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SOFTSWISS promotes Max Trafimovich to International Non-Executive Director

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SOFTSWISS promotes Max Trafimovich to International Non-Executive Director

SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software, has announced the appointment of Max Trafimovich to the role of International Non-Executive Director.

Max Trafimovich has been an integral part of SOFTSWISS since 2013, starting as a Business Development Manager and advancing through key roles including Sales and Marketing Director and, most recently, Chief Commercial Officer.

Throughout his tenure, Max has been instrumental in driving the company’s expansion into new markets and has played an important role in mergers and acquisitions, significantly contributing to SOFTSWISS’ growth and success.

Max will provide strategic oversight and independent counsel on business-related matters in this newly established position.

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, commented on the appointment: “Max’s deep understanding of our business and his brilliant business skills have been invaluable assets to SOFTSWISS. We are confident that in his new role as International Non-Executive Director, Max will continue to provide insightful guidance that will propel our company to new heights.”

Max Trafimovich also shared his thoughts on the new role: “As SOFTSWISS continues moving forward with steadfast ambition, I’m excited to take on this new challenge. This role offers a unique opportunity to look at the business from a wider perspective – to spot patterns, connect the dots, and bring forward transformative ideas. I look forward to contributing to our long-term strategy in a more independent and cross-functional way.”

This appointment underscores SOFTSWISS’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing strategic governance as the company continues to evolve in the dynamic iGaming industry.

Max will be representing SOFTSWISS at the upcoming SiGMA Americas Summit, taking place on 7–10 April 2025 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil. On-site, he will work with a diverse team of SOFTSWISS professionals from various departments, including Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America, who will be at SOFTSWISS Stand M85 and deliver a keynote address at the conference.

Genius Sports drives award-winning 2025 Indianapolis 500 partnership

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Genius Sports drives award-winning 2025 Indianapolis 500 partnership

Genius Sports and EchoPoint Media have announced the renewal of their media partnership to promote the 2025 Indianapolis 500, one of the most iconic events in motorsports. The collaboration will build upon the innovative, data-powered marketing strategies that drove unprecedented sales for the race in 2024.

The renewed partnership comes after Genius Sports’ campaign for the 2024 Indy 500 was recognized in the Sports category at The Drum Awards, honoring the best work in the marketing and advertising industry. The campaign leveraged Genius Sports’ proprietary data and audience targeting capabilities to deliver ticket sales at a rate 45% more efficient than previous benchmarks.

“After the exceptional results and industry recognition our partnership garnered last year, renewing with Genius Sports was an easy decision,” said Hannah Lane, Senior Media Supervisor at EchoPoint Media. “Their unique ability to translate complex sports data into tangible marketing results gives us confidence that we’ll continue to connect with passionate racing fans and drive ticket sales for this year’s Indianapolis 500.”

The 2024 campaign stood out for its innovative use of Genius Sports’ motorsports data and real-time countdown clocks in ad creative, creating urgency that accelerated purchase decisions. The renewed partnership will expand on last year’s approach, incorporating first-party data, targeted audience insights, and contextual placements to reach motorsports enthusiasts across NASCAR, Formula 1, and other racing disciplines.

“We’re honored to continue our work with EchoPoint and such an important sporting event as the Indy 500,” said Josh Linforth, Chief Revenue Officer at Genius Sports. “Our data-driven approach consistently delivers measurable results. For 2025, we’re enhancing our strategy with even more sophisticated audience segmentation and dynamic creative capabilities to build on last year’s success.”

Genius Sports
Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

QTech Games boosts LatAm presence with MINCETUR license in Peru

AGBrief Editorial
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QTech Games boosts LatAm presence with MINCETUR license in Peru

QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for emerging markets, has announced the approval of its platform and games for the Peruvian market, demonstrating that its premier B2B platform and all-encompassing content conforms to the latest legislative updates to enhance and regulate Peru’s local gaming environment.

Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Commerce and Tourism (MINCETUR) has now issued an online gaming license to QTech Games, whereby all its platform products and games are now deemed legally permitted. This includes its new software service for retail, QTech Hybrid, which allows land-based partners to scale their operations online. QTech Hybrid simplifies transactions by enabling deposits, withdrawals and gameplay while allowing access to players both in-shop and on personal devices.

Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to have certified our aggregation platform in Peru via MINCETUR – and I’m pleased to say we have more such approvals pending across the continent. We attended fantastic events in Rio and, more recently, SAGSE 2025 in Buenos Aires – and anticipate more of the same at SiGMA Americas in Sao Paulo next week, where we’re also thrilled to have been shortlisted for Best Aggregator at their LatAm Awards.”

“Given the venue, Brazil will be dominating the discussion for many at SiGMA Sao Paulo. However, we’ll also be looking beyond Brazilian borders this year, and are already active in Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Paraguay. We know our QTech Hybrid solution will work very well wherever we put a pin on the LatAm map.”

QTech Games delegates will be present at five more LatAm summits in 2025, with SiGMA Americas (7 April) the next port of call – followed by GAT Expo Cartagena (28 April), SBC Americas (13 May), Peru Gaming Show (18 June) and GAT Expo Mexico (28 Aug). Reach out to our friendly team to book a meeting or request a demo of what our platform and QT Hybrid retail solution can do for you.

Pragmatic Play saddles up for a Wild West adventure with Bandit Megaways

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Pragmatic Play saddles up for a Wild West adventure with Bandit Megaways

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has announced the launch of Bandit Megaways™, a Western showdown offering up to 117,649 ways to win and a max bounty of 5,000x. 

Dynamite multiplier symbols can hit on any spin, carrying random values between 2x and 500x. The multipliers remain on the reels until the end of the tumbling sequence and add together if more than one multiplier lands on a single spin. 

Landing 4-6 scatters triggers the bonus game with 15-25 free spins. During the feature, whenever a dynamite multiplier hits, its value is added to a total multiplier, which is also used to multiply the win. The bonus game can be retriggered with 15-30 free spins when an additional 3-6 scatters land on the reels during the round. 

Two bonus buy options are available to players in select markets: standard free spins and super free spins. In super free spins, the minimum multiplier value is 10x. 

Bandit Megaways™ is the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s award-winning slots portfolio following the release of Book of Monsters and The Dog House – Royal Hunt.   

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Bandit Megaways™ adds to Pragmatic Play’s exciting range of Wild West slots, combining up to 117,649 ways to win and random multipliers up to 500x.” 

Indigenous groups oppose New Zealand’s online gambling reforms

Viviana Chan
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Indigenous groups oppose New Zealand’s online gambling reforms

New Zealand faces increasing scrutiny over its plans to introduce legalized online casinos. According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), indigenous leaders have expressed deep unease regarding the government’s approach, particularly the absence of early discussions with communities most vulnerable to gambling-related harm. 

The proposed auction of 15 online casino licenses raises concerns about the potential for increased social problems.  

Recent reports reveal that successful bidders for these licenses would not be obligated to contribute financially to community support programs. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden anticipates that large international gambling corporations will dominate the licensing process. 

Documentation obtained through official channels shows significant opposition to the government’s initiative from established entities such as SkyCity casino and TAB, who fear the expansion of the online gambling market.  

The Online Safety Iwi Leaders Group is urging the government to halt the auction, demanding a comprehensive review involving experts and community representatives before the scheduled implementation in February 2026. 

Rāhui Papa, chair of Pou Tangata, a part of the National Iwi Chairs Forum, describes the reform as a concealed form of gambling expansion. He warns of the potential for widespread dependency, with individuals accessing casinos from their homes, fundamentally altering family life.  

Numerous concerns surround the proposed changes. The lack of provisions requiring offshore operators to uphold the Treaty of Waitangi, contribute to community welfare, or provide financial support for problem gambling services is a major point of contention. 

Leaders highlight the absence of thorough research into the detrimental effects of online gambling, encompassing physical, financial, and psychological consequences for families across New Zealand.

While the impact will be felt broadly, Māori and Pasifika communities are expected to experience disproportionately high levels of harm, with young Māori individuals being particularly at risk due to the hidden nature of online gambling. The reform is seen as an increased risk for young people.  

Minister van Velden states that the legislation will be presented to Parliament later this year, allowing for public input through the Select Committee process. She argues that the new regulatory framework aims to enhance online gambling safety. She points out that New Zealanders currently engage with numerous unregulated offshore gambling websites, which lack essential safeguards, such as age verification and guaranteed payouts.  

Licensed companies, she claims, will be subject to stringent entry criteria and safety measures, including age verification and harm minimization standards. Allowing licensed entities to advertise will direct individuals towards regulated platforms, away from unregulated ones.  

Furthermore, licensed online gambling companies will be required to pay Goods and Services Tax, an offshore gambling levy, and a problem gambling levy, the latter of which funds services for gambling-related harm.

AGEM Index fell by 9.3% m-o-m in March, up 32.6% yearly

Kelsey Wilhelm
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AGEM Index fell by 9.3% m-o-m in March, up 32.6% yearly

The AGEM Index saw a significant drop in March, falling by 9.3 percent compared to February. However, the Index saw healthy growth of 32.6 percent compared to March 2024.

During the month, all of the 12 AGEM Index companies reported stock price decreases, which resulted in 12 negative contributions to the index.

AGEM March 2025

The largest negative contribution to the monthly index was Aristocrat Leisure Limited, whose 11 percent monthly drop in stock price caused a 75.59-point fall for the index. Only a yearly basis, the stock price was down by 34.2 percent.

Meanwhile, Light & Wonder saw its stock price fall by 22.3 percent month-on-month, leading to a 49.37-point decrease for the index. On a yearly basis, the stock price was down 15.2 percent.

Konami Corp booked a 3.9 percent stock decrease monthly, but saw a 71.3 percent yearly rise, however this still caused a 15.9-point loss for the index.

All three major US stock indices saw decreases from February, amongst concern and uncertainty over US tariffs and trade policies. The NASDAQ fell by 7.4 percent over the month, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 4.2 percent and the S&P 500 decreased by 5.4 percent from February.

Visitor arrivals to the Philippines decrease slightly in 1Q25

Viviana Chan
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Visitor arrivals to the Philippines decrease slightly in 1Q25

According to data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), international visitor arrivals to the Philippines decreased by 2.42 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

During the initial three months of 2025, the total number of visitors to the country reached 1,654,079, marking a slight decrease of 0.51 percent. Excluding overseas Filipinos, the Philippines welcomed 1,530,319 international visitors.

South Korea maintained its position as the primary source of inbound tourists, with 395,059 visitor arrivals recorded during the three months. This includes 161,920 visitors in January, 132,732 in February, and 100,407 in March. However, this reflects a 13.86 percent decrease from 2024.

The United States retained its second-place ranking among the source markets, with 285,597 visitors recorded during this period. The visitor numbers increased 7.9 percent.

Japan ascended to third place with 125,083 arrivals, representing an increase of 18.73 percent. This includes 31,338 visitors in January, 43,907 in February, and 49,838 in March.

The number of Chinese tourists saw a substantial decrease of 33.68 percent in 1Q24, with the country recording a total of 72,665 arrivals during the three-month period. China dropped to 6th place on the list of foreign arrivals. In the first quarter, this consisted of 30,924 visitors in January, 22,326 in February, and 19,415 in March.

Casino revenue grows 28% MoM at Grand Korea Leisure in March

Viviana Chan
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Casino revenue grows 28% MoM at Grand Korea Leisure in March

South Korean casino operator Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) experienced a substantial revenue boost in March 2025, with casino earnings reaching KRW41.4 billion ($28.2 million). 

This represents a remarkable 27.7 percent increase from February and a modest 2.6 percent growth compared to March 2024.

The foreigner-only casino operator saw significant gains across its gaming segments. Table games generated KRW38.4 billion ($26.2 million), jumping 28.2 percent from the previous month, while slot machine revenue climbed 22 percent to KRW3 billion ($2.04 million). These improvements were fueled by a healthy 14.5 percent month-on-month rise in total drop amount, which reached KRW299 billion ($204 million).

First-quarter performance for 2025 has been particularly strong for GKL, with cumulative casino revenue for January through March totaling KRW108.2 billion ($73.8 million)—a 15.6 percent improvement over Q1 2024. Despite this positive trend, the company’s table drop for the quarter stands at KRW826.9 billion ($564 million), reflecting a 9.7 percent year-on-year decline.

March has emerged as GKL’s strongest month of 2025 thus far, mirroring positive results seen across South Korea’s foreigner-only casino sector. Competitors Paradise Co and Lotte Tour have also reported substantial revenue increases during the same period, suggesting broader recovery in the market.

GKL maintains its presence in the Korean gaming landscape through three casino properties operated under the Seven Luck brand, with locations in Seoul and Busan catering exclusively to international visitors.

Thai deputy PM defends casino bill as shield against US trade measures

Viviana Chan
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Thai deputy PM defends casino bill as shield against US trade measures

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has vigorously defended the Entertainment Complex bill as a necessary economic measure in response to escalating US tariffs on Thai goods. 

Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy prime minister of Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai

The bill, scheduled for parliamentary debate on April 9th, has become a focal point of tension between government officials and opposition groups amid Thailand’s challenging trade environment.

According to a report by the Bangkok Post, Phumtham emphasized that the bill—which includes provisions for casino operations within integrated entertainment complexes—aims to generate substantial revenue to help offset the 36 percent US tariff hike on Thai exports, which is significantly higher than Singapore’s 10 percent rate.

“This isn’t about encouraging gambling—it’s about economic survival,” he stated, framing the legislation as a financial resilience strategy rather than a promotion of gambling.

The Deputy Prime Minister cited results from the government’s online public hearing held between February 28th and March 14th, noting that approximately 80 percent of the more than 70,000 participants supported the bill. He insisted that while opposition voices are important, the bill’s fate should be determined through democratic processes in parliament rather than street protests.

Government officials project the casino-entertainment complexes could inject billions into Thailand’s economy, potentially offsetting losses from the US trade measures. Strict entry regulations, including age and income restrictions, would be implemented to mitigate concerns about gambling addiction, according to proponents.

Genius Sports
Thai Senate 

Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing its response, with plans to establish a committee to study the impacts of the proposed projects after the House examination. Senate spokesman Pisit Apiwattanapong revealed that senators remain divided on the issue, with most opposing the policy and advocating for a public referendum before proceeding.

Opposition to the bill continues to mount both inside and outside parliament. Thanakorn Kromkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, submitted a petition against the legislation to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. Thanakorn characterized the casino policy as irresponsible, arguing it wasn’t included in any election campaign and lacks comprehensive study.

The People’s Party leader urged the government to address public concerns, warning that the bill might not solve the intended problems and could primarily benefit select groups. Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan called for protests outside parliament, criticizing the government for prioritizing the bill while earthquake recovery efforts were ongoing.

Adding to the opposition, Chittawan Chanagul from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Economics announced plans to petition for an ethics investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the bill.

The timing of the parliamentary debate became another point of contention, with rumors suggesting the House examination might be moved to Thursday instead of April 9th. Chief government whip Wisut Chainarun clarified that Thursday’s meeting would focus on the recent earthquake, with the casino bill remaining on the April 9th agenda.

How to Regulate AI and Keep It Fair | ASEAN 2025

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How to Regulate AI and Keep It Fair | ASEAN 2025

The focus was on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) within the gaming industry, particularly regarding sports betting. The speakers delved into the ongoing and anticipated advancements in AI applications, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize data analysis, enhance customer experience, and introduce personalized gaming features.

They highlighted the challenges and ethical dilemmas that may arise due to the rapid adoption of these technologies. In particular, the panelists discussed how AI continues to shape regulatory frameworks and operational strategies, and how stakeholders in the gaming sector must remain vigilant about responsible gaming practices and transparent operations.

Highlights

  • AI Integration: AI has begun entering the gaming industry, though its effects are not yet widely visible, prompting discussions about its future impact.
  • Betting Revolution: nVenue’s technology enables up to 10,000 betting opportunities in sports events using AI, representing a significant leap forward in the sports betting landscape.
  • Regulatory Challenges: With AI dominating data analytics in gaming, regulators are challenged to keep pace with advancements, which could give unregulated markets an edge.
  • Data Customization: AI technologies allow operators to analyze user data in comprehensive ways, leading to targeted marketing opportunities and more personalized gaming experiences.
  • Future of Slot Machines: The evolution of slot games is anticipated, moving towards AI-driven personalization where games can be tailored to individual player preferences in real-time.
  • Global Reach: The implementation of AI in sports betting is spreading rapidly, with over 200 operators adopting new technologies within just a year instilling confidence in its future growth.
  • Sustainability in Gaming: Discussions underscored how AI could promote sustainable gaming practices by monitoring player behavior, which may ultimately lead to healthier gaming habits.

Key Insights

  • AI’s Transformational Role: The integration of AI is positioned to redefine how data is processed and utilized in the gaming industry. The discussion focused on AI’s capacity to analyze historical and real-time data at unprecedented speeds, enabling operators to create more informed gaming experiences for customers. For example, Quinton Singleton’s company, Invenue, is at the forefront of optimizing betting by utilizing AI to offer vastly more betting opportunities. This transformation is expected to revolutionize traditional betting practices and entice a broader audience.
  • Machine Learning vs. AI: A clear distinction was made between general AI applications available through third-party platforms and proprietary machine learning models developed in-house. Quinton reinforced the value of internally developed AI products that handle complex data processing tasks, which are essential for producing accurate betting predictions and improving operational integrity.
  • Regulatory Implications: The conversation justified the pressing need for gaming regulators to understand and adapt to the rapid changes posed by AI technologies. As the industry moves towards adopting AI, there is apprehension that unregulated markets may leverage these technologies faster, which could be detrimental to established regulatory frameworks. This highlights the essential requirement for a collaborative effort among operators, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure responsible use of AI in gaming practices.
  • Personalization in Gaming: Personalization technologies powered by AI were discussed as game-changers for player engagement. Operators can harness AI data analytics to tailor gaming experiences, thus retaining players by presenting them with content that aligns closely with their preferences. There’s a genuine belief that future gaming environments will effectively curate offerings, enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Emergence of AI Agents: The idea of AI agents as task-driven entities could revolutionize gaming operations by automating various processes. These agents can analyze data trends and player preferences, facilitating smoother interactions and personalized recommendations. This development could lead to a more efficient operation, allowing human resources to focus on higher-level decision-making.
  • Long-Term Employment Impact: While some fear that AI will replace jobs within the gaming sector, there is a belief that new roles will emerge, particularly in AI development and data stewardship. Organizations will need skilled professionals to manage AI systems and interpret the vast amounts of data generated, creating a critical need for talent in this evolving landscape.
  • Business Growth Opportunities: The focus on AI as a key growth channel was reinforced, with predictions that those who adapt quickly will reap substantial benefits in a marketplace where being data-informed translates to competitive advantages. The conversation indicated a powerful likelihood of widespread AI adoption across various gaming verticals, thereby marking a significant trend towards a more analytical and customer-centric industry.

Overall, AI and ML are on the verge of dramatically altering the gaming and betting landscape, creating opportunities for innovation while presenting challenges for regulation and responsible gaming. The dialogue emphasized the need for collaboration and proactive measures to harness these technologies effectively within a safe and compliant framework, steering the industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

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