The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has launched its new “PAGCOR Guarantee” website, aimed at combating illegal online gaming and enhancing player protection.
The platform allows the public to verify the legitimacy of online gaming providers amid a surge of fraudulent sites.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco announced the initiative, highlighting its importance for players and stakeholders. “This new website will help our players easily identify and verify whether the online gaming sites are duly licensed before playing or making any payments”, he stated in an announcement.
The PAGCOR Guarantee site offers a regularly updated list of licensed internet gaming platforms overseen by PAGCOR. It also enables players to access these gaming sites directly from the page.
Tengco emphasized that the new platform is part of PAGCOR’s intensified campaign to promote safe and responsible gaming. He urged the public to verify the legitimacy of any gaming platforms they use, especially given the rising number of complaints regarding sites that fail to pay out winnings.
“Illegal online gaming sites not only endanger players but also erode public trust and deprive the government of vital revenues”, Tengco remarked. “The PAGCOR Guarantee is a key component of our regulatory framework to protect both the industry and the Filipino people.”
Styliana Kalogreadou, Head of Customer Success at iGATE and a leading voice in iGaming product strategy, joined industry peers on a highly anticipated panel at SBC Summit Malta where the spotlight was firmly placed on player retention strategies in a highly competitive, tech-driven landscape.
During the panel, Styliana emphasised the critical shift in how retention is approached and dealt with in iGaming companies, highlighting the growing importance of proactive, data-informed decisions over traditional reactive methods.
“Recently, all the tech advancements have allowed us to be not reactive, but proactive — to track player behaviours, understand their actions and even calculate what’s coming next based on the data we collect,” she said. “We’re seeing data being operationalised across teams, turning insights and data into immediate, impactful actions.”
Styliana also addressed the broader digital attention economy, acknowledging that iGaming is no longer competing solely within its own vertical, but now had to compete with major social platforms such as TikTok or Instagram.
“Essentially, we are competing with all digital platforms for time and attention. We want the player to stay engaged, logged in, and entertained for as long as possible.”
Another key topic of discussion during the debate was personalisation and frictionless experience — which are also central pillars of player retention today.
“If the user doesn’t have a seamless experience — too many steps, too much friction — they will leave. We need to focus on product experience first, even before we reach out to the player. Simplicity is key: don’t make them click 20 times just to register.”
Styliana Kalogreadou
When asked which KPIs are often overlooked in retention strategies, she also emphasised session time and session days.
“Engagement data tells the real story. A player might take the bonus and leave, but if we see strong session days and session duration, it means we’re doing something right — and that’s what we continue building on.”
Her insights reflected a product-first philosophy that puts user experience and intelligent personalisation at the heart of long-term engagement.
Styliana concluded by reiterating the importance of aligning product design with user needs: “Everything ties back to the product. If the experience isn’t seamless, we lose the player. Our focus must be on continuously enhancing what we offer — not just reaching out to the user, but giving them reasons to stay from the first interaction.”
The panel sparked robust discussion and marked a highlight of the SBC Summit Malta, offering actionable insights into how operators can rethink customer retention in 2025 and beyond.
PopOK Gaming has launched Rico Tiger, a new online slot that combines minimal elegance with quietly compelling gameplay. Inspired by Eastern design, this release offers a lighter experience built around strong visuals, seamless performance, and a few well-placed surprises.
With 5 fixed paylines, Wild symbols, and a Wheel Bonus that can bring wins of over 500x, Rico Tiger is designed for players who prefer a straightforward approach with enough momentum to keep things interesting. The animations are fluid, the layout is clean, and the pace is easy to follow, making it an ideal game to pick up and play on a break, a commute, or a quiet evening in.
Tsovinar Elchyan, Head of Partnerships at PopOK Gaming
One of the standout aspects of Rico Tiger is its clean visual direction. Rather than relying on heavy effects or complex mechanics, it leans into balance, letting simple interactions, intuitive controls, and thoughtful design take the lead.
“We’ve always believed that simplicity, when done right, can be just as impactful as complexity,” said Tsovinar Elchyan, Head of Partnerships at PopOK Gaming. “Rico Tiger reflects that thinking. It’s a quiet game with a strong core, designed to feel good whether you’re playing for five minutes or fifty.”
Fully optimized for both mobile and desktop, the Rico Tiger slot game adapts effortlessly to different screens without losing clarity or flow. It’s now live across all platforms that support PopOK Gaming content.
According to The Guardian, he suggested that the government might abandon cashless gambling initiatives altogether, prompting backlash from charity and advocacy groups.
Minns’ comments came after a trial launched in early 2024, which aimed to address issues of gambling harm and money laundering through the state’s nearly 90,000 poker machines.
Despite the trial’s intent, it attracted only 14 active participants, leading to concerns about its effectiveness. The trial’s findings suggested cashless gaming should be mandatory by 2028, yet the government has yet to respond formally.
In his remarks, Minns described the trial as largely ineffective, citing high compliance costs and a lack of significant impact on problem gambling rates. This response triggered reactions from organizations like Wesley Mission, which argued that Minns misrepresented the trial’s outcomes, emphasizing it was designed to test cashless technology, not change gambling behavior.
The NSW Council of Social Service also expressed concern, urging the government to prioritize the panel’s recommendations to mitigate gambling harm. Critics, including Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, labeled Minns’ comments a “cop out,” while Labor MP David Saliba expressed hope for further reforms.
Minns’ office declined to comment on the criticism, but a gaming minister spokesperson acknowledged the complexities of reform in this area.
Hub88 has announced a new strategic partnership with fast-growing casino content provider, Victory Ark Gaming (VA Gaming), to accelerate the studio’s worldwide growth.
Through the deal, VA Gaming joins Hub88’s expanding roster of studio partners, with the brand’s mobile-optimised slot, fishing, and crash games, such as Mahjong Self-Drawn Win 3, Inca Zuma and Golden Empire 2, being delivered to operators via an easy-to-use API.
VA Gaming offers more than 50 scalable HTML5 games, impressive audiovisual design and popular mechanics, which are underpinned by 20 years’ industry experience. After more than seven years of growth in Asian markets, the online casino provider is now pursuing expansion across Europe, the US and LatAm.
The agreement demonstrates Hub88’s trusted position as a partner to studios looking to expand their presence globally, with its proven track record of delivering increased brand visibility for more than 200 top suppliers.
Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome VA Gaming to our platform. Their portfolio of vibrant, mobile-first titles is a perfect fit for operators in a multitude of markets, and we’re confident they will resonate strongly with our partners. We pride ourselves on helping studios grow by opening the doors to new audiences, and this partnership is another great example of how we enable content providers to scale rapidly across global markets.”
David, Head of Sales at VA Gaming, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hub88 to combine our creativity with their industry renowned aggregation platform. Our fresh and engaging content library is continually growing, and we look forward to reaching new audiences as we commit to expanding into new continents.”
Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, is continuing its North American expansion after extending its partnership into Delaware with Rush Street Interactive, a leading online casino and sports betting company in the United States and the rest of the Americas.
The deal will see Greentube’s premium titles launch exclusively with Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers platform in Delaware, making RSI the sole operator in the state to offer Greentube content.
BetRivers players will be the first to experience a curated lineup of Greentube’s newest and most engaging titles, including Piggy Prizes™ Wand of Riches 2™, Silver Lux Triple Bonus Gems, and Little Cluckers™.
Also included in the launch is a collection of classic fan-favourites that have already proven successful with BetRivers players in other markets, such as Thunder Cash™ Dolphin’s Pearl, Charming Lady’s Boom™, and Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, as well as hits from the popular Diamond Cash™ series.
The exclusive partnership marks Greentube’s debut in Delaware and further strengthens its relationship with Rush Street Interactive, building on successful collaborations in New Jersey and Ontario, with Pennsylvania also in the pipeline.
This latest move underscores Greentube’s strategic focus on US markets and its commitment to delivering unique, high-quality gaming experiences to regulated jurisdictions across North America.
Patryk Igras, Sales & Key Account Manager at Greentube
Patryk Igras, Sales & Key Account Manager at Greentube, said: “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Rush Street Interactive by launching in Delaware with their many casino partners in the state. Players in The First State can now enjoy our top-performing Greentube titles, which have consistently been favourites in regulated markets across the US and beyond.”
Richard Schwartz, CEO at Rush Street Interactive, said: “We’re thrilled to be the exclusive partner of Greentube in Delaware and to further strengthen our collaboration with one of the most recognisable content providers in the industry. BetRivers is always committed to offering top-quality and differentiated gaming experiences, and Greentube’s proven portfolio of games will be a fantastic addition for our players in the state.”
Good Morning. Macau’s gaming-centric economy has undergone numerous ups and downs over the years. And its recovery from COVID has been nothing short of remarkable. But that doesn’t mean that it’s immune to negative factors, warns a local think tank. Meanwhile, IGT has indicated that it’s rebranding as it sells off its gaming business, now going by Brightstar Lottery. And in Southeast Asia, gaming operators saw solid increases in their Fortune Southeast Asia 500 rankings, with DigiPlus seeing a massive jump.
Macau has benefited from a strong economic recovery in the tourism and gaming sectors since the end of the pandemic. But it is still facing headwinds from other areas, indicating that the world’s gaming hub is not invulnerable. While analysts are predicting even better results from the gaming sector in the second half of the year, issues such as the closure of satellite casinos and decreased consumer confidence in China raise some concerns.
With over 30% of global gaming revenue projected to come from Asia soon, the window of opportunity is wide open. Bettorify’s white-label and turnkey solutions deliver what most platforms miss: sharp execution backed by real local expertise.
Thai nationals employed at casinos, gambling establishments and entertainment operations in Poipet, Cambodia, have been prohibited from crossing the border out of Thailand since Tuesday.
Thailand’s Army has been enforcing stricter measures along its border with Cambodia due to the heightened tensions between the two nations.
No set date has been indicated for the lifting of the ban, meaning it will remain in place until such time as the authorities retract the decision.
It came into effect at 8am on Tuesday and also includes travel for ‘gambling purposes’.
The two nations have been involved in tit-for-tat measures, with the new border-crossing ban coming after Cambodia banned the import of fresh fruit and vegetables from Thailand.
Thailand had previously announced that it was stepping up efforts to dismantle scam operations and illegal casinos along its border with Cambodia, ahead of the first Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in over a decade.
However, this move now targets legal operations.
The Royal Thai Army has urged the public to stay attentive to potential changes to the situation via its website: ww.rta.mi.th, or through its Facebook Pages: Royal Thai Army and Royal Thai Army Spokesperson Team.
Wynn Macau and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have officially kicked off the 10-day “Wynn x UNLV Student Exchange Program 2025,” supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).
The initiative aligns with the policy direction of integrating “tourism + education,” aiming to facilitate extensive academic and cultural exchange while positioning Macao as an international exchange platform.
This program not only combines academic knowledge and practice but also builds a bridge of cultural exchange, fostering understanding and collaboration on an international scale and showcasing the uniqueness of Macao as a hub of cultures from around the globe.
The opening ceremony was held at Wynn Palace yesterday and was officiated by Mr. Herbert Choi, Acting Head of Organizational Planning and Development Department of MGTO; Mr. Sam Hio Tong, Acting Head of the Department of Tertiary Education of the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Dr. Tony Henthorne, Professor at the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality and Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited.
Some other distinguished guests also attended the ceremony in support of this program, truly showing their strong emphasis on driving global educational exchange and talent development, and they included:
Dr. Patty Coaley, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV;
Mr. Frederic Luvisutto, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director; Mr. Craig Fullalove, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer;
Ms. Zuleika Mok, Senior Vice President of Human Resources of Wynn Macau Limited;
Dr. Barry Ip, Vice President of Learning and Advancement of Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace.
Ms. Linda Chen noted in her speech that, “Wynn is always dedicated to the growth and learning of young people and has held diverse educational activities to nurture talent for the future development of Macao. This ten-day program has been thoughtfully designed to provide UNLV students with valuable opportunities for practical experience and insights into the hospitality industry in Macao. By leveraging Macao’s role as an international connecting platform, the program will also enhance the students’ understanding of local and Chinese culture and help to promote cultural exchange between the two countries.”
“This partnership with Wynn Macau represents an incredible opportunity for UNLV students to experience a different culture, be exposed to new languages, and grow personally and professionally,” said Dr. Tony Henthorne. “We cannot thank Wynn Macau enough for their commitment to making this happen for our students.”
After the opening ceremony, Mr. Fomen Leong, Acting Head of Research and Planning Division of MGTO delivered a keynote address entitled “Tourism Trends in Macao and Travel Opportunities in Greater Bay Area,” giving students a deeper knowledge of local tourism development and the potential of regional cooperation and inspiring them to explore future career paths from multiple perspectives.
Under this exchange program, twelve students will be invited to gain a personal experience of Macao, a city known for the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, and their cross-cultural understanding and international perspectives will be strengthened through a series of activities curated by the Wynn Academy.
The activities, including round-table dialogues with senior executives, lectures on integrated resort operations, intangible culinary heritage workshops, and World Heritage guided tours, will provide practical insights and valuable experience for the students to join the integrated resort industry in the future.
Wynn truly believes these practical and interactive learning opportunities can provide students with valuable experience and further enhance their professional competitiveness in a globalized world.
QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for emerging markets, continues to build strong momentum in its premium pipeline, thanks to its latest deal with Shady Lady, a bold, disruptive company in the slots sector.
The launch extends Shady Lady’s international footprint, unlocking untapped emerging markets for diversified growth.
This strategic integration adds yet more creative muscle to QTech’s aggregation platform, which is taking the widest array of online games to emerging territories with established names sitting alongside the industry’s most exciting and innovative providers.
Shady Lady is already one of the most mercurial and exciting game studios in the industry. And this integration with a genuine emerging force pens another thrilling addition to QTech Games’ sprawling and well-curated library of immersive gaming experiences.
QTech Games’ CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “At QTech, we’re about so much more than pure aggregation – just take our sought-after campaign tools, or AI-powered QT Play game lobby, which means that operators don’t have to build their own casino lobby. Naturally, we’re committed to rolling out high-quality content that drives revenue for our partners and creates unique experiences that users remember and return to play.
“Shady Lady understands this need and is already delivering in spades with some bold and beautiful games that reinvigorate tired themes and play with conventional expectations. Alongside immersive soundscapes, stunning visuals and inventive mechanics, Shady Lady excels at fusing creativity with maths to craft visually thrilling, high-performing games that push the envelope on player experience and online hang-time.”
Marla Singer, spokesperson for Shady Lady, added: “Shady Lady isn’t here to throw shade on traditional slots – we are here to disturb the peace a little. It’s a call to arms for fresh mechanics, striking design, and soundscapes that linger. We believe in games that surprise you, characters that don’t behave, and stories that veer off script. Others chase noise. We tune into the frequency beneath. It’s a quieter kind of rebellion – but it leaves a mark. We don’t follow the rules. We rewrite them. Sometimes in lipstick.”
