Yolo Entertainment bolsters leadership with strategic senior hires

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AGBrief Editorial

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April 22, 2025

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Yolo Entertainment bolsters leadership with strategic senior hires

Yolo Entertainment, the operator behind leading brands Bitcasino and Sportsbet.io, has announced four key senior hires as it continues to build out its leadership team.

Jock Jamieson-Black joins as Head of CRM, Regional Strategy, having previously spent six years in customer experience positions at Betway Group.
James Clark has been appointed Global Head of Content & SEO, joining from bet365 where he led the brand’s editorial content and SEO strategy.
Abu Koroma comes on board as Director of Product Engineering, with a strong track record of building and scaling high-performing engineering teams.
And Charlene Cassar becomes Global Head of BI & Data Science, following senior data roles at the likes of Gamesys and Eastrock Group.

Jock-Jamieson-Black-Yolo-Group — _{Jock Jamieson-Black}

Abu-Koroma-Yolo-Group — _{Jock Jamieson-Black}

Charlene-Cassar-Yolo-Group — _{James Clark}

Yolo Entertainment CEO Matthew D’Emanuele said: “At Yolo Entertainment, our commitment to delivering an exceptional player experience starts with our people. That’s why we are delighted to continue attracting world-class talent from both within and beyond the iGaming industry.”

“We’re excited to welcome Jock, James, Abu, and Charlene, with each bringing outstanding pedigree, deep expertise, and the kind of ambition and energy that perfectly reflect our culture. We’re thrilled to have them on board as we continue to raise the bar for entertainment.”

The hires are part of Yolo Entertainment’s broader expansion strategy, which has seen multiple senior appointments over previous months, including Chief Product and Technology Officer Ashley Abela Hardy, Chief Brand Officer Shane Anderson and Chief Data Officer Laura Nash.

Incorporating the experience of last year’s business matching initiative organized for qualified local technology enterprises together with Macao Young Entrepreneur Incubation Centre (MYEIC), on April 17, 2025, Melco once again welcomed representatives from 15 SMEs offering marketing products and services to a dedicated event in collaboration with MYEIC at Studio City.

Melco & MYEIC empower SMEs with strategic marketing solutions

The Company was honored to invite Mr. Sky Lai, Acting Head of Business Promotion Division of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, and Mr. Andy Ng, Director of MYEIC, as the event’s guests of honor.

Supporting beneficial exchange and mutual business opportunities, the event enabled participating exhibitors to showcase their product designs and marketing promotion concepts through the setting up of display booths, while allowing Melco’s supply chain and marketing departments to better understand the exhibitors’ service content and identify potential suppliers. Furthermore, representatives from three SMEs were encouraged to introduce their products on stage in further detail as part of the event.

Melco aims to leverage the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest trends and developments in the field of marketing products and services, and by sharing the Company’s related requirements, to discuss the practical application of such with attending enterprises. The Company believes that the event will help to further establish sustained and positive relationships for collaboration between the parties.

Manu Gambhir, CEO of Xpoint, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tom to Xpoint, and he joins us at a very exciting time for the company, where we are ramping up our efforts to further establish ourselves as a leading geolocation technology provider in the iGaming space. Tom’s extensive experience in driving financial strategy, especially within the technology sector, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint.”

Tom Flaherty, CFO of Xpoint, added: “I’m excited to join Xpoint at this pivotal juncture and I look forward to collaborating with the team to drive sustainable growth, enhance our operational capabilities, and create long‑term value for our stakeholders through strategic financial leadership.”

The action begins when three or more Bonus Symbols land, unlocking the game’s Bonus Reels. Players are awarded three respins, which reset with every new symbol that drops. As reels fill with loot, up to two additional reels can be unlocked, increasing the chances of landing valuable symbols and hitting big wins.

A range of criminally clever features can be triggered when special symbols such as the Cash Bag, Bag Man, Lock Smith, Gov’Nor, Pawn Broker, Detective and Constable land on the reels. Each symbol brings unique abilities to the chase, from revealing and collecting all visible values and amplifying symbol values to bringing non-persistent symbols to life again.

Persistent variants of these character symbols can appear, raising the stakes even more, triggering their abilities at the end of each spin and pushing players toward a genuinely successful heist.

Shelley Hannah, CPO at Relax Gaming, said: “Cash in Transit has all the makings of a legendary Relax Gaming slot. With a truly thrilling bonus reel mechanic that showcases a cunning gang of criminals, we think players will revel in the high-octane action and enjoy the engaging London heist theme with Bonus symbols and respins also up for grabs.”

Players at Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, California, and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, were among the first to experience the excitement of the Wheel of Fortune Cash Link™ Reels Double Diamond™ and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link™ Reels Double Gold games, showcased on IGT’s latest high-tech mechanical-reel cabinet.

“The U.S. market arrival of IGT’s Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet is the latest of many exciting Wheel of Fortune product introductions for 2025,” said Nick Khin, IGT President for Global Gaming. “The cabinet’s transmissive IGT Diamond Glass™ enables our game designers to develop incremental lower-box content that is unique in stepper-style games, while the game’s standout overall design and features deliver high-quality entertainment that players expect from Wheel of Fortune slots.”

Designed exclusively for Wheel of Fortune game content, the Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet boasts a 20-inch physical wheel, a 32-inch LCD top box, and a 23-inch transmissive display. Wheel of Fortune Cash Link™ Reels Double Diamond™ and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Reels Double Gold are part of IGT’s new Ultra Link; a wide-area progressive (“WAP”) network with a $1.125 million jackpot re-set value.

Good Morning. The grey and black markets continue to thrive in Southeast Asia, with the United Nations again pointing a finger at illicit operations which exploit loopholes to facilitate fraud and money laundering. A new UNODC report highlights underground banking services and online gambling operations as key for their ongoing success, despite regulatory attempts. Meanwhile, Thailand continues its stumble-start towards casino legislation, attempting to overcome numerous bumps in the road despite general government support.

What you need to know

UNODC warns that Southeast Asian crime networks are diversifying from online gambling into financial fraud, cybercrime, and illicit finance.
Thai casino-entertainment complex bill faces major roadblocks, including coalition opposition and public concerns over moral and ethical issues.

On the radar

Macau welcomed over 500k visitors during the Easter holiday.
Macau’s failed ultra-luxury hotel The 13 is again up for sale.
MGM Resorts Int’l agrees to $8.5M agreement over AML complaint.
Thai authorities bust $95M online gambling ring.

AGB Intelligence

ONLINE GAMBLING

UN warns that organized crime is on the rise

Southeast Asia has become a hotbed for new, diversified criminal operations, with online gaming a key component of how criminal syndicates move and filter money, according to a new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The international body highlights how extensive syndicates can target weak regulatory jurisdictions, offering lucrative opportunities and facilitating fraud and money laundering.

Industry Updates

SEGA SAMMY CREATION to showcase Genesis Atmos cabinet at G2E Asia 2025.
NOVOMATIC strengthens distribution presence in Asia with Harvest Gaming.
BetConstruct launches tool for better Sportsbook Risk Management control.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Playtech announced a landmark long-term partnership with ProgressPlay, selecting Playtech as their exclusive bingo provider. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as ProgressPlay becomes the first white-label network to launch Playtech’s cutting-edge bingo platform, which went live in December 2024.

The partnership between ProgressPlay and Playtech is a perfect synergy of innovation and expertise. ProgressPlay’s white-label bingo platform, combined with Playtech’s industry-leading bingo network, creates a best-in-class experience for operators and players alike.

The UK online bingo market is thriving, with 3.5 million players engaging in online bingo games every week and a gross gambling yield (GGY) exceeding €700 million annually. ProgressPlay and Playtech are poised to capitalise on this growth, offering operators and players an unparalleled bingo experience.

With 120+ gambling sites already on board, the success of ProgressPlay’s white-label bingo speaks for itself. This partnership is not just a milestone, it’s a vision for the future of online bingo, where innovation, engagement, and profitability come together to create a truly transformative gaming experience.

Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay, emphasised: “With ProgressPlay leading the charge, operators now have an unmatched solution to attract and retain bingo players. This is next-gen bingo, built for scalability, engagement, and profitability.”

For operators, the platform offers scalability, increased revenue through cross-sell opportunities, and enhanced player retention thanks to engaging features and seamless gameplay.

This strategic alliance strengthens the existing relationship between the two companies, further solidifying Playtech’s position as the B2B market leader in bingo. By joining Playtech’s network, ProgressPlay gains access to the largest B2B liquidity in the market, offering players a wide variety of networked rooms and beloved bingo experiences.

ProgressPlay’s next-generation white-label bingo has officially launched across 120+ UK gambling sites, redefining how operators deliver engaging, high-performing, and scalable bingo experiences. Designed for both established operators and new brands, ProgressPlay offers a white-label bingo solution packed with innovative features that keep players entertained and coming back for more.

The platform’s key features include customisable branding, allowing operators to tailor the experience to reflect their unique identity. Multi-device play ensures a seamless experience across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices, while dynamic jackpots and exciting prize structures keep players engaged.

Enhanced social features, such as chat rooms and community-building tools, foster player interaction, and seamless integration with sportsbook, casino games, slots, and live dealer experiences creates a holistic gaming ecosystem. This isn’t just bingo, it’s next-level entertainment, profitability, and engagement.

For players, the partnership delivers variety, flexibility, and excitement. Access to a wide range of networked rooms and side games, including Playtech’s Eyecon studio slots, ensures there’s something for everyone. A smooth, responsive, and immersive experience across all devices keeps players engaged, while tailored promotions and jackpots enhance the gaming experience.

Marat Koss, VP of Interactive Gaming at Playtech, commented: “We are delighted to welcome ProgressPlay to the Playtech Bingo network. This partnership allows us to extend our successful collaboration into the bingo vertical, offering ProgressPlay’s players a best-in-class experience with a wide choice of content, attractive prizes, and a variety of games.”

The collaboration between ProgressPlay and Playtech is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in the iGaming industry. Together, they are redefining what bingo can be, offering operators a scalable, customisable, and profitable solution while delivering players an immersive and engaging experience. The bingo revolution is here, and ProgressPlay and Playtech are leading the charge.

Itai Loewenstein, CEO at ProgressPlay, added: “We are thrilled to integrate Playtech’s innovative bingo platform into our offerings. This collaboration enables us to deliver unparalleled gaming experiences and next-level entertainment to our operators. Together, we are setting a new standard for the industry.”

Under the new agreement, Harvest Gaming will represent NOVOMATIC’s leading portfolio of land based gaming solutions in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. With its in-depth market knowledge, excellent industry relations, and a customer-focused approach, Harvest Gaming is ideally positioned to support NOVOMATIC’s growth and deliver tailored solutions to local operators.

Michael Barsin, NOVOMATIC Sales, emphasized: “We are delighted to partner with Harvest Gaming in order to strengthen our footprint in Southeast Asia. Their deep understanding of the regional markets and dedication to supporting our customers make them excellent representatives of the NOVOMATIC brand. This partnership will allow us to serve operators in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam better with our tailored, high-performance gaming solutions.”

Alfred Hwee, General Manager at Harvest Gaming, added: “We are proud to be appointed as NOVOMATIC’s distributor for this important region. NOVOMATIC is globally recognized for its innovation, quality, and reliability – values that perfectly reflect our own business philosophy. We look forward to working closely with the NOVOMATIC team to support our customers and drive mutual growth in Southeast Asia.”

BetConstruct’s Sportsbook Risk Management tool enables operators to monitor player behaviour in real-time, detect potential risks, and respond proactively to emerging threats. Through detailed analysis of multi-accounts and behaviours, the system categorises players, ensuring that each receives the appropriate level of attention based on their unique profile. This flexible approach allows more effective and tailored risk management strategies to suit individual operators’ needs.

Key Features of BetConstruct’s Sportsbook Risk Management Tool:

Customisable risk management settings for each partner;
Real-time tracking of player behaviour;
Detection of potential flaws and fraudulent players;
Monitoring of new registered players and their betting patterns;
Categorisation of unknown players and identification of emerging risks;
Direct communication channels with partners;
Alerts and detailed reporting on the services provided;
Flexible pricing and cancellation policies.

Using tools such as Odds Comparison, FeedConstruct, and Umbrella, BetConstruct’s expert team can quickly identify suspicious behaviour and profitable players. By monitoring both winning and losing players, the tool effectively detects risks such as arbitrage betting and applies the necessary restrictions.

As live betting and mobile platforms continue to evolve, with players having instant access to real-time information, sportsbooks face new challenges. BetConstruct’s Sportsbook Risk Management tool has been designed to help operators meet these challenges by providing continuous, comprehensive protection.

Offering live control, predictable turnover, and the ability to swiftly respond to emerging threats, BetConstruct’s tool helps sportsbooks create safer and more profitable environments. With BetConstruct’s cutting-edge technology, operators are equipped to manage risk with confidence and precision.

According to data released by the Public Security Police Force, Macau welcomed 118,999 visitors on April 18th, the first day of the Easter holiday. The number increased substantially to 161,309 on April 19th, making it the peak day of the period. Visitor arrivals then moderated to 139,791 on April 20th, while April 21st recorded 80,708 visitors by 5pm, with final figures expected to rise further.

Across the weekend, many areas of Macau recorded heavy tourist traffic. In total, Macau received at least 500,807 visitors during the Easter holiday period.

Andy Wu, president of the Macau Tourism Industry Association, projected that since Easter is not a long holiday, the surge was mainly driven by visitors from Hong Kong, and international tourist numbers were not expected to increase significantly.

The industry is now turning its attention to the upcoming Labor Day holiday, which will run from May 1st to May 5th in mainland China. This five-day public holiday traditionally represents one of the busiest travel periods for mainland Chinese tourists and is expected to bring a substantial boost to Macau’s visitor numbers.

Yolo Entertainment bolsters leadership with strategic senior hires

Yolo Entertainment, the operator behind leading brands Bitcasino and Sportsbet.io, has announced four key senior hires as it continues to build out its leadership team.

Table of Contents

Melco & MYEIC empower SMEs with strategic marketing solutions

Macau gaming operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment remains committed to backing the SAR government’s efforts in advancing the “leading smaller businesses with the large” economic model.

Table of Contents

Xpoint appoints Tom Flaherty as its new Chief Financial Officer

Xpoint, a leading geolocation and compliance technology company, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Tom Flaherty as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as the company continues to grow its presence globally.

Table of Contents

Relax Gaming pulls off the ultimate slot heist with ‘Cash in Transit’

Relax Gaming, a leading iGaming aggregator and provider of exclusive content, is bringing high-stakes action to players with its adrenaline-pumping new release, Cash in Transit.

Table of Contents

IGT’s Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium Wheel cabinet rolls into U.S. casinos

International Game Technology (“IGT”) has introduced its Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS™ Premium Wheel cabinet to casinos across the United States.

Table of Contents

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: UN warns of risk from SE Asia online gambling

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

ONLINE GAMBLING

UN warns that organized crime is on the rise

Industry Updates

Table of Contents

ProgressPlay & Playtech partner to redefine the future of Online Bingo

Table of Contents

NOVOMATIC strengthens distribution presence in Asia with Harvest Gaming

NOVOMATIC, one of the world’s largest gaming technology groups, has announced a new strategic distribution partnership in Asia with Harvest Gaming, a renowned company headquartered in Singapore.

Table of Contents

BetConstruct launches tool for better Sportsbook Risk Management control

BetConstruct has announced the launch of its advanced Sportsbook Risk Management tool, designed to provide operators with real-time control over player tracking, turnover prediction, and loss minimisation.

Key Features of BetConstruct’s Sportsbook Risk Management Tool:

Table of Contents

Macau receives over 500k visitors during Easter holiday

Macau saw a marked increase in tourist arrivals during the Easter holiday period from April 18th to 21st, with visitor arrivals exceeding half a million, despite the holiday not being observed in mainland China, Macau’s primary tourist source market.

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