PAGCOR celebrates Miguel Tabuena’s triumph at the International Series Philippines

Philippines

AGBrief Editorial

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October 27, 2025

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PAGCOR celebrates Miguel Tabuena’s triumph at the International Series Philippines

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) celebrates Filipino golf icon Miguel Tabuena’s championship win at the first-ever International Series Philippines in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Tabuena captured the country’s attention after firing a seven-under-par 65 in the last round for a 24-under 264 total, beating Japanese Kazuki Higa (65) and Yosuke Asaji (67) who tied at 21-under.

“It was good to win an IS event, and I’m really glad that it was in the Philippines, my home country, in my home club, in front of my family, friends, and everyone who’s supporting me,” Tabuena said during a post-event press conference.

Tabuena’s victory earned him $360,000 (around ₱21 million), cementing his position among Asia’s golf elite.

The International Series Philippines, part of the Asian Tour’s exclusive lineup of events linked to the LIV Golf League, is a milestone moment for the Philippines’ growing presence in world golf.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco congratulated Tabuena for bringing pride to the nation and underscored the corporation’s support for Philippine sports and tourism. The agency is among the major sponsors of the prestigious contest.

“This victory is a proud moment not just for Miguel, but for the entire country,” Mr. Tengco said. PAGCOR is committed to uplifting our Filipino athletes by supporting world-class events such as this. We believe that investing in sports is investing in our nation because it inspires our people, promotes tourism, and strengthens our reputation as a world-class destination for international competition.”

Mr. Tengco added that PAGCOR’s support for the event aligns with its broader mission to promote sports tourism as a key driver of economic and community growth.

“Hosting premier tournaments like the International Series not only highlights Filipino talent but also showcases the Philippines’ capacity to host global sporting events that draw visitors, boost local economies, and foster national pride,” he said.

This year has seen Yaspa celebrate a series of key milestones, including attracting $12m investment led by Discerning Capital, the opening of a new tech hub in Leeds and the formation of a US entity in Atlanta.

In 2025, the Yaspa team has grown to more than 70, including the addition of Chris Lowe as CFO and Renuka Rawlins as Head of Public Policy and Affairs. Earlier this month, Yaspa unveiled its new brand identity as it prepares to accelerate global growth.

James Neville, co-founder and CEO at Yaspa

Yaspa co-founder and CEO, James Neville, said: “It’s an absolute delight to be recognized by CB Insights for our work. We’re listed alongside some impressive companies on the Fintech 100. From the foundation of Yaspa in 2017, we’ve been driven by a desire to explore the intersection between identity and money, and it’s rewarding to have this focus – and the value we can bring – recognized both by our growing customer base and the CB Insights analysis. Congratulations to everyone on the list.”

The list features early- and mid-stage startups driving the evolution of fintech. Utilising the CB Insights Strategy Terminal, the 100 winners were selected based on several factors, including CB Insights datasets on deal activity, industry partnerships, investor strength, hiring momentum, and private company signals such as Commercial Maturity and Mosaic Scores.

Quick facts on the 2025 Fintech 100:

The 100 winners include 20 companies across digital assets solutions, 16 in financial operations and HR, 14 payments companies, and 13 in wealth management.
60+ companies on the list deploy Al in their solutions, and Al agents in particular are moving from workflows to financial infrastructure.
$5.6B in equity funding raised over time, including more than $2B in 2025 so far (as of 10/22/2025).
60 companies from outside the United States, across 26 countries on 6 continents
640+ business relationships since 2021, including with industry leaders like Mastercard, Visa, Worldpay, Coinbase, and Circle.

Laura Kennedy, principal analyst at CB Insights, said: “This year’s Fintech 100 showcases a new generation of companies turning Al, automation and digital assets into the backbone of financial infrastructure. This year’s winners are building the infrastructure that will shape the future of financial services.”

With thousands of new games integrated in the last year alone, ProgressPlay delivers one of the industry’s most diverse and high-performing casino offerings.

Visitors in Rome will experience firsthand the technology that empowers operators to launch, scale, and differentiate their casino brands in increasingly competitive markets.

The spotlight will be on ProgressPlay’s agile platform architecture, which enables rapid integration of games from top-tier providers, ensuring partners can offer the latest content without technical bottlenecks or lengthy delays.

ProgressPlay’s casino portfolio is curated to cater to every player preference, from classic slots and table games to cutting-edge megaways, bonus buy features, and branded entertainment. The rapid expansion of the game library is a direct response to operator demand for fresh, engaging content that drives retention and reduces churn.

“Player expectations are higher than ever. They want new experiences, immersive features, and flawless performance across any device,” said Itai Loewenstein, CEO of ProgressPlay. “Our platform is engineered to meet those demands at speed and scale.”

A key strength of the ProgressPlay platform is its unified integration framework. Operators gain access to thousands of games through a single technical integration, drastically reducing time to market and ongoing maintenance complexity. The platform supports flexible commercial terms, allowing operators to work directly with their preferred suppliers while leveraging ProgressPlay’s robust reporting, compliance, and player management tools.

Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay — _{Marina Nahhas}

Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing, added: “We’ve built our content model to remove friction. Whether our partners want to launch with a pre-packaged casino offering or curate a bespoke game selection, we provide the tools and the content. It’s all about giving them the freedom to build a unique casino experience that reflects their brand vision.”

For more information about ProgressPlay and to arrange a meeting at SiGMA Europe 2025, please visit www.progressplay.com

In the Brave Dragon slot game, players will enter a mystical realm where three dragon eggs hold the power to unlock legendary fortunes. Players control a special Lucky Cell that they can place manually anywhere on the reels for each spin. When fuchsia, red, or blue coins land in the Lucky Cell, they instantly summon mighty dragons that boost prizes, multiply rewards, and increase coin values.

The new game release allows players to experience up to three bonus rounds running simultaneously on their own reel sets, while landing a single MEGA or SUPER symbol in their Lucky Cell awards the respective jackpot.

FSM Holdings announced on October 21st that executive director Li Thet, a Chinese national holding Cambodian citizenship and a Vanuatu passport, had resigned from his roles “to devote more time to his other commitments and engagements.” The company emphasized that it was not itself sanctioned and has no involvement with the alleged network.

Li was among 18 individuals sanctioned on October 14th by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for purported ties to Prince Holding Group. The US has accused the Cambodia-based conglomerate of operating an extensive criminal network responsible for billions of dollars in losses through online scams, human trafficking, and money laundering.

Prince Group’s chairman Chen Zhi, who holds both Chinese and Cambodian nationality, is alleged to be the central figure in the operation. According to Bloomberg, Li purchased a condominium worth SGD18.2 million ($13.3 million) at Boulevard Vue in Singapore, located near a luxury penthouse in Gramercy Park owned by Chen.

The latest sanctions also extended to three Singaporean nationals and 17 Singapore-registered companies, which were added to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list for suspected connections to the same transnational network.

FSM Holdings stated that its board is aware of the allegations against Li and has launched an internal review to assess any potential impact on the company. It reiterated that neither the company nor its subsidiaries, directors, or senior management have any ties to Prince Holding Group or its associated operations.

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2018, FSM Holdings specializes in precision sheet metal engineering and the development and distribution of online mobile games. The company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted limited liability entity and maintains operational facilities in Singapore and Malaysia.

MGM celebrates 15 years of Oktoberfest Macau with 2025 opening

Macau

AGBrief Editorial

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October 27, 2025

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MGM celebrates 15 years of Oktoberfest Macau with 2025 opening

MGM’s signature annual brand celebration, Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2025, officially kicked off on October 24 at MGM COTAI.

Running through November 2, the Oktoberfest Macau brings an authentic German beer party experience to Macau, inviting Macau residents and visitors to raise their glasses at the 1/F Roof Terrace at MGM COTAI. Guests can indulge in an array of traditional German brews and delicacies while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the “Creative City of Gastronomy”.

Celebrating its 15^th anniversary, Oktoberfest Macau at MGM has welcomed more than 190,000 attendees over the years. The 2025 festival is supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hong Kong, and the German-Macau Business Association.

Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included:

Kenneth Feng, President and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited; Dr. Annika Bolten-Drutschmann, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hong Kong; Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of the MGTO; Sun Yaohua, Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR; Tony Un, Chairman of the German-Macau Business Association; and Michael Högl, Leader of the Högl Fun Band.

At the opening ceremony, Kenneth Feng, President and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, tapped the first keg of beer, marking the official opening of this year’s Oktoberfest celebration.

“Oktoberfest Macau is not only about celebration, but also about connection. It is this sense of togetherness that has sustained the festival’s spirit over the past fifteen years, making it an annual celebration that everyone is looking forward to, which is filled with laughter and memories. This year, the festival will welcome its 200,000^th guest, a true milestone that reflects MGM’s long-standing commitment to the cultural and tourism products development for Macau. Through this event, we aim to create a synergistic link between gastronomy, tourism, culture, festivities, and entertainment, continuously injecting new energy into the city,” he said.

Oktoberfest Macau at MGM returns for its 15th year of Bavarian revelry

No celebration is complete without great drinks, and this year’s festival once again features the signature Löwenbräu beer. Adding to the festive spirit, the Högl Fun Band, back from Munich, will take the stage with lively Bavarian tunes and lead the crowd in a spirited sing-along of the festival’s original theme song, “Nei Hou, Macau!”. This year’s event also brings back the hallmarks of Oktoberfest: large beer tents, traditional long wooden tables, and performers in German dirndls, bringing an authentic slice of Munich to Macau.

To mark the 15^th anniversary milestone, MGM has introduced a special Oktoberfest-themed photo booth, inviting guests to capture joyful moments with friends and family. This year also sees the debut of the new Best Outfit Award, inviting guests to dress in themed outfits and fully embrace the Oktoberfest spirit. Families are also welcome, with carnival games and children’s activities available throughout the venue, creating an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Oktoberfest Macau 2025 at MGM is taking place between October 24 and November 2, from 6 pm to 12 am at the 1/F Roof Terrace at MGM COTAI. Tickets are on sale and will be available at Oktoberfest service counters in both MGM MACAU and MGM COTAI, where guests can also make inquiries.

Event Detail & Ticketing Information

Date：October 23 – November 2, 2025
Phone：(853) 8802 2666
Email：[email protected]
Website：https://www.tickets.mgm.mo/oktoberfest2025

Ticket Counters：MGM COTAI and MGM MACAU (For operation hours and other details, please refer to MGM’s official website)

Admission fees：

Date	Admission Tickets _{(Include 1 standard drink, except champagne)}
Sun to Thu & Oct 29	MOP 150 per guest
Fri, Sat & Oct 28	MOP 180 per guest

_{*Admission fee waived for children aged 9 years old or below (No seating).}

Good Morning. Despite their growing popularity internationally, prediction markets remain illegal in the Philippines due to existing gambling laws that classify any betting on outcomes involving chance as gambling, legal expert Marie Quiogue described. Still, future reforms could create a legal pathway for prediction markets if new legislation is introduced. Meanwhile, analysts noted that Las Vegas Sands’ strong third-quarter results were largely driven by Marina Bay Sands’ growth, while Macau operations are recovering, suggesting a positive outlook for its Asian gaming business. In the Philippines, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized that integrated resorts and casinos are essential for the Philippines’ tourism and economic recovery, serving as vibrant lifestyle hubs that promote growth and job creation.

What you need to know

Prediction markets are surging worldwide, but remain squarely illegal in the Philippines; future reforms could create a legal pathway, advises a legal expert.
Las Vegas Sands strong performance was led by its flagship Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, with analysts saying its Macau operations are showing clearer signs of recovery.
Integrated resorts and casinos are vital to the Philippines’ tourism and economic recovery, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco highlighted.

On the radar

NBA reeling as FBI arrests players and coaches in massive gambling probe.
Malaysia police bust major online gambling development ring, arrest 147.
Myanmar detains 151 foreigners over online gambling, telecom fraud etc.
Cambodia launches cybercrime task force amid global scrutiny over scam networks.
SpaceX disables over 2,500 Starlink devices used by Myanmar scam centers.

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Philippines’ gambling laws block prediction markets despite global growth

Prediction markets are gaining popularity globally, allowing users to bet on real-world event outcomes, but they remain illegal in the Philippines due to current gambli n g laws, according to gaming law expert Marie Antonette ‘Tonet’ Quiogue. While international trading volumes in prediction markets have surged past $2 billion, platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are unlicensed in the Philippines, as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has not authorized any such operation.

Corporate Spotlight

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

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.

Industry Updates

Shikenso shortlisted for ‘Best Supporting Platform’ at Esports Awards 2025.
IAGR confirms Lima as the official venue for its 2026 global gathering.
Stretch Network kicked off World Poker League Season 2 on October 24.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

“In a global environment where regulatory challenges cross borders, international collaboration is more essential than ever. Hosting the world’s leading regulators in Lima will allow us to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and consolidate international standards that contribute to the competitiveness and transparency of the industry.

“We are confident that delegates will find in Lima an ideal setting for technical dialogue, cooperation, and regulatory innovation, as well as a vibrant, well-connected city globally recognized for its gastronomy and cultural heritage—making their visit a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.”

More details including a call for speakers will be announced in early 2026 at iagr.org.

The move follows an AFP investigation that revealed widespread use of Starlink terminals across sprawling compounds along Myanmar’s border regions. These facilities, often associated with romance, investment, and cryptocurrency scams, have proliferated amid the country’s ongoing civil conflict following the 2021 military coup.

After Thailand enacted a cross-border internet and power blockade earlier this year, many of the scam centers reportedly turned to Starlink’s satellite network to restore connectivity, installing clusters of the small, dish-shaped receivers on their rooftops.

Myanmar’s military announced this week that it had raided KK Park, one of the most notorious scam centers in the country, seizing 30 Starlink devices in the process. However, AFP’s investigation and independent analyses suggest that thousands of terminals were in use at the site, far beyond the number confiscated.

An AFP journalist observed more than 1,000 individuals leaving the KK Park area following the raid, some on foot and others packed into pickup trucks. A worker from the compound, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the crackdown was ongoing and that military personnel had arrived in multiple vehicles earlier that day.

Authorities in the region have struggled to contain a growing network of transnational scam operations operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border, many of which have been linked to human trafficking, forced labor, and digital fraud targeting victims across Asia and beyond.

PAGCOR celebrates Miguel Tabuena’s triumph at the International Series Philippines

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) celebrates Filipino golf icon Miguel Tabuena’s championship win at the first-ever International Series Philippines in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Table of Contents

Yaspa recognized by CB Insights as one of 2025’s top fintech innovators

Yaspa, an award-winning company specializing in iGaming payments and identity solutions, has been named among the 100 most promising fintech startups by CB Insights, a leader in predictive intelligence on private companies.

Table of Contents

ProgressPlay showcases powerhouse casino engine at SiGMA Europe 2025

ProgressPlay is set to make a major impact at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome by showcasing the unmatched speed, scale, and sophistication of its casino engine.

Table of Contents

Sportradar receives UAE vendor license

Sports data technology company Sportradar has announced it received a gaming-related vendor license from the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), allowing it to offer its products and services to licensed operators in the country.

Brave Dragon joins ZITRO’s FANTASY cabinet portfolio following Gold Space debut

Following ZITRO’s debut of Gold Space, the first title for its all-new FANTASY cabinet, the company has now announced Brave Dragon, its second release for the innovative platform.

Table of Contents

Singapore-based executive resigns amid US sanctions over Prince Group ties

The executive director of Singapore-based FSM Holdings has stepped down following allegations from the United States linking him to a Cambodian transnational scam syndicate tied to Prince Holding Group, a conglomerate recently labeled a criminal organization by US authorities.

MGM celebrates 15 years of Oktoberfest Macau with 2025 opening

MGM’s signature annual brand celebration, Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2025, officially kicked off on October 24 at MGM COTAI.

Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included:

Event Detail & Ticketing Information

Table of Contents

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Philippine law keeps prediction markets at bay

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Philippines’ gambling laws block prediction markets despite global growth

Corporate Spotlight

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

Industry Updates

Table of Contents

IAGR confirms Lima as the official venue for its 2026 global gathering

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced that its 2026 annual conference will be held in Lima, Peru from 19-22 October 2026, in partnership with Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.

Table of Contents

SpaceX disables over 2,500 Starlink devices used by Myanmar scam centers

SpaceX has deactivated more than 2,500 Starlink satellite internet terminals operating at scam compounds in Myanmar, following reports that the technology had become a key tool for criminal networks running large-scale online fraud operations in the country.

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