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PopOK Gaming launches Crash Poki: A thrill-seeker’s dream crash game

AGBrief Editorial
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PopOK Gaming launches Crash Poki: A thrill-seeker’s dream crash game

The leading provider of innovative iGaming solutions PopOK Gaming has announced the release of Crash Poki, a captivating crash game where charming Poki characters transform into fearless pilots, soaring to new heights with ever-increasing multipliers.

This adrenaline-pumping adventure is now live and ready to be enabled for partner platforms!

A New Dimension of Crash Gaming

Crash Poki is not just another crash game; it’s an immersive experience that places players in the pilot’s seat of a Poki’s plane, climbing towards sky-high multipliers. The thrill builds as players decide when to cash out, maximizing their winnings while navigating the exhilarating highs of this dynamic game.

Key Features of Crash Poki:

  • Multiplier-based gameplay – Watch as your earnings rise alongside your aircraft.
  • Strategic Cashout System – Cash out at the perfect moment or aim for even bigger rewards.
  • Auto Pilot Mode – Activate auto cashout to secure winnings effortlessly.
  • Risk & Reward Balance – A game for both daring risk-takers and strategic masterminds.

Soar High, Win Big! Crash Poki is a symphony of anticipation, strategy, and risk, delivering a thrilling experience for all types of players. Whether you prefer to test your instincts or rely on calculated strategy, the sky’s the limit in this action-packed crash game.

Resorts World Sentosa to launch new retail and lifestyle area in 2H25

Nelson Moura
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Resorts World Sentosa to launch new retail and lifestyle area in 2H25

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has announced the upcoming launch of Weave, a retail and lifestyle area scheduled to open in the second half of 2025. This new development, previously known as The Forum, is part of RWS’s broader transformation strategy.

The 20,000 square meter space will feature over 40 lifestyle and premium brands distributed across three interconnected levels.

RWS is wholly owned by Genting Singapore, a company of the Genting Group. Located on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa, it occupies 49 hectares and includes the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck stated that Weave represents a significant step in the RWS 2.0 transformation, aimed at enhancing premium and lifestyle experiences within a cohesive environment. He noted that Weave will serve as a social hub, connecting guests across the resort and attractions.

The architectural design of Weave, created by the firm Benoy, incorporates biophilic elements and a weave pattern, reflecting the island’s tropical environment.

Planned Offerings at Weave

Resorts World Sentosa

Weave will include a range of flagship and concept stores. Notably, the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris flagship will offer a selection of pastries and desserts, including an ice cream bar.

Additionally, WeWa, a Middle Eastern street food concept, will serve items such as falafels and shawarmas prepared in an open kitchen.

Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet will introduce two dining concepts at Weave: an ice cream parlor featuring unique flavor pairings and a kitchen specializing in contemporary French cuisine. Other dining options will include Peking Chamber from mainland China, Standard Bread from South Korea, and Chatterbox, known for its chicken rice.

In addition to Weave, RWS is also planning a new waterfront lifestyle development expected to open by 2030. This project will be situated near the S.E.A. Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore and will include a promenade, two luxury hotels, a “mountain trail,” a light sculpture, and a retail and dining podium.

Current attractions at RWS include the multimedia art experience Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, which opened in November, and the recent launch of Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore in February.

HK Jockey Club’s mainland China racing debut delayed to October of 2026, due to rain

Kelsey Wilhelm
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HK Jockey Club’s mainland China racing debut delayed to October of 2026, due to rain

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s aspirations to potentially have horse racing betting based upon races in mainland China could have been slightly set back, given that the Conghua racecourse in mainland China has had its racing debut pushed back.  

According to the Hong Kong Standard, racing at the HKJC’s new facility in Conghua has been delayed from April of next year to October, given the potential for rain.

The CEO of the group had previously opined that there could be a racing and breeding industry in China in five years, 10 years or 15 years. This would further expand the live racing events that the Hong Kong Jockey Club hosts, as well as its streams – which are available for live betting via the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The HKJC has invested about $1.09 billion into the transformation of Conghua into a racecourse since 2015, in a bid to promote the sport and possibly open up betting options.

The HKJC was initially estimating to start its horse racing program in Conghua in April of 2026, with up to six race meetings per season. This was to be accompanied by equestrian programs every weekend and other entertainment.

The executive indicated recently that “we would be practically ready to start in April from an infrastructure point of view but it means we have much more time to do tests because it’s a completely new site”.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, as of last year, has pushed to allow betting on more nonlocal race days. It is also working with the government to explore the possibilities of expanding its sports betting offerings beyond horse racing and football betting, in particular to basketball.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Highlights of Asia Gaming Awards, recap of ASEAN

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Highlights of Asia Gaming Awards, recap of ASEAN
Good Morning: The event may be over, but it lives on and will return! The ASEAN Gaming Summit was a smashing success, bringing together top industry leaders, providing valuable insights and looking towards a brighter future for the gaming industry. And the spotlight shined in particular during the Asia Gaming Awards: make sure to check out the video of the event. Looking down under, The Star has extended its refinancing deal, pushing its possible lifeline back to April 1st. And in Cambodia, NagaCorp saw a strong yearly uptick in GGR for 2024.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

ASEAN Gaming Summit

ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

Defining the new normal for the Philippine gaming industry

When the industry comes together, it does so in style. This year’s ASEAN Gaming Summit approached a new normal, particularly within the Philippines, but also looking at regional growth and regulatory necessity. The insights provided sparked debate and interest in technological advancement, pushing the frontier. And in celebration of the successes so far gained, the Asia Gaming Awards celebrated newcomers, established giants, and the excellence that defines this industry.

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

UU Wallet: Bridging traditional finance and Web3 flexibility

UU Wallet unveils comprehensive Digital Finance Solutions at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

With a strong focus on security and efficiency, UU Wallet stands out with its instant cryptocurrency exchange capabilities and globally accepted prepaid card, making it a preferred choice for those navigating the complexities of digital finance.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Gaming expert defends NIDA’s survey on casino legalization in Thailand

Viviana Chan
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Gaming expert defends NIDA’s survey on casino legalization in Thailand

Recent survey results on Thailand’s proposed casino legalization have drawn attention, with gaming expert Daniel Cheng emphasizing the reliability of controlled polling methods amid contrasting findings.

Daniel Cheng, Gaming expert defends NIDA’s survey on casino legalization in Thailand
Daniel Cheng

“The NIDA poll, which uses a control group, offers a higher confidence level and more accurately reflects Thai public sentiment on casino legalization compared to the open online feedback process organized by the Fiscal Policy Office of the Ministry of Finance,” Cheng explained in a LinkedIn post. “For definitive clarity on the public mandate, local referendums are the most reliable approach.”

As reported by AGB, a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA Poll) found that a majority of Thai citizens were concerned about the government’s plan to legalize casinos. Among respondents, 32.6 percent feared legalized casinos could increase vice and undermine national security, while 30.2 percent doubted the policy’s economic benefits. 

Additionally, 28.1 percent expressed concerns about a rise in gambling addiction, 24.9 percent worried about potential money laundering activities, and 24.7 percent questioned the government’s ability to prevent criminal activities linked to casino complexes.

In contrast, a separate consultation conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office of the Ministry of Finance just one day later indicated strong public support for the casino bill. 

During the 15-day public hearing period, over 71,000 respondents participated, with 80.75 percent expressing approval for the proposed entertainment complex plan. Many participants even suggested easing regulations on locals’ entry and gaming floor space.

Notably, the Ministry of Finance is leading the legalization process, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat — a key figure from Thailand’s ruling party — being one of the main proponents of casino legalization. Julapun has been actively involved in discussions with the Council of State regarding the draft bill for entertainment complexes that include casinos and has emphasized their economic benefits.

In March, the Thailand’s Cabinet postponed the final deliberation on the controversial casino bill, citing the need for a thorough review and public consultation. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured that all concerns would be addressed before any decision is made.

NagaCorp GGR reaches nearly $543M in FY24

AGBrief Editorial
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NagaCorp GGR reaches nearly $543M in FY24

Cambodian gaming operator NagaCorp announced that for the FY24, the group achieved gross gaming revenue of $542.9 million, an increase of 5.5 percent year-on-year, and net gaming revenue of $480.33 million, an increase of 8 percent year-on-year.

The update was released in a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

The mass market and Premium VIP market drove the growth, with mass market GGR reported at $395 million, up by 17.2 percent yearly.

The premium VIP market saw a 15.3 percent yearly drop in business volumes, however it still brought in $103.1 million in revenue.

Together the mass market and premium VIP market segments accounted for 94 percent of total gross profit for the year.

During the year referral VIP market GGR grew by 1.4 percent to $44.8 million.

Despite the gains in some categories, net profit for the year fell by 38.3 percent to $109.6 million.

This was partially attributed to a non-cash impairment loss of $89.1 million regarding its Russian Vladivostok project.

The board of the company does not recommend the payment of a final dividend for the year 2024.

ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025 beats expectations, but there’s more to come!

AGBrief Editorial
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ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025 beats expectations, but there’s more to come!

The ASEAN Gaming Summit made yet another massive splash this year, welcoming over a thousand attendees, dozens of top industry expert panelists, over a dozen exhibitors and an expansive array of top sponsors.

The event’s focused format allowed for direct contact with speakers – for the audience to tap their knowledge before, during, or after their diverse and highly informative panels. Plus, networking opportunities were a shining light again this year.

The industry was also celebrated extensively during the Asia Gaming Awards, which took place on 18th March – shining the spotlight on industry pillars, up-and-comers and specific products that push the meaning of cutting edge.

Pre-empted with a day of special workshops aimed at exploring leadership and management opportunities, jurisdictions, regulations, compliance and opportunities, the event quickly accelerated over the following two information-packed days.

Top array of regulators, experts and industry heads

The first full day of the summit was opened by a special State of the Industry Address by the Chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation – Alejandro H. Tengco.

Given the event’s location in Manila, the PAGCOR Chairman was quick to highlight the growth of the Philippines’ online sector – which shows extreme potential for continued success, as well as the diverse offerings from integrated resorts – as more properties open and redefine luxury.

PAGCOR Chairman lauds Philippine gaming industry’s resilience, rise of eGaming

A series of intense panels over the day examined everything from regulation to AI, KYC, the online market, the necessities of tech (and its rapid advancement), and emerging markets such as Thailand and the UAE.

Topping off the evening was the Asia Gaming Awards – which added special new categories this year and brought in new contenders to battle it out with established giants.

But that wasn’t all!

A full day of top-geared panels was kicked off with a deep dive into the origin of iGaming in the Philippines, moving into the future of gaming, tech and advertising.

Tailoring your approach to the younger generation of iGaming punters: Panel

Attendees were treated to a wealth of insights covering compliance, live tables, ETGs, non-gaming trends, and changing demographics.

This was all topped off with a look at what could happen next for Asia’s top gaming markets – what opportunities and shifts are there, and how to seize them.

Join us next year!

The party doesn’t stop in 2025, as the plans are already in motion for the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2026: scheduled to take place from 17-19th March 2026. Pre-register now: https://aseangaming.com/register/

Check out this year!

If you attended this year, be sure to visit Asia Gaming Brief’s social media channels, find yourself in the photos, and share them.

Also, check out highlight videos on the ASEAN Gaming Summit website.

Bet365 to exit Chinese market by March 27th

Viviana Chan
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Bet365 to exit Chinese market by March 27th

Britain-based online gaming platform Bet365 has informed its clients that it will cease operations in the Chinese market by March 27th, 2025.

The announcement was made via email to customers on March 19th, according to Chinese-language gaming platform World Gaming Information.

In the email, Bet365 stated that it would no longer be able to provide services in the region starting March 27th, 2025. The company also noted that any unsettled bets beyond this date would be void, and the funds would be returned to users’ withdrawable balances.

Customers will still be able to log into their accounts and make withdrawals until April 30th, 2025. After this date, users will need to contact the platform directly to retrieve any remaining funds.

Commenting on the move in a LinkedIn post, Alun Bowden, SVP of Strategic Insight at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC, described the development as “really interesting.” He noted that while Bet365’s decision raises many questions, the company’s tight-lipped nature leaves few answers.

Bowden suggested that Bet365 may be prioritizing its expansion in the US, where gaining market share is a key strategic objective. He also highlighted a growing divide between established “online gambling 2.0” businesses, which are focusing on regulated markets, and “3.0” crypto-driven platforms that operate with less regulatory oversight.

Bowden pointed out that established operators are increasingly moving toward fully regulated markets as grey-market opportunities diminish. While higher EBITDA margins are often found in grey or black markets, companies are under increasing pressure to adapt to stricter regulatory environments.

He also remarked that it seems unviable for businesses to operate in both regulated and grey markets simultaneously, adding that the ongoing shift could persist until a major crypto-driven platform achieves a significant breakthrough, such as an IPO or acquisition.

PhilWeb denies PlayTime backdoor listing reports

Viviana Chan
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PhilWeb denies PlayTime backdoor listing reports

Philippines-listed eGames service provider PhilWeb Corporation has firmly denied reports suggesting that the online gaming platform PlayTime is pursuing a backdoor listing through the company.

The eGames service provider clarified that it has had ‘no interactions, communications, or engagements’ with PlayTime.

The statement, issued via a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), addressed both an exchange inquiry and a report by Bilyonaryo.

Following its initial filing dated March 24th, PhilWeb responded on March 25th to an inquiry from the PSE regarding an ‘unusual price movement’ in its shares, as the company’s stock declined nearly 30 percent, from PHP3.29 ($0.057) to PHP2.31 ($0.04) per share that same day.

In the document, PhilWeb attributed the drop to ‘market reactions’ following Bilyonaryo’s article, which was published on March 21st.

The company also clarified that it had no prior contact with the news platform or its representatives before the article’s publication, apart from its official response to the PSE.

PhilWeb stated that aside from its upcoming 2024 financial report, there are ‘no reportable or disclosable corporate events or activities at this time.’

PlayTime, launched in January 2024 and licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR), states that it has over 20 million subscribers and approximately 2 million active users. The platform also says it is one of the fastest-growing online entertainment platforms in the Philippines.

Pragmatic Play rolls out first Fat Panda slot games

AGBrief Editorial
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Pragmatic Play rolls out first Fat Panda slot games

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has announced the release of two slots from Fat Panda, an exclusive new studio.

In Lucky Tiger, a 3×3 slot set against an opulent Far Eastern temple, when the same symbol occupies the entire grid, wins are boosted by a random multiplier ranging from 5x to 25x.

The Respin feature can trigger randomly on any spin. During the feature, only wilds and a randomly selected paying symbol can land. Each new paying symbol or wild that hits awards an additional respin.

Lucky Mouse takes place on a 3-4-3 grid where all wild symbols carry a random multiplier from 2x to 5x. The wild feature can be activated randomly, distributing up to 10 wild multipliers across the reels.

Featuring vibrant visuals and captivating characters, Fat Panda games are tailored for new and casual players in search of fast, simple gameplay with high hit rates and snappy win animations.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Fat Panda is a new studio creating exclusive titles for Pragmatic Play. Starting with Lucky Tiger and Lucky Mouse, Fat Panda games stand out for their simple features, playful graphics, and high win frequency.”

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