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PAGCOR confirms April cancellation of Century Entertainment partner WPT’s accreditation

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR confirms April cancellation of Century Entertainment partner WPT’s accreditation

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has clarified to AGB that World Platinum Technologies Inc. (WPT) lost its Gaming System Administrator (GSA) accreditation in April, raising questions over whether Century Entertainment International Holdings’ Philippine gaming venture continued operating through WPT after the required accreditation had been canceled.

The issue covers a period in which Century Entertainment reported at least HK$45 million ($5.7 million) in unaudited net winnings before tax from the venture between April and June.

In a clarification sent to AGB, PAGCOR said: ‘World Platinum Technologies Inc. is no longer an accredited Gaming System Administrator (GSA) of PAGCOR, as its GSA accreditation has already been cancelled in April 2026.’

According to information obtained by AGB, the accreditation was canceled due to violations of PAGCOR regulations. The nature of the violations has not been disclosed.

PAGCOR did not provide the exact date in April when the cancellation took effect. AGB was therefore unable to establish whether it occurred before or after Century Entertainment’s Philippine gaming operation formally began that month. The company’s filings also do not state whether or when it became aware of the cancellation.

Online gambling, Philippines, ONline gambling ban, gambling addiction

Filings continued to describe WPT as accredited

Century Entertainment and WPT established Konphil Technology Company Limited under a joint venture agreement signed in June 2025. Century Entertainment holds 51 percent of the venture, while WPT owns the remaining 49 percent.

Century Entertainment Holdings

Under revised arrangements disclosed in October 2025 and restated in an April 2026 filing, Century Entertainment no longer planned to issue shares to WPT as consideration for the right to use its platform. Instead, the company agreed to pay WPT a fixed annual licensing fee of $500,000.

Separately, under the Phase IV operating model, Konphil would develop the gaming applications and retain 85 percent of net winnings. WPT would receive the remaining 15 percent as a fee for platform hosting, infrastructure and compliance services.

In an April 2nd filing, Century Entertainment said the Phase IV business was intended exclusively for the Philippine market. The filing described WPT as a PAGCOR-accredited GSA responsible for compliance covering games hosted on its platform.

It also said WPT hosted the games on its ‘PAGCOR regulated platforms’ and assumed the associated regulatory, legal and compliance risks.

Century Entertainment subsequently said in a June 25th filing that Konphil had signed a game deployment agreement with WPT on April 2nd and that operations formally began that month.

The June filing again described WPT as a ‘PAGCOR-accredited service provider’ and referred to its platform as licensed and GLI-certified. The company said 27 games had been deployed through the platform and across seven Gaming Venue Operators in Parañaque, Calamba, Laguna, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

Century Entertainment also stated that it did not hold a direct PAGCOR license. The filing did not mention the cancellation of WPT’s accreditation.

According to the same filing, WPT entered into a HK$100 million ($12.7 million) revenue guarantee agreement with Konphil on May 30th, covering a 15-month period from July 2025.

Century Entertainment

Online business tied to trading resumption

The questions over WPT’s accreditation arise as Century Entertainment works to resume trading in its Hong Kong-listed shares, which have been suspended since June 26th, 2025.

The company has presented the Philippine online gaming platform as part of its restructuring and a potential source of positive cash flow. However, resources allocated to the new business and difficulties recruiting finance staff delayed its annual results.

Citing concerns over Century Entertainment’s financial reporting controls, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange imposed additional resumption conditions in July, including the publication of outstanding results, the resolution of audit modifications and an independent review of the company’s internal controls.

Fast Track powers bet-at-home’s sportsbook and casino operations

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Fast Track powers bet-at-home’s sportsbook and casino operations

Fast Track is now live with bet-at-home, empowering the European online operator to drive and manage player engagement seamlessly across its sportsbook and casino.

Founded in 1999 and listed on the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Prime Standard), bet-at-home operates online sports betting and gaming across European markets, with Germany among its core markets.

The agreement is the next step in bet-at-home’s player engagement strategy, as the operator continues to deepen the experience it delivers to players across regulated markets. 

“We needed a platform built for the realities of operating in regulated European markets, with the data foundation and agility to engage players consistently across our brands. Fast Track gives us exactly that, and we are excited about what this partnership will let us build for our players,” said Andreas Hackl, Head of Operations at bet-at-home. 

Fast Track gives bet-at-home’s team a single real-time customer model across CRM, Rewards and Greco, enabling the operator to scale player engagement, gamification and loyalty strategies, and to build a gameplay-intelligent bonus strategy from one connected platform. bet-at-home also uses Fast Track AI to power fully agentic CRM workflows, allowing its team to work with the platform in natural language and delegate end-to-end CRM tasks to AI agents. 

Simon Lidzén, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast Track, added, “bet-at-home has built one of European betting’s most recognised brands over more than two decades, and across exactly the kind of regulated, competitive markets Fast Track was built for. We are looking forward to the work ahead together.”

JCM Global upgrades The Vine Showroom at del Lago Resort & Casino with LED walls installation

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JCM Global upgrades The Vine Showroom at del Lago Resort & Casino with LED walls installation

JCM Global (JCM) has elevated the experience at The Vine Showroom at del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo, N.Y., already known as the Finger Lakes region’s best, with the installation of 4 massive LED walls.

The first is an all-new marquee that greets guests as they enter the venue. At 10 feet wide and 5.6 feet tall, the marquee is highly visible to guests throughout the property, so everyone is always in the know about the exciting entertainment that awaits them at the Vine.

JCM Global upgrades The Vine Showroom at del Lago Resort & Casino with LED walls installation

JCM has transformed the experience with three dynamic LED walls. Two are wall-mounted on each side of the stage and stretch nearly 7 feet high by 12 feet wide. Suspended over the stage is an LED wall which measures almost 10 feet high by an incredible 20 feet wide.

This compelling LED wall was built to be easily raised or lowered, giving tremendous creative flexibility to production designers. The LED walls can be programmed to display content individually, synced, or a combination of the two to take each performance to the next level.

Dave Kubajak, JCM SVP – Sales, Marketing & Operations, said, “del Lago’s invitation to its guests is to ‘Experience Extraordinary.’ These new LED video walls from JCM help deliver on that promise and build on the Vine’s reputation as being acoustically superior to any other entertainment site in the area. They empower the casino and visiting artists to create visual experiences that match the reputation of the acoustics.”
 
The installation is the latest in a long history of partnership between JCM and Churchill Downs Incorporated. JCM bill validators, printers, systems, and DSS solutions are found at several Churchill Downs properties across the U.S.
 
LED walls are just one option from JCM’s extensive line of impressive digital signage solutions that empower casinos to dynamically and creatively communicate with their guests, indoors and outdoors. The company’s thriving DSS business continues to expand across the U.S. and Canada.

One prediction, endless debate: How Conor McGregor could have won $3.6 million on the Globe Cup 2026 final 

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One prediction, endless debate: How Conor McGregor could have won $3.6 million on the Globe Cup 2026 final 

Ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup 2026 final, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted. While football analysts were breaking down the possible scenarios before the decisive clash between Spain and Argentina, social media posts from former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor stole the headlines.

The legendary fighter, who is also an ambassador for the global betting brand 1xBet, publicly placed a $100,000 bet on the reigning champions to win 3-2 in regular time at odds of 36. The potential payout stood at $3.6 million.

A single social media post quickly became a news story in its own right, generating attention on par with the biggest transfer rumors and tactical analyses.

Focus on the star’s prediction 

The final ended with Spain defeating Argentina in extra time. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the game and consistently threatened the opposition’s goal, while Argentina, for the first time in the history of tournament finals, failed to register a single shot on target.

Spain_World_Cup_2026 Winners

What proved even more interesting, however, was that McGregor’s prediction took on a life of its own after the final whistle.

The conversation was no longer focused solely on the match outcome but on the sheer boldness of the choice and the amount of the bet. That is how today’s sports media landscape works.

The McGregor effect

With nearly 50 million Instagram followers, a reputation as one of the world’s most recognizable sports figures, and a unique ability to stay in the spotlight, UFC superstar Conor McGregor has become someone who shapes the news cycle far beyond mixed martial arts.

Whenever McGregor shares an opinion, it sparks discussion, even when the topic has nothing to do with MMA.

The music industry has been familiar with this phenomenon, as global superstars regularly make headlines in sports media through partnerships with betting companies. Now, thanks to his collaboration with 1xBet, The Notorious is demonstrating an even greater level of influence. 

Why it captures public attention 

Major sporting tournaments have long ceased to exist solely on the football pitch. Memes, viral videos, celebrity reactions, and bold predictions create an additional layer of engagement, keeping audiences invested in the event and helping fans immerse themselves even more deeply in the story. 

For partners, such cases are especially valuable. A single newsworthy moment can attract plenty of people who might never have visited the sports sections of news websites. That is why headline-making stories involving global stars have become an effective entry point for audience engagement, while the 1xPartners ecosystem helps transform that attention into tangible marketing opportunities.

The World Cup 2026 crowned a new champion. Conor McGregor once again proved that one social media post is enough to put him at the center of the global conversation.

Century Entertainment suspension continues under new HKEX conditions

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Century Entertainment suspension continues under new HKEX conditions

Century Entertainment International Holdings’ shares will remain suspended after the Hong Kong Stock Exchange imposed additional resumption conditions over its outstanding financial results and concerns about internal controls.

In a July 20th supplemental filing, Century Entertainment said it had reallocated resources to its newly established online gaming business, including its Phase IV project.

Unexpected recruitment difficulties also left the company short of finance personnel, delaying the preparation of financial schedules and supporting documents required for its audit.

The exchange considered that the circumstances raised concerns over whether Century Entertainment maintained adequate and effective financial reporting controls. These included controls governing the books, records and documentation of the new business.

Under additional guidance issued on July 14th, the company must publish all outstanding financial results and address any audit modifications.

Century Entertainment Holdings

Century Entertainment must also appoint an independent consultant to review its internal controls and demonstrate that deficiencies linked to the suspension have been rectified.

The company must show that its controls are adequate to meet listing and regulatory requirements before trading can resume.

Century Entertainment’s shares have been suspended since June 26th, 2025. Its latest announcements provided no timetable for the publication of the delayed results or the resumption of trading.

Analysts shift focus to earnings as Macau moves beyond World Cup drag

Viviana Chan
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Analysts shift focus to earnings as Macau moves beyond World Cup drag

Investor attention is shifting from the World Cup’s impact on Macau’s gaming revenue to the upcoming earnings season, with analysts looking for clearer signs of demand during the second half of 2026.

While July is still expected to post another year-on-year decline, industry checks showed average daily gross gaming revenue (GGR) of around MOP634 million over the first 19 days of the month.

The figures imply full-month GGR of between MOP20.1 billion and MOP20.9 billion ($2.49 billion to $2.59 billion), representing a decline of between 5 percent and 9 percent from a year earlier.

The market improved during the latest week, with average daily GGR rising 9 percent week-on-week to around MOP678 million. The increase was supported by stronger volumes and more favorable VIP luck, even as the final World Cup matches were being played.

Mass-market revenue was broadly flat from June, while VIP rolling volume was stable to 2 percent higher. The VIP win rate remained above normal at between 3.9 percent and 4.1 percent.

‘We expect the GGR run rate to improve gradually as summer visitor volumes pick up and non-gaming events continue to unfold,’ HSBC analysts wrote.

The brokerage expects average daily revenue of between MOP670 million and MOP740 million over the remainder of July, supported by summer travel and a busy schedule of concerts and entertainment events at the city’s integrated resorts.

Attention is also turning to second-quarter earnings, with Las Vegas Sands scheduled to report this week. Jefferies said upcoming results should provide further indications of how operators are managing softer seasonal conditions and challenging comparisons with 2025.

The brokerage forecasts Macau GGR growth of 2 percent in the third quarter and 4 percent in the fourth quarter, taking full-year revenue to around MOP260 billion ($32.2 billion), up 5 percent year-on-year.

Jefferies said it would view ‘low- to mid-single-digit percentage GGR growth’ against the difficult year-ago comparisons as ‘a solid outcome’ that could help restore investor confidence in the market’s medium-term outlook.

Asia Gaming eBrief: UAE builds tourism-focused regulated gaming market

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Asia Gaming eBrief: UAE builds tourism-focused regulated gaming market
Good morning. Measure twice, cut once. The UAE is taking that cautious approach to casino gaming, setting the rules before the market reaches maturity and positioning gaming as a complement to its established tourism industry. Wynn Al Marjan Island will be the first major test of that balance. In Macau, casino play accelerated as the World Cup wound down, though Citigroup still forecasts a 5 percent year-on-year drop in July GGR to $2.60 billion. BetHog, meanwhile, is shutting its crypto casino and shifting its resources to AI-powered dealers after drawing strong operator interest.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

UAE

Dubai, UAE, Gaming

UAE building controlled gaming framework for market launch

The UAE is developing a regulated gaming market designed to complement its tourism sector rather than become dependent on casino revenue, according to Macau-based lawyer Sofia Linhares. She told AGB that the country’s framework is being built around compliance, transparency and controlled access, with Wynn Al Marjan Island set to test whether gaming can be integrated into a broader luxury hospitality model.

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Isle of Man regulator steps up action against illegal gambling sites

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Isle of Man regulator steps up action against illegal gambling sites

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) is expanding its monitoring of illegal gambling operations through greater cooperation with overseas regulators and a newly established intelligence and enforcement division.

In a statement issued on July 20th, the GSC said it had recently worked with authorities in Türkiye by notifying Isle of Man-licensed operators of restrictions imposed in the country.

The cooperation was intended to help Turkish authorities enforce local market-access rules and prevent Isle of Man licensees from operating unlawfully in prohibited jurisdictions.

The regulator said it also provides operational support to overseas authorities seeking to take down illegal gambling websites. Its work includes identifying sites that falsely claim to hold an Isle of Man license or appear to operate from the jurisdiction through internet protocol routing.

The GSC said the new Intelligence and Enforcement Division would allow ‘greater specialisation’ within the regulator, including dedicated resources for monitoring activity outside the regulated market.

The unit is intended to strengthen the regulator’s ability to identify suspected illegal gambling operations and take subsequent enforcement action.

The GSC said its international cooperation aims to support consumer protection and safeguard the reputation of the Isle of Man’s regulatory framework.

The regulator currently lists 40 approved website addresses operated by its licensees. Its website also publishes registers of current and former license holders, allowing players and other parties to verify operators’ regulatory status.

A separate register identifies websites suspected of fraudulently claiming to hold an Isle of Man license or impersonating websites operated by licensed companies.

Aristocrat Gaming charges The Baron Upright with new Fo’ Mo’ Mummy game family

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Aristocrat Gaming charges The Baron Upright with new Fo’ Mo’ Mummy game family

Aristocrat Gaming is building on the worldwide success of its Mo’ Mummy franchise with the launch of the new Fo’ Mo’ Mummy game family, as Mr Mummy and Ms Mummy make their North American casino debut.

Aristocrat, Kurt Gissane, CRO
Kurt Gissane

 Both games were designed for and appear exclusively on the highly advanced The Baron Upright™ cabinet. Mr Mummy and Ms Mummy both contain the player-favorite Cash Collect™ feature and add an exciting new quadruple metamorphic that brings four times the features that players can trigger, whether one at a time or all together.

“Aristocrat Gaming designers never stop creating new and fun adventures for our players, and Fo’ Mo’ Mummy is the latest example,” said Kurt Gissane, Chief Revenue Officer for Aristocrat Gaming. “This exciting new addition expands a highly successful franchise with fresh gameplay, new adventures, and the signature entertainment value that players have come to expect.”
 
Mr Mummy and Ms Mummy have five fun bonus features. Mo’ Boost™ randomly boosts gems and coins. In Mo’ Spins™, gems and coins landed can award additional spins. With Mo’ Prizes™, Mr and Ms Mummy will randomly add gems and coins. In Mo’ Symbols™, double gems and coins appear in one position. In Ms Mummy, players can also land treasure chest symbols during bonus features, which may award up to five additional Cash on Reel coins and/or Diamonds.

PAGCOR orders operators to strengthen AML controls after high-risk finding

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR orders operators to strengthen AML controls after high-risk finding

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has directed licensed gaming operators to review and strengthen their anti-money laundering controls after rating the casino sector’s money-laundering risk as ‘high’.

Under an advisory issued on July 13th, operators must incorporate the findings of PAGCOR’s second Casino Sector Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment into their institutional risk assessments and compliance frameworks.

The assessment, approved by PAGCOR’s board on June 25th, covers the period from 2021 to 2024. It rated the sector’s terrorism-financing risk as ‘medium-high’, despite identifying no confirmed terrorism-financing case involving PAGCOR-regulated casino operations during the review period.

PAGCOR said the high money-laundering rating was driven by cash and value-conversion activities, exposure to high-risk customers and intermediaries, complex operations across multiple channels and inconsistent implementation of controls.

‘The sector remains materially exposed to proceeds from serious predicate crimes, particularly where high-value transactions, cash activity, VIP or junket relationships, electronic gaming, remote channels, or weak controls are present,’ the assessment stated.

Land-based casinos were classified as having high inherent vulnerability due to their scale, cash intensity, foreign patronage and exposure to VIP and junket activity.

Electronic gaming was rated medium-high, with PAGCOR citing its rapid expansion, large customer reach, high transaction frequency, non-face-to-face features and uneven system maturity. Larger licensees generally have stronger systems, while smaller venues may face gaps in customer-level data aggregation, cross-channel monitoring and the timely reconstruction of transactions, the regulator noted.

Operators were instructed to review customer due diligence, source-of-funds checks, transaction monitoring and oversight of VIP, junket, remote and high-value relationships.

PAGCOR warned that a failure to ‘reasonably consider’ the assessment could be taken into account when determining future supervisory or enforcement responses.

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