Playson, an accomplished iGaming industry supplier, has secured a new agreement with Salsa Technology to deliver its licensed portfolio to the aggregator’s Brazilian operator network.
Following a direct integration with Salsa Technology’s state-of-the-art content aggregation platform, Salsa Gator, Playson’s top-performing titles will now be available to local operators, including popular releases from its Hold and Win collection such as Coin Strike 2, Diamonds Power and Energy Coins.
The agreement builds on Playson’s strategy for continued growth in the LatAm region, where it continues to delight a broad audience across multiple markets with mobile-first, immersive gameplay. Since launching in Brazil earlier this year after receiving approval from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), Playson’s content continues to grab the attention of local players.
Established in 2012, Salsa Technology is a leading aggregator offering more than 19,000 games from over 110 partner providers through one integration. By offering Playson’s award-winning games, the premium aggregator’s partners will benefit from new content that is underpinned by powerful mechanics, localized themes and popular game types that are proven to perform on a global scale.
Cristhian Zito, Head of LatAm Squad at Playson, said: “Salsa Technology is the ideal partner to further drive our growth in the Brazilian iGaming market”.
The recovery of the Philippine tourism industry is expected to play a pivotal role in driving the country’s casino sector, particularly benefiting brick-and-mortar operators, according to a report by Unicapital Securities Inc.
According to the Inquirer, in its midyear outlook, the Philippines-based full-service securities brokerage firm identified tourism as ‘a key area to watch,’ noting that the sector’s growth trajectory is ‘moving in the right direction.’ The firm stressed that stronger tourist inflows could reinvigorate gross gaming revenues (GGR) across all casino segments while supporting growth in operators’ ancillary businesses, including hospitality services.
The Philippines welcomed 5.9 million foreign arrivals in 2024, falling short of the ambitious 7.7 million target but still marking a significant rebound from pandemic lows. The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that 2,905,363 international tourists arrived in the first six months of this year, prompting officials to recalibrate year-end projections amid global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions affecting travel patterns.
South Korea and the United States remain the country’s top source markets, while Chinese arrivals have declined sharply due to the continued suspension of e-visa issuance for Chinese nationals. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco acknowledged this challenge, noting that China was one of the Philippines’ primary source markets before the pandemic.
To offset the decline in traditional markets, the DOT has rolled out visa-free entry for Indian and Taiwanese travelers, with direct Delhi–Manila flights expected to launch later this year. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on conventional source markets and attract visitors from emerging economies.
Unicapital emphasized that sustained recovery requires the Philippines to ‘go beyond recovery and focus on reinvention — a sharper brand, tourist-friendly policies, and seamless travel experiences.’
Casino sector reflects tourism trends
The gaming industry’s performance has closely mirrored tourism patterns, as illustrated by Bloomberry Resorts Corp.’s operations. According to Unicapital, Bloomberry‘s VIP segment at Solaire Entertainment City has come under pressure from junket closures and stricter Chinese visa policies following the exodus of Philippine offshore gaming operators. VIP gaming’s contribution to Bloomberry’s GGR fell from 40 percent in 1Q23 to 29 percent in 1Q24, and further to 19 percent in 1Q25.
By contrast, the mass-market segment at Solaire North in Quezon City has continued to gain momentum. Unicapital suggests that with a gradual recovery in foreign tourist arrivals, the VIP segment’s rebound may be ‘on the horizon.’
Tourism GDP contribution still below pre-COVID levels
Tourism accounted for 8.9 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product in 2024, generating PHP2.4 trillion ($43.6 billion) for the economy — an 11 percent year-on-year increase. Despite the growth, the figure remains below the pre-pandemic peak of PHP2.5 trillion ($45.4 billion) in 2020.
Unicapital attributed the gap mainly to the accommodation sector’s ongoing underperformance, weighed down by the sluggish recovery in international tourist arrivals.
The firm noted that visa facilitation in the Philippines remains less competitive compared to regional peers, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam offering more flexible and technology-enabled systems. According to World Economic Forum data, the Philippines also scored lowest among regional neighbors in tourist services and infrastructure.
Even so, Unicapital sees ‘massive headroom’ for growth. ‘With investments and support from both the public and private sectors, Philippine tourism holds the potential to regain — and even surpass — its former glory,’ the brokerage concluded.
A prominent New Zealand National Rugby League (NRL) player has been charged by Australian authorities for alleged sports betting and drugs charges.
According to reports, South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Brandon Smith is set to appear in court on September 18th.
The hooker (a position in rugby) is alleged to have supplied dangerous drugs and used or disclosed inside information for betting.
The Queensland police indicate that the investigation is ongoing.
Smith had previously been questioned by authorities but later released without charge, indicating that the athlete had been “cooperative”.
Smith’s club indicated that they are aware of the allegations and have informed the NRL’s Integrity Unit.
Authorities did not provide further details into the type of betting information Smith may have provided, or what potential gains could have been realized due to the disclosure.
Reports indicate that maximum charges could carry a penalty of up to 15 years.
Organized by MGM, the 8th MGM Golden Lion Summer Camp was successfully held from August 13 to 15, 2025. For the first time, the event was held in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Themed on “Unleashing Youth Potential”, the three-day, two-night camp featured not only comprehensive training but also site visits to key national livelihood projects in the zone. This initiative aimed to help young participants explore their potential, expand their social networks, and strengthen their capacities, while also deepening their understanding of the opportunities and challenges in the zone. This year’s camp attracted 200 junior and high school students from over 40 local schools, setting a new record in both participation and school representation.
Participants engaged in a variety of integrated training activities, combining outdoor orienteering, team-building exercises, and creative problem-solving challenges, aiming to cultivate their adaptability and collaboration skills. The itinerary also featured visits to key livelihood projects in Hengqin, such as the BY-HEALTH Transparent Factory and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, providing participants with firsthand insights into the zone’s latest developments.
The camp was officially kicked off with a ceremony held on August 13 at the MGM MACAU Ballroom, where distinguished guests encouraged the participants to embrace this meaningful journey of cultivating independence and personal growth.
Wendy Yu, Executive Vice President of Human Resources of MGM, said, “MGM has long been committed to promoting the holistic development of youth. Through diverse experiential learning activities, we aim to help them discover their potential, understand the importance of teamwork, and develop problem-solving skills. Since its launch in 2012, the Golden Lion Summer Camp has been well-received by local youth and continues to grow in both scale and content. Our objective is to provide enriching training that empowers the younger generation to enhance themselves and unlock their potential, nurturing future leaders for Macau. As this year marks our first venture into Hengqin, we hope participants will grow through challenges, build confidence through collaboration in this camp, thus contributing to Macau’s integration in national development with youthful energy.”
Indian authorities are now investigating numerous shell companies and casinos in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Georgia, linked to a money laundering case involving a top Indian politician.
According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating possible links between Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra (also know as ‘Puppy’) and online and offline betting operators.
The ED over the weekend named five casinos in Goa, including Casino Gold, Oceans Rivers Casino, Casino Pride, Ocean 7 Casino and Big Daddy Casino, as well as online betting sides as being linked to the politician.
Authorities believe that the casino operations were assisting in laundering money derived from cyber fraud.
Authorities are also looking into casinos in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Georgia, after indications that Veerendra may have been using them as offshore businesses.
According to reports, authorities found “profit-sharing details from some premises for casinos operating outside India”.
Veerendra is being held in custody until August 28th, after his arrest in Sikkim on Saturday.
The politician is also being investigated over his move to purchase Land Casino from ‘lottery king’ Santiago Martin, who is under a separate investigation for money laundering.
Martin is known for large political contributions to various Indian political parties.
Australia’s financial watchdog has mandated that Binance appoint an external auditory ‘after identifying serious concerns with the crypto exchange’s anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) controls’.
Binance’s Australian arm, Investbybit Pty Ltd, is registered under the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (AUSTRAC) as a digital currency exchange provider.
The financial oversight body notes that the latest action against Binance ‘follows regulatory engagement across the priority sector’.
Binance is widely regarded as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, with a market valuation of over $62 billion. It holds regulatory approvals and permissions in around 20 jurisdictions.
AUSTRAC’s CEO, Brendan Thomas, noted that “AUSTRAC is committed to working with industry to ensure strong safeguards are in place to make it harder for criminals to move and conceal illicit funds using digital currencies”.
The executive furthered that “Big global operators may appear well resourced and positioned to meet complex regulatory requirements, but if they don’t understand local money laundering and terrorism financing risks, they are failing to meet their AML/CTF obligations in Australia”.
This is not the first time that Binance has come under regulatory oversight, having previously paid over $4 billion to resolve a United States Justice Department investigation in 2023, a CN$6 million ($4.38 million) administrative penalty in 2024 by Canadian authorities and recently skirting a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) civil lawsuit.
AUSTRAC notes that its concerns over Binance’s Australian operations were ‘prompted by several issues including Binance’s latest independent review which was limited in scope relative to its size, business offerings and risks’.
The watchdog also ‘flagged concerns with high staff turnover at Binance and a lack of local resourcing and senior management oversight, raising questions about the adequacy of its AML/CTF governance’.
Binance Australia was given 28 days (from August 22nd) to nominate external auditors for AUSTRAC’s consideration and selection.
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.
Team King Investment (CNMI) LLC successfully completed the acquisition of Imperial Pacific International (IPI) casino assetswith a $12.95 million bid.
According to The Northern Marianas Variety, the full acquisition took place on August 20th, following a court-approved auction in which Team King won the bid on February 26th, 2025.
Judge Robert J. Faris discharged an earlier order related to IPI’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, as the sale was finalized before the August 21st deadline.
IPI had operated a casino in Saipan for four years before closing in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently filed for bankruptcy in April 2024, reporting liabilities exceeding $165.8 million.
The sale faced delays primarily due to disputes regarding IPI’s ground lease with the Department of Public Lands. During a recent court hearing, it was confirmed that the escrow was fully funded, and the transaction was closed. The committee of creditors is now working with IPI to distribute funds to claimants.
Additionally, IPI’s storage issues with Saipan Stevedoring Company were addressed, with Team King agreeing to assume responsibility for any storage fees incurred post-closing and planning to remove containers from the facility soon. A hearing regarding the storage fees is scheduled for October 2nd, 2025.
Team King Investment stated before that if it successfully finalized the acquisition of the Imperial Pacific Resort and decided to complete the ongoing construction, an additional $150 million would be needed to finish the casino resort.
DATA.BET, a trusted sportsbook solution supplier, will present its expanded portfolio at SBC Summit 2025 in Lisbon, stand D160. The company now offers a unified solution covering sports, esports, and virtual sports.
From September 16 to 18, the company’s representatives will unveil the updated product suite. Building on its established presence in esports and virtual sports betting, DATA.BET has expanded into traditional sports betting, covering over 50,000 sports events per month across 63+ pre-match and 38 live sports disciplines. The company’s 24/7 in-house trading team maintains 93% market uptime while delivering 1000+ betting markets backed by official data partnerships.
Each betting vertical, as well as individual sports and leagues within them, can be activated separately or combined based on market needs. Operators can instantly launch the complete sportsbook solution through a ready-to-use Single Page Application (iFrame), while those with an existing betting platform can integrate directly via the Odds Feed API.
At SBC Summit, visitors will explore DATA.BET’s core products: Risk Management system, Odds Feed, Widgets, Streams, SPA (iFrame), and Bet Builder available for all three verticals. The latest features joined our comprehensive suite include Hot Bundles for express betting optimization and Timeline Widget for enhanced game process tracking.
“This marks our first offline presentation of the complete sportsbook solution we launched in May with our full product range and latest features for betting,” said Natalie Loshatynska, Head of PR & Marketing at DATA.BET. “We look forward to showing SBC Summit participants how our technology empowers operators and platform providers to offer their clients a more dynamic and engaging betting experience.”
Discover DATA.BET’s betting technology solution at stand D160. Connect with the team at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
Creating a one-of-a-kind wagering experience for Kentucky and nearby fans, the book boasts a 5,100-square-foot venue featuring an 80-foot-wide LED viewing screen, 31-foot odds board, luxury seating, live VSiN broadcast studio, and a mix of staffed betting counters and self-service kiosks.
Executives including Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of Circa Sports; Mike Palm, Vice President of Operations for Circa Sports; Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone, Co-Managing Partners of The Mint Gaming properties and Kentucky Downs; and Johan Mirkovic, Vice President and General Manager of The Mint Gaming Hall, took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Additionally, former Kentucky Representative Adam Koenig joined in for the festivities. Koenig was critical in building the groundwork for sports betting in the state, paving the way for Circa Sports Kentucky.
“Today marks an incredible milestone for Circa Sports Kentucky,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of Circa Sports. “We are grateful to our partners at The Mint and former Representative Koenig on their important roles in getting us to the opening. We know the state of Kentucky is passionate about sports, and whether you’ve an avid bettor or a passionate fan, this will be the ultimate viewing destination.”
The Mint co-managing partner Marc Falcone said, “This transcends any experience today in Kentucky from a sports-betting perspective. We made a commitment to build a first-class facility here with Circa Sports. And after spending a lot of time with Derek and his facility in Las Vegas, we thought it was a good match not only for our mutual partnership but for them coming into the state of Kentucky. This will be, by far, the best place to watch and bet any live sporting event in Kentucky and Tennessee.”
In addition to the retail venue, Circa Sports has a mobile app, available across Kentucky, giving players statewide access to a full menu of betting options – straight bets, parlays, futures, and live in-game wagering – backed by Circa’s reputation for competitive odds and transparent limits.
Circa Sports has become known for a leadership team consisting of the top oddsmakers with a menu featuring some of the best odds in the country. Kentucky marked the fifth state for the Las Vegas-based brand, which also operates in Nevada, Illinois, Iowa and Colorado.
