Play’n GO takes a bold leap with Boat Bonanza Rider, the third entry in the CrashBack™ series—where timing is everything, and the unforgiving sea rewards only the swift.
Building on the legacy of the Boat Bonanza series, this latest title trades familiar reels for real-time stakes in a fast-paced maritime challenge. Boat Bonanza Rider invites players to test their nerve on the open ocean – holding out for rising multipliers while dodging the looming threat of a game-ending snap.
This arcade-style release continues Play’n GO’s expansion into crash mechanics, introducing a sleek visual overhaul and a unique second-chance feature that keeps the tension high and the rewards closer than ever.
With the sea as your only horizon, the multiplier climbs from x1 up to a staggering x5000 – but the net could snap at any second. With no buoys and no lifelines, Boat Bonanza Rider is for those who thrive on pressure – and know when to leap.
The CrashBack™ mechanic returns, offering a strategic re-entry to the same round if players cashed out before x25. Quick judgement and gutsy decisions here can turn a modest haul into a major catch, making every round feel dynamic and high-stakes.
Fans of the original Boat Bonanza titles will recognise the maritime spirit, but Boat Bonanza Rider dives into deeper waters. Gone are the reels and bait – in their place is momentum, risk, and instinct. With its sharper design and intense pacing, this title is a fresh but familiar face for those who’ve sailed these waters before. As the third CrashBack™ game, it pushes the format’s boundaries while keeping Play’n GO’s player-first philosophy at its core.
“Boat Bonanza Rider is all about instinct and timing,” said George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO. “It evolves our CrashBack™ series with sharper visuals and tougher decisions – and we can’t wait to see who stays afloat.”
International Game Technology (IGT) has a massive presence within the region. Its operations within Macau and the Philippines continue to thrive. But for APAC COO Dallas Orchard, the expansion into new markets will be underlined by its systems platform. The company aims to be the leader regionally, with growth in Manila and Macau supporting the drive, even as it sets its sights on Japan and Thailand. But some roadblocks still exist, even though preparatory advances are there.
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.
Thailand is launching its own cryptocurrency, and now its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is claiming that it’s not intended for speculative investment, unlike Bitcoin.
According to reports, the new G-Token, expected to be launched by the Ministry of Finance’s Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), will be tradeable on a secondary market, but will initially be only accessible to those with a particular digital wallet.
One of the nation’s top ministers told media that the new G-Token “is not a debt instrument” and therefore does not fall under “traditional public debt laws”.
Exchanges will be required to imply strict surveillance and arbitrage, while also being allowed to appoint market experts to promote the coin.
This is Thailand’s first publicly-issued government-backed digital token.
The SEC Secretary noted that the move aims to further government interests, rather than speculative investment. “We want to ensure that G-Token serves as a useful, technology-driven investment innovation,” cites the Bangkok Post.
The cryptocurrency will not be allowed for direct payments, while trading is restricted to listed exchanges, with certain restrictions on transfers.
Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced at the Sri Lanka Travel Fair 2025 closing ceremony that the country is on track to achieve $5 billion in tourism revenue this year, driven by political stability and rapid growth in visitor arrivals.
According to the report, Sri Lanka generated $1.2 billion in tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2025, positioning it to reach $2.5 billion by mid-year. Minister Herath expressed confidence that the $5 billion annual target remains achievable based on current growth trajectories.
“Sri Lanka has achieved political stability and is now gradually improving its economy. That is the best message that can be conveyed to the international community,” Herath stated. “The number of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka is increasing rapidly now. With that, the country’s revenue will also increase.”
Sri Lanka Tourism is preparing to welcome its one millionth visitor this week, marking a significant milestone achieved nearly a month ahead of last year’s timeline when the same target was reached at the end of June 2024.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reported that 91,785 visitors arrived in the first 21 days of May, bringing the year-to-date total to 988,669 arrivals, just 4,370 short of the one million target.
The tourism minister emphasized that industry development will strengthen the broader economy, benefiting both direct participants and other sectors. “As the tourism industry develops, all those who are involved in the sector will be able to strengthen their economies. Additionally, it will develop the country and the state of living of all people in the country,” Herath explained.
The tourism sector received additional momentum with Melco’s City of Dreams Sri Lanka scheduled to open its casino during the third quarter of this year, adding another attraction to the capital city’s offerings.
The Star Entertainment Group Limited has dispatched a Notice of Meeting and Explanatory Memorandum for a general meeting scheduled for June 25th, 2025, where shareholders will vote on significant strategic investments totaling AU$300 million ($196 million).
The meeting will address resolutions concerning significant funding commitments from two parties: Bally’s Corporation, contributing AU$200 million ($130.5 million), and Investment Holdings Pty Ltd, controlled by the Mathieson family, investing AU$100 million ($65.3 million). These Strategic Investments Resolutions represent a vital capital injection for The Star.
Shareholders will also consider Placement Capacity Refresh Resolutions under ASX Listing Rule 7.4, which seek approval and ratification of convertible notes issued on April 11th, 2025. Bally’s received 278,517,860 convertible notes, while Investment Holdings was allocated 139,258,930 notes.
The Star’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favor of both the Strategic Investments Resolutions and the Placement Capacity Refresh Resolutions, assuming no superior proposal is received and the Independent Expert maintains its current recommendation as outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum.
Bally’s Corporation, a well-known US-based gaming operator, views the investment as a potential gateway to expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the Mathieson family’s Investment Holdings, through the BMG Discretionary Trust, deepens its strategic influence within the group.
The general meeting comes at a critical juncture for The Star Entertainment Group, which has faced a series of regulatory and financial setbacks in recent years. The company has been under intense scrutiny following inquiries in New South Wales and Queensland that found serious governance and compliance failures, including breaches related to anti-money laundering and responsible gambling practices.
These revelations prompted boardroom changes, executive departures, and led to the suspension of The Star’s casino licences in Sydney and Brisbane. As a result, the group has been operating under the supervision of state-appointed managers and is required to implement extensive remediation plans to regain regulatory trust.
Macau’s gaming sector posted a surprise uptick in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for April 2025, defying market expectations of a decline, but experts are circumspect.
Analysts from brokerage CreditSights warn that the city remains on a difficult path to achieving its ambitious full-year revenue target, as monthly GGR continues to fall short of government benchmarks.
According to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) data, GGR rose 2 percent year-on-year to MOP18.9 billion ($2.3 billion) in April, outperforming consensus of a 1 percent decline.
While the result marked a second consecutive monthly beat, it remained below the MOP20 billion ($2.45 billion) level needed to stay on track with the government’s MOP240 billion ($29.2 billion) FY25 GGR target.
April’s figure also represented about 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and marked a 4 percent decline from March, a trend attributed by CreditSights to seasonal softness.
For the first four months of 2025, cumulative GGR reached MOP76.5 billion ($9.3 billion), just 32 percent of the full-year target and up only 0.8 percent year-on-year—well behind the 6 percent annual growth anticipated by officials.
Analysts at CreditSights say the city would require a significant uptick in both visitation and per-visitor gaming spend to meet the FY25 goal.
Based on current pacing, visitor arrivals would need to hit 38.1 million for the year—around 97 percent of 2019 levels—while GGR per visitor would need to average MOP6,300 ($770). As of April, however, GGR per visitor stood at MOP6,097 ($745), down 14 percent year-on-year and 5 percent month-on-month.
‘Unless we see sustained improvements in both visitation and per-visitor gaming spend in the coming months, we see a high likelihood that Macau will fall short of the government’s target’, the report warned.
Still, there is cautious optimism for a stronger performance in May, buoyed by a 41 percent year-on-year surge in tourist arrivals during the Labor Day holiday (May 1–5) and a series of high-profile concerts from regional stars such as Sammi Cheng and J-Hope.
Observations from casino floors in early May also pointed to robust foot traffic, with operators like Melco noting prolonged activity even after the holiday.
April saw total visitor arrivals rise 19 percent year-on-year to 3.1 million, reaching about 90 percent of April 2019 levels. Arrivals from mainland China—accounting for 69 percent of the total—jumped 22 percent to 2.1 million, with the Individual Visit Scheme contributing 1.1 million visitors, up 34 percent year-on-year.
International arrivals grew 10 percent, led by travelers from the Philippines, Thailand and India, though declines were recorded from Malaysia and Singapore.
CreditSights indicates that any future rebound in non-gaming revenue will be heavily reliant on sustained tourist inflows, particularly from higher-spending segments.
CreedRoomz, a top provider of live casino games and solutions, has announced the successful integration of its diverse portfolio of games onto the EveryMatrix CasinoEngine platform.
This collaboration will extend the reach of CreedRoomz’s games including the newly introduced Richie Fruits Roulette and Richie Wheel, to EveryMatrix’s extensive network of operator partners.
This integration marks a key step for both organizations, granting EveryMatrix operators access to CreedRoomz’s interactive and feature-rich live casino games. Richie Fruits Roulette offers unique multipliers reaching up to 2300x, providing players with increased control and the opportunity for big returns.
Another exciting addition is Richie Wheel, a dynamic new game show that offers thrilling gameplay with up to 1000x multipliers on 1-3 numbers per spin. Richie Wheel transforms the traditional wheel game into a fast-paced, rewarding experience, making it a great addition to CreedRoomz’s game portfolio.
“We are excited to partner with EveryMatrix to bring our live casino games to a wider audience,” said Hayk Tovmasyan, Head of Live Casino at CreedRoomz. “EveryMatrix’s platform is known for its reliability and reach, and integrating our innovative games into their network allows us to share our passion for interactive, high-quality gaming with players worldwide.”
“Partnering with CreedRoomz enables our customers and their players to access an even wider range of top quality casino content,” said Stian Enger, CEO Casino, at EveryMatrix. “We’re confident our customers’ players that seek engaging gaming experiences will enjoy what CreedRoomz has to offer.”
This partnership strengthens EveryMatrix’s comprehensive content library, providing operators with access to innovative, high-engagement casino games designed to attract and retain a diverse player base.
International Game Technology (IGT) is confident that its systems technology is helping lead it in market share worldwide, and it has a strong continued focus on both the Philippines and Macau (despite being very different markets), as it navigates changing world trade restrictions.
Dallas Orchard, Chief Operating Officer – Asia Pacific at IGT
Speaking to AGB, Dallas Orchard – Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific of IGT – noted that “The first point of call for us is to make sure that our systems business is what leads the way, because that’s the foundation inside of any new market and any new casino”.
The executive was responding to a question regarding which machinery it could be supplying to Japan – as MGM’s project in Osaka shapes up for a 2030 opening, having finally surpassed legislative and public opposition.
Orchard opines that the “framework” in Japan “is incredibly complex”, noting that it is dedicated to its clients going into the new gaming environment and “making sure that we’re continuing to let them know that we’ll be around and dedicated and committed to that market”.
But, many questions remain
“It’s been delayed […] in regards to understanding who the casino suppliers will be, “notes Orchard. “None of that regulatory framework exists at this point in time. That’s obviously a really complicated piece of the pie. And so, we can’t respond to that until such time as it’s in black and white and it’s been fully legislated.”
Each gaming jurisdiction sets its own framework for what type of games are allowed, how they can be played and what oversight there is. That means each manufacturer may have games primed for multiple markets but needs some re-tooling to fit the specificities (legally or customer-based) of each one.
Orchard is confident in IGT’s prospects in the nation, noting that “our advantage system is the top system around the world, in our opinion, and we probably have the largest market share.”
But for the on-the-ground operator and the clients “the selection of particular products and EGMs comes much later in the process.”
Macau: a long love story
Meanwhile, Macau continues to boom. Results haven’t been great in the first quarter, but coming out of the pandemic, the market continues to show its need to shine as the world’s top gaming jurisdiction.
For IGT, the SAR has taken “a long time to come back. But we are seeing it come back now”.
IGT was honored with the Best Casino Supplier Award at the G2E Asia Awards 2025IGT @ G2E Asia 2025
Regarding its customers, Orchard, notes that May’s Golden Week figures were encouraging and that their customers say “there’s more demand than supply”.
Evidently, for a supplier: “that’s music to our ears”.
But the market is evolving. The lack of junket play, the change in the mass consumer, the rise in non-playing visitation has made Macau more difficult to predict.
But that could mean there’s still room for more slots, or at least a revamped floor – as Macau’s capped at 12,000 slots under current legislation.
“Even though we understand it trends towards tables more over slots, slots are maturing every day […] all signs are that it’s heading in the right direction and more opportunity will arise in the short term,” notes Orchard.
Philippines
The rise of online gaming in the Philippines has been undeniable. Revenues from the sector surpassed those of land-based in the first quarter, prompting a stark reconsideration about how operators should be approaching the market.
But is it a threat?
“It’s an opportunity,” notes Orchard.
“The evidence that we’ve seen in the convergence of land-based and online is that ultimately the best products win out. And I believe you’re starting to see more evidence of the better land-based games starting to drive that market as well,” he notes.
“As a manufacturer who takes our global R&D (research and development) footprint very seriously, [and who] contributes enormous amounts of money to the game design across the globe with global studios, we believe that our products will start to rule the roost in that direction.
“So, I think for those established, mature manufacturers, the convergence and the growth of the online is more opportunity,” indicates the executive.
Emerging markets (again)
Okay then, what’s the next bet?
The UAE has been discussed into obsession. But the pylons have long been sunk and the expectations are increasingly based on data.
Where is IGT in the picture?
While no team is specifically “on the ground”, Orchard notes that “we’ve got people that we know and consultants that we’re doing business with and customers that will be in that market”.
The executive notes that requests for proposals (RFPs) “have been presented “so we are much more mature with the customer base there. Wynn in particular: understanding what IGT products will be going into that market and how those bids look.”
Prospects in Thailand are looking “more immature”, but there could be potential as it is “picking up speed”.
Overall, IGT is strong. It has competition, but it vocally pushes for market domination. The growth and change of the Asian market could help or hinder its aspirations, and stakeholders will be here to urge it towards whichever path suits their pocketbooks.
Mario Ho, Chairman and co-CEO of the Nasdaq-listed esports company NIP Group, has announced strategic plans to launch over 100 eSports hotels across mainland China within the next three years. The first location is set to open in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
Speaking at the 5th BEYOND Expo in Macau, Ho detailed the company’s strategic move into China’s expanding eSports hotel market. He revealed that 95 percent of the planned hotels will operate under a franchise model to ease asset pressure and accelerate growth.
Ho stressed the intense competition in the Chinese market, stating that companies failing to grow quickly face elimination. He also acknowledged that the eSports industry is currently in a “winter” period, requiring stakeholders to engage in reflection.
“NIP Group has built an ecosystem covering various vertical business segments in the eSports and gaming fields, and is further extending its business scope outward,” Ho explained at the technology expo.
According to previous reports, NIP Group has formed a strategic partnership with Home Inns Group to jointly develop new eSports hotels. Before NIP Group’s announcement, in May 2024, the two companies jointly established “Shanghai Ru Jing Player Hotel Management Co., Ltd.” with a registered capital of RMB5 million ($692,000). NIP Group holds a 60 percent stake, while Home Inns Group holds 40 percent.
Since the first eSports hotel opened in Zhengzhou in 2017, the industry has steadily grown in Chinese cities like Wuhan, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Xi’an. The number of eSports hotels nationwide is increasing, with a presence in all 31 provinces and municipalities. The “2024-2030 China Esports Hotel Industry Market Operation Status and Development Prospect Research Report” by Zhiyan Consulting indicates that in 2023, the number of eSports hotels in China reached 24,149, an increase of 5,357 from the previous year and 13,130 from 2020.
The NIP Group’s expansion strategy extends beyond mainland China. Ho highlighted recent growth in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He noted that an entire eSports city is currently under construction in Abu Dhabi, with a new partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office positioned to accelerate the company’s regional development.
Ho predicted that current eSports capital investment in the Middle East will produce world-class competitions and top-tier teams from the region within five years.
Southeast Asia also features in NIP Group’s expansion plans, with Ho exploring opportunities in Thailand and Vietnam. He identified these countries’ large young populations as key drivers of their market potential.
The Singapore Oceanarium, formerly known as the S.E.A. Aquarium, will reopen to the public on July 23rd following a three-month renovation that has transformed it into a significantly larger marine attraction at Resorts World Sentosa.
Now three times the size of its predecessor, the upgraded facility features 22 themed zones designed to provide visitors with an immersive ocean experience, spanning various marine environments and time periods—from the prehistoric era to the present day.
‘More than just a new name, the Singapore Oceanarium represents a bold transformation into a world-class ocean institute that inspires deeper knowledge, love, and action for our oceans,’ Resorts World Sentosa announced in a media release on Monday, May 26th.
The attraction includes several major exhibits, such as Ocean Wonders, which houses one of the world’s largest kreisel habitats containing thousands of moon jellies. Kreisel tanks are specially designed to accommodate delicate marine species like jellyfish.
The Singapore’s Coast exhibit features mangrove-inspired landscapes and interactive habitats that highlight native biodiversity, while the Open Ocean zone allows visitors to observe reef manta rays and zebra sharks swimming among thousands of other marine creatures behind a 36-meter-wide viewing panel.
Additional zones include Ancient Waters and Conquering Land, where visitors can encounter life-sized prehistoric animals and living fossils that trace evolutionary history. The Spirit of Exploration exhibit features the Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow.
Complementing the oceanarium is an adjacent research and learning center focused on marine education, research, and conservation, developed in partnership with academic institutions. “Singapore Oceanarium represents the next frontier for marine education and sustainability,” said Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa. “We have created not just a destination, but a catalyst for change—a place where curiosity transforms into knowledge, and knowledge into real action.”
The transformation of the S.E.A. Aquarium into the Singapore Oceanarium is part of Sentosa’s broader “RWS 2.0” master plan. The $5 billion investment aims to elevate Resorts World Sentosa into a world-class tourism destination, with the Singapore Oceanarium positioned as a flagship attraction.
This comprehensive upgrade, along with other RWS 2.0 initiatives such as Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore and new hotel developments, reflects a strategic effort to boost Sentosa’s appeal and reinforce its status on the global tourism map.
