Aristocrat Gaming wins top honors for slot content at 2025 E&K Slot Awards

United States

AGBrief Editorial

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March 2, 2025

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Aristocrat Gaming wins top honors for slot content at 2025 E&K Slot Awards

For the seventh consecutive year, Aristocrat Gaming has been honored as the “Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content” at the prestigious 2025 Eilers & Krejcik (EKG) Slot Awards. Additionally, the company earned accolades for its King Max™, recognized as the Top Performing NEW Premium Cabinet.

“The EKG Awards recognize top performance, and we are grateful to each of our customers who allow us the privilege of entertaining players with our leading game content, hardware, systems, and more,” said Aristocrat Gaming CEO, Craig Toner.

“Both in land-based and online sectors, we are committed to creating the best seat in the house for players, and these awards are a testament to our talented teams across the globe who are delivering on this commitment.”

The King Max cabinet by Aristocrat Gaming features a new Virtual Button Deck design, 63.5” Curved Monitor Display, LED Edge lighting, a 27” LCD Topper, and supported by both iChair 3.0 and iBench. The cabinet launched with the first NFL-themed title by Aristocrat Gaming, NFL Super Bowl Jackpots™, and has since expanded to house Buffalo Power Pay™, House of the Dragon™, and more.

The EKG Slot Awards are produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) and recognize excellence in slot game development in the casino gaming industry.

International Entertainment Corp sees 2H24 loss despite strong gaming revenue increase

Philippines

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 2, 2025

0

International Entertainment Corp sees 2H24 loss despite strong gaming revenue increase

Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp. delivered a loss for 2H24 that was in line with company expectations, totaling HK$94.75 million ($12.18 million), despite a strong increase in gaming revenue.

The group had previously indicated in a profit warning that it was expecting a loss of no less than HK$90 million ($11.6 million) for the period, largely driven by elevated operating costs.

International Entertainment took over the casino operations at New Coast Hotel Manila in May 2024 under a provisional gaming license granted by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in September 2023.

In a filing late last week, the company indicated that it had seen revenue from its gaming operation reach nearly HK$240 million ($30.85 million), compared to HK$71 million ($9.13 million) in the same quarter of 2023. However, the segment’s results were still negative, at HK$48.96 million ($6.3 million).

Hotel revenue fell slightly, to HK$27.62 million ($3.55 million), from HK$34.11 million ($4.4 million) in 2H23, which the group attributes to some hotel rooms being closed for renovation. The group also highlighted that ‘competition in the hospitality industry in the Philippines was strong during the period’.

Total revenue for the group totaled HK$267.62 million ($34.4 million), a 154.55 percent yearly increase.

Despite having a segment dedicated to live poker events in Macau, no such events were held during the period, meaning no revenue was generated from the segment.

The group did not recommend the payment of an interim dividend for the period.

A company subsidiary, Marina Square Properties, Inc. (MSPI) is still involved in a tax dispute with the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regarding alleged deficiency taxes totaling nearly PHP5.01 billion ($86.3 million). The group notes that ‘the directors of the Company believe that MSPI has valid legal arguments to defend the […] tax disputes’. The group has not made any provisions for the tax disputes in the interim results.

Hong Kong Jockey Club hopeful basketball betting could be legalized by September: report

Hong Kong

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 2, 2025

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Hong Kong Jockey Club hopeful basketball betting could be legalized by September: report

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is hopeful that legislation to legalize basketball betting in the SAR could be passed as early as September of this year.

This comes after Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary expressed openness to pursuing the new revenue stream, aimed at propping up the city’s financials and addressing its growing fiscal deficit.

According to sources cited by RTHK, the HKJC has already submitted a proposal framework and met with government officials last Friday.

The expected framework for basketball betting would follow that of football betting that the HKJC already runs, involving a 50 percent duty from net betting revenue.

This could bring in as much as HK$30 billion ($3.86 billion) per year, by drawing away 30-40 percent of illegal betting turnover in the SAR.

Sources cited by the publication indicate that investment of HK$1 billion-HK$2 billion ($129 million-$257 million) would be required for infrastructure – including a new computer system that could be rolled out by 2026 or 2027.

The government could also generate as much as HK$1.5 billion ($193 million) in yearly tax revenue after four years.

Shin Hwa World expects to reduce FY24 loss by up to 10%

South Korea

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 2, 2025

0

Shin Hwa World expects to reduce FY24 loss by up to 10%

South Korean integrated resort operator Shin Hwa World has announced that it’s expecting a reduction in loss for 2024 ‘of not more than 10 percent’.

According to a recent filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the reduction in loss is based on an increase in consolidated revenue, ‘particularly generated from the gaming business segment’. It also highlighted a decreased in amortization and depreciation and in operating expenses.

The group notes that ‘taking into account the possible impairment on intangible assets that may need to be recognized, it is anticipated that there was a reduction of not more than 10 percent in consolidated net loss for the year’.

In 2023, the group saw consolidated revenue amount to HK$1 billion ($128.8 million), up by 25 percent yearly. However, losses for the year amounted to approximately HK$522.4 million ($67.4 million), a strong increase from the approximately HK$217 million ($28 million) in losses registered in 2022.

This increase in loss was attributed to factors including intense competition, reduced residential property sales and an interest rate rise, accompanied by increased costs due to inflation and higher employee benefit expenses.

Last November, the company indicated that it was issuing some HK$200 million ($25.7 million) in a private bond offering, aimed at supporting its ongoing business development, particularly in the integrated resort sector.

Lim Kok Thay steps down as Genting Berhad CEO

Malaysia

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 2, 2025

0

Lim Kok Thay steps down as Genting Berhad CEO

Genting Berhad’s long-serving CEO, Malaysian billionaire Lim Kok Thay, has relinquished his role as CEO of the company, effective from March 1^st.

Thay, however, will continue to serve as executive chairman of the group.

In an announcement late last week, the company indicated that the President and COO Tan Kong Han has stepped into the CEO role, while maintaining his position as president and executive director.

Tan has served as COO for 18 years, and has held the position of President since January of 2020.

Under Thay’s leadership, the company has grown across the globe, performing strongly in gaming and hospitality, energy and property development, palm oil, biotech and more.

Speaking of the leadership change, Thay noted that Tan’s appointment is “part of a multi-year succession plan”.

The executive furthered that Tan’s assumption of the CEO would enable him to “focus on my duty as the Executive Chairman of the Board and my other duties within the Genting Group”.

Amongst the appointment, Thay has stepped down as CEO of Genting Plantations Berhad, but remains as Executive Director of the company.

1xAffiliates dominates the spotlight at SiGMA Eurasia 2025

UAE

AGBrief Editorial

-

March 1, 2025

0

1xAffiliates dominates the spotlight at SiGMA Eurasia 2025

At the booth, 1xAffiliates’ top managers shared insights on market trends and talked about unique earning opportunities with one of the best affiliate programs in the world. Guests enjoyed productive networking, participated in a giveaway of valuable prizes, and had the chance to meet Gregory van der Wiel – a legend of Paris Saint-Germain and the Netherlands’ national team.

1xAffiliates also gifted lucky winners a branded PlayStation 5, tickets to the Paris Saint-Germain’s match with an exclusive opportunity to attend the team’s training session, as well as the French giant’s retro jerseys and stylish merchandise. The star guest, Gregory van der Wiel, presented the grand prize, signed shirts, and took photos with the winners.

“The atmosphere at the 1xAffiliates booth was amazing, and it was a very interesting experience for me. It’s great to see so many people passionate about what they love, as well as to interact with fans and hand out prizes. Thanks to 1xAffiliates and the PSG for the opportunity to be part of this exciting event,” shared Gregory van der Wiel.

1xAffiliates takes center stage at SiGMA Eurasia 2025 — _{Gregory van der Wiel, former Dutch professional footballer}

The event took place from February 23 to 25 at Festival Arena by InterContinental Dubai Festival City (Dubai, UAE) and gathered 14,000 guests, nearly 5,000 affiliates, and more than 300 speakers.

In addition, 1X won the Best Crypto Operator 2025 nomination, beating its competitors based on the decision of an authoritative jury and votes on the prize page.

The 1xAffiliates team thanks the organizers for the high level of the event and the excellent platform for knowledge exchange. The brand’s managers will continue strengthening ties with the professional community and look forward to new meetings at the world’s largest industry exhibitions.

DreamLeague stands as the crucible of innovation, where strategies are devised, legends are born, and Dota 2’s annals are redefined. Kicking off the 2025 esports season, DreamLeague Season 25 runs from February 16 to March 2, gathering the elite Dota 2 teams from across the globe to vie for a staggering $1,000,000 prize pool.

Dota 2 elite: who’s taking part?

The list of the teams to keep an eye:

Team Falcons, the current champions, have a well-coordinated roster and quickly adapt to their opponents thanks to the variety of tactics in their arsenal. Veterans Cr1t- and Sneyking will try to bring the team to the top again.
BetBoom Team is last season’s finalists who want revenge. Their lineup includes experienced players like Pure and Kiyotaka, making them serious contenders for the title.
Team Spirit is a surprise team that can create a sensation. Yatoro and TorontoTokyo’s brilliant decisions are difficult to predict, as they can change the course of the game in their team’s favor at any moment.
PARIVISION is an ambitious squad that improves with each tournament. Crystallis and No[o]ne show an excellent performance, and the team is an unpleasant opponent for anyone.

The path to the DreamLeague Season 25 championship

The tournament has three stages. In the first, 16 teams are divided into two groups of 8 participants and play in a round-robin Bo2 format. The four best squads from each group advance.

In the second stage, the eight remaining participants play each other in the Bo3 format. The two strongest teams advance directly to the final of the upper bracket, and those who take 3rd and 4th places play in the semifinals of the lower bracket.

In the tournament’s decisive stage, the upper bracket winner goes to the grand final. The remaining squads will fight for the last ticket in the lower bracket matches. The final will be held in the best-of-five format, where they need to win three maps to succeed.

Clash of tactics and new stars

Despite its top status, DreamLeague is a field for experiments, where teams test new tactics and fresh ideas. Participants are not afraid to take risks and surprise opponents with unconventional solutions, which is why millions of fans worldwide love this competition.

DreamLeague Season 25 is an ideal chance for many players and squads to make a name for themselves, attract sponsors’ attention, and increase their popularity. The tournament shapes trends in Dota 2 and influences the development of esports in general.

DreamLeague Season 25 predictions

1xBet experts carefully studied the balance of power before the tournament and identified teams capable of fighting for the title. Tundra Esports has a high chance of winning – the squad is stable and can bring important matches to a victorious end. Another favorite is Team Falcons. They have a rich history of success and ambitions to win the fourth season in a row. It is also worth paying attention to PARIVISION, which wants to challenge the top teams.

Global bookmaker 1xBet considers Asia one of its priority markets and wants to strengthen its position in the region. The 1xAffiliates program members play a crucial role in implementing this plan. The brand offers its partners the most favorable conditions: up to 50% lifetime commission from the bets of each attracted user and high conversion of registrations into deposits – up to 65%.

The best esports players train for years to get into the top teams, and you can join the betting industry leader in one day. Join 1xAffiliates – a community of over 100,000 partners who receive a stable and high income!

“We are pleased that the professional community has highly appreciated our work, as well as the most modern and convenient solutions for monetary transactions that we offer. Cryptocurrency is the future, and our team wants to shape it today. We will continue integrating innovative technologies into our platform to provide clients maximum freedom, security, and comfort,” said a 1X representative.

Winning the SiGMA Eurasia Awards 2025 marks another significant international success for 1X over the past year, including Mobile Sports Product of the Year at the International Gaming Awards 2025, Best Affiliate Program at the SiGMA Asia Awards 2024, and Best Esports Operator in Latin America at the SiGMA Americas Awards 2024.

SPiCE South Asia will focus on critical areas shaping the future of iGaming, including the latest trends in South Asia and Sri Lanka’s gaming markets, as well as best practices within the region. Pronet Gaming looks forward to discussing the unique opportunities and challenges that are emerging in the South Asian market.

“We are thrilled to be attending SPiCE South Asia 2025, a pivotal event that will provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the gaming industry in this rapidly evolving region,” said Alex Karaoulis, Commercial and Product Strategy Lead, Pronet Gaming.

“As we look to expand our operations in Asia this year, we recognise the immense potential of this market. Asia is an increasingly lucrative area for iGaming, and we’re excited to introduce the region to our award-winning platform and innovative solutions.”

Pronet Gaming, renowned for their cutting-edge gaming solutions, will showcase how its comprehensive suite of tools can power B2C online gaming businesses from launch to double-digit growth. By providing a full turnkey platform, Pronet Gaming offer scalable solutions that allow operators to enter the market with ease and maximise their potential.

With offices across various locations, the company brings together diverse talent and expertise from across the world. Many of Pronet Gaming’s team members have valuable experience in both B2B and B2C sectors, ensuring that their clients receive industry-leading service and support tailored to their specific needs.

“We’re looking forward to meeting like-minded professionals at SPiCE South Asia and demonstrating how Pronet Gaming can help power the next wave of successful online gaming businesses in Asia and beyond,” added Karaoulis. “Our team is committed to providing operators with the best possible tools to succeed in today’s fast-paced gaming environment.”

Aristocrat Gaming wins top honors for slot content at 2025 E&K Slot Awards

For the seventh consecutive year, Aristocrat Gaming has been honored as the “Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content” at the prestigious 2025 Eilers & Krejcik (EKG) Slot Awards. Additionally, the company earned accolades for its King Max™, recognized as the Top Performing NEW Premium Cabinet.

International Entertainment Corp sees 2H24 loss despite strong gaming revenue increase

Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp. delivered a loss for 2H24 that was in line with company expectations, totaling HK$94.75 million ($12.18 million), despite a strong increase in gaming revenue.

Hong Kong Jockey Club hopeful basketball betting could be legalized by September: report

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is hopeful that legislation to legalize basketball betting in the SAR could be passed as early as September of this year.

Shin Hwa World expects to reduce FY24 loss by up to 10%

South Korean integrated resort operator Shin Hwa World has announced that it’s expecting a reduction in loss for 2024 ‘of not more than 10 percent’.

Lim Kok Thay steps down as Genting Berhad CEO

Genting Berhad’s long-serving CEO, Malaysian billionaire Lim Kok Thay, has relinquished his role as CEO of the company, effective from March 1^st.

1xAffiliates dominates the spotlight at SiGMA Eurasia 2025

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