life, according to new research commissioned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The study, conducted by ORIMA Research, found that 77 percent of BetStop registrants experienced a better overall quality of life, while 79 percent reported improved mental health. Nearly seven in ten participants also said their personal relationships had strengthened following their decision to self-exclude.

The National Self-Exclusion Register, launched in August 2023, allows individuals to voluntarily block themselves from accessing services offered by approximately 190 licensed wagering providers across Australia. The program has now surpassed 50,000 total registrations, with over 32,000 active exclusions currently in place.

According to the survey, 96 percent of respondents said they had either completely stopped betting on sports or racing events (81 percent) or had significantly reduced their gambling activity (15 percent).

ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood welcomed the findings, describing them as ‘moving and compelling.’

‘Online gambling causes a great deal of harm for too many in our communities,’ Lidgerwood said. ‘It is wonderful to see that the national self-exclusion register is having a positive impact.’

She urged Australians who engage in phone or internet wagering to consider the self-exclusion option, noting that registration takes only five minutes.

The research will inform the ongoing statutory review of the National Self-Exclusion Register and includes individual case studies highlighting the personal impact of the program.

MGM drives awareness of Responsible Gaming through two themed Carnivals

AGBrief Editorial
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MGM drives awareness of Responsible Gaming through two themed Carnivals

Macau gaming operator MGM China has partnered with local associations to promote responsible gaming and financial literacy through two large-scale community events: the “Family Financial Budgeting Competition and Responsible Gaming Carnival” and the “Responsible Gaming Carnival and Orienteering Race”.

Drawing over 5,000 participants, these initiatives reinforce MGM’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, healthier society and highlight its dedication to corporate social responsibility.

Organized by MGM and the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), the “Family Financial Budgeting Competition and Responsible Gaming Carnival” featured a parent-child financial budgeting competition, interactive game booths, and DIY workshops.

MGM drives awareness of Responsible Gaming through two themed Carnivals

Designed to strengthen family communication and promote financial literacy, the event encouraged families to explore budgeting practices together in a lively and educational setting. Through hands-on activities, participants gained insights into money management and rational consumption, while deepening their understanding of rational entertainment. The event also aimed to extend responsible gaming messages to younger generations and their families.

Additionally, the “Responsible Gaming Carnival and Orienteering Race” was co-organized with the Macao New Chinese Youth Association, combining a community orienteering challenge with game booths and stage performances. Themed on responsible gaming and healthy financial management, the event allowed participants to take part in the orienteering race, navigating educational checkpoints on financial literacy and responsible entertainment concepts.

MGM drives awareness of Responsible Gaming through two themed Carnivals

Thousands of residents joined the carnival, engaging in interactive experiences that promoted rational thinking, self-discipline, and proper financial habits.

Since 2023, MGM has joined forces with a wide range of community partners to roll out responsible gaming and financial literacy programs, reaching nearly 60,000 individuals. These efforts underscore the Company’s unwavering commitment to the city’s long-term social sustainability.

Looking ahead, MGM will continue to deepen cross-sector collaboration, promoting responsible gaming and financial education in schools and communities, with the aim to contribute to Macau’s development as a better and healthier city.

Blueprint Gaming enhances Lava Lock Jackpot King with innovative Volcano feature

AGBrief Editorial
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Blueprint Gaming enhances Lava Lock Jackpot King with innovative Volcano feature

Blueprint Gaming has turned up the heat in its latest release, Lava Lock Jackpot King, with the sweltering title leading with a new Volcano feature and a host of refreshed modifiers for an enriched gameplay experience.

Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, takes centre stage in the 5×3, 30 payline slot. Landing solely on the central position, if she appears alongside a volcano scatter symbol, the newly introduced Volcano feature is triggered, which results in a respin where random positions turn into instant cash rewards.

The Hawaiian princess also holds the key to the Free Spins bonus. If landed, there is a chance that one or two of the Tiki heads above the reels will light up, resulting in either six or 12 Pele spins, respectively, with her position remaining fixed throughout the bonus round.

In an intriguing development to base play, the Pele symbol also has the power to grant rewards from locked symbols, including one of four in-game jackpots rising to 2,500x. Cash add, Pele add, and Cash spin also stand as three bonus modifiers available in both the main game and bonus game, optimising the chance for increased win potential.

The volcanic offering also offers the pull of the industry’s most recognisable and lucrative progressive jackpot systems, Jackpot King, ramping up the anticipation with an array of prize-filled pots.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events, said: “Lava Lock Jackpot King showcases Blueprint’s commitment to constant creativity. By introducing the Volcano Feature and new gameplay mechanics, we have delivered another dynamic title that keeps our Jackpot King portfolio feeling fresh and energetic. With an array of immersive releases still to come during the festive months, our fiery Pele offering kickstarts November in style.”

Marking the award-winning studio’s latest addition to its offering, Lava Lock Jackpot King reinforces Blueprint Gaming’s ability to cleverly craft fresh themed, bountiful titles for its operators’ players to enjoy worldwide.

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