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Yggdrasil strengthens Brazil footprint with KingPanda deal

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Yggdrasil reinforces its growth trajectory in Brazil through a strategic alliance with KingPanda, enhancing the distribution of its product suite.

A comprehensive collection of Yggdrasil’s top-performing titles, including MexoMax 2, Vikings go to Olympus, and 4 Wolves of Fortune DoubleMax, are now available on the operator’s site.

These are joined by a full array of games from the YGG Masters offering, such as 4 Fantastic Fish in EgyptThor Infinity Reels, and Barbarossa DoubleMax.

The integration has occurred via strategic partner SOFTSWISS, enabling rapid delivery of Yggdrasil’s products to the operator.

It becomes the latest partnership secured by Yggdrasil in the country, as the supplier looks to establish itself as a major force in the region.

Aurora Armaro, Senior Account Manager at Yggdrasil, said: “We are delighted to have yet again broadened our footprint in Brazil, this time partnering with KingPanda as we continue to focus on the country. An operator with a fantastic reputation and a really strong casino offering, this deal will only benefit both parties as KingPanda elevates its portfolio to stand out in a competitive market.”

A spokesperson for KingPanda added, “Yggdrasil’s game offering allows us to provide our players with exciting content that incorporates some cutting-edge mechanics with really engaging themes. We want to be the go-to casino for players in Brazil, and partnering with suppliers such as Yggdrasil is crucial for us to hit that goal.”

Playson releases brand-new mechanic in Paddy Star: Smash and Win

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Playson, the innovative digital entertainment supplier, is inviting players to join the party with Paddy Star: Smash and Win, where a charismatic leprechaun host and his Piggy Banks introduce the supplier’s innovative new mechanic.

The brand-new Smash and Win feature activates when the leprechaun Wild symbol combines with any Bonus or Jackpot icon. It unlocks their values and adds them to the winning spin in the Main Game or to the total win during Free Spins. This fresh mechanic is enhanced by three randomly triggered Special Features that can activate during a single spin.

Paddy Spin guarantees Wild and Bonus symbols, while Jackpot Nudge rewinds a random number of icons to reveal Jackpot symbols when the Wild lands on the central reel. Wild Nudge rewinds the centre cell of the third reel to land on the Wild symbol, with each feature capable of transforming an ordinary spin into something magnificent.

The title’s animated Piggy Banks, positioned above the reels, receive coins from the Wild symbol during both the Main Game and Free Spins. Each has the power to trigger six Free Spins, offering the opportunity to land a total of 12 if both activate at the same time. Free Spins can then retrigger, extending the party-level energy.

Four in-game Jackpots, from a 10x Mini Jackpot up to a 1,000x Grand Jackpot, add further excitement and are all paid during the Smash and Win feature only. With medium-high volatility and a max win of 2,129x, the title combines retention-proven mechanics with inventive new features.

Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Paddy Star: Smash and Win represents a fresh chapter in our commitment to innovation and delivering more to our partners. The mechanic was developed specifically for this title and brings something genuinely new to the reels. The combination of our Smash and Win feature, multiple themed Special Features and the dancing Piggy Bank characters creates an experience that is memorable and packed with winning potential.”

Scientific Games enhances North Dakota Lottery sales with advanced systems technology

Scientific Games has announced the successful conversion of the North Dakota Lottery’s system technology, deploying its most advanced central gaming system and iLottery solution to modernize both retail and digital sales, enhancing funding for education, infrastructure, natural resources, and other vital state programs.

The omnichannel solution is delivered through Scientific Games’ Momentum integrated ecosystem, anchored by an advanced AEGIS central gaming system and SG PAM — the lottery industry’s leading player account management and CRM solution, featuring an integrated loyalty program, superior bonusing engine, and achievement-based rewards. SG PAM provides players with an enhanced web and mobile experience that deepens engagement with the Lottery’s brand and games.

Scientific-Games-Lottery-systems

Thomas Lawler, Director of the North Dakota Lottery, said, “We are committed to making the North Dakota Lottery relevant for generations to come, and by doing so, we achieve our mission to benefit programs meant to improve the quality of life in our state. This omnichannel technology upgrade with our longtime partner Scientific Games is an important step in achieving that goal, so we can continue to bring modern, engaging experiences to our players and provide support to retailers that sell our games.”

The North Dakota Lottery, which offers five multi-state games, including PowerballMega MillionsLucky for LifeLotto America and 2by2 across its statewide network of lottery retailers, also engages players digitally through its Players Club, available on the web or mobile app. The loyalty program allows players to purchase tickets online, enter tickets to earn points and redeem points for drawings and purchase a variety of items from the Players Club store.

Michael Cardell, Senior VP, Americas Systems, added, “We commend the North Dakota Lottery on its forward-thinking, omnichannel vision and decision to power that strategy with Scientific Games’ advanced technology. We look forward to building on our long-standing partnership to drive continuous innovation and success for the citizens of North Dakota.”

Scientific Games worked closely with the North Dakota Lottery and its retailers to plan the transition, ensuring a smooth go-live and positioning the Lottery for future omnichannel growth and player-focused innovation. This conversion marks the third time the Lottery has chosen Scientific Games as its systems technology provider since its first Powerball ticket was sold in 2004.

Serving 150 lotteries in 50 countries, Scientific Games is the world’s largest lottery games company, fastest growing lottery systems provider, and a leading provider of digital lottery solutions.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Genting on the forefront for New York’s gaming license

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Good Morning. If I can make it there. Genting Malaysia is poised to secure a commercial casino license in New York, with analysts predicting significant earnings growth from its Resorts World New York City expansion. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts International executives consider that the group’s Asia operations continued to underpin growth in the third quarter, with record earnings in Macau and steady progress on its Japan integrated resort project. At the same time, analysts highlighted a widening gap between momentum in Macau for MGM and softer demand in Las Vegas, with weaker room rates and occupancy.

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Genting Malaysia is on track for New York casino license approval

Genting Malaysia is making significant progress in securing a commercial casino license in New York, with analysts from Maybank asserting that the company is “virtually assured” of approval. New York plans to award up to three downstate casino licenses by the end of the year, and with only three qualified bidders remaining, analysts believe all licenses will be granted to maximize revenue, benefitting Genting’s Resorts World New York City (RWNYC). The proposal is highlighted for its rapid launch timeline, ambitious scale, and substantial tax contributions, aiming to establish a full-scale casino within six months of licensing.

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90-Day Playbook for Winning Asia’s Gaming Market | GR8 Tech

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Every operator can launch, but few can lead. In Asia, leadership is won in the 90 days after go-live, when payments feel effortless, content resonates locally, and every touchpoint builds trust.


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Hub88 teams up with iBankroll to drive operator success via risk-sharing framework

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Hub88 has announced a new partnership with iBankroll, a bankroll and liquidity support solution-built for iGaming, to enable operators to scale efficiently, manage volatility, and grow safely.

Through iBankroll’s industry-first Bankroll-as-a-Service model, Hub88 has added a powerful new layer to its ecosystem, enabling operators to access liquidity support and risk-sharing mechanisms directly through the aggregator’s platform. This integration allows brands to manage exposure, accept higher-value play, and scale engagement without tying up capital or facing volatility.

As part of the agreement, operators gain access to a proven capital management tool that supports sustainable scaling. iBankroll takes on the betting volatility, allowing operators to earn consistently on theoretical value rather than variable results, transforming how operators handle liquidity and volatility.

Hub88’s partners can confidently handle larger player limits across all game categories, improve cash flow stability, and retain and scale high-value activity without increased exposure.

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, said: “At Hub88, our mission has always been to simplify and strengthen the iGaming ecosystem for our partners. Integrating iBankroll’s Bankroll-as-a-Service adds a powerful new dimension to that vision as we can give operators access to the liquidity and stability they need to scale confidently. This collaboration enhances the value we deliver across our platform and supports a safer, smarter growth model for our partners.”

Hayden Bowman, co-founder of iBankroll, added: “Hub88 makes it faster and easier for operators to connect with the best games and platforms in the market. That same philosophy aligns perfectly with what we’re doing at iBankroll. By removing exposure to bet volatility and stabilising operator cash flow, we give Hub88-powered brands the ability to scale VIP play safely and confidently. Together, we’re helping operators focus on growth, not volatility, and creating the infrastructure for the next generation of high-limit iGaming brands.”

UK Gambling Commission suspends Spribe’s license over hosting compliance breach

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The UK Gambling Commission has suspended Spribe OÜ’s operating license after identifying serious non-compliance with its hosting requirements.

The regulator stated that the suspension was imposed on “grounds of suitability,” citing the supplier’s failure to meet technical and regulatory standards related to the hosting of remote casino games. Spribe must immediately cease all hosting activity in Great Britain until the suspension is lifted and a suitable license is reissued.

Under the UK’s gambling regulations, suppliers who host games on their own server – allowing access via an operator’s platform – are required to hold a specific hosting license in addition to a gambling software license. The Commission clarified that offering such services without proper authorization could constitute a criminal offense under Section 33 of the Gambling Act 2005, carrying potential fines or imprisonment. The Gambling Commission has also initiated a formal review of Spribe’s license and activities.

Premier League betting brands in limbo after TGP Europe exit,UK-Gambling-Commission

Spribe acknowledged the issue, describing it as a technical oversight in the licensing process. The company explained that while it obtained a remote gambling software license in 2020, it had not separately applied for a remote casino game host license, which is now required under its operational model.

In a statement, Spribe said it is taking the matter “extremely seriously” and is preparing an application to address the licensing gap. The supplier added that it remains “fully committed to compliance, transparency, and maintaining the highest standards of software integrity” and is working with the Commission to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The company also clarified that the suspension does not affect players’ ability to access their accounts or withdraw funds.

Spribe’s Aviator crash-style game has become one of the most widely played titles in Europe and further afield since its launch in 2019, attracting tens of millions of users each month across thousands of online casino platforms. The Gambling Commission reiterated its expectation that all licensees uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance, and that any service disruptions resulting from the suspension should be communicated promptly to affected partners. Spribe was first granted a UK gambling software license in December 2020.

Indonesia sees $56b in online gambling turnover, most players earn under $305 a month

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Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has revealed that online gambling transactions in the country have reached IDR 927 trillion ($56.5 billion) between 2017 and the first quarter of 2025, underscoring the vast scale of the illegal activity and its growing impact on the national economy.

PPATK Deputy for Analysis and Examination Danang Tri Hartono described online gambling as a “silent killer” of Indonesia’s economy, noting that much of the money generated by these platforms flows abroad. “The funds leave the country, and our economy loses circulation. There is no added value created domestically,” he said.

While the economic losses are significant, authorities are increasingly concerned about the social consequences. Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam) shows that about 70 percent of Indonesia’s online gamblers earn less than IDR 5 million ($305) per month, and many are recipients of government welfare support.

As of July 2025, more than 603,000 social aid beneficiaries were found to be involved in online gambling. “Their benefits have been suspended,” said Erika, Head of Data Protection at Kemenko Polkam. She added that the issue has evolved from being a moral problem to a multidimensional threat affecting household finances and social stability.

To address the situation, the government is deploying a three-tier strategy targeting the upstream, midstream, and downstream elements of the industry. This includes blocking domains and hosting services, conducting joint cyber patrols, and tightening financial restrictions on gambling-related transactions.

The campaign follows a pentahelix approach, which promotes collaboration among government agencies, private industry, academia, communities, and the public. Erika commended local digital wallet provider DANA for cooperating with authorities to block suspicious transactions linked to illegal betting activities.

indonesia

At the financial level, PPATK has called for stronger multilateral cooperation between countries to trace and disrupt cross-border payment channels used by online gambling operators. According to the agency, the networks behind these operations are highly complex, involving mass domain registrations and the use of cross-border e-wallets, QR code payments, and even cryptocurrencies.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) reported that total deposits to online gambling sites reached IDR 17 trillion ($1.04 billion) in the first half of 2025. The ministry has already blocked more than 7.2 million pieces of related content but said new sites and domains continue to emerge rapidly.

“We have blocked millions of pieces of content, but new ones appear just as fast. This is a global challenge that requires collective action,” said Komdigi’s Director of Digital Space Regulation, Safriansyah Yanwar Rosyadi. He emphasized that the harm caused by online gambling extends far beyond financial losses. “This practice destroys family economies and the future of younger generations,” Safriansyah said.

Konami sees 60% drop in profit from casino-related segment in 1H25

In total, the group saw JPY949 million ($6.16 million) in profit during the six-month period, ‘affected by the US tariff measures and customers’ reluctance in purchasing ahead of the upcoming new cabinet launch’.

Konami Solstice

The group likely refers to its new Solstice cabinet, which debuted at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in October.

During the same event, the group also marked the debut of Konami Online Interactive, ‘the third pillar in Konami Gaming’s business mix – alongside land-based casino games and systems’.

Total revenue for the group’s Gaming and Systems segment fell by 4.5 percent yearly during the six-month period, totaling JPY17.76 billion ($115.23 million).

The group notes that ‘in the gaming market, the North American and the Australian markets remained stable’ during the period. ‘The markets continue to experience the constant introduction of new products by competing slot machine manufacturers providing for new placement opportunities,’ it indicated in its results release on Thursday.

Looking ahead, the group notes that it will continue to develop new slot machines, gaming content and new features for the casino management system. ‘We will also expand our efforts in the Specialty Markets and iGaming,’ it indicated.

The group has also obtained a gaming-related vendor license in the UAE, which is set to see the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in 2027. It also highlights that it will continue its ‘efforts to seize new market opportunities’.

City of Dreams Manila landlord Belle Corp sees 12% drop in Jan-Sept gaming revenue share

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Belle Corporation, the Philippine-listed parent company of Premium Leisure Corp, and landlord of City of Dreams Manila has indicated that it saw a 12 percent drop in its gaming revenue share from the property in the first three quarters.

In total, the group brought in some PHP1.31 billion ($22.38 million) in gaming revenue share from the operation. This comes even as the casino leaser, Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation contributed some PHP1.76 billion ($29.96 million) in rent, up by about 1 percent yearly.

Belle Corp. handles its gaming revenue in City of Dreams Manila via its subsidiary Premium Leisure Corporation (PLC). The group also leases online lottery equipment to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), via Pacific Online Systems Corporation (Pacific Online). The group notes that its revenue for the January to September period of 2025 and 2024 were comparable, at PHP388.4 million ($6.59 million).

Melco’s participation in the City of Dreams Manila project came into question in recent months, with speculation that Belle Corp would be willing to take on the shares of Lawrence Ho’s company’s investment. Belle, however, indicated that ‘any buy-out of Melco’s interests in COD Manila is not part of Belle’s plans for the immediate future’.

Belle Corp indicated in January that it was pursuing Clark as a “strategic location” for further growth.

UAE’s gambling authority appoints new Chief of Licensing and Investigations

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The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has announced the appointment of gaming law executive Jennifer Carleton as its new Chief of Licensing and Investigations.

Carleton joins the firm following her position as Chief Legal Officer with Sightline Payments, focusing on AML, currency regulation and other issues. She brings with her three decades of experience within the gaming law, regulation, and compliance world, working with private land-based gaming and entertainment companies.

GCGRA, UAE

She also holds strong relationships with global regulators and licensing figures, with the GCGRA noting that these reinforce ‘her reputation as a trusted leader in gaming compliance and governance’.

The authority furthers that Carleton ‘will play a key role in advancing GCGRA’s mission to regulate with integrity, transparency, and global best practice’.

Carleton noted that she was “honored to return to the UAE after all these years” to serve in the new role.

The GCGRA, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, holds ‘exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE’.

This includes the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island, and potential future integrated resorts (with casinos) that executives have hinted at.