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Blueprint Gaming levels up its iconic series with Cash Strike Hotstepper 2

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Blueprint Gaming levels up its iconic series with Cash Strike Hotstepper 2

UK-based game studio Blueprint Gaming is taking one of its strongest internationally performing series to new heights in Cash Strike Hotstepper 2, with Super Strike and mystery symbols among the new additions designed to elevate the gameplay experience on offer.

With various iterations from the Cash Strike family consistently ranking in the supplier’s top 10 revenue-generating markets, the new release builds on the impressive momentum from its predecessor, with Cash Strike Hotstepper remaining the top Cash Strike release since its launch in June 2024.  

Turning attention to its successor, landing the newly introduced Super Strike symbol on the centre reel sees two additional Cash Strike symbols also added to the centre reel, enhancing players’ chances of securing cash and jackpot wins on the refined 3×3 fruit-themed reelset.

In the same vein, mystery symbols also mark their entrance to the Cash Strike series. Landing on reels one and/or three along with the Cash Strike symbol will trigger the new feature, which randomly awards one of the four fixed jackpots in play, reaching as high as 10,000x.

For slot enthusiasts on the hunt for further flames, Blueprint’s first September release also welcomes back Power Play. Available at 5 times the original bet, only Bonus symbols are in play, as well as Power Reels, which offer the chance of duplicate multipliers or cash prizes during Bonus play.

Cash Strike Hotstepper 2 showcases Blueprint Gaming’s commitment to enhancing its top-performing game series with captivating new features for operators’ players to enjoy across international markets.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events, said: “The Cash Strike series continues to stand out globally, so it was important to hold on to the elements that players love, complemented by intriguing additions. With Hotstepper 2, we have built on the winning formula with new features like Super Strike, which deliver rich potential for lavish jackpot and cash prizes, making the title a fantastic addition to operators’ portfolios.”

iGP and BetComply join forces to strengthen compliance in global market expansion

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iGP and BetComply join forces to strengthen compliance in global market expansion

iGP, the full-service iGaming platform, aggregator, and lottery provider, has partnered with regulatory consultancy BetComply to accelerate its strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets.

This marks a key milestone in iGP’s multi-year transformation project into a leading B2B iGaming solutions provider, following a strategic shift to become a purely B2B-focused business.

BetComply, the leading compliance advisory business, will provide iGP guidance across licensing applications, documentation preparation, internal controls, and technical compliance. This ensures iGP and its operator partners are fully equipped to launch and scale successfully in regulated markets.

The strategic collaboration adds further strength to iGP’s full-suite offering, which includes a feature-rich iGaming Platform, the next-generation iGaming Deck aggregator, turnkey casino and sportsbook offering, integrated crypto and retail capabilities, as well as the latest lottery solution. With BetComply’s expertise, iGP reinforces its ability to deliver long-term compliance assurance alongside the robust infrastructure operators depend on.

Having evolved from a fast-growing tech provider to a trusted partner for scalable growth, iGP empowers operators to expand with confidence and achieve sustainable success in competitive regulated markets.

Jovana Popovic Canaki, CEO at iGP, said: “Partnering with BetComply marks a significant milestone that underscores both our ambition and momentum. It strengthens iGP’s position as a serious player in regulated markets worldwide, and I’m immensely proud of the teams and partners who made this possible. With BetComply’s support, we are ready to deliver our technology and vision to operators across regulated markets. We look forward to announcing our new market launches shortly.”

Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, added: “We’re excited to support iGP as they target to expand into regulated markets. Our role is to ensure that iGP and its partners enter every jurisdiction on a strong and sustainable compliance foundation, giving operators the confidence to focus on growth.”

Paysecure introduces dynamic cashier, setting new standard for iGaming payment flexibility

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Paysecure introduces dynamic cashier, setting new standard for iGaming payment flexibility

Paysecure, an award-winning payment orchestration provider in iGaming, has unveiled its dynamic cashier product – the most customisable cashier solution on the market, providing operators with deep insights into user behaviour to improve conversion and reduce fraud.

The dynamic cashier solution empowers clients to completely control the look, feel and execution of the deposit and withdrawal process to enable seamless, multi-currency deposit and pay-out flows.

An enhanced cashier experience is designed to improve conversion by up to 7% and increase deposit value by up to 35%. It also enables operators to extend brand experience, localise and segment user flows, and gain deeper insights into player behaviour at the cashier stage. 

Operators will gain access to deep insights on player behaviour at the cashier, enabling them to continually optimise the experience to boost acceptance rates and reduce friction. Detailed cashier performance analysis on data points including cashier load times, error types and success rates – combined with advanced AI tools to monitor and flag performance improvement opportunities – equip payments teams to scale operations and reduce barriers for players.

The dynamic cashier product also allows operators to add personalised promotions and notifications at key touch points throughout the cashier experience, to help improve player engagement rates, reduce friction and provide a seamless journey to play. 

Operators are able to build their ideal cashier experience at speed via the Paysecure platform. With control over colours, logos, CTA buttons and more, teams are able to update and test updates in a sandbox environment, meaning improvements can be pushed live within minutes. 

Paysecure’s customisable cashier also allows operators to control taxation parameters, surcharge fees, transaction thresholds, and currency settings.

Viktoriia Degtiarova, CCO and Co-Founder at Paysecure, shared: “Our dynamic cashier solution gives operators unprecedented flexibility to transform the payments journey into a real competitive advantage. The cashier is where players decide whether to deposit, return and ultimately stay loyal, so delivering the right experience directly impacts conversion and lifetime value. With our fully customisable, dynamic cashier, operators can fully control the look and feel of their cashier to create seamless, on-brand journeys that resonate with players, while localising flows for different markets and segments.”

The dynamic cashier was designed with performance and reliability in mind, from faster checkouts and built-in smart routing to detailed insights on success rates, load times and player behaviour, providing means for operators to continually refine their strategy, boost acceptance from the first step and deliver frictionless, reliable payment experiences at scale. 

For iGaming businesses looking to strengthen brand resonance, drive repeat custom and unlock new growth, the dynamic cashier offers the most customisable and client-focused solution on the market.

Paysecure will be exhibiting at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, stand E200, where the team will showcase its dynamic cashier and a suite of innovative iGaming payment solutions.

WinSpirit levels up with LuckyStreak: branded Live Baccarat now live

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WinSpirit levels up with LuckyStreak: branded Live Baccarat now live

LuckyStreak, the Riga-based live games provider, has deepened its collaboration with progressive online casino operator WinSpirit by delivering bespoke, branded Live Baccarat powered by the provider’s advanced SmartStudio greenscreen technology.

The new branded baccarat game builds on the April 2025 launch of WinSpirit’s live Blackjack, which saw a significant uplift in both player engagement and session volumes. With LuckyStreak’s SmartStudio, WinSpirit can create a fully immersive live casino environment that reflects the brand’s unique identity – including customised backgrounds, colours, table layouts and real-time brand assets.

WinSpirit levels up with LuckyStreak: branded Live Baccarat now live

SmartStudio offers operators a high-spec production setup, delivering full HD low-latency streams, studio-grade multi-camera switching, chroma keying, dynamic layering of video and image content, and razor-sharp visual fidelity. The result is a distinctive and entertaining experience aligned with operator branding goals and player expectations.

The technology is flexible, fast, and cost-effective, meaning operators such as Winspirit can create fully customised, branded live casino environments without needing physical set builds. They can plan seasonal or topical designs, support for major promotions, and move quickly when opportunities arise, choosing different backgrounds, themes, and branding elements – even switching between them dynamically.

The result is a deeply immersive and visually distinct baccarat game that perfectly aligns with WinSpirit’s brand identity. Through LuckyStreak, WinSpirit has strengthened its ability to provide innovative, high-quality and deeply personalised player experiences. This launch reinforces LuckyStreak’s commitment to delivering versatile and custom solutions for operators looking for more tailored and brand-led experiences across their live casino offering.

Ido Kamiel, COO at LuckyStreak, said: “Extending our partnership with WinSpirit to include a fully branded version of our leading live Baccarat game demonstrates the power of our SmartStudio customisation to engage players and deliver a world-class experience. It is also testament to the flexibility and ease with which we can transform our partners’ game settings, enabling them to offer a truly tailored and enjoyable playing environment. We truly appreciate WinSpirit’s trust in LuckyStreak and SmartStudio’s full capabilities, and we’re delighted with the execution.”

Oleksandr Kotsenko, Business Development Lead at WinSpirit, added: “We’re very impressed by LuckyStreak’s SmartStudio and how it puts the power to build unique, stimulating gaming experiences for our players into our hands. Loyalty is king, and their enjoyment and satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy to build long-lasting relationships with customers by thrilling and satisfying them at these key moments of truth.”

“At WinSpirit, we strive to get better every day, and partnerships like this play a key role in elevating the player experience and strengthening our position as a progressive, customer-focused brand. Speaking as an operator, this solution’s flexibility and quick turnaround opens up a world of opportunity for us, as well as a new dimension in marketing.”

Bloomberry’s Medical Scholarship Program marks milestone with first 20 nursing graduates

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Bloomberry’s Medical Scholarship Program marks milestone with first 20 nursing graduates

Bloomberry Cultural Foundation (BCFI), the social development arm of Solaire Resort & Casino, celebrates the graduation of the first cohort of 20 nursing scholars from its Medical Scholarship Program—part of the 313 college scholars who have completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

Out of 20 Nursing graduates, 11 received Latin honors and 8 received special awards in recognition of their academic and extracurricular excellence.

With Cum Laude Honors are 8 scholars from West Visayas State University and 3 scholars from Batangas State University with Latin Honors.

These nursing graduates are now being assisted by BCFI, through its implementing partner, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., for their Board Review Examination Grant.

In addition to this, a total of 44 residents from Barangay Tambo, Paranaque and 25 from Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City completed a caregiving course sponsored by BCFI and have passed TESDA accreditation.

Bloomberry Cultural Foundation

BCFI’s Medical Scholarship Program aims to help address the dwindling number of doctors, nurses, other health practitioners, and even professionals in the sciences, as many have gone overseas.

With the objective of producing 763 graduates in a 5-year-program, it has partnered with 13 universities nationwide: West Visayas State University, UP Visayas, UP Manila Alumni Foundation/UP Manila, St. Luke’s Medical Center, St. Louis University, Iloilo Science Technology State University, Eastern Visayas State University, Davao Medical School Foundation, Central Luzon State University, Cebu Institute of Medicine, Batangas State University, and Lyceum of the Philippines-St. Cabrini School of Health Sciences, Inc.

Meanwhile, BCFI’s institution partners in caregiving courses for residents in Solaire’s host communities in Paranaque and Quezon City are CAP Training and Assessment Center and Asia Pacific Caregiver and Training Center.

AvatarUX announces the appointment of Andrew Foster as its new CEO

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AvatarUX announces the appointment of Andrew Foster as its new CEO

Award-winning slots studio AvatarUX has selected Andrew Foster as its new Chief Executive Officer, an appointment that reinforces the company’s efforts to expand its global footprint and become a leading force in the market. 

Andrew Foster is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and growth who joins AvatarUX after more than eight years with reactivation specialist Enteractive, most recently serving as the company’s Chief Business Officer.

Foster will be instrumental in guiding AvatarUX through its next phase of expansion and product development, with the studio recently entering several new regulated markets and significantly boosting its unique slots and mechanics portfolio.

The appointment is the second C-level addition for AvatarUX in just a month, with Deane Hendricks recently joining the studio as CPO to bolster and accelerate the company’s product roadmap.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew Foster, Chief Executive Officer of AvatarUX, said: “I’m honoured to join AvatarUX as CEO during such a pivotal growth phase for the company. AvatarUX’s dedication to innovation and pushing the boundaries of slot development aligns perfectly with my own vision for the future of iGaming. I look forward to working with the exceptionally talented team to drive the business forward and cement our position as a leading force in the industry.”

AvatarUX

Wynn expands hiring for UAE casino positions ahead of 2027 opening

Viviana Chan
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Wynn expands hiring for UAE casino positions ahead of 2027 opening

Wynn Resorts is ramping up recruitment for its Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah, advertising casino-specific positions as the company prepares for the region’s first legal casino opening in 2027.

The company expects to employ 330 staff by December 31st, 2025, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insight. In the second quarter of 2025, Wynn Al Marjan Island hired 52 new team members, increasing the total headcount to 100. These roles primarily include senior executives, management, and administrative positions.

The $5 billion resort, set to be larger than Wynn’s Las Vegas flagship venue, is currently seeking pit managers, dealers, table operations managers, nightlife planners, and loyalty and marketing executives for both domestic and international markets. These roles specifically require knowledge of casino games including blackjack dealing and poker table supervision.

Wynn is also recruiting multiple vice presidents of casino marketing to target key international regions. These roles, listed on the company’s website and advertised on LinkedIn, involve building a VIP player base across the Middle East and North Africa. Responsibilities include establishing and nurturing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, gaming agents, and regional influencers.

The executive positions also entail recruiting, training, and managing marketing teams and casino hosts based in key cities, including Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Cairo. Additional vice president roles focus on targeted marketing strategies across Asia (including China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia), Europe, and the Americas.

The resort is expected to generate up to $5 billion in annual revenue, according to Wynn projections. The company has also acquired additional land in Ras Al Khaimah, signalling potential future expansion plans.

While gambling remains officially prohibited in the UAE, the federal government has established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to oversee licensing and operations. The job postings cite adherence to GCGRA regulations and include duties such as reporting suspicious activity or player disputes.

Hong Kong legalizes basketball betting, sets 50% tax on net stake receipts

Viviana Chan
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Hong Kong legalizes basketball betting, sets 50% tax on net stake receipts

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has passed a bill legalizing basketball betting, introducing a 50 percent tax on net stake receipts, matching the existing rate for soccer wagering.

The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 cleared its third reading with 77 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions out of 83 lawmakers present. The legislation authorizes the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue licenses for basketball betting, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) expected to be the sole licensed operator.

Opposing votes came from lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen, representing the social welfare sector, and Chu Kwok-keung, representing the education sector. Abstentions included medical sector representative David Lam Tzit-yuen and election committee member Andrew Lam Siu-lo, who later explained he had intended to vote in favor but pressed the wrong button.

The amendment establishes a regulatory framework covering licensing conditions, tax collection, and oversight by the Betting and Lotteries Commission. Home and Youth Affairs Secretary Alice Mak said the government will coordinate with the HKJC to finalize an implementation timeline. The official emphasized that the legislation is intended to curb illegal betting rather than encourage gambling, noting that additional resources will be allocated for public education and youth counseling services.

The government also announced it will expand the Ping Wo Fund’s outreach, adding a fifth counseling center dedicated to youth education on gambling risks. The Ping Wo Fund is a government-established institution that finances preventive and remedial measures to address gambling-related problems.

HKJC, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mark Six

Debate highlights support and concerns

According to local media reports, most lawmakers supported the bill, arguing that it could redirect significant sums away from unregulated platforms and into legal, regulated channels. Bill Committee Chairman Chan Chun-ying said the legislation would “redirect funds flowing into the illegal market toward regulated and safer channels,” enhancing oversight and generating additional government revenue.

Last year, during discussions on legalizing basketball betting, HKJC Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges mentioned that about 560,000 Hong Kong residents wagered with illegal bookmakers, with 100,000 to 150,000 of them betting on basketball. The illegal sports betting market is estimated at HK$350 billion ($45 billion), with basketball accounting for 15 percent, or HK$52.5 billion ($6.7 billion). Legal basketball betting could generate turnover comparable to the HKJC’s soccer wagering business.

In the debate, opponents warned of potential social costs. David Lam Tzit-yuen argued that “legal does not mean harmless, and regulation does not mean harm reduction,” pointing to soccer betting’s limited effect in curbing illegal gambling since its legalization in 2003. Lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung added that young people remain especially vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

With basketball betting now legalized, the HKJC is set to expand its role as the city’s sole licensed sports wagering operator alongside horse racing and soccer. It is also worth noting that the Hong Kong Jockey Club is actively promoting horse racing tourism. In October last year, Hong Kong authorities considered the possibility of relaxing age restrictions to allow teenagers under 18 to attend horse racing events.

Summer seasonality drives Sands to extend market share gain in August: UBS

Viviana Chan
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Summer seasonality drives Sands to extend market share gain in August: UBS

Macau gaming operator Sands China continued to expand its market share in August, posting the largest gain among operators, according to an investment memo from UBS.

The operator’s share increased by about 150 basis points month-on-month, supported by summer seasonality, stepped-up marketing campaigns, and the ramp-up of 1,400 additional hotel keys at the Londoner Grand, available since April. As a result, Sands’ market share rose to 23.5 percent in August, up from 22 percent in July, the memo noted.

Other operators reported mixed results. Melco Resorts rebounded, recovering 150 basis points of market share, rising from 13.5 percent in July to 15 percent in August. Galaxy Entertainment gained 50 basis points month-on-month, bringing its share from 21 percent to 21.5 percent. By contrast, MGM China registered the sharpest decline, with its share falling 250 basis points month-on-month to around 15 percent. Despite the drop, UBS noted that MGM maintained a mid-teens market share.

Wynn Macau’s share also slipped by 100 basis points in August to 13 percent, while SJM Holdings’ share remained flat at 12 percent.

Overall, UBS said channel checks indicated that in the current quarter to date, Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) has shown signs of improvement. Daily mass GGR was about 3 percent higher compared with the second quarter, while VIP GGR rose by around 15 percent, partly due to a higher hold rate.

The UBS memo also highlighted strong equity performance among the six gaming operators, with most stocks rallying alongside the broader Hong Kong and China markets. On average, gaming stocks rose about 30 percent year to date. Melco Resorts led the gains with a 68 percent increase, while its parent, Melco International Development, surged 70 percent. MGM China’s stock climbed 59 percent, while Wynn Macau and Galaxy Entertainment each advanced 25 percent.

By contrast, Sands China was the only operator to post a decline, falling 6 percent year to date due to its high comparison base. SJM Holdings’ shares rose 10 percent over the same period.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau entertainment push yielding dividends

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau entertainment push yielding dividends
Good Morning. Come for the show, stay for the entertainment. Macau is proving that its event-based investment is paying off, with the upcoming Golden Week holidays to peak a tourism boost that is expected to ride the forthcoming wave due to the talent bookings and sports highlights. This gaming uplift is in part because of improved consumer sentiment in mainland China, as strong stock upticks have increased disposable income, a nice gain for those who want to visit Macau to try their luck.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau Galaxy Arena

Entertainment boosts non-Golden Week GGR

The move by Macau’s gaming operators to focus on entertainment is proving fruitful, with events driving both gaming and non-gaming spend. Analysts note that the upcoming Golden Week holiday is likely to already see significant gaming play, but that momentum driven by the post-holiday entertainment will prove significant, as side bets and improved consumer sentiment help bolster figures.

Corporate Spotlight

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

GR8 Tech, Kate Pozdnysheva

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.

Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON

SEON,Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud: Why Asia’s iGaming Operators Must Rethink Risk Strategy

Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.

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