SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software solutions, presented the outcomes of its AI transformation at the Reflect Festival in Limassol. A key highlight of its participation was a keynote speech by Deputy CTO Sergey Kastukevich, titled “AI and AI Agents in Tech: Lessons on Scaling Innovation for Any Business.”
The keynote highlighted how AI has evolved from a strategic advantage to an operational necessity, demonstrating its wide-ranging applications across both technical and administrative functions at SOFTSWISS.
“Today, almost every company talks about using AI, but very few have actually implemented it. That’s because this is not just about adding another office tool; it’s about changing people’s mindsets and, as a result, your core business processes. The good news is that once you make this shift, your company will run far more efficiently.”
Sergey Kastukevich, Deputy CTO at SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS showcased real-world applications of artificial intelligence that are already streamlining workflows and enhancing product quality.
One of the innovations is AI-powered interaction with the case database. When a technical issue is reported, the system scans historical data to find similar cases and automatically suggests solutions. This significantly reduces response time and allows engineers to focus on more complex tasks.
Also, SOFTSWISS is enhancing its products with AI-driven features. Recent innovations include intelligent fraud detection, player segmentation with tailored offers, and an AI assistant to streamline operator tasks.
Recently, Sergey Kastukevich was recognised as CTO of the Year for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at the Oracle Excellence Awards 2025.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider, has launched its latest platform enhancement with Market Bundles, a front-end feature designed to streamline the display and navigation of betting markets.
Market Bundles introduce a more engaging and intuitive way for users to explore betting content by grouping markets under a single, translatable title. Each bundle utilises tabbed navigation, allowing for seamless transitions between related markets and improved sportsbook structure.
The new feature also gives operators more control over content presentation, enabling them to strategically organise and display markets for maximum user impact. Once created, bundles can be effortlessly dragged and dropped into existing market groups, allowing for dynamic and flexible layout options.
This smart tool is another clear example of how Altenar is evolving its platform with innovation and operator feedback at the heart of its roadmap, following a string of enhancements since the beginning of the year.
Dinos Doxiadis, Sportsbook Product Development Manager at Altenar, said: “Market Bundles represent a major step forward in how our operator partners can deliver content – offering a more easy-to-use and engaging sportsbook experience. This launch reflects our continued focus on enhancing front-end flexibility, reducing friction and giving operators powerful tools to shape the user journey.”
With a 10,000 FTN prize pool allocated to recognising outstanding performance, this sponsorship reflects RubyPlay’s ongoing dedication to innovation, strategic partnerships, and excellence within the iGaming sector.
The awards will take place as part of Harmony Meetup 7 featuring Fasttoken & Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards, from 8 to 11 July 2025 in Yerevan, Armenia. This prestigious event gathers industry leaders from around the globe to celebrate innovation and growth in digital iGaming. For sponsors, it offers valuable visibility, global reach, and opportunities to connect with key stakeholders shaping the industry’s future.
A defining highlight of the event will be the introduction of FTN’s 7 dimensions; a strategic framework outlining Fasttoken’s ambition to shape the digital era. Covering decentralisation, user empowerment, and virtual immersion, the model underscores FTN’s commitment to innovation and long-term value.
The Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025 stands as a key opportunity for companies to align with this vision and elevate their position in the digital economy.
This sponsorship underscores RubyPlay’s continued commitment to driving excellence, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting industry advancement. It also reflects the strength of RubyPlay’s ongoing collaboration with BetConstruct, an alliance that continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions and elevate the global gaming experience.
Conversations over the takeover of Reef Casino’s operation in Cairns remain ‘confidential and incomplete’; however, the non-binding offer received from the Morris Group has been received, and the group is considering the discussions entailed.
‘You can rest assured the Independent Board Committee will use its best endeavors to seek to achieve the most successful outcome for all unitholder,’ stated the operator in a recent release.
The Reef Hotel and Casino encompasses one of the company’s primary assets, with the trust operator showing solid results in 2024, despite income declining slightly.
International tourism has yet to recover, even as electronic gaming revenues rose.
But premium play fell during the last year.
Its declaration of a dividend could go in line with the sale, as the results were announced in February.
Looking to this year, distributable profit is expected to fall yearly to $3.6-3.8 million while stating revenues are ‘comparable to the same period in 2024’.
Costs, however, are higher due to regulatory and compliance costs.
Other costs have also increased.
However, the group expects May ‘will be another profitable month for the Trust’.
Tensions are rising between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, raising concerns about government stability.
According to The Bangkok Post, the alliance, characterized as “love-hate,” has weakened due to complaints against Bhumjaithai, regarding alleged vote-fixing in the 2024 Senate election.
Upcoming scrutiny of the 2026 budget bill adds to the strain, with rumors suggesting Bhumjaithai may not support it, potentially leading to a House dissolution.
Despite denials of serious conflicts from both parties, analysts warn that the fragile alliance could have significant political implications. Cooperation remains mostly smooth, but there are underlying power struggles, particularly around ministerial positions.
Bhumjaithai has resisted proposals to swap its interior ministerial post, emphasizing the need for equitable exchanges.
Political analysts highlight the importance of the Pheu Thai-Bhumjaithai relationship for the government’s future, indicating that if they cannot resolve their differences, it could lead to major political shifts. Concerns over the Senate vote-fixing allegations continue, with calls for transparency and accountability from both parties involved.
Legal experts note that while investigations into the alleged fraud are underway, dissolving a party requires substantial evidence, complicating the situation further. The outcome of these developments remains uncertain, but the implications could affect both domestic governance and broader political stability.
The Thai government has remained committed to the Entertainment Complex project, which has been in discussion for decades. Following Cabinet approval, the draft legislation is now moving through parliamentary channels, with high hopes from gaming operators internationally.
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.
Aruze Gaming Global is witnessing stronger-than-anticipated expansion across Asian markets, with particular momentum in the Philippines, according to Lai Cozzelino, Manager of Global Product Management at the company.
Lai Cozzelino, Manager of Global Product Management at Aruze Gaming Global
In an interview with AGB at G2E Asia, Cozzelino outlined the company’s evolving presence and ambitions across the region, while stressing Aruze’s goal to innovate with immersive gaming content tailored to dynamic market conditions.
“Asia is going ahead of what we’ve expected,” said Cozzelino, citing active operations in the Philippines, Macau, and Malaysia. “We’re seeing very positive traction, particularly in the Philippines, which we believe will remain one of the fastest-growing markets in the near future.”
The resurgence comes amid Aruze’s corporate transformation following its financial restructuring in 2023. The Nevada-based gaming manufacturer—known for its video slots and electronic table games—filed for bankruptcy and was subsequently split through auction. Empire Technological Group, under its Play Synergy brand, acquired Aruze’s US-based slot machine operations, while Interblock took over its electronic table games segment. Under the new structure, Aruze Gaming Global emerged as a reorganized entity focused on revitalizing the brand and expanding its footprint.
“Though we carry Aruze’s legacy, we are also a startup in many ways. The company was rebuilt in 2023, and we’ve brought on original game designers while starting fresh with a new management vision,” Cozzelino explained.
Philippines poised for expansion
Despite broader concerns in the industry about slowing growth in the Philippines due to regulatory changes affecting offshore gaming operations, Cozzelino remains optimistic about the land-based segment.
“We’re more focused on land-based, and for us, the market isn’t declining,” he said. “In fact, we’re doing well and continue to see strong performance. The Philippines continues to show growth, especially with new casinos and gaming floor expansions.”
Cozzelino added that, while the number of casinos may not increase dramatically, there’s a visible trend toward diversifying and enlarging slot machine libraries. “Instead of just adding more properties, the expansion seems to be happening within the gaming floors themselves—more titles, more choices, and a greater variety of experiences,” he said.
Breaking conventions in Macau
Turning to Macau, Cozzelino acknowledged the city’s unique post-COVID recovery dynamics, noting that game preferences remain tied to traditional, Asia-themed formats. However, Aruze aims to shift the landscape.
“What we want to do is kind of break that ice and bring more immersive contents,” he emphasized. “We want to introduce innovation while still respecting what makes Macau distinct as a market.”
He hinted that the company is seeking to differentiate itself by delivering games that not only appeal to long-time patrons but also engage younger and more entertainment-driven players.
Looking at Asia broadly, Cozzelino noted Macau remains the region’s symbolic hub for integrated resorts and industry gathering, but the Philippines is leading in terms of slot machine diversity and volume.
“Macau is the center of Asian gaming in terms of prestige and integrated resort development,” he said. “But when it comes to slots—both in quantity and innovation—Philippines is in a very good position.”
Cozzelino also flagged Thailand and Japan as jurisdictions to watch. “Thailand is trying to move toward legalizing gaming, and Japan is beginning to open up with its integrated resort project following the expo. There’s definitely long-term potential in both markets.”
Aruze Gaming Global currently holds active or temporary licenses in 151 jurisdictions worldwide, signaling its readiness to scale quickly in emerging and regulated markets. The company’s strategy emphasizes agile deployment, close cooperation with regulators, and a focus on tailored content creation.
“Our goal is to stay flexible, move fast, and bring something different to each market,” Cozzelino concluded.
Malaysian authorities have frozen over RM32 million ($7.5 million) spread across 150 mule accounts in a bid to crack down on illegal gambling.
According to authorities, as of March, they had recorded some 485 online gambling-related cases, resulting in 542 arrests and 255 charges.
The number has been steadily falling after some 2,681 arrests were recorded in 2023, resulting in 1,390 charges.
Authorities have also amended the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998 to impose stronger penalties for cybercrime, which includes online gambling.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has also been targeting gambling sites, shutting down thousands in recent years.
Intralot has formally denied reports suggesting it wants to acquire Max Gaming from Tabcorp, amid speculation about the Greek gaming technology firm’s interest in the Australian gaming monitoring business.
The company issued a public statement asserting it is not engaged in any negotiations concerning an Australian acquisition. “Currently, Intralot is not conducting any negotiations relating to any acquisition in Australia,” the statement said.
The denial follows a report by The Australian claiming Intralot had made a preliminary approach to Tabcorp regarding Max Gaming’s purchase. The gaming monitoring division could be valued as high as AU$610 million ($378 million), with unnamed sources claiming Macquarie Capital is advising Tabcorp.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Intralot has denied reports of potential international acquisitions. In April, the company issued a similar denial regarding claims of a cross-border merger.
Tabcorp, Australia’s largest gambling and entertainment company, initiated a strategic review of its assets in August 2024 after posting a substantial financial loss of AU$1.37 billion ($849 million) for the 2024 fiscal year. Max Gaming had reportedly been identified as a potential divestiture candidate during this review.
However, Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan said earlier this month that while a strategic review is ongoing, the company is under no financial pressure to divest assets. He emphasized that Tabcorp does not need to sell Max Gaming to reduce its debt burden.
Intralot’s historical footprint in Australia includes its previous operation of a lotteries licence, which it relinquished in 2014. Since then, its involvement has been largely limited to gaming monitoring services. Any expansion would represent a significant strategic shift given Australia’s competitive and tightly regulated gambling sector.
Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp announced Thursday that longtime Chairman Tim McNally will retire after more than two decades leading the integrated resort operator behind NagaWorld in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The 71 year old McNally, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent, will step down as Chairman and Non-Executive Director when his current term expires on June 30th, 2025. He first assumed the role in February 2005.
NagaCorp stated that McNally is retiring to dedicate more time to his family and pursue personal interests after his extensive tenure with the company.
Philip Lee Wai Tuck, currently serving as Executive Director and Executive Deputy Chairman of the Board, will succeed McNally as chairman effective July 1st, 2025. The 62-year-old Lee will take over leadership as the company continues operations of its flagship integrated resort in the Cambodian capital.
In announcing the transition, NagaCorp expressed gratitude to McNally for his dedication and significant contributions to the company throughout his lengthy service as chairman.
