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NOVOMATIC secures Gaming-Related Vendor License in the UAE

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The GCGRA has granted NOVOMATIC a Gaming Related Vendor License – Tier 1, enabling the company to expand its presence with a comprehensive portfolio of state-of-the-art land-based gaming solutions.

In October last year, Aristocrat announced that it had become the first international slot and online technology company to be granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license, enabling it to conduct business in the United Arab Emirates.

With a strong focus on innovative solutions, compliance, and strategic partnerships, Europe’s leading gaming technology group is now excited to expand its presence throughout the Middle East.

Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board of NOVOMATIC AG Group, emphasized: “Receiving this license as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for NOVOMATIC. This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to offering the most innovative products that fulfill the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we enter this exciting opportunity in the United Arab Emirates market, we successfully continue our international expansion strategy.” 

“As a leading global player in the gaming industry, NOVOMATIC is excited to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this dynamic and rapidly growing market. Our latest gaming solutions are designed to deliver exceptional performance to land-based gaming facilities across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their preferred games with the same high standards and quality they expect from other jurisdictions worldwide,” stated Thomas Schmalzer, VP of Global Sales and Product Management of NOVOMATIC AG. 

GCGRA, UAE

Established in September 2023, the GCGRA serves as the UAE’s federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gaming within the UAE, crafting and implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework and guidelines to ensure integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices across the industry. NOVOMATIC’s licensing approval under this robust framework emphasizes its proactive approach to compliance and its vision for establishing long-term partnerships built on trust and excellence.

Recognized for its technological excellence and commitment to regulatory compliance, NOVOMATIC aims to establish itself as a reliable partner for licensed operators in the UAE.

In February this year, Wynn Resorts—making its first major regional investment as a gaming-based company—announced it had completed financing for Wynn Al Marjan Island by securing a $2.4 billion construction facility from a global syndicate of lenders.

The group indicated that it is still expecting the 1,542-room property to open in 2027, being the first integrated resort in the UAE, located 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

The project is expected to cost a total of $5.1 billion, with expectations by some analysts that it could transform Ras Al Khaimah to the fourth major gaming market worldwide.

Wynn Resorts is developing the project in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, while Wynn Design and Development is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and construction.

Red Tiger & FashionTV Gaming partner to launch Trillionaire Megaways

Red Tiger, a prominent division of Evolution Group, has teamed up once more with FashionTV Gaming Group to unveil their latest luxury slot creation: Trillionaire Megaways.

Inspired by the global FashionTV anthem “I Want to Be a Trillionaire”, this release builds on the success of the original Trillionaire slot launched in 2021. With a refined visual aesthetic and enhanced gameplay, Trillionaire Megaways represents a natural next step in the evolution of FashionTV’s branded slot portfolio.

This latest collaboration brings together FashionTV Gaming Group’s creative direction and Red Tiger’s proven development expertise to deliver an experience rooted in elegance, entertainment, and technical excellence.

Trillionaire Megaways features expanding Glamour Girl Wilds with multipliers, Price Tags for instant cash wins, and Gift Boxes unlocking Mega Jackpots up to 10,000x your bet. In Free Spins, the Hold and Respin Bonus plays out on a 6×3 or 6×4 grid with only Price Tags, Glamour Girls, and the Trillionaire symbol which doubles all visible cash values. Glamour Girls stay locked, collecting wins, while each new symbol resets your spins for bigger rewards.

Every spin brings to life the elite style and global appeal of FashionTV – the world’s leader in fashion, luxury and lifestyle broadcasting, with billions of viewers and over 26 years of international reach FashionTV brings its unmistakable signature style to the iGaming world.

As the exclusive licensor of FashionTV for online gaming, FashionTV Gaming Group has become the leading force in iGaming brand licensing. Its growing portfolio of luxury-branded games, developed in collaboration with top industry partners, continues to resonate with VIP players, high rollers, and audiences with a taste for fashion-forward, lifestyle-driven experiences.

SOFTSWISS & Rubens Barrichello partner with Sparco for SiGMA Americas 

SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello are launching an exclusive collaboration with the iconic motorsport brand Sparco. The limited-edition collection was revealed at the SiGMA Americas Summit in São Paulo-Brazil.

Founded in 1977, Sparco aimed to bring more safety and fashion to motorsport. Over the decades, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality racing gear, reflecting its commitment to technology, innovation, and style. Today, Sparco is a globally recognised leader in motorsport apparel and equipment, trusted by professional drivers and racing enthusiasts. 

Inspired by Rubens Barrichello’s remarkable racing career, the new Sparco casual-style collection brings together the worlds of motorsport and technology. It is a reminder that real success, whether on a race circuit or in the office, starts with daring to push beyond the limits.

Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, commented: “Sparco was with me at every turn. It’s not just a logo – it’s a symbol of reliability proven by speed. I’m proud to be working with the brand that supported me throughout my career – now in a new format”. 

One standout feature of the collection is the number 111. It is instantly recognisable to Barrichello’s fans, as he celebrated numerous racing victories with it on board. Alongside this numeric design element, every item also features Rubens’ personal autograph.

The Office of Sparco Brazil commented: “In Brazil, motorsport isn’t just a sport – it’s part of our cultural DNA. Having a driver like Rubens Barrichello is a point of national pride. This collaboration is our way of capturing the energy that lives on the racetracks of São Paulo. It’s a story of speed, pride, and a uniquely Brazilian spirit”.

Digitain gets Sportsbook Excellence Award at SiGMA Americas 2025

Digitain, a leading provider of Sportsbook and iGaming solutions, has won in the “Best Interactive Sportsbook Experience 2025” category at the SiGMA Americas Awards.

This prestigious recognition highlights Digitain’s relentless drive for innovation, excellence, and its ability to deliver state-of-the-art Sportsbook solutions to its partners.

The SiGMA Americas Awards took place on April 7 during the BiS SiGMA Americas event in São Paulo, Brazil. The awards celebrate the best and brightest companies, recognizing exceptional achievements, groundbreaking innovations, and significant contributions to the industry.

Iain Hutchison, Digitain’s Chief Revenue Officer, stated: “We are honored to receive this award, which marks our fifth major recognition this year. It’s a powerful validation of our commitment to innovation and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built.”

“At Digitain, we continuously strive to develop forward-thinking Sportsbook solutions that meet the evolving needs of our partners in a highly competitive global market. We remain focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that our partners have access to the best tools and solutions to drive their business forward.”

As Digitain continues its expansion across regulated markets, this award further strengthens its position as a trusted partner for operators seeking a competitive edge in the dynamic field of sports betting.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: eGames rising, but PH GGR still land-based dominated

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Good Morning. Nothing beats a simple, old-fashioned casino. But the Philippines is riding the wave from both its land-based operations and its swiftly growing eGames sector. Revenues hit a new record in 2024, topping out at $6.5 billion, a hopeful indication that the best is yet to come. Meanwhile, the world’s gaming hub Macau, could be facing headwinds, as analysts revise down growth expectations for this year. And in the ASEAN Gaming Summit world, top experts take a look at iGaming in the Philippines: past, present and future, while also having a further look at KYC and the importance of compliance.

What you need to know


On the radar


AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Philippines eGames on the rise, but land-based leads GGR in FY24

If you can touch it, you know its real. So the land-based casino industry will continue to hold its value, in the Philippines and elsewhere. Recent data show that eGames is surging however, with strong revenue spikes seen in 2024, in line with official expectations for the sector. Overall, a healthy growth cycle was seen, and is expected to continue, barring any major upsets.


Trust, But Verify | ASEAN 2025

Trust, But Verify-ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

The world of KYC was fiercely debated at this year’s ASEAN Gaming Summit, with top experts pointing out exactly why companies need to stay on the cutting edge: both for their bottom line and for their players’ comfort.

The OGs – The Origin Story of iGaming in the Philippines | ASEAN 2025

The OGs – The Origin Story of iGaming in the Philippines-ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

iGaming has undergone various iterations in the Philippines, but as it continues to gain popularity a top group of experts looks back at where it’s been, and what can be expected next.


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

1xBet secures Best Sportsbook Operator 2025 at SiGMA Americas

The international betting company 1xBet has claimed the top honor of the prestigious iGaming Awards in Latin America. The award ceremony took place on April 7 at the Transamerica Expo Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

As part of the SiGMA Americas 2025 summit, iGaming industry leaders met in Sao Paulo to exchange experiences and discuss current trends in the industry. Traditionally, the event organizers held an awards ceremony for the best companies in key nominations.

Global betting company 1xBet won the forum’s main award and was recognized as the Best Sportsbook Operator 2025. The expert jury board highly appreciated the brand’s innovative approach to the development of its platform: high-speed operation, maximum protection, user-friendly interface, as well as impressive marketing activity and promotion of transparent licensing principles in the region.

“The victory in the key nomination confirms 1xBet’s status as a leader in the Latin America iGaming industry. Our company always analyzes market trends, introduces innovations to improve the usability of our platform, and strives to make our offers as profitable as possible for players. We also actively worked to obtain licenses in key countries of the region and, as a result, our efforts were rewarded,” a representative of 1xBet commented on the victory.

The triumph at SiGMA Americas 2025 was a logical continuation of a successful year for 1xBet. The brand was previously recognized as the Best On Mobile 2025 at SiGMA Africa and received the Best Crypto Operator 2025 award following the SiGMA Eurasia Awards 2025 results.

Evoplay releases Rush Riches, an engaging new mining-themed game

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has announced the launch of Rush Riches, a feature-filled game set in a mining-themed Wild West landscape. 

Set across a 5×5 reel layout with up to 3,125 ways to win, the game introduces the Rocks and Drops mechanic, where blocked reel spaces are removed when adjacent to winning combinations.

Clearing all rocks in the base game awards eight free spins, where two core features drive engagement. Silver Nuggets increase a progressive win multiplier starting at x1, while Gold Nuggets award additional free spins, extending the round and increasing overall win potential. 

To improve access to the bonus round, the Bonus Chance feature is available, doubling the probability of triggering free spins in exchange for a higher stake. Players can also opt for the Bonus Buy feature to enter the free spins mode directly. 

With a 96.11% RTP and a maximum win of 10,000x the bet, Rush Riches by Evoplay combines immersive visuals, layered mechanics, and flexible feature access to support strong operator performance. 

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: Rush Riches is built to offer both entertainment and value through engaging mechanics and a rewarding bonus structure. The Rocks and Drops system offers a fresh gameplay experience by blending multipliers and extended free spins, creating genuine depth. We’re excited to share this release with our partners and their players.” 

CreedRoomz launches Richie Wheel, amplifying excitement and 1000x rewards

CreedRoomz, a leading live casino provider, has announced the launch of Richie Wheel, a new game show designed to elevate player engagement and drive revenue growth for casino operators.

Richie Wheel builds upon the traditional money wheel format with the addition of dynamic multipliers, offering players the potential for significant payouts.

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Significant Payout Potential: Richie Wheel offers players the opportunity to achieve substantial winnings through multipliers reaching 1000x, creating an engaging gaming experience.
  • Intuitive and Vibrant Design: Richie Wheel features a beautifully designed live studio environment with an easy-to-use interface and vibrant visuals, providing a polished and engaging player experience.
  • Seamless Integration: CreedRoomz provides a streamlined integration process, enabling partners and aggregators to efficiently add Richie Wheel to their existing casino platforms.
  • Increased Player Acquisition & Retention: The engaging gameplay and potential for substantial wins will attract new players and encourage their continued engagement.

Hayk Tovmasyan, Head of Live Casino at CreedRoomz, stated: “Richie Wheel reflects our dedication to providing engaging live casino experiences that deliver results for our partners. We are confident that this game show will be a valuable asset to any casino, drawing in players with its exciting wheel-spinning format and the chance for big prizes.”

Play’n GO brings back The Genie in 1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes

The latest slot by Play’n GO takes players back to the enchanting world of Alador, Yasmine, and their mysterious companion in 1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes. However, the Kingdom’s peace harbors secrets that are yet to unravel.

After overthrowing the villainous Zafar, the realm enjoys tranquillity under the rule of Sultan Alador. However, the Genie who helped secure victory has vanished into the Oasis – and whispers tell of a chest brimming with unpredictable power. This 5-reel, 20-line slot invites players to explore what secrets lie within.

This game intertwines layered gameplay with narrative twists. Mystery Symbols can reveal Magic Lamps that call forth the Genie herself, transforming into Expanding Wilds that trigger re-spins. Re-spin streaks can ramp up to 30 in a single session, with multiplier wilds climbing to x5. Free Spins bring more magic with Bonus Locks and Key mechanics that offer dynamic Instant Prizes, while the elusive Mystery Chest can surprise at any moment with payouts up to x1001 the total bet.

1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes continues Play’n GO’s affinity for richly developed universes, previously explored in titles like Ghost of Dead and Scroll of Seth as well as the previous title Mystery Genie Fortunes of the Lamp. With its vibrant visuals, smart feature integration, and evolving multiplier mechanics, this slot builds on the brand’s strengths while casting a new spell over players.

George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention, said: “The Genie is back – and he’s hiding more than just tricks up her sleeve. With Mystery Symbols, expanding multipliers and streak re-spins, this is one of our most dynamic titles yet.”

1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes offers an intriguing mix of storytelling and gameplay mechanics that make every session feel fresh and full of potential.

Galaxy Entertainment faces weaker-than-expected 1Q25 as GGR declines: Jefferies

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Macau gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) is set to report weaker-than-expected performance for 1Q25, with analysts projecting a 1 percent quarter-on-quarter decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR).

According to Jefferies’ latest projections, GGR for the first quarter of 2025 is expected to reach HK$10.9 billion ($1.4 billion), a decrease from the previous quarter. This drop in GGR is attributed to several factors, including weaker-than-anticipated performance in Average Daily Revenue (ADR) and external challenges within the Macau gaming sector.

Despite a slight increase in ADR, which is projected to rise by 1 percent quarter-on-quarter to MOP121 million ($15.1 million), the industry-wide ADR is expected to increase by 3 percent from 4Q24. As a result, GEG’s overall performance is expected to fall short of market expectations.

The gaming giant’s lower-than-expected ADR can be partly explained by ongoing challenges in attracting tourists to Macau, as well as sentiment issues within mainland China. During the critical post-Chinese New Year period, tourist arrivals were down by 8 percent, which negatively affected GEG’s revenue per day. This trend points to a broader issue in the recovery of Macau’s tourism and gaming industry, even as the region continues to rebuild from the pandemic’s effects.

While GGR is projected to decline, the company’s performance in the VIP gaming segment provides some positive news. Jefferies believes that this strong showing in the VIP segment could partly offset the overall GGR decline, offering some resilience amid challenging market conditions.

Moreover, analysts Anne Ling and Jingjue Pei project GEG’s normalized adjusted EBITDA to fall by 4 percent quarter-on-quarter to HK$3.14 billion ($405 million), further emphasizing the softer-than-expected performance in the first quarter. However, Jefferies remains optimistic about the company’s future prospects, maintaining a “Buy” rating with a price target of HK$44 ($5.67), based on the company’s long-term potential.

GEG is advocating the annual 2025 general meeting on May 8th, which will consider the audited financial statements and the re-election of directors of the board.