Galaxsys inks strategic partnership with 1xBet to expand porftolio reach

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AGBrief Editorial

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September 29, 2025

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Galaxsys inks strategic partnership with 1xBet to expand porftolio reach

Galaxsys, the innovative game developer known for its diverse and award-winning portfolio, has announced a strategic collaboration with 1xBet, one of the world’s leading companies in the betting and iGaming industry.

Under the agreement, Galaxsys’ portfolio of more than 50 titles, including instant, crash, mines, bingo, turbo, and slot games, will be integrated into 1xBet’s global platform. Partnering with a world-renowned operator like 1xBet highlights Galaxsys’ commitment to delivering innovative, diverse, and unique games to players worldwide.

For 1xBet, which has built a reputation as a market leader over its 17 years of industry experience, this new content integration supports its commitment to innovation and excellence. Known for its extensive sportsbook and online casino offerings, the brand’s partnerships with iconic sports organizations such as FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LOSC Lille, and the Italian Serie A highlight its global presence and influence.

Teni Grigoryan, Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer at Galaxsys, commented: “It’s truly a proud moment to be working with such a powerhouse in the industry as 1xBet — an absolute game-changer and a name that has respect across the globe. Partnering with 1xBet is a major step for Galaxsys. Their global reach and reputation for excellence perfectly align with our vision of delivering innovative and player-focused games. This collaboration allows us to bring our award-winning portfolio to millions of players worldwide, offering experiences that are creative, fast-paced, and designed to entertain.”

This year’s edition 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. The menu features pork knuckle, roast chicken, and pretzels, paired with Löwenbräu beer, alcohol-free options, and specialty drinks, highlighting Macau’s reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Back from Munich, the HÖGL FUN BAND will once again set 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!”. Adding to the fun this year is a new Best Costume Award, inviting guests to dress in festive outfits and embrace the Oktoberfest spirit. Families are also welcome, with carnival games and activities for children, making the festival an experience everyone can enjoy.

Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2025 will be held between October 23 and November 2, from 6 pm to 12 am at the 1/F Roof Terrace at MGM COTAI. Tickets go on sale from September 26, 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 fee：

Date	Admission Tickets(Include 1 standard drink, except champagne)
Sun to Thur & Oct 29	MOP150 per guest
Fri, Sat & Oct 28	MOP180 per guest

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

Table reservation and minimum spending:

Zone	Sunday to Thursday	Friday, Saturday & Octobter28
A (Minimum Spend)	MOP350	MOP450
B (Minimum Spend)	MOP250	MOP350
C (Minimum Spend)	MOP200	MOP200
D (Minimum Spend)	MOP100	MOP150
Walk-in (No seating)	No Minimum Spend

The shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) last year has led to the detention of hundreds of individuals, many of whom require repatriation. However, complications surrounding identities and other issues has led to a delay in some repatriations, with the relevant agencies needing to foot the bill.

Amongst the background of pushes to totally ban the online sector, PAGCOR has been firm in its support of legal, highly-regulated online gaming – for those which it has licensed, with Tengco reiterating the push to wipe out all forms of illegal gambling within the country.

“Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist,” noted Tengco.

While PAGCOR licenses and oversees the operators, it does not have enforcement powers, which are distributed amongst other government departments – a fact it has highlighted when questioned on whether the online sector should be completely banned.

Tengco has pushed for increased regulatory oversight and the elimination of illegal operations, while promoting the sector’s contribution to nation building revenue.

South Korea expects 1M more Chinese visitors via new visa-free policy

South Korea

Viviana Chan

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September 29, 2025

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South Korea expects 1M more Chinese visitors via new visa-free policy

South Korea’s new visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups took effect on Monday, September 29th, with the government projecting an additional 1 million visitors by the program’s conclusion next June, according to The Korea Times.

Under the policy, Chinese tour groups of three or more people can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 15 days. The program, which runs through June 30th, 2026, applies to groups organized by government-designated travel agencies. The move follows China’s November decision to grant South Korean nationals visa-free entry for up to 15 days.

Previously, Chinese tourists were required to apply for visas at Korean embassies in China, submitting documentation such as flight tickets and hotel reservations. Jeju Island continues to maintain its separate visa-free policy, which permits stays of up to 30 days for both individual and group travelers.

Chinese visitors currently account for the largest share of foreign tourists to South Korea. In July, 602,147 Chinese nationals visited the country, representing 34.7 percent of the total 1.73 million foreign arrivals—a 31.2 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Most South Korean casinos admit only foreign visitors, making them heavily reliant on international tourism. As previously reported by AGB, major retailers and hospitality operators are also preparing for the anticipated influx. Jeju Dream Tower Integrated Resort has partnered with WeChat Pay for promotions, while Shinsegae Duty Free is offering special packages for groups of three or more.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Seoul issued a safety advisory on Friday, September 26th, warning citizens about anti-China protests, particularly in Seoul’s Myeong-dong and Daerim-dong districts. The embassy urged Chinese visitors to “stay vigilant” and “avoid political gatherings,” citing heightened anti-China sentiment following recent domestic political developments.

In response, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung instructed officials to develop countermeasures against the rising number of anti-China rallies, while Prime Minister Kim Min-seok directed police to maintain order in affected areas.

Hokkaido weighs casino comeback as Tomakomai, Kushiro show interest

Japan

Viviana Chan

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September 29, 2025

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Hokkaido weighs casino comeback as Tomakomai, Kushiro show interest

Hokkaido is once again exploring the possibility of hosting a casino resort, nearly six years after Governor Naomichi Suzuki halted earlier plans.

According to The Japan Times, the Hokkaido government in August conducted a survey of municipalities to gauge interest in developing an integrated resort (IR), reigniting speculation about the northern island’s role in Japan’s long-delayed casino expansion.

The renewed discussions come as Japan’s first IR, led by MGM Resorts and Orix in Osaka Prefecture, moves toward its planned 2030 opening. The multibillion-dollar project will feature a casino alongside hotels, shopping facilities, and convention space. With Osaka securing the country’s sole license to date, Hokkaido’s latest moves suggest local leaders are positioning themselves should additional approvals be granted.

Tomakomai, a port city south of New Chitose Airport, has reemerged as a frontrunner. Mayor Hirofumi Iwakura confirmed that the city responded positively to the government’s inquiry, emphasizing its existing infrastructure, proximity to international transport links, and potential to drive inbound tourism. Tomakomai previously advanced a proposal in 2019 but withdrew after environmental concerns and time constraints prevented a formal bid.

Kushiro, in eastern Hokkaido, has also expressed interest. Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma has argued that a resort could help transform Lake Akan into a major tourist hub. He has pointed to global examples of Indigenous involvement in gaming ventures, suggesting that local Ainu communities could potentially be included in such a project.

Another municipality, Hakodate, indicated that while it has no concrete plans, it is currently gathering information on the possibility of participating in a future bid.

Governor Suzuki has acknowledged that circumstances have shifted since 2019. While only Osaka has secured approval, he noted that the central government had originally envisioned up to three IR sites. He described a casino resort as a possible driver of private investment and tourism spending, while also highlighting the need to address environmental and social concerns, including gambling addiction.

Any Hokkaido bid would require municipal approval, followed by endorsement from the governor, before advancing to the central government for consideration. Even if a bid is launched, the process is expected to take years, with no certainty that Hokkaido will ultimately secure a license.

Border traffic projected at 750K daily during Macau’s Golden Week

Macau

Viviana Chan

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September 29, 2025

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Border traffic projected at 750K daily during Macau’s Golden Week

Macau authorities estimate that as many as 750,000 people will cross the city’s borders each day during the upcoming National Day Golden Week, which runs from October 1st to 8th and coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Public Security Police Force announced that total border traffic over the eight-day holiday is expected to reach between 5.6 million and 6 million entries and exits.

Of this figure, officials project around 1.2 million visitors will arrive in Macau, averaging 150,000 per day. Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), said on Saturday that favorable travel measures, such as multiple-entry permits via Zhuhai and Hengqin, along with the extended break, are expected to drive arrivals above last year’s levels.

During a media briefing on Monday, an MGTO representative noted that hotel bookings remain strong, with occupancy expected to exceed 90 percent. Industry stakeholders, including guides, travel agencies, and hotels, have been briefed on preparations to ensure service quality amid the holiday surge.

Authorities warned that the busiest travel days are likely to fall on Friday and Saturday, October 3rd and 4th, when cross-border flows are forecast to peak.

The Customs Service highlighted potential congestion periods, with outbound traffic expected to surge on September 30th between 6pm and 9pm, and again on the morning of October 1st. Inbound flows are predicted to peak on October 7th in the early evening.

Traffic volumes are expected to be particularly heavy at major ports of entry. The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Port is projected to handle an average of more than 14,000 vehicles per day, split evenly between inbound and outbound flows. Hengqin Port is forecast to see around 12,000 vehicle movements daily, while the Border Gate is expected to process approximately 9,500 vehicles.

The government has pledged enhanced coordination with Zhuhai and Hong Kong to implement crowd and traffic control measures when necessary. Additional police deployments will be made at popular tourist sites and traditional Mid-Autumn Festival gathering areas.

Good Morning. The hunt is on. Several satellite casinos in Macau are closing before the December 31st deadline, primarily due to the poaching of key marketing staff by larger competitors, Billy Song, President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, tells AGB, leading to operational struggles and prompting a shift of re s ources towards budget hotel conversions and expansions of main gaming areas. Meanwhile, Macau is preparing to receive around 1.2 million visitors during the upcoming National Day Golden Week, with daily arrivals projected to average 150,000.

What you need to know

Satellite casinos in Macau close early as major operators lure away marketing teams, leaving satellites unable to retain customers.
The extended Golden Week holiday is expected to bring 1.2M visitors to Macau, with arrivals averaging 150k daily and hotel rates staying stable.

On the radar

Vietnam plans a tenfold increase in daily football betting limit to $380.
IEC loss for FY25 increases despite revenue from Manila Newcoast.
Macau 2024 tourism rebound boosted agency receipts, continues to rise.
All is not lost for Asian-facing casino operators hoping for New York.

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Major gaming operators target satellite casino staff, leading to earlier closures

Several satellite casinos in Macau have begun shutting down operations ahead of a December 31st deadline, primarily due to the loss of key marketing personnel to larger competitors offering better salaries, according to Billy Song, President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association. Major gaming operators have aggressively recruited entire marketing teams, leading to a significant staff exodus and making it difficult for satellite casinos to attract customers. Some casinos, like Landmark, are attempting to retain staff by enhancing commission schemes, but many—including Grand Dragon and Grandview—have already ceased operations.

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.

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.

Industry Updates

Aristocrat Gaming and Interactive debut next-gen experiences at G2E 2025.
1xBet’s impact at SBC 2025 highlighted its leadership in the iGaming arena.
Wazdan expands retro slot portfolio with Hot Slot: 777 Diamond Crown.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

The city counted 183 travel agencies last year, with total receipts rising 7.5 percent year-on-year to MOP5.44 billion ($670 million), the city’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) said. Expenditure increased 5.6 percent to MOP5.08 billion ($626 million), leaving the sector with a gross surplus of MOP371 million ($46 million), up 43.6 percent yearly.

Package tour receipts surged 33.3 percent to MOP1.15 billion ($142 million), boosted by more inbound visitors. Passenger transport ticketing income grew 27.4 percent to MOP1.13 billion ($139 million), while coach rentals with drivers rose nearly 20 percent to MOP1.36 billion ($168 million).

On the cost side, purchases of goods, services and commissions fell 4.8 percent to MOP3.31 billion ($408 million). Spending on room reservations plunged 35.1 percent to MOP1.09 billion ($134 million) as that line of business shrank.

In contrast, outlay on passenger ticketing jumped almost 30 percent to MOP1.08 billion ($133 million), while package tour expenses increased 16.8 percent to MOP807 million ($99 million).

Operating costs climbed 29.4 percent to MOP1.04 billion ($128 million), and staff compensation jumped 37.8 percent to MOP726 million ($90 million), as agencies expanded their fleets and hired more drivers, the bureau said.

Macau is preparing to receive around 1.2 million visitors during the upcoming National Day Golden Week, with daily arrivals projected to average 150,000, according to Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

If Macau can avoid further typhoon-related disruptions this year, it hopes to break new tourism and GGR records.

This approval is especially noteworthy as it follows the recent rejection of all proposals aimed at establishing casinos in Manhattan. The next phase for these two successful bids will involve a vote by the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board in December, followed by a review from the Gaming Commission.

Meanwhile, other casino proposals are still in contention. Upcoming votes by community advisory committees are scheduled for several projects, including Bally’s casino near the Whitestone Bridge and the Coney casino in Brooklyn, both on Monday, and Mets owner Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan venue near Citi Field in Queens on Tuesday.

IEC loss for fiscal 2025 increases significantly despite increases in revenue from Manila Newcoast

Philippines

Kelsey Wilhelm

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September 28, 2025

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IEC loss for fiscal 2025 increases significantly despite increases in revenue from Manila Newcoast

Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corporation saw its losses for its fiscal year ended June 30^th go beyond expectations, booking a HK$282.14 million ($36.26 million) loss for the period.

The operator, which is now solely focused on the development of the Newcoast Hotel & Casino complex in Manila, has previously warned of a significantly widened annual loss – which increased by 113.8 percent yearly according to its most recent stock exchange filing.

The figure comes despite a healthy improvement in revenue, which rose to nearly HK$566.16 million ($72.77 million), up by 146.38 percent yearly.

The group operates its gaming operations under a license by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) – granted in 2023 but commenced in May of 2024, with its gaming operations during the period garnering nearly HK$509.95 million ($65.55 million). This is a massive rise from the HK$169.95 million ($21.84 million) seen from the same operation in fiscal 2024.

However, it also saw a drop in revenue from its hotel operations on a yearly basis, falling to HK$56.21 million ($7.22 million).

Both segments came out in the red in the fiscal year ending June 30^th, with the gaming operation segment seeing a loss of HK$234.89 million ($30.2 million), a significant increase from the HK$59.13 million ($7.6 million) in fiscal 2024.

The group also benefited from one primary customer which contributed some 12 percent of its aggregate revenue – totaling HK$69.42 million ($8.92 million). However, this is a heady drop from the same amount contributed in fiscal 2024, which amounted to HK$120.99 million ($15.55 million).

Under the group’s PAGCOR casino license, the group is required to invest between $1 billion and $1.2 billion for the hotel and casino, with expectations its renovation works will increase the maximum number of gaming tables to 110 and the number of slot machines to 920 in the ‘coming financial year’.

Galaxsys inks strategic partnership with 1xBet to expand porftolio reach

Galaxsys, the innovative game developer known for its diverse and award-winning portfolio, has announced a strategic collaboration with 1xBet, one of the world’s leading companies in the betting and iGaming industry.

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