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Asia EGM market forecast to grow 3% annually through 2030: Aristocrat

Viviana Chan
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Asia EGM market forecast to grow 3% annually through 2030: Aristocrat

The Asia and Middle East electronic gaming machine market is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 3 percent from 2025 to 2030, marking a return to growth after years of contraction, according to market data presented by Aristocrat Leisure at its 2026 Investor Briefing.

The Australian gaming supplier said the region’s EGM market contracted at a 4 percent annual rate between 2019 and 2025, making it the only major region in Aristocrat’s market table to decline over the period. The projected 3 percent annual growth through 2030 would put Asia and the Middle East in line with North America and ahead of ANZ and Europe.

The figures, sourced from H2 Gaming Capital, were included in materials presented at Aristocrat’s 2026 Investor Briefing in Sydney and lodged with the Australian Securities Exchange. Aristocrat sized the global EGM market at $174 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for 2025, within a broader $301 billion global land-based gambling market.

Aristocrat identified new openings and expansions across Asia, the UAE and Europe as growth and share gain opportunities for its land-based gaming business. The company said it typically receives a higher share in openings and expansions than its portfolio average.

The group also cited forecast new and expansionary unit sales of around 16,000 in North America in 2026 and just over 14,000 annually through 2028, based on Eilers Slot & Table Demand Forecast data.

Aristocrat holds a 38 percent share of Gaming Operations and a 27 percent outright sales ship share in North America, according to Eilers Gaming Supplier data cited in the presentation. It also reported a 48 percent ship share in ANZ.

Presenting Australia as a case study, Aristocrat said its ANZ market share recovered from 30 percent to 49 percent in the 12 months to the March 2026 quarter, supported by 43 new titles, more than 4,800 Multilink units in New South Wales and Queensland, and over 12,000 Baron cabinet installs. New title Phoenix Link is set to launch in New South Wales, with further releases to be showcased at the Australasian Gaming Expo in August.

Aristocrat reaffirmed its expectation for NPATA growth in the year to September 30th, 2026 on a constant currency basis. The company said Gaming Operations net unit growth is expected at the upper end of its 4,000 to 5,000 target range, while Aristocrat Interactive continues to target $1 billion in revenue by FY29.

Sands China recognized for ESG excellence in latest Dow Jones indices

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Sands China recognized for ESG excellence in latest Dow Jones indices

Sands China Ltd. has been named to the prestigious Dow Jones Best-in-Class (DJBIC) Indices, marking the fifth consecutive year it has been included in the World Index and the sixth consecutive year in the Asia Pacific Index.

This achievement makes Sands China the only integrated resort operator globally to be concurrently listed in both benchmarks, underscoring the effectiveness of its “People, Community, and Planet” ESG pillars.

In this year’s assessment, only Sands China and its parent company, Las Vegas Sands Corp., were selected for the World Index out of 16 participating integrated resort operators. Sands China was also one of only two operators to secure a spot on the Asia Pacific Index, while Las Vegas Sands Corp. maintained its position in the World and North America indices for the seventh consecutive year.

Sands China says Macau diversification could enter new phase over next decade
Grant Chum

Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., stated that the company is deeply honoured by this international endorsement. He emphasized that sustainable development remains a fundamental cornerstone of the business.

“For over two decades, we have embedded ESG principles into our daily operations—driving local talent development, fostering community inclusion, and supporting SMEs, generating broader and lasting social benefits for Macao,” Chum said. “Moving forward, we will continue to uphold our sustainability philosophy and practices, working closely with the Macao SAR government and all sectors of society to co-create a greener, better, and more diversified future for Macao.”

Key ESG Performance Highlights:

  • People: The Sands China Academy provided 1.8 million training hours to local employees in 2025, with total training exceeding 22.6 million hours since 2004.
  • Community: The Sands Cares Ambassador Programme, established in 2009 as Macao’s first integrated resort volunteer team, has contributed over 362,000 service hours. The company also continues to support district revitalization through its Community Revitalization Programme for Rua das Estalagens.
  • Planet: Sands China has achieved a 61 percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2018 baseline. Recent environmental milestones include the renewal of ISO 14001 certification, the recycling of 100 percent of playing cards, a transition to eco-friendly water packaging, and the expansion of green procurement strategies.

Launched in 1999 and conducted annually by S&P Global, the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices are considered a leading global benchmark for corporate sustainability, evaluating the ESG performance of over 12,000 companies worldwide.

Australia’s gambling ad reform bill called “half-arsed” by coalition critics

Frank Schuengel
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Australia’s gambling ad reform bill called “half-arsed” by coalition critics

Australia’s federal government is facing renewed pressure from both sides of parliament over its gambling advertising reform bill, with Coalition and Greens MPs arguing the proposed restrictions do not go far enough.

The criticism comes three years after the parliamentary inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy recommended a full, phased ban on gambling advertising. The government’s Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, introduced this week, instead proposes a cap of three gambling ads per hour on television between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., a ban during live sports broadcasts, and restrictions on online advertising for users under 18. The measures are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2027.

At least half a dozen Liberal MPs raised objections to the bill’s scope during a Tuesday party room meeting, according to Guardian Australia. Simon Kennedy, the member for Cook, told the outlet that gambling “has shifted from entertainment to industrial-scale harm for too many Australians,” calling the legislation “a capitulation to the gambling lobby” that falls short on advertising restrictions, inducements, and protections for young people. Kennedy has previously spoken about a personal connection to gambling harm, recounting that a former teacher struggled with wagering addiction and that he accompanied the teacher to Gamblers Anonymous meetings.

Andrew Wallace, another Liberal MP pushing for tougher measures, argued that former opposition leader Peter Dutton’s proposal to ban television ads for an hour before and after sporting matches would have been stronger than the government’s plan.

Wallace described the bill as having “so many holes through it” and said the legislation amounted to a “half-arsed way of dealing with some of the damage that gambling causes Australians.”
The pushback follows an open letter published in newspapers several weeks earlier, signed by 17 Coalition MPs along with former prime minister John Howard and former state premiers Jeff Kennett and Nick Greiner, calling for stronger federal action on gambling advertising.

Communications Minister Anika Wells has defended the bill as a substantive reform package, telling ABC Radio that revisions made since the exposure draft were minor rather than substantive, and that she wants the legislation passed quickly to meet the January 2027 start date. Independent MP Monique Ryan has separately criticized the bill as a “milksop,” saying the government “listened more to the gambling industry, sports broadcasters and the sponsors than it has to what Australians want.” Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has said her party will push to refer the legislation to a Senate committee for further scrutiny.

With the Coalition, Greens, and several crossbenchers all signaling dissatisfaction with the bill as drafted, its path through the Senate remains uncertain. A further Senate inquiry is expected during parliament’s winter recess, following concerns from both gambling industry stakeholders and harm-reduction advocates that the consultation process was rushed.

PopOK Gaming secures Portugal certification, expanding European market footprint

AGBrief Editorial
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PopOK Gaming secures Portugal certification, expanding European market footprint

PopOK Gaming has officially obtained certification for the Portuguese market, marking another important milestone in the company’s continued expansion across regulated iGaming jurisdictions in Europe.

This achievement underscores PopOK Gaming’s ongoing commitment to meeting strict regulatory and technical standards required by local authorities, while delivering fully compliant and high-quality gaming content to licensed operators.

As global iGaming regulation continues to evolve, certification has become a key driver of sustainable market growth. With Portugal now added to its certified jurisdictions, PopOK Gaming strengthens its ability to support operator partners with content aligned to local compliance frameworks and industry best practices.

The certification further reinforces the company’s international growth strategy, which focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and responsible expansion into regulated markets. PopOK Gaming continues to invest in product development and certification initiatives, while building long-term partnerships with operators worldwide.

With this latest approval, PopOK Gaming further solidifies its position as a trusted supplier within the regulated iGaming sector and remains committed to expanding its certified portfolio across additional jurisdictions in the future.

IAGR welcomes Gaming Associates as Titanium Sponsor

AGBrief Editorial
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IAGR welcomes Gaming Associates as Titanium Sponsor

Gaming Associates has partnered with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) as a Titanium Sponsor, supporting the organization’s mission to promote effective regulatory frameworks and international knowledge sharing.

IAGR-International Association of Gaming Regulators

As a Titanium Sponsor, Gaming Associates provides annual funding to support the full scope of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR)’s yearly agenda. This commitment directly bolsters key workstreams, including the newly established Technology Working Group, the Model Rules Committee, and the Illegal Gambling Working Group—all of which are focused on fostering practical, action-oriented collaboration to tackle the global illegal gambling market.

A leader in the online gaming sector, Gaming Associates is an accredited conformity assessment body delivering comprehensive testing, certification, and regulatory advisory services. Its portfolio includes platform, RNG, and sports betting systems testing, alongside game certification, source code review, geolocation, and information security audits. With a footprint spanning Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia, and Asia, the company supports operators and regulators across major global markets.

“We are proud to support IAGR as a Titanium Sponsor,” said Dr. Aftab Rizvi, CEO of Gaming Associates. “Gaming Associates has long been committed to compliance, independence, and technical excellence in regulated gaming markets. IAGR’s growing programme of work, including its Technology Working Group, Model Rules Committee, and Illegal Gambling Working Group, aligns closely with our belief that strong regulation depends on practical expertise, collaboration, and a shared commitment to integrity.”

Dr. Aftab Rizvi, CEO of Gaming Associates
Dr. Aftab Rizvi
Ben Haden, President, IAGR
Ben Haden

Through its sponsorship, Gaming Associates will support IAGR’s broader efforts to provide high-quality educational content for regulators, promote greater consistency in regulatory processes, and create forums that help regulators align policy approaches across jurisdictions. These efforts will culminate at the IAGR Annual Conference in Lima, Peru, from 19 to 22 October 2026.

“We are grateful to Gaming Associates for supporting IAGR’s expanding year-round programme,” added Ben Haden, President of IAGR. “Their sponsorship will help strengthen our educational initiatives, support our new committees and working groups, and contribute to the collaborative forums that allow regulators to address emerging issues more effectively.”

Zitro accelerates European growth strategy at iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo

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Zitro accelerates European growth strategy at iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo

Spanish gaming supplier Zitro has announced the installation of its FANTASY and CONCEPT cabinets at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, operated by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

For Zitro, this installation is a clear reflection of the company’s growing momentum in Europe and its drive to place its products in the continent’s most emblematic venues.

The deployment features Zitro’s latest titles, ‘Brave Dragon’ on the FANTASY cabinet and ‘River Gold Wealth’ on the CONCEPT cabinet, further enhancing the premium gaming experience at this renowned venue.

Brave Dragon by Zitro
River-Bold-Wealth-Prime by Zitro

‘Brave Dragon’ draws players into a mystical world of dragons and legendary fortune, while ‘River Gold Wealth’ evokes the atmosphere of a classic riverboat adventure. Together, these titles expand Casino de Monte-Carlo’s entertainment offering and reinforce the proven performance and success of both cabinets across key markets worldwide.

“We are extremely proud to introduce its latest products at Casino de Monte-Carlo,” said Sebastian Salat, President-International at Zitro. “The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group is a key player in the gaming and hospitality sectors in the Principality of Monaco, and this installation is a meaningful milestone for the company as we continue expanding into the world’s most exclusive casino destinations.”

FIFA World Cup weighs on Macau June GGR, July outlook soft: analysts

Viviana Chan
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FIFA World Cup weighs on Macau June GGR, July outlook soft: analysts

Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached MOP18.52 billion ($2.29 billion) in June, according to official data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

Macau GGR falls 12.1% in June as World Cup weighs on demand

The figure was down 12.1 percent from a year earlier and 18.1 percent lower than in May.

The June result was equivalent to around MOP617 million ($76.4 million) per day, according to Citigroup. The brokerage said Macau’s June GGR came in at around 78 percent of its June 2019 level and was ‘largely in line’ with its estimate and market consensus.

Deutsche Bank said the June result was consistent with recent channel checks, which had pointed to a year-on-year decline of between 10 percent and 13 percent, ‘driven by the World Cup’.

The bank noted that June’s daily GGR run-rate was down 15.4 percent from May, weaker than historical seasonal trends. It said the average sequential decline in June compared with May was 8.6 percent during the 2013 to 2019 period, meaning the latest monthly drop was around 675 basis points worse than the pre-pandemic trend.

June GGR was also 22.2 percent below the level recorded in June 2019. This compared with declines of 12.9 percent in May, 15.7 percent in April and 12.5 percent in March against the same months in 2019, according to Deutsche Bank.

macau

Analysts expect the World Cup to continue affecting demand in early July. Citigroup forecasts Macau GGR to recover to MOP21.0 billion ($2.60 billion) in July, or about MOP677 million ($83.8 million) per day, but still implying a 5 percent year-on-year decline.

The brokerage said it expects the tournament to ‘continue to drag GGR’ until the final match on July 19th.

Deutsche Bank is slightly more cautious, forecasting July GGR at around MOP20.6 billion ($2.55 billion), down 7.9 percent year-on-year.

However, Citigroup said Macau’s event calendar could help offset part of the weakness. Concerts and entertainment events scheduled in early July include performances by Anson Lo, Gareth.T, Rosy Zhao and NCT JNJM, while post-tournament events featuring Eason Chan, Joey Yung and Hins Cheung could ‘kick-start Macau gaming recovery’.

Despite the near-term pressure, Deutsche Bank maintained a positive full-year view. The bank forecasts Macau GGR of MOP64.6 billion ($8.0 billion) in the third quarter, up 2.2 percent year-on-year, and MOP263.4 billion ($32.6 billion) for 2026, representing a 5.2 percent increase from 2025.

SOFTSWISS marks new chapter with reimagined visual identity

AGBrief Editorial
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SOFTSWISS marks new chapter with reimagined visual identity

Reflecting its growth into a comprehensive technology and partnership provider, SOFTSWISS has unveiled a new brand positioning and visual identity to meet the demands of a changing iGaming landscape.

Insights from five years of SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends research show that operators increasingly expect technology providers to deliver more than software by combining compliance, reliability, market expertise, security, and growth potential.

Reflecting this shift, SOFTSWISS has expanded from a software provider into a broader technology and growth partner, bringing together compliance-ready products, deep expertise in regulated markets, resilient infrastructure, and expert-led services to help operators launch, grow, and scale sustainably.

Five years of SOFTSWISS iGaming Trends reports highlight three structural shifts across the industry, such as increasing market fragmentation driven by local regulation, greater operational complexity for operators, and a shift from transactional vendor relationships to long-term partnerships built on reliability, expertise, and brand trust.

The Road Ahead SOFTSWISS 2026 Report highlights AI, Regulation, and Brand Power as key drivers

The updated positioning responds to the market’s changing expectations and shows the role SOFTSWISS already plays for its partners.

SOFTSWISS addresses the demands of the evolving regulatory landscape through three core strengths: deep regulatory expertise, operational reliability, and exceptional service.

Today, SOFTSWISS holds a broad portfolio of licenses and certifications spanning more than 25 jurisdictions worldwide. A strong understanding of regulated markets is central to the expanded partnership model.  

For 17 years, the company has built a reputation for reliability, maintaining 99.999% uptime while supporting more than 1,500 brands globally. This track record reflects the company’s core commitment to technology excellence and expert-led service.

In Brazil alone, the company works with more than 60 certified brands, building substantial experience in one of the world’s largest newly regulated iGaming markets.

SOFTSWISS also contributes to industry dialogue, becoming a member of organisations such as Brazil’s ANJL and Malta-based iGEN, supporting discussions around sustainable market development and the future of regulated iGaming.

To balance operational excellence with innovation, SOFTSWISS has established a dedicated Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) leadership role. While the CTO function remains focused on software stability, scalability, and performance, the CAIO role drives AI adoption and innovation across the business, enabling both areas to advance without compromise.

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS

“The role of the technology partner has fundamentally changed over the past few years,” said Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS. “As iGaming becomes more regulated and more complex, operators need much more than technology alone. They need a partner that understands regulations, brings operational expertise, and supports sustainable growth over the long term.

“Over the past 17 years, we’ve built those capabilities alongside the technology at the core of our business. Our updated positioning doesn’t change who we are – it simply reflects the company we’ve become and the role we already play for our partners.”

Softswiss Igaming Technology

The refreshed identity reflects SOFTSWISS’ shift into a strategic partner, enabling sustainable growth across regulated markets worldwide. It combines technological excellence with operational expertise, regulatory knowledge, and a long-term commitment to customer success. While the visual system has been modernised, it remains rooted in the values that have defined the company for 17 years: reliability, expertise, and trust.

The new identity was introduced globally and is being implemented throughout 2026 across products, communications, and industry touchpoints, reinforcing SOFTSWISS’ commitment to helping operators grow with confidence in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Jeju Dream Tower casino sales rise 36% in June to $31M

Viviana Chan
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Jeju Dream Tower casino sales rise 36% in June to $31M

Lotte Tour Development reported casino sales of KRW48.72 billion ($31.3 million) at Jeju Dream Tower in June, up 36.1 percent from KRW35.8 billion ($23 million) a year earlier, according to a July 1st business performance report.

Casino visitor numbers reached 61,146 in June, up 18.7 percent year-on-year from 51,515 a year earlier.

June casino sales were slightly lower than in May, declining 1.4 percent from KRW49.42 billion ($31.7 million).

Table sales accounted for most of the casino total, reaching KRW47.2 billion ($30.3 million). The figure was up 37.4 percent year-on-year and 0.4 percent from May.

Machine sales totaled KRW1.52 billion ($1 million), up 5.7 percent from a year earlier but down 37.3 percent month-on-month.

Hotel sales also increased in June, rising 17.6 percent year-on-year to KRW8.03 billion ($5.2 million). Compared with May, hotel sales were up 7.2 percent from KRW7.49 billion ($4.8 million).

For the first six months of 2026, Jeju Dream Tower recorded casino sales of KRW265.72 billion ($170.6 million), up 36.6 percent from KRW194.58 billion ($124.9 million) in the same period last year.

First-half table sales rose 37.4 percent to KRW253.75 billion ($162.9 million), while machine sales increased 20.7 percent to KRW11.97 billion ($7.7 million). Hotel sales for the period grew 13.8 percent to KRW40.92 billion ($26.3 million).

Playson debuts €25M BLASTS & RACES global campaign

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Playson debuts €25M BLASTS & RACES global campaign

Playson has officially launched BLASTS & RACES, its new flagship global campaign featuring a €25,000,000 prize pool.

Evolving from the supplier’s highly successful Non-Stop Drops & Races initiative, BLASTS & RACES represents the next chapter in Playson’s renowned network campaign offering. Running until June 30th, 2027, the year-long engagement campaign offers a staggering €25,000,000 prize pot – a significant increase from the €10,000,000 awarded in the previous edition – making it one of the industry’s largest player engagement campaigns.

The launch follows the success of Playson’s previous edition, which generated record participation from operators and players worldwide, reinforcing the appeal of large-scale network engagement initiatives.

BLASTS & RACES introduces a refreshed identity for Playson’s flagship engagement campaign, reflecting its continued growth and ambition while maintaining the proven foundations that have made previous editions so successful.

As part of the refresh, several familiar campaign features have been renamed to better reflect their player experience. Cash Blast has become Power Blast, Tournaments evolved into Grand Races, and Short Races are rebranded as Turbo Races. While the names have evolved, the trusted mechanics and seamless integrations that operators value remain unchanged.

Powered by Playson’s proven engagement tools and featuring a portfolio of top-performing and newly released titles, the campaign provides operators with a simple and effective way to boost player retention. With no additional integration required, partners can seamlessly opt in and begin rewarding players through the year-long initiative from today.

Waldemar Antypov, Product Owner at Playson, said: “BLASTS & RACES represents a significant milestone in the evolution of our flagship network campaign, and we are delighted to officially launch it to operators and players around the world. Following the outstanding success of previous editions, we have increased the rewards budget from €10 million to €25 million to deliver even greater value across the network. Combined with our trusted engagement mechanics, refreshed campaign identity and seamless operator integration, BLASTS & RACES is designed to keep players engaged with exciting opportunities to win throughout the year.”

The launch of BLASTS & RACES underlines Playson’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative engagement tools that create value for operators while delivering entertaining and rewarding experiences for players.

Partners and operators can opt-in for participation, with no integration, any time during the one-year period.

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