MGM Resorts International appoints Ayesha Molino as new COO

North America

Nelson Moura

-

September 19, 2025

0

MGM Resorts International appoints Ayesha Molino as new COO

MGM Resorts International has announced significant leadership changes, appointing Ayesha Molino as the new Chief Operating Officer and Gary Fritz as Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital.

These appointments come as the company continues to enhance its operational and digital strategies in a competitive market.

Ayesha Molino, who currently serves as President and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino, will officially step into her new role as COO on January 1st, 2026. She takes over from Corey Sanders, who is set to retire after more than 30 years with MGM Resorts.

Bill Hornbuckle, President and CEO of MGM Resorts, praised Molino’s strategic thinking and operational expertise, noting her impressive track record at ARIA, which includes record-breaking performance in revenue and guest satisfaction metrics.

‘Ayesha’s ability to unite teams and navigate challenges makes her the perfect leader to succeed Corey as COO’, Hornbuckle stated.

Molino joined MGM Resorts in January 2017, transitioning from a prominent role in the U.S. Senate, where she served as Chief Counsel to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

In addition to her responsibilities at ARIA and Vdara, she has also been involved in corporate governance as a non-Executive Director of MGM China Holding Limited and serves on the boards of several industry organizations.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Regency Casino Thessaloniki team to bring to life this innovative gaming and entertainment experience that is the Aristocrat Pavilion at The Piazza,” said Kurt Gissane, Chief Revenue Officer at Aristocrat Gaming. “We are all about bringing next-level experiences to our players, and this project is exactly that. Congratulations to all the teams involved, as this was truly a collaborative partnership from ideation to reality.”

In addition to the latest gaming innovations, the Aristocrat Pavilion features luxurious amenities and an atmosphere that offers an elevated player experience.

The Aristocrat Pavilion at The Piazza is now open at Regency Casino Thessaloniki. Find more about Aristocrat Gaming European titles.

Divine Fortune ranks as the number one online slot title for Evolution in the United States, and has also spawned the highly successful sequels Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black. Now the classic Divine Fortune —and a new sequel, Divine Fortune Ascension — will make their land-based debuts. Developed in collaboration with Gaming Arts, these new titles build on the success of the original and, in the latest Ascension variant, add a fresh twist — an all-new three-pot perceived persistence feature designed to heighten engagement.

Starburst, meanwhile, is NetEnt’s top-performing online slot globally, inspiring sequels such as Starburst XXXtreme and Starburst Galaxy. Now, for land-based casinos, Starburst is to be released as a two-game multi-pack containing a version of the classic Starburst and a new title called Starburst Supernova. Both of these new land-based games come in a multiplayer-enabled format and feature a new persistent bonus that leads players to a hold-and-spin feature.

Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, said: “Since the beginning of online gaming, content has traditionally flowed in one direction — from land-based casinos to online. That approach made sense, as it brought proven experiences to digital audiences. What excites us now is reversing that trend by taking some of the most successful games in the history of online gaming and bringing them to land-based casinos. Evolution is thrilled to be at the forefront of this shift. This collaboration, initiated together with our land-based slots partner Bluhare Studios, allows us to bring our world-class IP to the incredibly talented team at Gaming Arts, and watching them work their land-based magic to adapt and reimagine our games has been truly inspiring.”

Greg Colella, Chief Product Officer of Gaming Arts, added: “We are delighted to be working with Evolution, which has long been an industry leader in creating compelling content for online gaming. We are collaborating closely with the Evolution team to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play, while also innovating to create fresh, engaging experiences that will resonate with today’s casino players.”

According to a source, the move by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) to grant class relief for intermediaries in the secondary distribution of a stablecoin issued by an Australian financial services (AFS) licensed user is worth paying attention to, but unlikely to have immediate change.

ASIC on Thursday issued a notice indicating that they wouldn’t require intermediaries to ‘hold separate AFS, Australian market, or clearing and settlement facility licenses when providing services related to stablecoins issued by an ASF licensee’.

The relief effort still requires registration on the Federal Regulation of Legislation.

A source speaking to AGB notes that the overall adjustment of global norms could lead to Australia adopting changes similar to the European Union regarding stablecoin regulations, helping to push consistency, investor protections and cross-border operations.

The interest in stablecoins has seen rampant growth after the explosion in price of Bitcoin, the world’s leading cryptocurrency.

DigiPlus introduces first-ever surety bond program for eligible players

Philippines

Viviana Chan

-

September 18, 2025

0

DigiPlus introduces first-ever surety bond program for eligible players

Philippines gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has launched a surety bond program covering up to PHP1 million ($17,300) per player, in partnership with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc. (PhilFirst).

The initiative, which applies to the company’s BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone platforms, took effect immediately and marks the first program of its kind in the Philippines’ online gaming industry.

The bond provides eligible players with financial protection without requiring the purchase of a separate insurance policy. It safeguards player balances of up to PHP1 million ($17,300) each, offering additional security at a time when the sector faces increasing scrutiny and calls for stronger responsible gambling measures.

To qualify, players must undergo electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification, complete at least one successful deposit, and remain in good standing with platform rules. Once verified, coverage is automatically applied across DigiPlus’ platforms.

DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco said the move underscores the company’s long-term commitment to player protection. “We are committed to putting our players first. With this surety bond, they can play confidently on BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, knowing that their funds are safeguarded,” he stated.

The surety bond complements DigiPlus’ existing support measures, including 24/7 customer service and more than 130 physical BingoPlus outlets nationwide. The company said the addition strengthens player trust and reinforces its position as a leader in customer protection.

DigiPlus introduces first-ever surety bond for eligible players

The announcement comes amid ongoing debate over the future of online gambling in the Philippines, with policymakers raising concerns about potential social impacts. Industry operators, meanwhile, continue to expand consumer protection efforts in a bid to balance entertainment with responsibility.

According to the nation’s Ministry’s Director General of Digital Space Monitoring, Alexander Sabar, more than 2.1 million items were tied directly to online gambling platforms and promotions. The ministry said it acted between October 20th, 2024, and September 16th, 2025, as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown.

The breakdown of content removals showed that 1.93 million items were taken down from websites, 97,779 from file-sharing platforms, 94,004 from Meta-owned apps, 35,092 from Google, 17,417 from X (formerly Twitter), 1,742 from Telegram, 1,001 from TikTok, 14 from Line, and three from application stores. Officials described the scale of removals as evidence of the persistent challenges posed by illegal digital activity.

Gambling—both online and offline—is strictly prohibited under Indonesian criminal law. Despite the government’s longstanding ban, online gambling has continued to proliferate, drawing millions of participants. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) reported that 1.07 million people engaged in online gambling in the first quarter of 2025. Reuters previously estimated that around 3 million Indonesians participated in 2023, with total wagers nearing $20 billion.

Exposure to gambling content also appears widespread. A Populix survey found that 82 percent of internet users had encountered gambling-related material. Academic studies highlight strong participation among youth: nearly 43 percent of university students have tried online gambling, with more than a quarter remaining active users.

The government has been piloting the Content Moderation Compliance System (SAMAN) over the past year, with the trial scheduled to conclude next month. The system is intended to enforce digital platform compliance with local regulations and community guidelines.

Officials stressed that the measures are aimed at safeguarding the public from harmful content rather than restricting freedom of expression. Authorities also encouraged citizens to report illegal content through official ministry channels as part of efforts to maintain a “clean, safe, healthy, and productive” digital environment.

Kendoo unleashes volcanic wins in the Forge of Vulcan slot

Elsewhere

AGBrief Editorial

-

September 18, 2025

0

Kendoo unleashes volcanic wins in the Forge of Vulcan slot

Kendoo, the fast-growing slot studio, has released Forge of Vulcan, a high-volatility slot that transports players to the molten core of the forge, where colossal multipliers await.

Set against a backdrop of fire and steel, Forge of Vulcan delivers powerful gameplay built around scatter pays, cascading reels, and persistent multipliers of up to x1,000. Wins are formed when eight or more matching symbols land anywhere on the grid, triggering chain reactions that can lead to explosive rewards.

Multipliers dropped by Vulcan himself remain locked on the reels throughout each cascade, activating only at the end to boost total win values. The free spins feature intensifies the action further, with collected multipliers contributing to a growing Total Multiplier that carries through the entire round.

Stacked with additional features including Wild substitutions, Bonus Scatters that award 15-25 free spins, and a Gamble option for added risk and reward, Forge of Vulcan delivers non-stop energy.

For those eager to strike gold immediately, Power-Up options allow direct entry into free spins or super free spins with a guaranteed x10 multiplier. Forge of Vulcan is now available for demo and real play across all Kendoo partner platforms.

“With Forge of Vulcan, we aimed to capture the raw, unstoppable power of cascading slots while integrating a multiplier system that feels truly explosive,” said Kate Romanenko, Head of Commercial at Kendoo. “The combination of scatter pays, massive multipliers, and Free Spins intensity makes this release a powerhouse in Kendoo’s portfolio.”

The excitement deepens during the Free Spins Bonus, with between four and six leprechaun-themed Scatters awarding up to 25 Free Spins. During Bonus play, stacking Multipliers that drop onto the reels during a winning round are added to a Total Multiplier and applied to the Total Win at the end of the Bonus round, increasing the chances of a lavish x20,000 max win.

For those particularly seeking a pot of gold to remember, two Bonus Buy options are also available for purchase with the Super Free Spins mode offering more Multipliers ranging from x10 to x1,000.

Marking the award-winning studio’s latest release, Golden Penny x1000 reinforces Playson’s ability to cleverly craft bountiful slot titles for its operators’ players to enjoy worldwide.

Tamas Kusztos, CCO at Playson, said: “Golden Penny x1000 is a perfect example of how we continue to elevate our portfolio with distinctive mechanics and captivating themes that are proven to resonate with players. With its stunning visuals, joyful folklore setting and the potential for an impressive x20,000 max win, this release delivers an experience that is both entertaining and rewarding, leaving us confident our partners have added a real gem to their offering.”

The legislation, passed by parliament last month, shuttered a billion-dollar industry that had attracted hundreds of millions of users. Authorities said the move was necessary after government figures showed companies were stripping an estimated $2.3 billion annually from 450 million people. Officials linked the rapid spread of online betting platforms to financial distress, addiction, suicide, fraud, money laundering, and even terrorism financing.

Despite the crackdown, many Indian gamblers told AFP they were already resorting to virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy credit cards to access overseas sites. “We have done this before and will do it again,” one player said. Others stressed that once habits take root, “people will find ways to gamble,” as one fantasy sports fan put it.

The ban applies to online card games and fantasy sports, including fantasy cricket. Offenders now face up to five years in prison. Dream11, India’s largest fantasy sports platform with 260 million users, has discontinued cash contests, replacing them with prizes such as cars, phones, and appliances. The company also withdrew from a $43 million sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), leaving a visible gap in Indian cricket advertising.

Industry experts warned the ban could ripple through the sporting economy, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), which relies heavily on fantasy sports and related platforms for advertising revenue. Analysts estimate these firms accounted for as much as 40 percent of IPL broadcasters’ ad income this year. Reduced spending, they cautioned, could ultimately depress future media rights valuations.

MGM brings its original cross-disciplinary performance Yangge·Robots, interactive installations, and a variety of travel products to Portugal, aiming to showcase Macau’s unique appeal as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure to Europeans, as well as to foster exchange and cooperation in tourism, culture and commerce between Macau and Portugal.

MGM’s booth is themed “Technology + Entertainment,”, with a focus on promoting Macau’s new cultural tourism landmark, the POLY MGM MUSEUM and the residency show Macau 2049.

To offer audiences an immersive experience that blends cutting-edge technology with traditional Chinese culture, MGM is debuting its original performance Yangge·Robots for at the roadshow. Inspired by the chapter of the same name in Macau 2049, this performance featured Yangge dancers from Changli, Hebei performing alongside robots from Chinese tech brand Unitree.

MGM drives engagement at the Experience Macao event in Lisbon — _{Mechanical Matrix Dynamic Lion Capsule Lucky Draw Machine}

At the center of the booth stood the “Mechanical Matrix Dynamic Lion Capsule Lucky Draw Machine”, a high-tech interactive installation that attracts large crowds. A total of 3,000 prizes will be distributed to visitors who participate in the lucky draw, including tickets and discounts for Macau 2049, themed souvenirs from the POLY MGM MUSEUM, and products from Macau’s cultural and creative brands—supporting the international exposure of “Made-in-Macau,” “Macau Brand,” and “Macau Design.”

In addition, MGM is introducing its premium hospitality, dining, and entertainment offerings to visitors, and launching a series of roadshow-exclusive travel products, including accommodation and dining packages, as well as city tour experience packages, in a bid to attract European travelers to Macau for a deeper cultural exploration.

MGM Resorts International appoints Ayesha Molino as new COO

MGM Resorts International has announced significant leadership changes, appointing Ayesha Molino as the new Chief Operating Officer and Gary Fritz as Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital.

Table of Contents

Aristocrat Gaming teams up with Regency Casino to launch branded Pavilion in Thessaloniki

Aristocrat Gaming celebrates the opening of its Pavilion at Regency Casino Thessaloniki, marking a milestone in regional entertainment innovation.

Table of Contents

Evolution & Gaming Arts partner to bring online hits to casino floors

Evolution has announced an agreement with Gaming Arts LLC, under which Gaming Arts will adapt a selection of NetEnt’s most celebrated online slot titles for land-based casinos.

Table of Contents

Australia’s move to facilitate stablecoins not likely to prompt major change for crypto platforms

The move by Australia’s financial oversight watchdog to facilitate ‘growth and innovation in the digital assets and payments sectors’ is not likely to prompt any immediate change for the Australian crypto platforms.

DigiPlus introduces first-ever surety bond program for eligible players

Philippines gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has launched a surety bond program covering up to PHP1 million ($17,300) per player, in partnership with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc. (PhilFirst).

Table of Contents

Indonesia removes millions of gambling-related posts from digital space

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has removed approximately 2.8 million pieces of online content over the past year, with the vast majority linked to online gambling, officials announced on Wednesday in Jakarta.

Kendoo unleashes volcanic wins in the Forge of Vulcan slot

Kendoo, the fast-growing slot studio, has released Forge of Vulcan, a high-volatility slot that transports players to the molten core of the forge, where colossal multipliers await.

Table of Contents

Playson revitalizes its rare scatter-pays mechanic in Golden Penny x1000

Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, ups the ante in its latest Irish folklore release, Golden Penny x1000, with a rare 6×5 reelset, x20,000 max win and a bountiful Free Spins Bonus.

Table of Contents

Offshore betting surges after India’s online gambling ban: Report

Table of Contents

MGM drives engagement at the Experience Macao event in Lisbon

MGM joins the Experience Macao Roadshow in Lisbon to broaden its reach across Portugal and Europe, with the event hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) at Praça do Comércio from Sept. 17–21.

Table of Contents

ENQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

CONTACTS

FOLLOW AGB

MGM Resorts International has announced significant leadership changes, appointing Ayesha Molino as the new Chief Operating Officer and Gary Fritz as Chief Commercial Officer and President of MGM Digital.

Table of Contents

Aristocrat Gaming celebrates the opening of its Pavilion at Regency Casino Thessaloniki, marking a milestone in regional entertainment innovation.

Table of Contents

Evolution has announced an agreement with Gaming Arts LLC, under which Gaming Arts will adapt a selection of NetEnt’s most celebrated online slot titles for land-based casinos.

Table of Contents

The move by Australia’s financial oversight watchdog to facilitate ‘growth and innovation in the digital assets and payments sectors’ is not likely to prompt any immediate change for the Australian crypto platforms.

Philippines gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has launched a surety bond program covering up to PHP1 million ($17,300) per player, in partnership with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc. (PhilFirst).

Table of Contents

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has removed approximately 2.8 million pieces of online content over the past year, with the vast majority linked to online gambling, officials announced on Wednesday in Jakarta.

Kendoo, the fast-growing slot studio, has released Forge of Vulcan, a high-volatility slot that transports players to the molten core of the forge, where colossal multipliers await.

Table of Contents

Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, ups the ante in its latest Irish folklore release, Golden Penny x1000, with a rare 6×5 reelset, x20,000 max win and a bountiful Free Spins Bonus.

Table of Contents

India’s sweeping ban on online gambling has inadvertently driven punters to unregulated offshore platforms, undermining the government’s effort to curb betting-related harm, according to a recent AFP report.

Table of Contents

MGM joins the Experience Macao Roadshow in Lisbon to broaden its reach across Portugal and Europe, with the event hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) at Praça do Comércio from Sept. 17–21.

Table of Contents

ENQUIRIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

CONTACTS