Hong Kong-listed LET Group has received further resumption guidance as it remains under trading suspension.
In a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Monday, the company disclosed that the Stock Exchange issued a letter on February 5th, 2025, outlining additional requirements for resumption, which supplement the previous resumption guidances.
A key requirement is for LET Group to demonstrate that its board of directors is validly constituted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and the company’s articles of association.
The company stated that it is making every effort to reconstitute its board in compliance with the Additional Resumption Guidance and Corporate Governance Guidance.
Since the resignation of independent non-executive director Kwok Kai Bun Bennie on November 11th, 2024, LET Group has been searching for suitable candidates but has yet to make any new appointments.
Trading in the company’s shares has been suspended since February 14th, 2024.
FBM has started 2025 with the amazing introduction of Jí Hǎo Link Spirits slot games at Hialeah Park Casino in Miami, offering players the thrills of Golden Lóng Spirits and Eternal Fènghuáng Spirits for extended gaming excitement.
New year is a synonym of new gaming offers available for FBM’s slot fans in the United States. The global gaming brand keeps diversifying its portfolio and taking solid steps toward the sustainable growth of its operation in the US.
The immortal phoenix and the mystical dragon are the protagonists of the Jí Hǎo Link Spirits gaming experience, where each flight can swiftly turn into a memorable round.
Enhanced Excitement on the Reels
With the launch of Golden Lóng Spirits and Eternal Fènghuáng Spirits, FBM presents an evolution of the gaming experience offered by Jí Hǎo Link, designed to impact players looking for constant thrills in durable gaming sessions.
The Spirits feature can happen anytime players get a special coin during a game round, whether in the main game or free spins. In the transition for the Spirits moment, the coin sticks its position, and the game awards the players three free Spirits flights (working as three free spins).
Each flight can bring three possible rewards: yellow Extra Coins displaying numeric prizes, Spirits green coins drawing a big win, and Jackpot red coins allowing players to collect a Mini, Minor, Major or Grand jackpot.
Available to play on the Auria and Galaxy II cabinets, the Jí Hǎo Link Spirits slots also have Luck Has Arrived as a common feature anticipating direct access to free spins or a big win, and Triple Wild and Wild Multiplier as game features for Eternal Fènghuáng Spirits and Golden Lóng Spirits, respectively.
FBM Poised for New Growth Opportunities
With the introduction of the Jí Hǎo Link Spirits game suite in the US market, FBM continues its growth journey. Following the successful expansion in Mexico, this product line is now available for American players to enjoy and will spread throughout Florida and Oklahoma.
FBM reinforces its presence in the United States by expanding its game portfolio. This move reaffirms the global gaming brand’s dedication to strengthening its market footprint in the US with innovative and reliable games that deliver value to casino operators and exciting and entertaining experiences for players.
Win Systems, a leading technology provider for the gaming and entertainment industry, has promoted Hunter Kampf to the position of Country Manager for the United States and Canada. This appointment strengthens the company’s expansion and consolidation strategy in the North American market.
Since joining in September 2023 as Director of Sales for Systems and Gaming in the United States, Hunter has played a key role in Win Systems’ remarkable growth in the region. His customer-focused approach and extensive industry experience have been essential to the company’s success.
The year 2025 has started exceptionally well for Win Systems in the U.S., with numerous installations in both its Gaming and Systems divisions. The company anticipates a year of significant development in the region, further consolidating its presence and leadership in the North American market.
Hunter Kampf expressed his enthusiasm for this new challenge: “I am honored by the trust placed in me to lead operations in the United States and Canada. Our team is committed to delivering innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of our customers in the region. I am confident that 2025 will be a year of great achievements and expansion for Win Systems.”
Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems, commented: “Hunter’s promotion to Country Manager for the United States and Canada is a strategic step in our mission to strengthen and expand our presence in North America. His leadership and expertise will be essential in achieving our ambitious goals in the region.”
With the appointment of Hunter Kampf, Win Systems reaffirms its commitment to the North American market and its dedication to fostering internal talent to drive its growth and consolidation in the gaming and entertainment industry.
Pragmatic Play, a top content supplier to the iGaming industry, has launched Ancient Island Megaways™, a 6×7 slot in which expanding wilds unlock reel modifiers and the chance to land wins of up to 10,000x.
On any spin in the base game or bonus round, up to four modifiers can appear in a special row above reels 2-5. Wild symbols expand to fill entire reels when they hit, activating any modifier above that reel.
A modifier can award an extra wild reel, more ways to win, an instant cash prize of up to 100x, a multiplier of 2x-50x, or random symbols in place of non-winning symbols.
Landing 4-6 scatters triggers the bonus game with 12-16 free spins. During the feature, all four modifier positions are guaranteed to be filled on every spin. An extra spins modifier is also added to the mix, randomly awarding 2-10 additional free spins when hit.
Ancient Island Megaways™is the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s award-winning slots portfolio following the release of Brick House Bonanza, Wild Wildebeest Wins, and Bigger Bass Splash.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Combining a popular theme and feature-rich gameplay, Ancient Island Megaways™ can deliver random modifiers on every spin and wins of up to 10,000x.”
1xBet, a global titan in sports betting, significantly expands its ambassador program by adding Filipino MMA star Mark ‘Mugen’ Striegl to its distinguished lineup.
This partnership, launched on January 14th, marks a strategic move by 1xBet to connect more deeply with the vibrant sports community in the Philippines and beyond.
1xBet and Mark Striegl: A Dynamic Partnership
With an outstanding MMA record of 18 wins and five losses, Mark Striegl has captivated fans worldwide, not only with his skills in the ring but also with his charismatic presence outside of it. His championship title in the URCC Featherweight division and his gold medal in combat sambo at the Southeast Asian Games highlight his multifaceted talent and dedication to martial arts.
As 1xBet’s new brand ambassador, Striegl will be front and center in upcoming marketing campaigns and public engagements. His role will involve participating in a variety of promotional activities, aimed at bringing exciting new content and exclusive opportunities to both sports fans and betting enthusiasts.
Strengthening Community Ties
This collaboration with Mark Striegl underscores 1xBet’s commitment to fostering strong connections within local communities, particularly in the Philippines where MMA and sports betting have a passionate following. By partnering with a local hero like Striegl, 1xBet not only celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and competition but also enhances its support for the sports that people love and follow fervently.
Future Endeavors
1xBet is excited about the opportunities this partnership with Mark Striegl will bring. It is anticipated to not only energize our existing offerings but also to introduce innovative ways to engage with fans and bettors. We invite everyone to stay updated on our platforms as we roll out new initiatives and events that promise to enhance the betting experience and celebrate the thrill of sports.
Thailand’s Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed strong opposition to the government’s plan to legalize casinos and online gambling, warning that it will worsen social problems.
Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
According to the Bangkok Post, the criticism was given during a speech at a seminar, where Abhisit described gambling as a “major social problem” that negatively affects individuals and their families.
With the government prioritizing the legalization of casinos and online gambling, Abhisit urged the public to prepare for potential adverse consequences. He argued that the push for legalization lacked a proper public debate, adding, “The government claims that legalizing casinos will generate revenue and create jobs, but we must carefully consider the risks.”
Abhisit particularly voiced concerns about online gambling, which he believes could lead to higher household debt and rising crime rates. He also questioned the benefits for local workers, suggesting that most jobs at casino resorts would likely go to migrant workers from neighboring countries, rather than Thai citizens.
He emphasized the need for strong law enforcement to prevent money laundering in the gambling industry, stating, “Strict oversight is essential to avoid money laundering in casinos and entertainment complexes.”
Public opposition
The push for legalizing casinos was recently furthered by the Pheu Thai Party’s 2023 election campaign. The party argued that regulating gambling would reduce underground activities and generate tax revenue. However, Abhisit noted that the party did not clarify which other activities would be legalized.
Public opposition to the legalization is mounting. A survey by the Center for Gambling Studies found that more than 50 percent of 8,000 respondents opposed the plan to legalize casinos and online gambling. Additionally, 51.07 percent of respondents opposed holding a referendum on the issue, though 37.86 percent supported it.
The government insists that no referendum is necessary, as the policy was part of Pheu Thai’s election platform and has already been approved by Parliament. The Cabinet approved a bill in principle on January 13th to establish casino-entertainment complexes, and it is now under review by the Council of State.
The opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the casino bill. The Thai Sang Thai Party (TST) has pledged to challenge the government’s casino policy, accusing it of masking a push for legalized gambling under the guise of economic development. On February 27th, the opposition plans to file a no-confidence motion against the government, focusing on this issue.
TST leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan criticized the bill as “one of the worst pieces of legislation ever written,” warning that it would give politicians too much control over the casino complexes. “This is not about economic growth—it’s about opening the door to legalized gambling with little oversight,” she said.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has announced the appointment of a new Executive Director for Legal and Compliance – James Bidlake – effective from February 24th.
Bidlake succeeds Shella Ng, who has served in the role since March of 2020.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO, HKJC
In a Monday press release, the HKJC indicated that Bidlake will also be a member of the Board of Management, reporting directly to CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
Bidlake will also act as the Company Secretary for HKJC.
Bidlake most recently served as the Group Genearl Counsel and Executive VP of DFS Group – where he spent over eight years. He also spent some 13 years with Morgan Stanley, based in Hong Kong, as Executive Director and Head of Investment Banking, Legal.
The HKJC notes that Bidlake has over 25 years of legal and regulatory compliance experience in Asia.
The HKJC has been recently reinforcing its executive team, hiring former Tabcorp executive Michael Fitzsimons as new Chief Wagering Officer.
LuckyStreak, a live casino and iGaming aggregation provider, has partnered with Betzmark to integrate its live dealer and third-party games as part of the brand’s online casino debut.
Betzmark positions itself as a New Generation Betting Site and has established a strong customer base by blending innovation with a deep focus on player needs. The operator has now taken its ambitions to the next level by expanding into online gaming and selected LuckyStreak’s live casino suite and games from providers such as Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, PG Soft and Ruby Play, as some of its first content.
This collaboration enables Betzmark to provide its loyal players with world-class gaming experiences and strengthen its position in the competitive online casino landscape. To ensure smooth operations, LuckyStreak’s dedicated Account Management and technical teams are working with Betzmark to offer support in establishing its iGaming business.
The agreement with Betzmark demonstrates LuckyStreak’s respected position as a trusted partner to new and established online casinos in regulated markets, with its state-of-the-art technology, expertly trained presenters and immersive mobile-first interface resonating with players worldwide.
Rory Kimber, Commercial Director at LuckyStreak: “It’s fantastic to go live with this new partnership following a stellar visit to ICE 2025. We’re delighted that Betzmark chose LuckyStreak to power its ambitions in the online casino market. With our world-class live casino games and top-notch third-party slots, crash, and table games from some of the best providers in the business, Betzmark now has everything it needs in one place. Our rich and robust API delivers seamless integration and comprehensive services, which will power Betzmark’s continued success.”
Ruslan Stravin, Partnerships Manager at Betzmark: “LuckyStreak’s steady growth and dedication to innovation make it a trusted partner for companies like ours. Their diverse gaming content and state-of-the-art platform have significantly elevated our offerings and enhanced player engagement. The seamless integration process and exceptional quality have been truly impressive, and we’re excited to build on this successful partnership together.”
The company stated that the proposals, which were confidential, indicative, and non-binding, ‘have not provided sufficient value for The Star.’
In an ASX filing on Monday, The Star Entertainment explained that its board had thoroughly assessed the offers, including external advice, before making the decision. ‘After careful consideration (which has included external advice),’ the company said, ‘none of the proposals have provided sufficient value for The Star.’
Despite rejecting these bids, The Star confirmed that discussions with CTFE and FEC are ongoing. The company continues to explore the possibility of selling its stake in the Destination Brisbane Joint Venture (DBJV), which owns The Star Brisbane.
‘The Group continues to engage with CTFE and FEC to ascertain whether a sale of The Star’s 50 percent interest in DBC can be negotiated on terms satisfactory to The Star,’ the filing noted.
The Star Brisbane, which held its soft opening in August of 2024, has placed a heavy financial burden on Star Entertainment. The resort has contributed an additional AU$1.6 billion ($1 billion) in debt, with further investments required for its completion. The company acknowledged that its financial position remains precarious. ‘The Group continues to explore possible liquidity solutions,’ The Star stated in its announcement, emphasizing that it is exploring various options to stabilize its cash flow.
However, there is no certainty that any of these discussions will lead to a definitive solution. The company cautioned, ‘There is no certainty that any transaction will be concluded,’ and added that the ongoing negotiations could impact its ability to continue as a going concern.
The Star’s financial situation has been increasingly strained, with the company revealing earlier this year that it is burning through its cash reserves. Despite selling non-core assets such as the old Treasury Casino building in Brisbane and The Star Sydney Event Center, the company has struggled to recover financially.
‘In the absence of one or more of those arrangements, there remains material uncertainty as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern,’ the company reiterated in its recent filing.
As negotiations continue, the future of The Star Brisbane remains uncertain, with Star Entertainment working to resolve its financial difficulties while navigating the complexities of potential asset sales.
Hoiana Resort & Golf has officially welcomed its new CEO Alan Teo into the role, effective from February 3rd, but only recently shared via social media.
This comes after the announced departure of long-serving president and CEO Steve Wolstenholme.
In a post on LinkedIn, Teo noted that he is “grateful and excited to begin this new chapter with Hoi An South Development”. The executive expressed appreciation to Wolstenholme “for his leadership and contributions, which have laid a strong foundation for the future”.
The group notes that the appointment of Teo ‘is a part of Hoiana’s key development strategy’. This includes accelerating its Phase 2, encompassing a $1 billion investment, with goals to develop 209 hectares and create 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs over the next two years.
Speaking previously of his departure, Wolstenholme noted that “I take immense pride in what we’ve accomplished”.
Teo comes into the role after serving as COO of Universal Hotels and Resorts, which manages the NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu. He previously served for over a decade with Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, with over two and a half years as Chief Operating Officer.
Teo is not the only former exec to be drawn in from RWS, with CFO Melcyn Boey joining in mid-2024.
Hoiana Resort & Golf is a $4 billion development project with over 1,200 hotel rooms spread across four luxury hotels. It also features an 18-hole golf course named as one of the Top 100 in the world.
