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Games Global & OnAir Entertainment unveil exclusive Live Casino content with LeoVegas Group

AGBrief Editorial
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Games Global & OnAir Entertainment unveil exclusive Live Casino content with LeoVegas Group

Games Global’s exclusive studio partner, OnAir Entertainment, has boosted its Live Casino content, launching exclusive Blackjack and Roulette tables with LeoVegas Group.

The developer’s dedicated LeoVegas Exclusive Roulette and BetMGM Exclusive Roulette titles debuted on 23rd December, with three new Live Blackjack tables unveiled on 25th February 2025.

The content will be available to players across European markets including the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Malta, and the Netherlands, as well as in Canada’s only regulated iGaming province, Ontario.

The three Blackjack tables created for BetMGM – Bellagio Blackjack, MGM Grand Blackjack, and New York-New York Blackjack – feature bespoke branding centred around the operator’s most iconic land-based casinos in Las Vegas, bringing the grandeur of the entertainment capital of the world to players worldwide.

OnAir’s diverse portfolio of Blackjack and Roulette products, crafted exclusively on behalf of LeoVegas and BetMGM, harnesses the game studio’s extensive Live Casino expertise and has been curated to deliver players a premium gaming experience unavailable elsewhere.

The partnership between Games Global and two of the industry’s most prominent names not only reinforces the supplier’s commercial presence in key jurisdictions but also enhances the global market visibility of both LeoVegas and BetMGM with dedicated branding.

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, said: “LeoVegas and BetMGM are renowned brands in the betting and gaming industry, so we are incredibly proud to have partnered with LeoVegas Group to create dedicated tables that honour their brand heritage. OnAir is a pioneer in the Live Casino space, and we have no doubt that its collection of Blackjack and Roulette tables will continue to appeal to players, amplifying Games Global’s footprint across key markets.”

PAGCOR Photo Exhibit’s third edition debuts at Okada Manila

AGBrief Editorial
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PAGCOR Photo Exhibit’s third edition debuts at Okada Manila

After the success of two photo exhibits last year, PAGCOR launched the third installment of its Photography Contest Exhibit on Wednesday, March 5, at Okada Manila.

The exhibit, which will run until April 3 at Okada’s Fountain Foyer, offers a unique glimpse into the country’s abundant harvest season and the lesser-known yet equally stunning tourist destinations in the Philippines.

PAGCOR Photo Exhibit's third edition debuts at Okada Manila
PAGCOR’s Photography Contest Exhibit at Okada Manila Fountain Foyer

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, who graced the event’s formal opening, said the exhibit at Okada Manila showcases the winning entries both from the 2023 and 2024 PAGCOR photo competitions.

PAGCOR
Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman of PAGCOR

“This third leg is special because unlike the first two exhibits, we brought to Okada Manila all the 48 winners of our 2023 and 2024 PAGCOR Photography Competitions,” he said.

The 2023 competition with the theme “Sa’n Tayo Next?” featured the country’s relatively unknown tourist destinations with huge potentials, while the 2024 contest “Harvest Time,” paid tribute to Filipino farmers, growers and fishers.

“These 48 masterpieces, carefully chosen by a panel of seasoned photographers and visual artists, are a testament to the incredible talent and creativity of Filipino photographers,” Mr. Tengco said.

During the launch, the PAGCOR chief also invited amateur and seasoned lensmen to join the PAGCOR Photo Contest 2025 with the theme, “Infrastructure for Economic Development.”

“This year’s contest will highlight infrastructure projects that serve as the backbone of our economic progress by enhancing mobility, trade and a better quality of life for Filipinos,” the PAGCOR chief said. “We thus encourage all photography enthusiasts to join us again this year.”

Apart from the photo exhibit at Okada Manila, an “Expert Photographers Speak” will be held on March 21 with Jay Jallorina – a commercial photographer specializing in high-rise exteriors and other infrastructure projects – as the featured speaker.

PAGCOR
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco exchanges insights with Okada Manila officials at the inauguration of the third edition of PAGCOR’s photo exhibit.

Mr. Tengco was joined in the Okada event by PAGCOR President and COO Wilma T. Eisma and Directors Francis Democrito C. Concodia and Gilbert Cesar C. Remulla, as well as key officials from Okada Manila including Co-Vice Chairpersons Takako Okada, Atty. Michelle Lazaro and President and COO Byron Yip.

PAGCOR Photo Exhibit's third edition debuts at Okada Manila
Okada Manila President and COO Byron Yip

Mr. Yip said Okada Manila was proud to support PAGCOR’s effort in promoting Philippine tourism. “As a world-class destination, Okada Manila is committed to providing exceptional experiences for our guests, and this exhibit allows us to showcase the country’s rich heritage and vibrant destinations,” he added.

Hub88 enhances platform with strategic SpinLogic collaboration

AGBrief Editorial
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Hub88 enhances platform with strategic SpinLogic collaboration

Hub88, an integration platform offering a single API for online gaming operations, has announced a global distribution agreement with the games provider SpinLogic, further boosting its market-leading aggregation platform with new content.

The provider’s entire portfolio has been made available to Hub88’s partners, including slots, table and card games, and video poker.

Player-favourites include Sweet16 Blast!, Mighty Drums and Cash Bandits 3, which can now be enjoyed by even more players globally. 

In partnership with RealTime Gaming, the provider has developed a suite of over 300 games since its launch in 1998 with new titles released monthly. 

This partnership with Hub88 will see SpinLogic benefit from a wide array of innovative gaming solutions and technologies to ensure it stays at the forefront of innovation.

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director of Hub88, said: “We are thrilled to partner with SpinLogic as they pursue ambitious growth plans and seek to broaden their global influence. The addition of their content will add significant value for our operator network and resonate with players globally.”

Remy Hamaoui, consulting CMO at SpinLogic, added: “This partnership opens up new avenues for innovation and enhances our ability to deliver top gaming experiences. We believe that working with Hub88 will elevate our offering and strengthen our position in the industry. Together, we are committed to understanding and meeting the needs of our players.”

1xBet announces participation in SiGMA Africa 2025

AGBrief Editorial
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1xBet announces participation in SiGMA Africa 2025

Renowned bookmaker 1xBet has announced its participation in SiGMA Africa 2025, the continent’s premier industry forum.

At booth 09P, the brand’s team will hold meetups with colleagues, share valuable insights on market trends, and tell you how to open up new opportunities for developing your business with one of the best affiliate programs in the iGaming industry.

1xBet guests can enter the draw for an iPhone 16 Pro and AirPods Max, as well as get stylish merch by playing a popular game at the booth. And that’s not all: productive networking with affiliate marketing gurus will run in a relaxed atmosphere with signature cocktails and other delicious drinks.

The forum will be held at the Sun Exhibits at GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa, attracting 2,500 participants, 150+ speakers, and around 350 affiliates. The African betting and gambling sector is growing rapidly, and the event will be a key platform for sharing experiences and establishing new partnerships.

1xBet highly values the African market and considers SiGMA Africa 2025 an important step to strengthen its position in the region. The company actively supports sports on the continent and invests in developing young talents.

1xBet collaborates with the Confederation of African Football, as well as with leading clubs and federations, while the partnership with many famous performers, including iconic musician Davido, confirms the brand’s strong connection with the entertainment sphere.

1xAffiliates, the 1xBet affiliate program, unites over 100,000 partners worldwide who receive lifetime commission for each attracted player. They can also expect high conversion rates, prompt support from a personal manager, and automatic weekly payments. Contact your manager and arrange a meeting at the exhibition!

Crypto betting sees major shift in 2024 as altcoins gain ground

Nelson Moura
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Crypto betting sees major shift in 2024 as altcoins gain ground

The iGaming landscape is undergoing a transformation as altcoins claim nearly half of all cryptocurrency wagers, according to SOFTSWISS’ latest industry report.

The surge in Bitcoin’s value throughout 2024 has significantly influenced betting patterns, prompting a more cautious approach to crypto gambling while accelerating the rise of alternative digital assets.

SOFTSWISS, an iGaming technology provider, unveiled its 2024 ‘State of Crypto’ report, highlighting key trends shaping the industry.

According to the report, with Bitcoin’s market capitalization reaching approximately €1.8 trillion ($1.9 trillion), the cryptocurrency continues to dominate the financial ecosystem. However, while Bitcoin still accounted for more than half of the total crypto market value, its share in gaming transactions saw a notable decline.

Industry data from SOFTSWISS, gathered from over 500 brands, reveals that the Total Bet Sum, including both fiat and cryptocurrency, increased by 35.9 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

However, a more conservative stance on crypto betting led to a 2.5 percentage-point decrease in its share, signaling an increasing preference for fiat transactions.

Bitcoin’s influence on betting behavior

PAGCOR

Despite the cautious approach, SOFTSWISS data confirm that cryptocurrency remains integral to iGaming payments. The Crypto Bet Sum grew by 18.7 percent in 2024, but the Crypto Bet Count dropped by 12.8 percent, reflecting shifting player behavior in response to Bitcoin’s price volatility.

As Bitcoin’s value surged in late 2024, the average crypto bet increased by 1.4 times compared to the previous year, while fiat betting amounts remained steady. This trend underscores the correlation between cryptocurrency exchange rates and betting activity.

“The sharp appreciation of Bitcoin in the final quarter of 2024 led to a more conservative approach among players toward crypto betting,” said Vitali Matsukevich, Chief Operating Officer at SOFTSWISS. “However, higher Bitcoin values resulted in larger average bet sizes, positively impacting overall crypto wagering volumes. We anticipate players will continue to adopt risk-conscious strategies in response to Bitcoin’s fluctuations.”

Altcoins gain traction in iGaming

PAGCOR

A major takeaway from the report is the increasing dominance of altcoins in gaming transactions. The top five cryptocurrencies used in iGaming—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, and Dogecoin—continue to lead the market.

However, a shift in their distribution is evident. In 2023, altcoins represented just 26.8 percent of total crypto bets, but this figure nearly doubled in 2024, signaling a growing preference for alternative digital currencies.

Bitcoin’s share in iGaming transactions dropped by 17 percentage points, while Tether, Litecoin, and Ethereum saw notable increases of 7.3 p.p., 6.5 p.p., and 3.4 p.p., respectively. This diversification suggests players are actively exploring more stable and efficient digital assets beyond Bitcoin.

Another emerging trend is the adoption of proprietary gaming tokens by brands such as Rollbit and Shuffle.

These custom tokens provide seamless integration, reduced volatility, and exclusive rewards, creating tailored financial ecosystems that enhance player engagement. However, their success hinges on significant investments in marketing and infrastructure to establish trust and encourage widespread adoption.

“Bitcoin’s surge in 2024 has driven larger bet sizes, but the drop in overall crypto wagers highlights a shift in risk management strategies,” Matsukevich noted.

“With the growing adoption of altcoins and gaming-specific tokens, operators must balance fiat and crypto offerings while innovating their payment solutions to sustain long-term growth in the evolving iGaming sector.”

Vitali Matsukevich, COO at SOFTSWISS

Singapore Minister urges public to “steer clear from cryptocurrencies”

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Singapore Minister urges public to “steer clear from cryptocurrencies”

Singapore’s Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development has urged the public to “steer clear from cryptocurrencies”.

Minister Sun Xueling noted in a Committee of Supply speech that the amount of money lost in scams in 2024 reached a new high of SG$1.1 billion ($825.2 million), a 70 percent yearly increase

In her address, the official noted that “even crypto savvy individuals have lost heavily by investing in crypto”.

Sun Xueling, Singapore Minister for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development
Sun Xueling, Singapore’s Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development

Singapore has gone so far as to introduce the Protection from Scam Bills in January, ‘to temporarily restrict banking transactions of these individuals’.

Authorities note, however, that ‘this will only be used as a last resort, after all efforts to convince the individual have failed’.

“The change of you getting a single dollar back is very low,” stated Minister Xueling regarding scams involving crypto.

The Minister indicated that scammers have increasingly targeted victims’ crypto wallets.

A particular focus of the government is social messaging app Telegram, with the Ministry indicating that the number of reported scams on the platform ‘close to doubled in 2024’.

The authority notes that it is ‘monitoring the situation closely’ and may use ‘legislative levers to mandate compliance’.

Prominent crypto trading platform Binance even published the news of the Singaporean Minister’s announcement, highlighting that Singapore ‘has long been know for its crypto-friendly stance’. The crypto giant noted that ‘an uptick in fraudulent activities has led some policymakers to reassess their views’.

Grand Korea Leisure sees 5.5% drop in casino sales in February m-o-m

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Grand Korea Leisure sees 5.5% drop in casino sales in February m-o-m

Korean foreigner-only casino operator Grand Korea Leisure saw a 5.5 percent monthly fall in its casino sales in February, and a 3.6 percent yearly drop.

According to the most recent data from the company, the February figure amounted to KRW32.45 billion ($22.39 million).

Table games continued to contribute the majority of casino revenue, at KRW29.99 billion ($20.63 million) – a monthly fall of some 4.5 percent and a yearly decrease of 3.8 percent.

Meanwhile, machine gaming revenue declined significantly month-on-month, at KRW2.46 billion ($1.79 million). The figure was a yearly fall of 1.4 percent.

Overall, February’s casino drop was down both monthly and yearly, falling 2.1 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively – totaling KRW261.2 billion ($180.26 million).

GKL operates its casinos under the Seven Luck brand, being a ‘quasi-market-based public corporation’, under the Korea Tourism Organization.

Macau gaming companies push for non-gaming diversification: Lawrence Ho 

Viviana Chan
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Macau gaming companies push for non-gaming diversification: Lawrence Ho 

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, stated that Macau is no longer just a “gambling hub,” emphasizing that the city’s gaming operators are contributing to non-gaming diversification.

Lawrence Ho, Melco Resorts
Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment

According to a Chinese-language media outlet, Ho mentioned that the city has evolved into a destination for concerts, performances, and exhibitions, with his group’s venues hosting concerts almost every week, featuring artists from Hong Kong and South Korea. He further highlighted that their properties include water parks.

Ho made this statement in Beijing on Wednesday while attending the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sessions, where he represents a member of the National Committee.

In line with the Macao SAR’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy, the “1” refers to the goal of building a world-class tourism and leisure center, while the “4” focuses on promoting the development of industries such as healthcare, modern finance, high-tech, exhibition and trade, and culture and sports.

House of Dancing Water
The House of Dancing Water

Lawrence Ho explained that Macau’s gaming operators are working hard to diversify beyond gambling. His group aligns with the SAR government’s efforts to attract more international tourists. For instance, he pointed to the return of the famous “The House of Dancing Water” show in May as a key example.

He also mentioned that, with the support of the central government, more mainland Chinese tourists are visiting Macau through the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS). He expressed his hope that Macau will play a key role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

Francis Lui, Galaxy Entertainment Group
Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group

Meanwhile, during the same occasion, Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group and a member of the CPPCC, suggested exploring ways to promote more convenient border-crossing models and take advantage of policies like the Guangdong vehicles heading to Hong Kong and Macau initiative. He believes these measures could inject more vitality into tourism development not only in Hong Kong and Macau but also across the entire Greater Bay Area.

As reported by a Hong Kong media outlet, Lui emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between Macau and Hong Kong to attract more foreign investment. He noted that Macau’s leisure industry has been growing steadily in recent years and expressed strong confidence in its future. He proposed that both Special Administrative Regions (SARs) should collaborate further to expand business opportunities.

Lui highlighted that both Hong Kong and Macau share the common goal of attracting more international investors, visitors, and businesses. He stressed the need for better coordination in infrastructure, services, and resources to create a more attractive environment for foreign investment. Lui also expressed his hope that the central government would introduce supportive measures during the Two Sessions to aid Hong Kong’s economic revitalization.

The Star’s Hong Kong partners in bid to purchase its Queen’s Wharf stake

Kelsey Wilhelm
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The Star’s Hong Kong partners in bid to purchase its Queen’s Wharf stake

Australia’s embattled The Star Entertainment Group could be offloading its share in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane to its Hong Kong-listed partners in a desperate bid to salvage the company from bankruptcy.

According to reports, Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium have put forward a deal that would allow for an AU$50 million ($31.66 million) injection that could potentially save the company from going into administration.

The deal would allow the two Hong Kong-based conglomerates to take control of the casino, which they are already 50 percent owners in, as well as being investors in The Star itself. Each company holds a 25 percent stake in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.

According to The Australian, coal baron Chris Wallin has offered The Star a AU$200 million ($127 million) bridging loan until the company can finalize the sale of its QUeen’s Wharf stake.

On Friday, The Star entered a trading halt again, after failing to publish its half-year results, in contradiction of stock exchange rules.

The group noted that it would only publish the results once ‘it has secured a refinancing commitment that would enable The Star to refinance all of the Group’s existing corporate debt, as well as to provide additional liquidity’.

The group’s Chief Executive Steve McCann has been trying to secure some AU$100 million ($62 million) in short-term financing, including AU$60 million ($37.3 million) from the recent sale of its Sydney events center, however this requires approval from the New South Wales government.

The Star indicated that as of December 31st it only had AU$78 million ($48.5 million) in available cash.

However, it has reportedly rejected multiple offers – including from its Hong Kong partners and Oaktree Capital.

Weak performance at Solaire Resort and Solaire North & costs weigh on Bloomberry earnings

Viviana Chan
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Weak performance at Solaire Resort and Solaire North & costs weigh on Bloomberry earnings

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. saw its earnings drop by 73 percent in 2024, falling to PHP2.6 billion ($46 million), as underwhelming performance at Solaire Resort Entertainment City (SEC) and higher costs associated with the newly opened Solaire North (SN) weighed on the company’s financial results.

According to Bloomberry’s financial report released on Thursday, the firm notes the decline was primarily attributed to significantly higher depreciation and interest expenses linked to Solaire North, along with a one-time gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax charge.

Bloomberry’s flagship property, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, experienced a 9 percent decline in GGR, dropping to PHP53.2 billion ($932 million) in 2024. As a result, EBITDA at the property fell by 17 percent to PHP17.2 billion ($301 million).

VIP rolling chip volume declined by 29 percent, leading to a 22 percent drop in VIP GGR to PHP15.2 billion ($266 million). Mass table drop decreased by 20 percent, while mass table GGR dipped by 3 percent to PHP17.6 billion ($308 million). Electronic gaming machine (EGM) coin-in remained stable at PHP356.4 billion ($6.25 billion), though EGM GGR slipped by 1 percent to PHP20.4 billion ($357 million).

PAGCOR

Company-wide growth driven by Solaire North

Despite the overall earnings decline, Bloomberry recorded a 6 percent increase in company-wide GGR, reaching PHP61.7 billion ($1.08 billion), up from PHP58.3 billion ($1.02 billion) in 2023. This growth was largely driven by Solaire North, which contributed to the company’s revenue after 221 days of operations in its opening year.

The mass market segment remained the company’s strongest performer, with combined mass table games and electronic gaming machines across both properties posting a 19 percent increase, outperforming the VIP business.

Bloomberry’s consolidated net revenue reached PHP53.1 billion ($930 million), reflecting a 10 percent increase from 2023.

The $1 billion Solaire North, located in Quezon City, opened its doors on May 25th, 2024. The project generated PHP8.4 billion ($147 million) in GGR and PHP1.3 billion ($23 million) in EBITDA in 2024.

CEO’s perspective

Enrique Razon, Bloomberry Resorts, Philippines
Bloomberry Chairman and CEO Enrique K. Razon Jr.

Bloomberry Chairman and CEO Enrique K. Razon Jr. acknowledged the mixed performance, stating: “In 2024 we reported topline growth despite a challenging operating environment in Metro Manila. The newly opened Solaire Resort North contributed to our GGR strength as it vastly expanded our presence in the mass market segment. Our consolidated mass gaming revenue increased by 19 percent, significantly outperforming the VIP segment and pushing consolidated GGR growth to 6 percent. However, our EBITDA and profit for the year were lower as we recognized pre-operating, depreciation, and interest expenses for Solaire North while Solaire in Entertainment City grappled with VIP and premium mass market weakness.”  

Looking ahead, Razon remains optimistic about its new property’s potential: “Solaire North continues to gain traction in daily foot traffic and revenue. We believe that our second property’s exceptional world-class offerings are well-suited for the demand environment in the northern portions of the Greater Manila Area and gives us a distinct advantage over the competition within the Integrated Resort space.”

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