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Mocha Kuong Fat in Macau closes, but operator hopes to maintain three more

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Mocha Kuong Fat in Macau closes, but operator hopes to maintain three more

Macau’s slot clubs continue to close, with the most recent being the Mocha Kuong Fat, located in the NAPE district on the Macau peninsula.

The closure officially happened at 11:59 on September 24th, after indications from authorities earlier this week that both the slot club and the satellite operation Casino Grand Dragon (also operated under Melco) would be closing.

The company had informed in June that three Mocha Clubs and their only satellite casino would be shuttering.

The SAR’s gaming regulator, the DICJ, noted that the closure had gone in line with the ‘expected procedures’, being coordinated by the body and other departments.

The gaming operator is now shifting its relevant gaming machines from the venue to its three properties throughout Macau – City of Dreams, Studio City and Altira.

While the closure of Macau’s satellite casinos by year-end has been largely celebrated by analysts – giving operators the chance to relocate their tables to more profitable locations – the closure of the slot clubs has garnered little notice.

Melco had previously indicated that it intended to maintain three of its Mocha Club operations – at Mocha Inner Harbor, Mocha Hotel Sintra and Mocha Golden Dragon, hoping to operate beyond December 31st.

Light & Wonder announces $1B notes offering

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Light & Wonder announces $1B notes offering

Gaming giant Light & Wonder has announced that its subsidiary has successfully completed the private offering of $1 billion in new notes.

According to a company release on Wednesday, the notes come at an issue price of 100 percent and amount to new 6.25 percent senior unsecured notes due in 2033.

The net proceeds are expected to be used to pay down its revolving credit facility, redeem some $700 million in 7 percent unsecured notes due in 2028 and be used for general corporate purposes, including repurchases of the company’s equity.

The notes are available only to ‘persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers’, according to the rules of the US Securities Act.

Due to more cautious purchasing behavior, Light & Wonder saw a slight drop in revenue in the second quarter, breaking a 16-quarter streak of yearly increases.

However, it still saw consolidated revenue of $809 million during 2Q25, while AEBITDA rose by 7 percent yearly, completing 14 consecutive quarters of growth, to $352 million during the period. Profit for 2Q25 also rose by 4 percent year-on-year, to $135 million.

The Star Gold Coast casino license suspension deferred until Sept. 2026

Kelsey Wilhelm
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The Star Gold Coast casino license suspension deferred until Sept. 2026

Australian gaming operator The Star has announced that it has also had its casino license suspension for its Gold Coast operation deferred until September 30th of 2026, by order of the Queensland state government.

Both the authorities and the gaming operator issued statements regarding the change, noting that the acting Special Manager, Nicholas Weeks, would remain in his supervisory role until the end of the newly extended period.

This comes just one day after the company’s Sydney casino license suspension was further extended, until March 31st of 2026. The ongoing supervision also falls under Nicholas Weeks.

The government indicated that the gaming operator’s remediation efforts had made ‘steady progress’ but that it was ‘slower than anticipated, due to The Star’s recent financial challenges and uncertainty’.

These refer to the group’s Bally’s takeover and the attempted disposal of its holdings in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane to its Hong Kong-listed partners.

The Queensland government notes that the 12-month deferral ‘will provide The Star with the opportunity to continue to implement and embed key deliverables under its remediation plan’.

Without the deferral, The Star Gold Coast’s license would have been suspended for 90 days from September 30th.

Speaking of the change, Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Jarrod Bleijie noted that “We will continue to closely monitor The Star’s remediation progress to ensure key milestones are met”. The official furthered that “This deferral does not prevent us from taking immediate action should The Star fail to meet its remediation obligations”.

Steve McCann
Star Entertainment’s CEO Steve McCann

In response, The Star’s Group CEO and Managing Director Steve McCann noted that “We acknowledge there is more work to do, but we are pleased the Special Manager has recognized the steady progress on The Star’s remediation efforts,  including those measures identified as key priorities”.

JCM Global showcases 70-year legacy of transaction technology at G2E 2025

AGBrief Editorial
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JCM Global showcases 70-year legacy of transaction technology at G2E 2025

JCM Global is celebrating 70 years of bringing the industry’s leading innovations and transformative technologies to customers worldwide that boost security, increase efficiencies, and enhance the customer experience.

At G2E Las Vegas 2025, JCM will showcase its award-winning solutions and cutting-edge products in booth #4039.

JCM Global
iVIZION by JCM

Attendees will experience JCM’s award-winning bill validators, iVIZION®, UBA Pro®, and DBV®, each equipped with best-in-class technologies proven to provide the highest levels of security and acceptance in automated transaction environments.

iVIZION is globally recognized for its industry-leading CIS Contact Image Sensing technology, a breakthrough that scans the entire note or ticket, front and back, for unmatched security.

As one of the industry’s most prolific system developers, JCM’s display will also feature multiple pioneering solutions, including the ICB® Intelligent Cash Box system, FUZION®, PromoNet®, and CountR’s TITA™.


 

ICB® Intelligent Cash Box system
ICB® Intelligent Cash Box system by JCM
FUZION®
FUZION by JCM

ICB is an award-winning system proven to eliminate multiple points of human error, streamline the entire drop process, and enhance compliance. GLI Certified, FUZION offers a comprehensive suite of features such as BLE mobile wallet connectivity, real-time peripheral performance data, proactive drop/fill alerts, and real-time asset monitoring.

The patented PromoNet® couponing system reaches carded and uncarded players across the gaming floor, and the advanced TITA table game solution enables funds access directly to the table.

JCM Global
TITA table game solution by JCM

JCM’s Digital Signage Solutions offer a bright and flexible way to communicate with guests, both indoors and outdoors. JCM will present a wide range of emerging display technology, including CLEAR™ displays in curved, flat, and hanging configurations; LED walls; and ePOSTERs.

JCM Global
JCM Global
CLEAR LED Hanging Solutions by JCM
JCM Global
DSS CLEAR Solutions by JCM

JCM will also feature its GEN5®, CouponXpress™, and EP802 printers, the standards for thermal printers in the gaming industry. JCM’s reliable, smart printers give casino operators the flexibility and power they need to communicate accurately and directly with players through TITO tickets and promotional coupons.

JCM Global
GEN5 by JCM Global

Additional highlights include the BlueWaveDX™, JCM’s hand-held firmware upload and troubleshooting tool, and G+D’s C5 count-sort machine, which integrates seamlessly with JCM’s system technology to deliver greater efficiency and security in the count room.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Thailand’s senate rejects casino bill

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Thailand’s senate rejects casino bill
Good Morning. That’s all folks. Thailand’s Senate has rejected the draft bill to establish casino-integrated entertainment complexes, citing concerns over social stability and economic security, while emphasizing that any future attempts to legalize casinos should involve a public referendum and acknowledging that the projected economic benefits may be overstated. Meanwhile, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission has extended the suspension of The Star Sydney’s casino license until March 31st, 2026, prolonging the regulatory oversight of the venue for another six months.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

THAILAND

Thailand

Casino complex proposal fails in Thailand amid stability fears

Thailand’s Senate has rejected the draft bill to establish integrated entertainment complexes with casinos, citing concerns over social stability, economic security, and national safety. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s long-standing opposition to casino legalization, emphasizing that tourism development should not compromise social cohesion. The Senate committee warned that the bill could lead to long-term issues, including money laundering and diminished public trust, and suggested that any future casino legalization should be decided by a national referendum.

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.

Industry Updates

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Macau casino operations resume after Super Typhoon Ragasa subsides

Nelson Moura
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Macau casino operations resume after Super Typhoon Ragasa subsides

Macau casinos have reopened their doors following almost half a day of suspension caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa.

All tropical cyclone signals caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa were cancelled at 06:00am on September 25th, with the immediate prevention stage also terminated. The storm, the strongest this year, greatly impacted Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and the south of mainland China.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) mandates a temporary suspension of gaming activities if a tropical cyclone signal 8 is raised to protect the safety of residents and visitors, with a signal 8 hoisted in the SAR since 4:00pm on September 24th.

A dispatch indicated now that all casino operations could resume starting from 2:00am of September 25th.

Maritime services between Macau and Hong Kong also resumed this morning, with the first trips to Macau’s Outer Harbor and Taipa departing from Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan at 7:30 a.m., while the first trips to Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan will depart from Macau’s Outer Harbor and Taipa at 9:00 a.m.

Macau has a history of rare but significant casino closures in extreme circumstances. In September 2018, authorities shut all casinos for 33 hours during Super Typhoon Mangkhut, marking the first full shutdown in history.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, casinos were closed for 15 days in February 2020 and one week in July 2022. More recently, Typhoon Saola in September 2023 led to a nine-hour full closure.

Citigroup previously further reduced its gross gaming revenue (GGR) forecast for Macau in September 2025 to MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion) due to Super Typhoon Ragasa, marking the second downward revision this month as weather concerns compound earlier softness in casino performance.

SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator marks 10 years as iGaming’s leading content hub

AGBrief Editorial
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SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator marks 10 years as iGaming’s leading content hub

SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is celebrating its 10th anniversary. From an idea to simplify casino operators’ access to games, it has grown into a renowned powerhouse in iGaming aggregation.

Game Aggregator by SOFTSWISS has been helping clients achieve record-breaking results through innovation, expertise, and reliable solutions – all while earning trust and industry recognition.

The platform boasts an impressive library of over 35,000 titles from more than 300 game providers. It operates at near-perfect uptime of 99.999% with a 100% team commitment, providing uninterrupted service to casinos worldwide. Available in 24 jurisdictions, the platform maintains strong compliance across regulated markets. Recent expansions into Latin American jurisdictions, including Brazil and Peru, ensure operators can confidently enter new markets with SOFTSWISS’ gaming solutions. 

Over the past decade, the Game Aggregator has become a core operating layer for iGaming businesses, driving smarter decisions and measurable growth. The proven success of its clients, including cases of fivefold GGR growth, underscores its efficiency and tangible business impact.

SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Launches Live Game Tournaments
SOFTSWISS expands Jackpot Aggregator capabilities with Paid Participation Campaigns

Continuously setting benchmarks, the solution delivers results through innovative features such as the Tournament Tool, boosting daily bet volume by an average of 22%, and Jackpot Aggregator campaigns, driving up to 50% higher player turnover.

SOFTSWISS takes the wheel at SBC Summit Lisbon with Estoril circuit experience and expert insights
Ivan Montik (right) and Rubens Barrichello (left) at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, said: “When we started ten years ago, our goal was simple – make it easier for operators to access high-quality games with seamless performance and 100% uptime. Today, the Game Aggregator has become much more than that. It’s a foundation for building sustainable iGaming projects, with data and engagement tools that directly impact business results.”

A recent Kantar study confirmed SOFTSWISS as the industry leader in client loyalty, achieving the highest Net Promoter Score, with respondents highlighting reliability as the key reason for considering the company as their software provider.

Tatyana Kaminskaya, SOFTSWISS
Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator

Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, also shared: “The strength of the Game Aggregator lies in its reliability and flexibility. With uptime close to 100%, operators trust it to handle growth across multiple brands and markets. Our tools give them the insights and features they need to compete in a fast-changing industry. This 10-year milestone is a point to reflect, but also to keep moving forward.”

The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator is an award-winning platform that has achieved eight prestigious awards across different regions. In 2025, it was named the Best Aggregator in Latin America and was twice recognised in Europe as Aggregator of the Year at the GamingTech Awards and SiGMA World Euro-Med Awards. Earlier accolades from EGR, SiGMA Europe, and AffPapa reflect the product’s consistent recognition by industry peers.

Logifuture teams up with BetB2B to provide extensive suite of proprietary games

AGBrief Editorial
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Logifuture teams up with BetB2B to provide extensive suite of proprietary games

Logifuture, a leading supplier of casino games and virtual sports products, has announced a partnership with BetB2B to supply its extensive suite of proprietary games.

The partnership grants BetB2B’s operator network access to over 20 new titles, optimized for both desktop and mobile platforms. Logifuture’s diverse portfolio—from high-energy arcade games to richly immersive slots—is designed to captivate players and sustain engagement.

BetB2B, a leading sportsbook and casino platform powering award-winning brands, serves more than one million players daily. With the addition of Logifuture’s portfolio, its operator network can now offer players fresh entertainment experiences designed to perform across markets worldwide.

Niccolo Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture
Niccolo Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture

Logifuture is a specialist provider of unique games, with proven success in powering the growth of partners in emerging markets. Its games studio service is built to allow seamless integration and comprehensive customisation, while being fully compliant and certified. 

Niccolo Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, said: “We’re proud of what’s coming. This partnership reinforces that we’re on the right track, delivering innovative games that break the mold, bring new concepts to players, and, in reflection, help operators showcase progress. Partnerships like this prove the importance of thinking differently to keep driving the industry forward.”

A BetB2B spokesperson added: “We are glad to partner with Logifuture and bring their content to our network. Their games add even more variety and quality to our portfolio, giving operators a stronger offering for their players. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will benefit all sides.”

PAGCOR bolsters emergency response with the donation of 9 PTVs to disaster-affected communities

AGBrief Editorial
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PAGCOR bolsters emergency response with the donation of 9 PTVs to disaster-affected communities

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced the donation of nine Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to various local government units (LGUs) to strengthen rural healthcare access in remote and disaster-affected areas.

The beneficiaries include the municipalities of Mataas na Kahoy (Batangas), Paniqui (Tarlac), Bolinao (Pangasinan), Norzagaray (Bulacan), and Bangui, Carasi, Dumalneg, Pagudpud, and Adams (all in Ilocos Norte).

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to bring critical services closer to Filipinos in need as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Through these vehicles, we help ensure that people living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas can receive timely medical care,” Mr. Tengco said.

The donation comes in the wake of Super Typhoon Nando, which heavily battered Ilocos Norte, leaving widespread flooding, prolonged power outages, and displaced families.

Local officials said the new PTVs would be instrumental not only in disaster response but also in addressing day-to-day medical emergencies.

“Every time may nangangailangan ng transportation sa mga pasyente, dinadala natin sila sa Laoag Hospital, sa Provincial Hospital, o sa Batac Hospital na umaabot ng 80 to 100KM ang layo…Kaya naman itong ibinigay ng PAGCOR ay napakalaking tulong at napakalaking ginhawa para sa ating mga constituents,” Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito II said.

PAGCOR donates 9 Patient Transport Vehicles to LGUs to strengthen rural healthcare access

Each PTV unit is fitted with a GPS navigation system, stretcher, medical oxygen, wheelchair, and first aid kit to ensure safe and efficient patient transfer.

Since February, PAGCOR has already distributed 60 PTVs to LGUs, public hospitals, frontline agencies, and military units nationwide.

Play’n GO levels up brand with launch of fashion-forward Play’n GO Shop

AGBrief Editorial
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Play’n GO levels up brand with launch of fashion-forward Play’n GO Shop

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced that the next extension of the globally recognised brand, Play’n GO Shop, is now live.

The new fashion brand, Play’n GO Shop, debuts with a curated and bespoke capsule collection called ‘Gear Up and GO’ that features classic characters and game titles from Play’n GO’s industry-leading portfolio of intellectual property.

Play’n GO fans can expect regular drops of both wearable and collectable items to coincide with seasonal changes, major game launches, retrospective items, music collaborations and more.

Commenting on the bold move, Ebba Arnred, Chief Marketing Officer of Play’n GO, said: “Play’n GO is an entertainment brand that lives at the intersection of gaming, music, and fashion. The launch of Play’n GO Shop is the perfect complement to our other brand assets. The connection between music and fashion is well known – both are powerful expressions of identity and creativity and have long been a driver of cultural relevance.”

“With Play’n GO Shop now taking its place alongside our rapidly growing Play’n GO Music brand, our characters and games will now have further room to reach new audiences.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about Play’n GO Shop and have big plans for the future – the sky is truly the limit. And to all of those Play’n GO fans who email us every single day asking where they can buy a Garga…stay tuned!”

Play'n GO Music

Play’n GO’s previous brand extension, Play’n GO Music, launched in late 2023. Artist collaborations on both in-game and bespoke music, in addition to driver playlists with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, have seen hundreds of thousands of views and streams across YouTube and Spotify to date.

Major projects such as recording the in-game music for Play’n GO’s title Hugo Legacy live with the Czech National Symphony orchestra garnering both award-wins and significant acclaim within the industry.

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