Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: South Korea opens up visa-free travel for China

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AGBrief Editorial

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September 26, 2025

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: South Korea opens up visa-free travel for China

Good Morning. New visa arrival policies have everyone on tenterhooks. And as potential new Chinese customers descend on casinos, retailers, and hotels in South Korea, the release is finally being felt. The new wave of Gen Z can make a notable difference, even as there is a need to fight for the OGs, and see if anything translates to the casino floor. Looking at Australia, times are tough for The Star, but upbeat in a sense, as its second casino license suspension has been put on hold.

What you need to know

South Korean casinos, retailers, and hotels gear up for Chinese group arrivals as a new visa-free policy launches on September 29th.
Australia’s The Star Gold Coast gets a reprieve as authorities deem that its casino license should be suspended until Sept. 2026.

On the radar

Light & Wonder announces $1B notes offering.
PAGCOR profit remittances push nation’s Treasury past non-tax targets.
Mocha Kuong Fat in Macau closes; operator hopes to maintain three more.
MGM China denounces deepfake video of Chairperson Pansy Ho.

AGB Intelligence

SOUTH KOREA

Visa policy opens door for Chinese visitors

South Korea has now opened the floodgates for Chinese tourism, aiming to capitalize on the ongoing boom in consumer sentiment. And as the boost continues, venues in Asia are opening their doors, with countries like South Korea now fully welcoming group tour arrivals, marking a new era for the nation’s success. And as casinos root for incomers, the battlefield is rife for the onslaught.

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

Melco volunteers assist Macau community affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa.
BETBY accelerates Asian expansion through Broadway Platform partnership.
Aff.Tech shines at SBC 2025 with strategic talks and industry recognition.
Aristocrat Gaming and Aristocrat Interactive debut next-gen experiences at G2E 2025.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Millioni$er on the technologically advanced The Baron Portrait cabinet introduces a new game mechanic, legendary player-favorite features, and an impactful progressive jackpot.
Buffalo Mega Stampede builds on the smash hit Buffalo Ultimate Stampede with expanding reels, Hold & Spin action, and a Bonus Meter with three levels of excitement.
Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Firecrackers Express combines player favorites from across the Bao Zhu Zhao Fu franchise. It amplifies the fun with five features, which can all overlap for up to 31 different bonuses, and features Double, Ultra, Zone, Twin, Extra features as well as the exciting Firecracker Express feature; a feature-in-feature Hold & Spin with big potential values and a chance to win the grand jackpot.

Class 3 Game Sales Must-Sees

Whisker Wheels: Triple Karma & Triple Tricky on The Baron Portrait expands on franchise mechanics with four metamorphic bowls, dual wheels, the Triple Kash Free Games Feature, and new denom configurations.
Crazy Chickens in Space revises fan-favorite characters with the ability to unlock two extra rows per feature and introduces a brand-new Booster feature.
Fo’Mo Mummy on The Baron Upright offers 30 distinct bonus combinations, featuring overlapping mechanics and a Super Bonus with 2x and 3x multipliers.

Class 2 Innovations

Mr. Money Bags Makes Another Mint blends the classic VGT Red Screens experience with the Frenzy Jackpot$ Link and adds fresh metamorphic upgrades.
Just Right Jackpots brings the game-in-game Hold & Spin mechanic to Class 2 for the first time, featuring four stacked bonus rounds with progressive wins.
Lucky Ducky Cash Call combines Red Screen Free Spins and three dynamic bonuses, all powered by the Frenzy Jackpot$ Link.

Global Market Spotlight

Dedicated zones for Latin America, EMEA, VLT, HHR, and COAM, will showcase localized content crafted to resonate with players in each category.

Aristocrat Interactive

Aristocrat Interactive will feature Class II Mobile, OASIS Home, and will bring Lightning Link to the iGaming space, further highlighting the company’s seamless integration of land-based and digital entertainment.

The Class II Mobile solution will bridge the gap between the casino floor and the digital world, delivering iconic games that players love anytime and anywhere on land which is legally approved for gaming. The product creates a seamless player journey with built-in loyalty, marketing and integrations with existing land-based systems. These factors, combined with geo-fencing technology ensures both security and compliance adherence. The product is also integrated with the Wide Area Ball Call to minimize wait times for players.

Additionally, the highly anticipated Lightning Link brand represents the next evolution of the Aristocrat Interactive roadmap. Developed by a world-class team to deliver engaging, high-performing content that fuels sustained growth, the addition of Lightning Link to the content portfolio demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to bring market-leading land-based content into the online space.

Finally, OASIS Home will serve as a new landing page for all things OASIS, enterprise-wide, will be introduced at G2E. Through this new optimization, casino operators will now be empowered with a seamless, scalable and secure centralized management platform that streamlines user access, enhances operational efficiency and drives innovation.

Jeju remains at the forefront of South Korea’s tourism rebound. Jeju Dream Tower, operated by Lotte Tour Development, is offering 10 percent discounts through Alipay and WeChat Pay, coupled with dining and retail perks tailored for Chinese travelers. Management told Maeil Business that foreigners make up about 70 percent of its hotel guests, with Chinese tourists accounting for 80 percent of that share in the run-up to Golden Week.

Jeju Shinhwa World has launched free theme-park entry through 2025, packaged with stays and leisure experiences for group tours.

On the mainland, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort is targeting Chinese travelers with a new WeChat Mini Program. Integrated into the popular messaging app, the platform lets guests book rooms, pay with WeChat Pay, unlock member-only offers, and access maps and event information, including concerts at INSPIRE Arena.

Grand Korea Leisure, running the Seven Luck casinos in Seoul and Busan, is combining its 20th anniversary campaigns with tourism promotions, while Paradise Co., operator of Paradise City in Incheon, is positioned to gain from increased arrivals despite not launching new campaigns.

Retailers target shopping revival

South Korea’s duty-free and department store giants—including Lotte, Shilla, and Shinsegae—are repositioning for the return of Chinese groups. Retailers are reshaping product lines toward Chinese-favored brands and offering Alipay and WeChat Pay discounts of RMB30–40 between late September and mid-October.

Lotte Duty Free is sending teams to Guangzhou and Qingdao to strengthen partnerships with Chinese travel agencies. Shilla Duty Free is working with its China offices to attract large-scale convention and exhibition groups. Shinsegae Duty Free is focusing on smaller but higher-spending tour groups, moving away from the traditional mass-tour model.

Travel agencies and hotels gear up for Golden Week

The visa waiver coincides with China’s major October Golden Week holiday, which this year extends from seven to eight days, running from October 1st to October 8th, as the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on October 6th.

Chinese travel agencies are responding quickly. Leading firms in South China have launched special “visa-free first group” packages for National Day, combining cultural experiences such as traditional hanbok walks at Gyeongbokgung Palace and scenic tours in Gangwon Province. Airlines and tour operators are expanding group packages that split itineraries between Seoul and Jeju, reflecting demand for short-term cultural and leisure trips.

Hotels, including Shilla Stay and Lotte City, are offering group-rate blocks and digital payment perks timed to Golden Week. Analysts expect a surge in arrivals, though airlines caution that high operating costs during the Golden Week period could limit profitability.

Policy expectations and uncertainties

The visa-free measure comes as South Korea prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju at the end of October. Government officials expect the temporary waiver to boost inbound traffic and reinforce China’s role as the country’s largest source of visitors.

However, industry voices cited in Chinese media outlet Nanfang News warn that elevated accommodation prices and pandemic-era shifts in travel behavior could temper immediate gains. Duty-free insiders also note that while large groups remain critical for sales, spending patterns have become more fragmented, with Chinese tourists increasingly prioritizing lifestyle and cultural experiences over bulk shopping.

The agreement also includes Betby Games, BETBY’s proprietary esports feed, which delivers 400,000+ live matches per month across 25 sports simulations with 100% video coverage, as well as AI Labs, a full suite of AI-driven sportsbook tools. With dedicated modules for odds creation, risk management, UX optimisation, and operations, AI Labs empowers operators with real-time insights, personalisation, and operational efficiency.

The Broadway Platform project is supported by SPRIBE, a leading iGaming company recognised for its innovative products and next-generation, mobile-first gaming experiences that resonate strongly with modern players. SPRIBE has made a significant impact on the online gaming industry, and its involvement underlines the ambition and innovative spirit of the collaboration.

Stefanos Karakidis, Business Development Director at BETBY, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Broadway Platform, a company with an outstanding reputation in both B2C and B2B operations. By integrating our sportsbook, Betby Games, and AI Labs, Broadway is set to enhance its offering and deliver a cutting-edge experience to its customers. This partnership highlights our shared vision of growth, innovation, and market leadership.”

Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Chief Commercial Officer at SPRIBE, added: “Working with BETBY marks an important step for us as we extend our global footprint. Their technology, depth of content, and AI-driven tools provide us with the flexibility and scale needed to deliver a world-class betting experience. We are confident this collaboration will unlock significant opportunities for growth.”

Broadway Platform’s move to partner with BETBY underscores the supplier’s commitment to innovation and scalability, while strengthening its focus on the Asian-facing market, where it has been actively localising its solutions to meet regional demands.

With the chicken-themed crash game genre booming in popularity, this release promises a fresh and unique twist that sets it apart from the competition.

In Chicken Crash, chickens race across chaotic roads packed with danger and rewards. Players place their bets and watch as the chicken runs—will it cross safely or crash before the finish line?

What makes Chicken Crash stand out

While the market is already crowded with similar games, Galaxsys’ Chicken Crash offers several clear advantages. The Go Max feature lets players run to max multiplier on a single run, delivering high-risk, high-reward excitement rarely seen in competing games. The Multi-Step Betting option allows players to place bets across multiple steps, adding strategic control and engagement, while Left-Hand Mode ensures accessibility for all players, a rare feature in the crash genre.

Operators benefit from extensive customization of gameplay, visuals, and betting mechanics. At the same time, intuitive step counts, interactive visuals, and engaging features make the game approachable, fun, and designed to encourage repeated play.

Teni Grigoryan, Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer at Galaxsys, commented: “The idea for Chicken Crash began with a simple observation: chicken-themed crash games are among the fastest-growing genres in the iGaming market, attracting players who enjoy quick, high-stakes thrills. We wanted to join this emerging trend, but at the same time, offer features that are truly unique and distinguishing. Our team explored multiple concepts, tested various gameplay mechanics, and finally settled on the chicken-racing theme—lighthearted, fun, and full of adrenaline.”

“Our goal was to create a game that is immediately fun to play, encourages repeated engagement, and provides operators with the flexibility to customize the experience for their audience. We believe Chicken Crash captures the excitement of the crash genre while introducing playful, distinctive elements that make it truly stand out in a crowded market.”

Request a Demo

Galaxsys invites operators to experience Chicken Crash firsthand before the official launch. Reach out today to schedule a demo or discuss partnership opportunities. The team is ready to show you why Chicken Crash is the next must-have in your game portfolio.

The operator condemned the impersonation, describing the video as ‘entirely fraudulent’ and emphasizing that it was neither created nor authorized by MGM China or its leadership. The company said it ‘reserves all legal rights against the parties involved’ and intends to take necessary measures to protect its rights and interests.

MGM China further urged the public and media to exercise vigilance, verify information only through official channels, and refrain from disseminating the video to avoid potential legal and financial consequences. The company highlighted that it strictly adheres to lawful and compliant operations, with all business updates communicated exclusively through its official platforms.

‘To prevent the further spread of misinformation, MGM China respectfully requests that all parties cease disseminating the fraudulent video and its associated claims,’ the company said.

Aff.Tech shines at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025: busy booth, strategic talks, and industry recognition

Europe

AGBrief Editorial

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September 25, 2025

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Aff.Tech shines at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025: busy booth, strategic talks, and industry recognition

Over the three-day event at the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, Aff.Tech showcased why it stands as the Affiliate Platform for Champions.

Sharing a booth with GR8 Tech, the C350 slot emerged as one of the exhibition’s busiest attractions—drawing operators and platform providers eager to explore how Aff.Tech powers affiliate management through automation, scalability, and precision.

The results were constant traffic at the booth, dozens of productive business meetings, and a strong pipeline of new opportunities. This overwhelming interest confirmed the growing demand for Aff.Tech’s technology among operators seeking to streamline affiliate programs and unlock new levels of performance.

Aff.Tech’s impact was further validated at the Affiliate Leaders Awards, where the company proudly took Silver in the “Affiliate Management Platform of the Year” category—a recognition of its innovation and growing influence in the market.

As part of its presence at SBC, Aff.Tech also introduced its Aff Yourself campaign—a movement to empower operators to take control of their affiliate business, set their rules, and grow without limits.

Mariia Shmelova, CEO of Aff.Tech, said: “The energy around our booth proved that operators are actively searching for solutions like Aff.Tech. Our platform is built to give them complete control, transparency, and automation so they can scale faster and focus on what really drives growth. Getting Silver “Affiliate Management Platform of the Year” shows that the industry recognizes our progress and direction.”

Valerija Reca, Business Development Manager at Aff.Tech, added: “For three days, our team was engaged non-stop in high-quality discussions with operators from around the world. They see Aff.Tech as a partner that combines reliability, flexibility, and scalability—exactly what’s needed to manage affiliates effectively in today’s competitive environment.”

Aff.Tech closed SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 as one of the exhibition’s standout success stories. The company left Lisbon with a clear message: affiliate management is evolving, and Aff.Tech is leading the way as the Affiliate Platform for Champions.

The Hold & Win Bonus is triggered by landing six Bonus or Power Symbols, represented by blazing Suns. As symbols are collected, up to three additional rows can be unlocked, expanding the grid and heightening win opportunities. Filling every position on the expanded reels awards the coveted royal jackpot of 5,000x.

With its iconic Ancient Egyptian theme, innovative mechanics, and a suite of fixed jackpots, Sun of Egypt 5: Hold and Win strengthens one of 3 Oaks Gaming’s most popular and enduring series, offering operators a proven brand that continues to evolve with each chapter.

Yurii Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Sun of Egypt has firmly established itself as one of our flagship franchises, consistently evolving the Hold & Win experience to maintain its strong appeal in operator portfolios. With the introduction of the Power Symbol, expanded reels, and upgraded bonus rounds, Sun of Egypt 5: Hold and Win raises the bar once again. The latest instalment delivers a familiar yet enhanced experience that we are confident will sustain player engagement and provide operators with a high-performing title across global markets.”

Southern District: In collaboration with the Macao Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), 30 Melco volunteers assisted residents and SME businesses impacted by the flooding. Volunteers helped return displaced items, removing garbage and debris, and restore safe and clean environments in the area.
Praia do Manduco: Partnering with the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM), Melco volunteers distributed meal boxes to the local community members including elderlies, who were affected by power outages caused by flooding.
Coloane Coastal Areas: Melco volunteers, together with the FAOM team, provided help to residents and SMEs with post-typhoon clean-up assistance, helping to secure loose fixtures and providing handyman support to those in need.
Coloane’s Asilo Vila Madalena Elderly Center: Melco volunteers also helped clean-up the center’s garden areas, removing fallen trees and branches, recovering outdoor furniture and items displaced during the typhoon and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the elderly residents.
Anima Dog Shelter: Another group of Melco’s volunteers offered their help in cleaning up fallen trees and the removal of garbage and debris in the aftermath of Ragasa, to help bring back a safe and clean environment for the animals under the shelter’s care.

Melco volunteers assist the Macau community affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco said, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa. We are deeply thankful to our volunteers for their dedication and compassion in helping to resettle the community in the aftermath of the typhoon. At Melco, we are committed to supporting and reaching out to those in need—whether through our valued community partners or directly when required. We will continue to stand by Macau’s community whenever and wherever help is needed.”

According to the BTr’s latest cash operations report, as cited by the Philippine News Agency, total revenue collections from January to August reached PHP3.09 trillion ($52.5 billion), up 3.07 percent from PHP2.99 trillion ($50.8 billion) in the same period of 2024. While tax revenues remained the dominant source, non-tax contributions—including those from PAGCOR—provided a significant boost.

Non-tax revenues stood at PHP298.3 billion ($5.1 billion) as of the end of August, already reaching 97.33 percent of the revised full-year program of PHP306.5 billion ($5.2 billion). Of this, income from BTr operations amounted to PHP189.3 billion ($3.2 billion), or 63.46 percent of the total.

This performance exceeded the upward-adjusted target of PHP179.2 billion ($3.05 billion), largely due to higher interest earnings on national government deposits, dividend remittances, and profit shares from PAGCOR and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

“The Bureau of the Treasury’s overperformance was driven by increased remittances from state-run corporations such as PAGCOR, which continue to provide vital non-tax income to the government,” the BTr said.

Gaming revenues on the rise

Earlier this month, PAGCOR reported that online gaming had emerged as one of the government’s biggest revenue drivers in 2025. Licensed operators generated PHP69 billion ($1.17 billion) in license fees from January to July, including PHP41 billion ($697 million) from electronic games (E-Games) and PHP28 billion ($476 million) from other online offerings.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said that, in the first seven months of the year, online gaming contributed PHP27.47 billion ($467 million) to nation-building programs, with PHP14.72 billion ($250 million) allocated to the Universal Health Care Law. Additional funds were earmarked for schools, socio-civic centers, wellness facilities, and e-learning hubs.

“Every peso we collect from the gaming sector translates to meaningful projects such as classrooms for our children, health programs for our people, and safe spaces for communities in times of calamity,” Tengco highlighted.

What you need to know

On the radar

SOUTH KOREA

Corporate Spotlight

Industry Updates

Table of Contents

Aristocrat Gaming and Aristocrat Interactive are ready to showcase a dynamic portfolio of industry-leading games, hardware, and solutions at the G2E Las Vegas 2025.

Aristocrat Gaming

Aristocrat Gaming will present more than 200 games for Class 3, Class 2, international markets, VLT, HHR, and COAM, including several games that will make their global premiere at the show.

Class 3 Premium Leased Game Highlights

Class 3 Game Sales Must-Sees

Class 2 Innovations

Global Market Spotlight

Aristocrat Interactive

Aristocrat Interactive will feature Class II Mobile, OASIS Home, and will bring Lightning Link to the iGaming space, further highlighting the company’s seamless integration of land-based and digital entertainment.

Table of Contents

South Korea’s casino and tourism industries are preparing for a surge in Chinese visitors as the government launches a temporary visa-free entry program for group travelers from China starting September 29th.

Casinos roll out digital perks and holiday deals

Retailers target shopping revival

Travel agencies and hotels gear up for Golden Week

Policy expectations and uncertainties

Table of Contents

BETBY has announced a new partnership with Broadway Platform, a leading operator that manages over 30 online platforms while also delivering bespoke B2B services and B2C brands worldwide.

Table of Contents

Galaxsys is set to expand its fast game portfolio with the upcoming release of Chicken Crash, a highly awaited addition to its lineup.

What makes Chicken Crash stand out

Table of Contents

Macau gaming operator MGM China Holdings Limited has issued a public statement addressing a fraudulent deepfake video circulating online that unlawfully impersonates Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho.

Over the three-day event at the SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, Aff.Tech showcased why it stands as the Affiliate Platform for Champions.

Table of Contents

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has launched Sun of Egypt 5: Hold and Win, the latest instalment in its flagship series.

Table of Contents

Around 100 volunteers from Melco Resorts & Entertainment, under its “Simple Acts of Kindness” program, swiftly gathered to assist the Macau community affected by the Super Typhoon Ragasa.

Melco’s volunteer teams were deployed to several impacted locations to provide relief and support:

Table of Contents

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) played a crucial role in strengthening the government’s finances in the first eight months of 2025, with profit remittances helping the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) surpass its non-tax income targets.

Gaming revenues on the rise

Table of Contents

ENQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

CONTACTS

**3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has launched Sun of Egypt 5: Hold and Win, the latest instalment in its flagship series.**