Slotegrator partners with Winfinity to expand Baltic presence

Europe

AGBrief Editorial

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March 4, 2025

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Slotegrator partners with Winfinity to expand Baltic presence

Slotegrator, a leading software and business solution provider for online casino and sportsbook operators, has announced a new partnership with Winfinity, a forward-thinking game provider specializing in live casino games.

Operators can now integrate Winfinity’s cutting-edge titles through Slotegrator’s APIgrator solution, offering players an exceptional gaming experience that blends classic appeal with modern innovations.

Founded in 2020 in Latvia, Winfinity has rapidly positioned itself as a leader in the live casino sector.

The provider’s portfolio includes popular games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, all enhanced with unique mechanics. Blackjack features patented side bets, roulette offers both classic and multiplier-enhanced modes, while baccarat stands out with lightning-fast round times. The lineup also includes Cabaret Roulette Game Show, where players can win up to x10,000, and BigBang Roulette, the highest-multiplier roulette in live gaming with wins of up to x50,000.

Powered by HTML5 technology, Winfinity’s games ensure seamless compatibility across devices, platforms, and operating systems. This technology guarantees smooth performance on any device, either mobile or desktop.

Winfinity’s live studios offer a luxurious and authentic atmosphere. Studio Venice evokes Italian elegance with marble floors and olive trees, Studio Bar combines high-end design with warm ambient lighting, and Studio Tao Yuan reflects a traditional Asian aesthetic with rich colors and a handcrafted bonsai tree.

The provider also employs advanced technologies, such as AI-supported video recognition, to ensure accurate game results and maintain the highest security standards. Licensed by the Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection, the provider prioritizes responsible gaming, offering operators and players a trustworthy and secure experience.

What sets Winfinity apart are its innovative features. Their “Last Chance” mechanic in blackjack, for example, offers players an additional opportunity to influence the outcome of live games, adding a layer of strategy and excitement. Adjustable roulette gameplay further allows players to customize their experience, switching between classic modes and multiplier-enhanced rounds to suit their preferences.

Partnering with Winfinity through Slotegrator means gaining access to a game provider that delivers top-quality, secure, and player-focused solutions, which will help to improve retention rates.

Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder at ThrillTech, said: “We aim to enter at least 10 jurisdictions by the end of this year, such as the UK, Peru, Brazil, Italy, Ontario and Greece. We will also keep working hard on the performance of our technology, which can already handle an enormous amount of transactions. We promise to keep pushing the limits of our product performance, which was designed and built for the next stage of the iGaming industry.”

ThrillTech operates from Cyprus, Malta and remotely. The company was founded with the ambition to build the strongest and most versatile jackpot technology in iGaming.

Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “We’re extremely excited about this collaboration with Lucky7 Casino in the Dutch market, and we’re confident our games will contribute to its positive momentum and growth.”

Frank Loffeld, COO/CTO for Lucky7 Casino added: “We’ve long admired Spinomenal’s commitment to making highly engaging games and we know with full confidence these will be well received by our experienced players.”

Specifically, MBS repaid all outstanding Facility A and Facility D loans, settled all ancillary outstandings, reduced the available facility for each loan category to zero, and canceled all ancillary commitments from lenders under the original facility agreement, which was first established on June 25th, 2012, with DBS as the agent and security trustee.

As a result, all outstanding amounts under the finance documents have been fully discharged, and no lender commitments under the previous facility agreement remain in force.

As reported by AGB, the MBS expansion plan is now estimated to cost $8 billion—more than double the initial $3.3 billion announced in 2019.

The project will introduce a fourth hotel tower to the iconic resort, featuring 570 luxury suites, a 15,000-seat arena, and 110,000 square feet of MICE space. Construction is expected to begin by June 2025, with a target opening date of January 1st, 2031.

SJM results improve in 2024, with return to profit on strong gaming revenue

Nelson Moura

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March 4, 2025

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SJM results improve in 2024, with return to profit on strong gaming revenue

SJM Holdings Limited has announced substantial increases across key metrics in 2024, including a 33.8 percent increase in net gaming revenue to HK$26.8 billion ($3.4 billion).

The group’s adjusted EBITDA surged to HK$3.7 billion ($471 million), up 117.9 percent from HK$1.7 billion ($217 million) in 2023. The strong performance led to a small profit attributable to owners of the company of HK$3 million ($384,000), recovering from a significant loss of HK$2 billion ($256 million) in the previous year.

SJM’s positive results were driven by a steady gaming market presence. The company indicated it captured 13.1 percent of Macau’s gross gaming revenue, including 15.8 percent from mass-market table games and 5.1 percent from VIP gaming.

The group’s Cotai flagship, the Grand Lisboa Palace, also contributed significantly, generating gross revenue of HK$6.5 billion ($830 million), which includes HK$5.2 billion ($664 million) from gaming and HK$1.3 billion ($166 million) from non-gaming activities. This marks a substantial increase from its previous year’s gross gaming revenue of HK$2.6 billion ($332 million).

In addition, the Macau peninsula property – Grand Lisboa – saw its gross revenue rise to HK$7.8 billion ($1 billion), with gaming revenue climbing to HK$7.5 billion ($960 million), compared to HK$5.4 billion ($691 million) in 2023.

In a further breakdown of its operations, the company headed by Daisy Ho reported that its satellite casinos generated HK$10.7 billion ($1.4 billion) in casino revenue (GGR) for the year, an increase of 24.9 percent from HK$8.6 billion ($1.1 billion) in 2023.

The adjusted property EBITDA from these satellite venues improved significantly, rising to HK$42 million ($5.4 million), a notable recovery from a loss of HK$338 million ($43 million) in the previous year.

Despite the encouraging financial results, the Board of Directors has not recommended a final dividend for 2024, consistent with the previous year. The company indicated it continues to prioritize financial stability, reporting HK$3.2 billion ($409 million) in cash and bank balances against HK$26.4 billion ($3.4 billion) in debt as of December 31st, 2024.

As of the end of last year, SJM operated nine satellite casinos: Casa Real, Landmark, Emperor Palace, Fortuna, Grandview, Kam Pek Paradise, L’Arc Macau, Legend Palace and Ponte 16.

Under the new Gaming Law, satellite casinos were granted a three-year transition period, running from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2025, during which they can continue operating under the previous system.

After this period ends, satellite casino operators will only be able to manage the casinos through a management company, with gaming operators paying a management fee. SJM is the gaming operator to be most affected by the new measure.

Enhancements to MICE Facilities

In order to strengthen its competitiveness in the mid-sized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) sector, the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort will be adding two new event spaces: Garden House, a 2,000-square-metre flexible indoor-outdoor venue, and Grand Hall, a 2,900-square-metre venue outfitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual and conference facilities.

According to SJM, this expansion will increase the resort’s overall hosting capacity by 132 percent.

Meanwhile, new function rooms and a refurbished grand ballroom will be introduced to Grand Lisboa, further enhancing the property’s appeal to high-value travelers and complementing its fine-dining offerings.

Grand Lisboa will also embark on a comprehensive upgrade program, including a full renovation of all typical rooms and a room inventory expansion of over 10 percent through the conversion of former junket areas into exclusive villas, mansions, and suites.

As this transformation unfolds, the adjacent Hotel Lisboa will be rolling out its own newly refurbished rooms in phases, supporting Grand Lisboa’s operations.

Occupancy rates at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort improved significantly, rising 14.4 percent to 97 percent, while the Grand Lisboa Hotel saw a 5.7 percent increase to 98.7 percent. However, the average room rate at the Grand Lisboa Palace decreased by 9.9 percent to HK$1,191 ($152), while the Grand Lisboa Hotel’s average rate increased by 9.4 percent to HK$1,226 ($157).

SJM’s results have caused concern amongst analysts, as its Cotai property – the last integrated resort to open in Macau (excluding expansion projects on existing properties), has experienced a slow ramp-up and unimpressive results. However, the 2024 results could help lighten the mood slightly, if the group can maintain its momentum.

The committee is comprised of two outside directors and one outside auditor, ‘with the aim of verifying the management team’s stance, awareness of compliance, and whether the governance structure are in line with the trust and expectations of our shareholders, employees, as well as domestic and international stakeholders’.

In a summary of the recommendations provide by UEC, the committee suggests reducing the impact of the major shareholder – attempting to distance itself from Okada Holdings Limited, which holds approximately 70 percent of UEC’s shares.

‘The dispute should be separated from the business management of UEC,’ states the summary.

The issue relates to the appeal for the dismissal of former UEC representative director Jun Fujimoto, which includes claims for damage compensation and UEC’s preservation of Fujimoto’s assets including real estate, 680,000 UEC shares, deposits and directors’ remuneration.

The committee further suggests the formulation of a ‘medium-to-long-term business plan’ and preparation of budgets for each company and a report on progress to the Board of Directors for both.

It also suggests improvements on human resources, including the creation of an HR department independent from the Administration department, the appointment of a director and establishment of requirements for executives. It also suggests improving the ‘evaluation of the criteria for the selecting candidates for management’.

Other suggestions including establishing a nomination and remuneration committee and improving evaluation of criteria for nominating candidates for directors.

One of the most direct suggests is the ‘reduction of the number of lawsuits’ – an issue that has plagued the company over the past years, particularly regarding a cancelled plan to list on the NASDAQ via Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) 26 Capital, and its long-term spat with former founder Kazuo Okada.

China’s Vice-Minister of Public Security makes visit to Poipet border

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 4, 2025

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China’s Vice-Minister of Public Security makes visit to Poipet border

China’s Vice-Minister of Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, led a delegation to visit Cambodia’s Poipet International Border Checkpoint on Sunday, following talks with key local officials on cross-border security issues.

Poipet has long been notorious for its casinos and gambling dens – both legal and illegal, given its proximity to Bangkok and Pattaya.

While the nation doesn’t share a border with China, the recent rise in scam activities in Cambodia has prompted concern from Beijing, especially due to its nationals being lured into working in the scam centers, operating them, or being targeted by them.

According to media reports, Liu met with key officials including the Chairman of the Provincial Council and Governor of the province, as well as top heads of provincial security and administration.

These discussions focused on the fight against online fraud and illegal border crossings, with both sides committing to strengthening cooperation on cross-border crimes.

On the same day as the Poipet border visit, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation received China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, aimed at enhancing their “diamond cooperation” in both security and diplomatic areas.

At the end of February, Thailand’s Prime Minister chaired a meeting to target efforts on call center gangs and online crimes, including the ‘Seal Stop Safe’ border sealing policy. Under the policy, some three Chinese nationals were detained in February alone related to call center gangs.

Thailand’s Prime Minister had previously met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, to discuss issues including safety of Chinese citizens visiting Thailand due to the threat from scam operations.

Thailand has also floated the idea of building a wall along part of its border with Cambodia to prevent illegal crossings, after a raid in Poipet rescued at least 215 people held in a scam compound. A previously proposed wall segment targeted a 55-kilometer segment centered on the Sa Kaeo-Poipet area.

Macau gaming sector salaries rise, with managers leading the gains

Macau

Viviana Chan

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March 4, 2025

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Macau gaming sector salaries rise, with managers leading the gains

The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported that the average earnings of full-time employees in Macau’s gaming sector, excluding irregular remuneration, reached MOP26,890 ($3,370) in December, reflecting a 6.3 percent increase year-on-year.

The average salary for dealers rose by 2.9 percent to MOP21,470 ($2,691), mainly due to higher wages and increased working hours.

Among gaming sector employees, directors and managers saw the largest salary increase. Their average earnings reached MOP68,900 ($8,636) by the end of December, up from MOP56,390 ($7,068) a year earlier, marking a significant 22.2 percent rise. Meanwhile, salaries for technicians, associate professionals, and clerks—including dealers—rose between 2.3 percent and 2.9 percent.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, the gaming sector employed 52,971 full-time workers, an increase of 1,200, or 2.3 percent, from the previous year. This included 23,618 dealers, representing a rise of 259, or 1.1 percent.

The number of job vacancies in the sector dropped by 147 year-on-year to 253. Clerks accounted for the largest share of openings with 90 positions, followed by directors and managers with 54. Of these vacancies, 64.8 percent required prior work experience, while 62.5 percent only required a senior secondary education or lower.

During the fourth quarter, 1,148 new employees were hired, while 812 left their jobs. The employee recruitment rate rose slightly to 2.2 percent, up by 0.2 percentage point year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the turnover rate fell to 1.5 percent, and the job vacancy rate dropped to 0.5 percent, decreasing by 0.1 and 0.3 percentage point, respectively. This suggests that some previously vacant positions had been filled.

NSW gov’t cancels commitment to remove 9.5K pokie machines before state elections

Australia

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 4, 2025

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NSW gov’t cancels commitment to remove 9.5K pokie machines before state elections

The New South Wales government has cancelled a commitment to remove some 9,500 pokie machines from the Australian state, annulling a promise to do so before state elections.

According to The Guardian, the 9,500 machines were set to be removed through a buyback scheme (encompassing about 2,000 pokies) and a forfeiture model.

In describing the reversal, NSW gaming minister David Harris claimed the cancellation was more due to cost and wasn’t based on necessity.

“What we found is it is not the number of machines that’s the issue. It’s the intensity of play. The state could pay AU$60 million ($37.2 million) to remove those machines and it would make no difference other than AU$60 million coming out of a budget when it could have been spent on harm minimization,” stated the official, as cited by the publication.

Harris furthered that election commitments were based on “the best knowledge you have”, claiming that some commitments “are no longer relevant”.

“The idea of reducing machines sounds very attractive, but when the evidence shows us that it would make no material difference, do you think we should go and spend $60 million on something that doesn’t make a difference?” he questioned.

The official also stated the government’s flipped stance comes after advice from the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, which estimated the buy-back scheme would cost at least AU$60 million.

The panel’s report also indicated that any NSW government scheme on pokie removal ‘should be voluntary and open to NSW clubs and hotels’ and ‘be simple and transparent’.

The report suggested the buy-back scheme should price Gaming Machine Entitlement at AU$30,000 ($18,600) and should ‘target the existing commitment of 2,000 Gaming Machine Entitlements over five years’.

According to data from Liquor and Gaming NSW, pokie losses in 2024 reached AU$8.64 billion ($5.36 billion), up by 6.3 percent yearly, despite harm minimization reforms.

Slotegrator partners with Winfinity to expand Baltic presence

Slotegrator, a leading software and business solution provider for online casino and sportsbook operators, has announced a new partnership with Winfinity, a forward-thinking game provider specializing in live casino games.

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ThrillTech secures ISO 27001 to boost 2025 growth ambitions

ThrillTech, the innovative jackpot and drops technology provider for iGaming operators and game studios, has secured the leading international information security certification, ISO 27001.

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Spinomenal inks partnership with Lucky7 Casino

Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has expanded its presence within the Dutch market after signing with operator Lucky7 Casino.

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MBS settles past debt as it moves forward with $9B loan for expansion

Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd, the local entity responsible for managing the integrated resort Marina Bay Sands (MBS) operations, has fully repaid all outstanding loans and commitments under its previous facility agreement.

SJM results improve in 2024, with return to profit on strong gaming revenue

SJM Holdings Limited has announced substantial increases across key metrics in 2024, including a 33.8 percent increase in net gaming revenue to HK$26.8 billion ($3.4 billion).

Enhancements to MICE Facilities

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Jeju Dream Tower casino sales drop 5.5% YoY in February

South Korea’s Jeju Dream Tower reported a 5.5 percent year-on-year decline in casino sales for February, totaling just under KRW22.62 billion ($15.5 million).

Universal Entertainment Corp ‘considering measures to improve its governance’

Okada Manila operator Universal Entertainment Corp. (UEC) says it is ‘considering measures to improve its governance structure’, after recommendations from a Governance Committee established last September.

China’s Vice-Minister of Public Security makes visit to Poipet border

China’s Vice-Minister of Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, led a delegation to visit Cambodia’s Poipet International Border Checkpoint on Sunday, following talks with key local officials on cross-border security issues.

Macau gaming sector salaries rise, with managers leading the gains

The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported that the average earnings of full-time employees in Macau’s gaming sector, excluding irregular remuneration, reached MOP26,890 ($3,370) in December, reflecting a 6.3 percent increase year-on-year.

NSW gov’t cancels commitment to remove 9.5K pokie machines before state elections

The New South Wales government has cancelled a commitment to remove some 9,500 pokie machines from the Australian state, annulling a promise to do so before state elections.

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