The operator of South Korean foreigner-only casino Jeju Shinhwa World has announced the rebranding of its casino to LES A Casino, replacing the Landing brand that was previously labelled as.
The company notes that the change aims at highlighting its efforts to lead in the industry, with the letter A indicating its plans to be the “first” within the sector.
It now is working to attract more clientele from its main source markets, looking to Japan and North Asia, while also aiming further abroad.
The company is actively trying to boost revenue, as its 1H25 results failed to shine, with its loss increasing by 5.55 percent year-on-year to HK$244.39 million ($31.35 million).
The group at the time of the results announcement cited economic headwinds, disrupted flights to Jeju and dampened consumer spending.
Kambi, the home of premium sports betting solutions, has released its new ebook, Odds feed reimagined: From commodity to catalyst, exploring how the odds feed is evolving from a commoditised product into a catalyst for sportsbook innovation.
The ebook outlines the shortcomings of traditional odds feeds, including resource-intensive integrations and homogenous pricing, and demonstrates how the modern odds feed can overcome these challenges through premium quality, breadth of choice and trusted reliability.
+quality – Actively traded odds enhanced by AI and official data sources for superior accuracy and margins
+choice – Access to more than one million pre-match and 450,000 live markets annually across 100+ sports, available through a single API
+trust – Reliability from a publicly listed provider live in over 60 regulated jurisdictions with a proven record of long-term stability
Simon Noy, SVP Trading at Kambi, said: “For too long, odds feeds have been treated as a commodity with a focus on prioritising coverage. With Odds Feed+, we’ve created something different: a next-generation feed that combines the power of our global network, AI-driven trading and modular design. This isn’t just about providing odds — it’s about giving operators the competitive edge they need to differentiate, localise and innovate at scale.”
The Philippines and Cambodia are further tightening links to combat human trafficking and cybercrime, boosted by the visit of the Philippine President to the nation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. oversaw the exchanges on the topics during his recent visit, noting that there are “pressing challenges that cut across borders, (such as) human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit drugs, and other transnational threats” that “affect the safety of our citizens and the stability of our societies.”
The strengthening of law enforcement collaboration furthers a 2016 MOU drawn up between the two nations’ police forces.
It also comes as both the Philippines and Cambodia struggle to fight recruitment drives for fraud centers, partially due to the shut down of the Philippine offshore gaming (POGO) sector and subsequent migration of certain operators into Cambodia and other regions.
DATA.BET, a trusted sportsbook solution supplier, has announced a strategic partnership with a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, Pragmatic Play, to expand the gaming provider’s new esports betting product.
Through the collaboration, Pragmatic Play Sports will be able to provide an esports solution that combines premium content with official data and best-in-class streaming technology.
DATA.BET will deliver its complete esports offering, giving Pragmatic Play Sports access to its odds feed and customisable Multi Widget that combines Scoreboards, Pitch Tracker, and low-latency live Video Streaming into a single interface, marking another step in DATA.BET’s roadmap for scaling esports accessibility across the betting industry.
Pragmatic Play Sports customers now have access to DATA.BET’s entire catalogue of 30+ esports disciplines, which includes some of the world’s most in-demand esports titles, such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, EA Sports FC, Valorant, and League of Legends.
“This is a long-term alignment where we will grow in the esports space together and deliver a strong, revenue-generating product to Pragmatic Play Sports and their clients,” said Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “We are eager to collaborate with such a forward-looking team and continue delivering tools that help drive global growth. For DATA.BET, the project reinforces its strategy of delivering modular, scalable integrations to global leading partners.”
Gareth Crook, SVP of Sports at Pragmatic Play, added: “We’re delighted to expand our new esports product in conjunction with DATA.BET. This partnership delivers a complete esports solution powered by official data, giving operators reliable pricing and extensive event and market uptime. Alongside this, Pragmatic Play provides a premium range of managed services – including trading and risk management of esports – to ensure operators have the confidence and support they need. Esports is one of the fastest-growing global betting verticals, and this launch reinforces our commitment to an official-data approach while adding a truly dynamic new product to our already extensive portfolio.”
The CEO of MGM Resorts, Bill Hornbuckle, expressed surprise that the UAE government has not yet granted a casino licence for its $2.5 billion beachfront resort in Dubai. Despite the delay, Hornbuckle remains confident in the long-term prospects of the project, which is expected to open in 2028.
Speaking at a gaming industry conference, as reported by Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI), Hornbuckle revealed that MGM had anticipated a decision on the casino license by now. “I thought by now, Abu Dhabi would have ruled on what they were doing,” he said.
“There’s a lot of dialogue around that.” MGM’s Dubai resort is under construction on a 25-acre man-made island near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab, with plans to include the MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Aria hotels, along with a podium structure designed to house a casino if approved.
In September 2024, MGM confirmed that the company had officially applied for a casino license to the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), with approval potentially coming from both the federal government in Abu Dhabi and the local rulers of individual emirates. This regulatory framework allows individual emirates, like Dubai, to decide on gaming permissions within their jurisdictions.
While MGM awaits approval, competition in the UAE’s casino market is intensifying. Last month, Wynn Resorts’ CEO Craig Billings stated that the company expects its resort in Ras Al Khaimah, slated to open in 2027, to be the first and only casino in the country.
Wynn is also eyeing expansion, having recently acquired an additional 70 acres of land for a potential second casino. Analysts predict the UAE’s casino market could generate annual revenues as high as $8 billion, with Wynn anticipating a monopoly in the market for the foreseeable future.
Despite the competitive landscape, Hornbuckle remains optimistic about MGM’s Dubai resort. He emphasized that the project’s 250,000-square-foot podium is already built and could be converted into a casino if granted approval. “We don’t have permission yet from the ruler of Dubai to go forward,” he said, “but I do believe this […] If this gets a casino, and I believe it will over time, we think it’s a massive opportunity.”
Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI) also cited sources familiar with the matter who have suggested that it is unlikely Wynn will be the only operator in the UAE, leaving the door open for MGM to secure the necessary approvals in the future.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expects the country’s gaming industry to achieve gross gaming revenues (GGR) of $7 billion in 2025, while the agency continues to progress its privatization plans to separate its dual roles as operator and regulator, according to a press release from the agency.
Speaking at an event in Manila on September 9th, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco revealed that industry GGR has nearly doubled over the past two years, climbing from $3.75 billion in 2022 to $6.5 billion in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, revenues have already reached $3.8 billion, putting the sector on track to achieve its full-year target of $7 billion.
PAGCOR’s own revenues in the first half reached $1 billion, reflecting the robust growth across the Philippine gaming market.
Gaming sector drives unprecedented growth
“These numbers affirm the Philippines’ place as one of the fastest-growing and most important gaming markets in Asia,” Tengco said, emphasizing that reforms have been implemented to ensure growth remains both sustainable and responsible.
The PAGCOR chief attributed the significant expansion to the rapid rise of electronic gaming (e-games), while noting that regulatory oversight must evolve to maintain integrity and player protection standards. Recent measures by the gaming agency include launching the PAGCOR Guarantee Page to verify licensed platforms, implementing responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits, and establishing a 24-hour helpline in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Foundation.
The agency has also banned the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting, tightened gambling advertisement rules in collaboration with the Ad Standards Council, and enhanced coordination with law enforcement and cybercrime agencies to combat illegal online gambling.
While celebrating the industry’s performance, the PAGCOR chief reiterated plans to decouple the agency’s dual functions as both gaming operator and regulator. “PAGCOR’s dual role has served its purpose in the past, but as the industry matured, it became clear that – in layman’s terms – a referee cannot also be a player on the same field,” he explained.
As previously reported, PAGCOR is actively pursuing the privatization of its casinos, with a targeted start date now set for early 2026. The initiative, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to create a more level and ethical playing field for the Philippine gaming industry by separating PAGCOR’s operational and regulatory responsibilities.
The timeline has been adjusted from initial mid-2025 projections to accommodate the necessary amendment of PAGCOR’s charter, a process expected to conclude in 2025. Before decoupling can proceed, PAGCOR must first secure approval from the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG), which is currently reviewing the required documentation.
The privatization plan involves selling its 45 casinos operated under the Casino Filipino brand nationwide. PAGCOR’s Chairman has cited conservative revenue estimates of PHP60 billion to PHP80 billion ($1.05 billion to $1.4 billion) from the privatization, though other projections have reached as high as PHP120 billion to PHP128 billion ($2.10 billion to $2.24 billion).
To maximize value for potential buyers, PAGCOR is modernizing its Casino Filipino properties through facility upgrades and the installation of new slot machines. Tengco assured that Casino Filipino employees would be protected through redeployment, absorption by privatized operators, or competitive retirement benefits once the gaming operations privatization takes place.
The decoupling process requires careful legal consideration as PAGCOR operates under Presidential Decree 1869 and Republic Act 9487.
Macau gaming operator Sands China has announced its win in the Best Printed Marketing Campaign (Industry) category at the PATA Gold Awards 2025, for its publication In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens.
The annual awards recognise exceptional and innovative tourism initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and are among of the most sought-after accolades in the industry.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has been the official sponsor since 1995, as a contribution to help foster a sustainable tourism industry in the region. This international recognition not only affirms Sands China’s efforts in community revitalisation, but also highlights the company’s positive impact on preserving and promoting Macao’s cultural heritage in the local community.
An initiative of Sands China’s community revitalisation programme, “In Search of Its Roots” was published under the patronage of the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and fully supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau.
The project was led and produced by Sands China, in collaboration with a dedicated team of local cultural and artistic professionals, including the Macao Artist Society, author Siguo Chen, and illustrator Shirley Lu. Every aspect of the publication – from interviewing, translating and editing to photography, illustrations, printing and layout – was carried out by local professionals.
Siguo ChenShirley Lu
The initiative brought together the strength of the Macao community to tell the story of Rua das Estalagens through the voices of its people. The author conducted in-depth interviews with neighbourhood associations, merchants, and residents, capturing vivid oral histories that portray the street’s past characters, historical moments, and treasured cultural anecdotes.
The book serves as a lasting record of Rua das Estalagens, paying tribute to the unsung heroes who shaped Macao’s past and inviting both locals and visitors to rediscover the street’s historical evolution. It has been added to school and public library collections across Macao, offering younger generations a window into a true record of local people and the past of the city’s cultural landscape, while inspiring them to preserve community history.
“Our initial purpose in publishing ‘In Search of Its Roots’ – part of Sands China’s revitalisation initiatives for Rua das Estalagens – was to harness community strength to record the rich cultural atmosphere and unique neighbourhood stories of this historic street, reignite the district’s century-old prosperity, and rediscover the enduring cultural heritage of the area,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. “This exquisite booklet, crafted by local teams with ingenuity and acclaimed by PATA, not only demonstrates Macao’s cultural and creative strengths on a global stage by telling a fascinating story about the city to the world, but also broadens public understanding of our history.”
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China
“We would like to express our gratitude to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the judging panel for their recognition and we thank the Macao Artist Society, author Siguo Chen, illustrator Shirley Lu, and other partners for their collaboration. Sands China looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Macao SAR government and the local community to promote more ‘tourism + culture’ projects, demonstrating Macao’s cultural depth and innovative vitality.”
Sands China has carried out its community revitalisation programme in collaboration with the Macao SAR government since September 2023. In April 2024, the company took one of the first steps in the programme by launching the Community Revitalisation Series – Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens to support the development of local businesses and boost the neighbourhood’s economy.
Beyond supporting new entrepreneurs, Sands China’s revitalisation efforts have also benefited long-standing traditional businesses. Several historic storefronts were beautified by local artists in a partnership between Sands China and the Macau Artist Society, aiming to gradually create a new ecosystem in the area. The shopfronts’ new imaginative designs highlight the characteristics of the shops and resonate with the history of the street and the city.
The digital version of “In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens” can be viewed and downloaded here.
Stretch Network, a B2B online poker software provider, has announced plans to present its latest solutions at the SBC Summit Lisbon, taking place September 16–18 at Feira Internacional de Lisboa.
Visitors can find the company at stand B155. As in previous years, Stretch Network is excited to be part of this major industry event—meeting partners, making new connections, and sharing its passion for poker.
This year, Stretch is bringing a few new updates to SBC Summit, the highlight being the unveiling of its new NFT collection, Lift Only Up SN, created in collaboration with Ortak Marketplace. The collection introduces a fresh way for communities to engage with the Stretch brand.
In addition, Stretch will showcase its redesigned mobile platform with the newly launched Android app, while development of the iOS version is already underway. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the engaging Mystery Bounty tournament format.
Abelson Sports, a leading provider of sports data solutions, has entered into a strategic distribution partnership with Kero Gaming, an industry-leading micro betting supplier.
Through the partnership, Abelson’s full Football Player Markets (FPM) will be integrated into Kero’s distribution framework, providing Kero partners with seamless access to an expansive range of complementary pre-match and in-play football player betting options.
Abelson’s FPM includes a comprehensive suite of goal scorer markets and player metric markets such as shots, shots on target and assists – all delivered in real-time.
Simon Temple, Chief Operations Officer at Abelson Sports, said: “Partnering with Kero Sports allows us to bring the full power of our Football Player Markets to their growing network of sportsbook operators with zero integration barriers. Kero’s expertise in delivering fast, engaging betting experiences is the perfect match for our data-rich player content, and we’re excited to see how their partners leverage this to enhance their offerings.”
Tomash Devenishek, CEO at Kero Sports, added: “Partnering with Abelson is a direct response to market demand. Our partners have consistently asked for Kero to expand into player props, and while our focus remains on building best-in-class micro markets, this partnership allows us to complement that strength with a best-in-class props solution – delivering the breadth of markets our partners want without losing sight of our core vision.”
BVGroup, a leading gambling operator and technology solutions provider, has partnered with player engagement specialist ThrillTech to launch its licensed ThrillPots™ jackpot solution across its portfolio of brands.
BVGroup operates a suite of renowned brands, including BetVictor, Heart Bingo, talkSPORT BET, and Betano UK. This integration introduces a fresh wave of entertainment for BVGroup customers, enabling bespoke side-bet jackpots that add excitement to every spin, hand, and wager.
ThrillPots allows players to opt-in and contribute to progressive jackpots without interrupting core gameplay – creating the chance for surprise and thrilling wins.
With ThrillPots, these brands can now offer players dynamic jackpot products designed to heighten engagement and bring a new dimension of fun across both the Gaming and Sportsbook products.
Ben Bradtke, co-founder of ThrillTech, said: “Partnering with BVGroup, a household name in the UK, makes ThrillTech’s entry into this vibrant market even more exciting. Our ThrillPots solution is built to deliver entertainment – jackpots that surprise, excite and keep players engaged. BVGroup’s reputation for delivering player-first experiences makes them an ideal partner.”
Eoin Ryan, Director of Sportsbook and eGaming at BVGroup, added: “At BVGroup, we’re always exploring ways to bring our players something new, exciting and memorable. ThrillTech’s ThrillPots is a flexible new jackpot mechanic that enhances the thrill of play, offering engaging experiences while maintaining the high standards of fairness and enjoyment our players expect.”
