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Macau’s Casino Grand Dragon and one Mocha Slot club to close next week

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Macau’s Casino Grand Dragon and one Mocha Slot club to close next week

Macau satellite operation Casino Grand Dragon is going to be closing on Monday night, September 22nd, in the lead up to the full closure of the city’s satellite casinos by year-end.

The operation, located in Taipa, is the only satellite operation under Melco Resorts & Entertainment. The group had previously announced that it would be shuttering the operation by the end of the year, without providing an exact date.

In addition, the slot parlor Mocha Kuong Fat – located on the Macau peninsula near the NAPE district, will also be closed at 23:59 on September 24th. The Mocha slot clubs are operated by Melco.

Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) indicated that it would ‘rigorously supervise the closing procedures of the relevant casino and the gaming machine area, in order to ensure a stable and ordered closure and that all legal procedures are duly followed’.

The DICJ noted that it would paying particular attention to the treatment of gaming chips in the cage, unused chips and the exchange of chips regarding the satellite casino. Regarding the slot parlor, the regulator noted that it would also oversee procedures regarding unexchanged gaming machine slips and other issues.

In total, some 176 workers of Casino Grand Dragon and 36 workers from Mocha Kuong Fat will be affected, with Melco to ensure their relevant transition to new roles, remuneration and other employment guarantees.

While Mocha is closing down three slot clubs by the end of the year, it aims to continue operations at the Mocha Inner Harbor (nearby Ponte 16), Mocha Hotel Sintra (nearby the Grand Lisboa hotel) and Mocha Golden Dragon (nearby the Inner Harbor Ferry Terminal).

Blueprint Gaming strengthens IP portfolio with Rise of Atlantis Legacy

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Blueprint Gaming strengthens IP portfolio with Rise of Atlantis Legacy

The God of the Sea unleashes lavish gameplay in Blueprint Gaming‘s latest offering, Rise of Atlantis Legacy, with the highly anticipated title introducing a new Gates of Atlantis bonus game, boosting the chance of significant cascading returns.

Following its launch in January 2023, the original Rise of Atlantis has maintained a top 10 ranking for key performance metrics across Blueprint’s leading international markets. The subsequent release, Rise of Atlantis 2, has continued this positive trend, with the series’ third instalment looking to go one better.

Boasting the ability to appear on any of the six reels, Rising Multipliers offer enriched payouts if featured in a winning combination, which are added at the end of a successful cascade. Once all wins have been processed, the multiplier will then rise by one, further enhancing the chance of underwater riches.

In addition to the popular Rise of Atlantis free spins, the new Gates of Atlantis feature introduces a Total Win Multiplier that combines with any new multiplier to increase the final payout.

For those particularly seeking immersive bonus play, three bonus bet options are available for purchase, including a super version of both bonus rounds and a Legend of Atlantis feature that combines the mechanics of both for one bountiful experience.

The launch of Rise of Atlantis Legacy aligns with Blueprint Gaming’s broader strategy of developing and leveraging successful IP to drive growth in global markets. Its ability to create content that resonates with diverse audiences is showcased, underscoring the supplier’s strategic focus on portfolio depth and market penetration.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events, said: “The Rise of Atlantis series has become one of our most successful franchises, consistently delivering strong results across our leading regulated international markets. With Rise of Atlantis Legacy, we’ve built on everything that players love about the original while introducing fresh mechanics like the Gates of Atlantis bonus game, further enhancing the gameplay’s style and driving retention rates for operators worldwide.”

Harmony YoFuture 2025 – Brazil

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Harmony YoFuture 2025 – Brazil

Harmony YoFuture 2025 hosted by BetConstruct and Oddsgate, is set for 25 September at Palácio Tangará in São Paulo, Brazil, where the event will spotlight industry-defining vision, innovation, and momentum.

Harmony YoFuture 2025 represents more than a gathering; it is a declaration of advancement and a celebration of bold ideas, groundbreaking solutions, and the future being built together with industry leaders.

As an invite-only gathering for key industry figures and innovators, Harmony YoFuture offers a limited number of additional invitations for those eager to experience it first-hand. Interested guests can visit the Harmony YoFuture Landing Page, submit their details, and, once confirmed, receive a personalised email containing all event information and next steps.

BetConstruct & Oddsgate strengthen footprint in Brazil with Harmony YoFuture 2025

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BetConstruct & Oddsgate strengthen footprint in Brazil with Harmony YoFuture 2025

BetConstruct and Oddsgate have announced Harmony YoFuture 2025, an exclusive event poised to usher in the next wave of innovation in Brazil—Latin America’s newest and most dynamic iGaming market.

Harmony YoFuture 2025 is set for 25 September at Palácio Tangará in São Paulo, Brazil, where the event will spotlight industry-defining vision, innovation, and momentum.

Harmony YoFuture represents more than a gathering; it is a declaration of advancement and a celebration of bold ideas, groundbreaking solutions, and the future being built together with industry leaders.

At its core, Harmony YoFuture 2025 will showcase BetConstruct’s complete ecosystem, a space where platforms, tools, and solutions converge in perfect harmony, giving guests first-hand access to the technologies shaping tomorrow’s entertainment.

The event will feature BetConstruct’s flagship platforms, including the Sportsbook, a global powerhouse delivering betting experiences at unmatched scale, and the Casino Suite, home to thousands of games and constant new releases. Alongside these stands the advanced CRM AI, designed to anticipate player behaviour, seize opportunities, and drive long-term growth.

Completing the ecosystem is Affigates, a comprehensive ecosystem that puts retention at the forefront through a worldwide affiliate network, built for smarter, stronger, and more sustainable connections.

Tiago Almeida, CEO at Oddsgate
Tiago Almeida, CEO at Oddsgate

The event is jointly organised by BetConstruct and Oddsgate. Based in Portugal, Oddsgate was founded in 2022 by a team of experts with the ambition to lead as an iGaming software provider. The company thrives on strong bonds with clients, partners, and employees, championing the power of people to drive change.

“We are on the verge of announcing a strategic partnership that will raise the bar for Brazil’s iGaming industry. By joining forces with a global leader in iGaming technology, we are preparing to offer operators in Brazil unprecedented access to the most comprehensive platform in the market. But it is not just about scale or technology, it is about bringing innovation together with the personalised service and regulatory expertise that define our leadership in Brazil”, said Tiago Almeida, CEO of Oddsgate.

As an invite-only gathering for key industry figures and innovators, Harmony YoFuture offers a limited number of additional invitations for those eager to experience it first-hand. Interested guests can visit the Harmony YoFuture Landing Page, submit their details, and, once confirmed, receive a personalised email containing all event information and next steps.

SECURE YOUR PLACE

Genius Sports expands media division through strategic acquisition of Sports Innovation Lab

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Genius Sports expands media division through strategic acquisition of Sports Innovation Lab

Genius Sports, the powerhouse behind the global sports-betting-media ecosystem, has announced its acquisition of Sports Innovation Lab, unlocking new frontiers in fan data and activation.

The acquisition fast-tracks the expansion of Genius Sports’ media business, combining the most comprehensive official game data with the deepest fan intelligence available. Together, the two companies will deliver a 360° view of the modern fan journey, uniting on-field performance with off-field transactions, unlocking new value and innovation across the global sports ecosystem.

Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports
Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports

“This acquisition is an important step in the continued growth of our media business,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. “By integrating the most comprehensive official sports data with unmatched fan intelligence, we are strengthening our foundation and providing partners with a powerful new way to understand and engage fans at scale. The Sports Innovation Lab acquisition transforms our media business, instantly extending our reach into an established customer network across multiple verticals. It positions us to lead the market, accelerate growth, and drive a step-change expansion of our customer base.”

This combination creates the most comprehensive fan database in sports and entertainment, tracking billions of annual transactions, including purchases, attendance, and viewership. It enables brands and agencies to target fans with unmatched precision, directly connect campaigns to real behaviors and transactions, and deliver measurable ROI across every channel.

Josh Walker, CEO of Sports Innovation Lab
Josh Walker, CEO of Sports Innovation Lab

Josh Walker, CEO of Sports Innovation Lab, added, “Joining forces with Genius Sports represents an incredible opportunity for both our business and our team. Genius has always led the way in making sports more innovative, reshaping how technology connects fans to the games they love. We look forward to uniting our visions, scaling our platform globally, and delivering even greater value to our clients and partners.”

These audiences are available through Genius Sports’ FANHub platform and broadly syndicated through channel partners such as LiveRamp, The Trade Desk, and Amazon Ads. Amplified by Genius Sports’ GeniusIQ technology, marketers can leverage key moments in sport to deliver the most emotionally resonant and effective campaigns in the industry.

Redefining how advertisers connect with sports fans, this acquisition represents a pivotal step forward in the growth of Genius Sports’ business, empowering league and club partners to gain deeper insights into their fan spending patterns and ultimately unlock new sponsorship opportunities.

In the U.S. alone, brand sponsorship of major teams amounted to $7.6 billion in 2024. Better serving this market with audience segments, premium inventory, and advanced analytics, all anchored in the most accurate, scaled, and comprehensive fan dataset in the world is critical to Genius Sports’ position at the heart of the sports media ecosystem.

Genius Sports’ acquisition follows a series of major advances in Genius Sports’ media division – from last year’s launch of FANHub to this year’s NFL extension and partnership launches with PMG, EA Sports, and Verizon.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: NagaCorp capitalizes on growing tourism markets

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: NagaCorp capitalizes on growing tourism markets
Good Morning. Cambodian delight. NagaCorp‘s chairman, Philip Lee Wai Tuck, attributed the company’s improved performance to growth in mass market and premium tables, alongside a tourism rebound in Cambodia, which is projected to attract up to 7.5 million visitors by 2025. Meanwhile, in India, the sweeping ban on online gambling seems to have inadvertently driven punters to unregulated offshore platforms. In the Philippines, gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has launched a surety bond program covering up to $17,300 per player.

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AGB Intelligence

CAMBODIA

NagaWorld, NagaCorp, Cambodia

NagaCorp Chairman credits mass market growth for impressive interim results

The chairman of NagaCorp, Philip Lee Wai Tuck, credited the company’s improved performance to growth in the mass market, premium tables, and a rebound in tourism in Cambodia. NagaCorp, which operates the NagaWorld integrated resort in Phnom Penh, reported a net profit of $148.8 million for the first half of the year, with EBITDA reaching $200.3 million. The growth was driven by a 24% year-on-year revenue increase from mass market tables, which have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, as well as a significant rise in the premium VIP market.

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Michael Tobin, CEO of Continent 8, named among the Trusted 10 global tech leaders

AGBrief Editorial
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Michael Tobin, CEO of Continent 8, named among the Trusted 10 global tech leaders

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the sector, which is increasingly prioritising transparency, regulatory compliance and technological resilience.

Tobin has been at the helm of Continent 8 since its inception over 25 years ago. He has been instrumental in positioning the global business as a cornerstone of infrastructure for regulated iGaming and online sports betting markets worldwide. He has cultivated deep relationships with regulators, operators and technology partners, enabling Continent 8 to deliver secure, compliant and scalable IT solutions across more than 100 locations globally.

A true people-person, he is widely respected within the industry. Gambling IQ’s commentary on Tobin mentioned: “Michael Tobin has become one of the defining figures in iGaming infrastructure… In an industry often chasing the next big thing, Tobin embodies the kind of leadership that prioritises stability and sustainable growth without losing sight of innovation.”

Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies said: “I’m honoured to be recognised in this list, and it’s especially pleasing to see many of our partners and customers also featured. Trust is fundamental to our business – our customers put their trust in us every day to manage and protect their infrastructure, to enable them to focus on what they do best. Congratulations to all individuals listed.”

Continent 8 Technologies secures approval to deploy next-gen AWS Outposts, powering ultra-fast and high-performance betting and gaming experiences.

Continent 8 will showcase its solutions at G2E Las Vegas from October 7–9 at Booth 4235. To schedule a meeting and discover the technologies driving scalable iGaming growth, visit www.continent8.com or reach out to [email protected].

1xBet and Paris Saint-Germain renew partnership through the 2027 season

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1xBet and Paris Saint-Germain renew partnership through the 2027 season

The global betting company 1xBet has announced the extension of its cooperation with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), retaining the status of the Club’s official partner for the next three seasons. 

The partnership between 1xBet and Paris Saint-Germain has already demonstrated its effectiveness, and the new agreement is a natural continuation of this successful collaboration. Over the years of working together, Paris Saint-Germain has further strengthened its position in world football. 2024/2025 saw Paris Saint-Germain complete a historic season, with major success both on the national and international level. In turn, 1xBet expanded its customer base and strengthened its global presence. 

Paris Saint-Germain and 1xBet extend their collaboration for three more years

Over the coming seasons, 1xBet will keep the status of the Official Betting Partner, and its logo will be featured on LED boards and 3D carpets visible at the international level. The partnership also includes the creation of joint content for Paris Saint-Germain’s social networks and other digital platforms. In addition, 1xBet will regularly engage legendary players of the French club in its activities, offering unique experiences for fans and 1xBet partners. 

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with 1xBet, a global brand that shares our ambition for innovation and international growth. Together, we have already achieved remarkable milestones, and this renewed agreement will allow us to engage our worldwide fan base further, create unique experiences, and continue to build on Paris Saint-Germain’s incredible momentum on and off the pitch,” said Richard Heaselgrave, Chief Revenue Officer, Paris Saint-Germain. 

“For 1xBet, the partnership with Paris Saint-Germain is of strategic importance. Extending the agreement reflects stability and mutual trust. We are proud to have been part of the club’s great achievements in recent years and are confident that even more successes lie ahead,” a 1xBet representative commented. 

Teen gambling addiction surges in South Korea

Nelson Moura
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Teen gambling addiction surges in South Korea

Teenage gambling addiction is escalating in South Korea, with treatment numbers surging, lawmakers warn.

According to The Korean Herald, in 2024, some 4,144 teenagers received help from the Korea Problem Gambling Agency, including nine elementary school children. Over the past four years, the number of treated teens has more than tripled, increasing from 1,286 in 2020 to 2,093 in 2023.

Rep. Cho Gye-won of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea highlighted that this growing issue poses a significant social threat, potentially leading to crime and community instability, and urged the implementation of systematic anti-gambling education in schools.

A recent state-level survey revealed that 4.3 percent of students from grades four to twelve have engaged in gambling, with a concerning 19.1 percent of those reporting consistent gambling behavior over the past six months.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday, lawmaker Seo Young-seok of the Democratic Party, a record 156 teenagers received treatment for gambling addiction in the first seven months of 2024. Medical expenses related to this issue quadrupled, rising from KRW 113.9 million ($81,727) in 2022 to KRW436.87 million ($314,804) in 2024.

Additionally, police data revealed an alarming eightfold increase in arrests of teenagers for gambling-related crimes, from 76 in 2022 to 631 in 2024.

Notably, arrests linked to online casinos surged from two in 2022 to 93 in 2024, while those related to illegal sports betting increased from 36 to 109.

Seo emphasized the urgent need for more gambling addiction treatment facilities for teens, an expansion of counseling staff, and enhanced preventive education in schools to address this growing crisis effectively.

Mass market gaming, premium tables and tourism rebound explain NagaCorp profit rise – Chairman

Nelson Moura
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Mass market gaming, premium tables and tourism rebound explain NagaCorp profit rise – Chairman

The chairman of Cambodian casino operator NagaCorp, Philip Lee Wai Tuck, attributed the group’s recently improved results to mass market growth, premium tables and a recovery in the country’s tourism.

The company, which operates the NagaWorld integrated resort in Phnom Penh, posted a net profit of $148.8 million in the six months to June, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) reached $200.3 million.

Philip Lee Wai Tuck, Executive Director and Chairman at NagaCorp
Philip Lee Wai Tuck, Executive Director & Chairman

‘Our relatively stable performance reflected the gradual recovery of both leisure and business-related visitation to NagaWorld, along with the stable captive domestic market that has proven to be a self-sustaining business’, chairman Philip Lee Wai Tuck said in a statement to shareholders included in the group’s 2025 interim report.

Mass market tables were a key growth engine, generating 24 percent year-on-year revenue growth, driven by higher win rates and increasing play from Cambodia’s expatriate community, ASEAN visitors, and returning Chinese tourists. The segment has now recovered to 97 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

‘The resilience of NagaWorld’s captive domestic market with a growing expatriate population gives us a unique advantage and competitive position,’ Lee said.

Thailand Cambodia Border, Mass market gaming, premium tables and tourism rebound explain NagaCorp profit rise

Premium mass tables also delivered gains, accounting for 37.4 percent of mass market gaming revenue compared with 33.9 percent a year earlier, aided by new high-limit products.

The premium VIP market recorded an 87.9 percent surge in rolling chip volumes, while electronic gaming machines generated activity above pre-COVID peaks. Together, mass market and premium VIP play contributed more than 90 percent of the group’s gross gaming revenue.

Non-gaming revenues also edged higher, rising 2.1 percent, supported by international events and improved hotel occupancy at the Phnom Penh resort.

NagaWorld-swimming-pool, NagaCorp, Cambodia

The results come against the backdrop of a broader tourism revival in Cambodia, which the company said had become a key catalyst for growth.

The country welcomed 3.4 million international arrivals in the first half, a 6 percent year-on-year increase, as airlines expanded routes and flight frequencies. By mid-August, weekly international flights reached 539, up 11 percent from a year earlier.

Cambodia expects up to 7.5 million international visitors in 2025, helped by government-backed tourism campaigns and new infrastructure, including Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport, due to open later this month with capacity for 15 million passengers annually in its initial phase.

‘As the only integrated resort operating in Phnom Penh, NagaWorld continues to benefit from this ongoing tourism recovery,’ Lee said. ‘Supported by steady economic growth, NagaWorld is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing influx of both leisure and business travellers.’

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