Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has announced the launch of Wild Wildebeest Wins, an action-packed slot that takes players on a thrilling safari adventure across the African savannah.
Elephants, rhinos, and wildebeest roam the reels in this 6×4 slot, where 3-6 scatters award 8-20 free spins. During free spins, wilds carry 2x, 3x, or 5x multipliers – multiplying each other if more than one hit on a winning line.
All wildebeest symbols that land during the bonus game are collected in a meter. If the Super Wildebeest symbol lands, a number of wildebeest symbols equal to that shown in the meter (15 max) will be randomly distributed across the reels, unlocking wins of up to 10,000x.
Wild Wildebeest Winsis the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s award-winning slots portfolio, following recent releases Wild Wild Pearls and Brick House Bonanza.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Wild Wildebeest Wins combines a popular safari theme with multiplier wilds and a thrilling collection mechanic in the bonus game, delivering exciting gameplay and wins of up to 10,000x.”
Altenar, a leading turnkey sportsbook provider, has announced the appointment of Matthew Ferrara as Sales Manager to drive growth in the North American iGaming market.
Ferrara spent two years working in Croatia as a live trader on US sports for Superbet before returning to the United States to join micro-betting provider Kero Sports as Business Development Manager, specializing in outbound sales and strategic partnerships.
Now based in Miami, he strengthens Altenar’s sales team and will focus primarily on North America as the sportsbook provider looks to expand its operation across the region’s regulated markets. This strategic hire represents major investment from the provider, after the appointment of Sam Hill to the role of Sales Director last year.
Charlie Williams, Commercial Director at Altenar, said: “We are delighted to have brought Matthew on board to strengthen our sales operation in North America amongst other markets. He has a strong understanding of the needs of operators and he will be a valuable asset as we look to bring more clients from North America on board.”
Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said: “My previous roles have given me a good understanding of sports betting operators’ pain points and what they are looking for in a sportsbook solution. Altenar’s product has huge appeal and I’m excited to meet potential new clients to highlight what we can do.”
FeedConstruct, a leading provider of cutting-edge sports data and content, has partnered with Altenar, a turnkey sportsbook provider, to upgrade its platform with FeedConstruct’s Scouting Data, Odds Feed, and Sportify exclusive package.
Altenar, a global sportsbook provider is renowned for its innovative, scalable, and flexible sportsbook solutions. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and cutting-edge technology, Altenar delivers customizable sportsbook offerings to operators worldwide.
By partnering with FeedConstruct, Altenar will gain access to a best-in-class data service, further enhancing its ability to provide its clients with top-tier betting products.
“FeedConstruct’s solutions are engineered to elevate every aspect of a sports betting operation. By combining our cutting-edge solutions with Altenar’s ambitions, we aim to deliver an unparalleled user experience and drive sustained growth,” said Narek Harutyunyan, CEO of FeedConstruct.
Dinos Stranomitis, COO of Altenar, said: “Altenar will expand its coverage quality portfolio in the sports and leagues that FeedConstruct cover involving top quality exclusive data, to further improve the users’ experience in sports betting. Altenar has more than 20 data feeds integrated to achieve the best quality sportsbook solution worldwide.”
This partnership underscores FeedConstruct’s commitment to providing innovative data solutions that empower its partners to stay ahead in the competitive sports betting market.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center inaugurated on Friday, January 24, a new halfway house for families and caregivers of patients at V. Luna Medical Center (VLMC) in Quezon City.
The five-story watchers’ dormitory, which received a PHP53.22 million funding from PAGCOR, features 35 rooms and 124 beds. It is equipped with kitchens, dining areas, caregiver quarters, and other amenities to provide a comfortable haven for families of confined patients.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, who led the inauguration, said the project is a demonstration of the state gaming agency’s unwavering support for the country’s armed personnel.
“This is not just a corporate social responsibility initiative for PAGCOR; it is a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to our brave soldiers who selflessly dedicate their lives to serving our nation,” Mr. Tengco said.
“As we gather today, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform who face unimaginable challenges to safeguard our freedoms and ensure the safety of our communities,” he added.
Prior to the dormitory’s construction, the AFP Medical Center could only offer a single-story resting area with limited ventilation for watchers, according to AFP Medical Center Commander Brigadier General Jonna D. Dalaguit.
“The physical and emotional toll of prolonged hospital stays had always been a significant challenge for caregivers,” Dalaguit said. “Without adequate facilities, many watchers face the risk of developing physical or mental health issues, adding to their already heavy burden.”
“Today marks the end of a long wait…This facility is not just a product of cooperation between PAGCOR and the AFP, but also a source of inspiration. It serves as a reminder that the people and institutions we protect are also our sources of strength and support,” she said.
Filipino authorities revealed that over 5,000 Australians were targeted by an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) that was raided in October of last year.
According to The Philstar, this operation was the result of collaborative efforts between Philippine and Australian investigative agencies.
In a joint statement, the Australian Federal Police, National Anti-Scam Center, Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that the majority of potential victims were Australian men aged over 50.
These individuals were lured into sending between AUD300 ($189) to AUD500 ($315), initially under the guise of investment opportunities.
Once the victims agreed to send money, the scammers would subsequently request additional funds, promising lucrative returns. Authorities warned that these potential victims had been contacted by the National Anti-Scam Center via text messages, alerting them that they had been targeted by scammers operating from the Philippines.
‘The scammers, utilizing popular online dating apps, would deceive victims into believing they were in a genuine online romantic relationship before persuading them to invest in legitimate cryptocurrency,’ the statement emphasized.
Authorities in Thailand are considering the Bangkok Port as a possible location for an integrated resort, given its size, location, and riverfront access, but the necessary redevelopment of the site means that it’s unlikely to house the nation’s first casino, says expert Daniel Cheng.
Daniel Cheng, author: How I Built an Integrated Resort
The Khlong Toei (spelling varies) Port has long been on the agenda for redevelopment, and a 2019 proposal for repurposing 376 hectares by the Port Authority of Thailand (who manages the infrastructure) sparked enthusiasm, particularly given the progress of the Entertainment Complex Business Act through the legislature.
According to reports, an initial 128-hectare initial development area was laid out by a government land subcommittee last December, including a zone for commerce, tourism, retail and hotels.
Image by: ME49
But Thailand’s IR bill is still under evaluation, even though some experts are hoping for a casino to open in the nation as early as 2029. And the massive scale of the port area to be redeveloped brings up significant questions about how, where and when a potential integrated resort could fit into the government’s plans.
“The Klong Toey site will bring the oft-overlooked subject of urban master planning to the fore. Integrated resorts are real estate behemoths that cannot be just parachuted into a location without due zonal planning. This is even more so if the site is situated in densely built-up areas. It is essential to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure, prevent overcrowding, and mitigate potential negative effects like increased traffic or environmental strain,” points out Cheng.
The industry expert is no stranger to massive development projects, such as that which reshaped Singapore’s coastline (and tourism image), centered around Marina Bay Sands. For more check out Cheng’s book: “How I Built an Integrated Resort”.
For Bangkok to see the success that Singapore did in reshaping Marina Bay, long-term planning is key.
“Even if they begin the planning now, a Klong Toey redevelopment is easily a 15-year or more project where the resort component can probably only commence construction at the earliest in the early 2030s and open after 2035. Unless of course the government decides to take shortcuts, which would be disastrous,” indicates Cheng.
Infrastructure before entertainment
Given all of the planning necessary to shape the port into its stated purposes – a commercial zone (featuring logistics, MICE, retail, offices and more), a business zone (including warehouses, container terminals, etc), and a ‘Modern City’ (including hospitality and tourism amenities) – Cheng opines that it’s best to update the port’s master plan to include the entertainment complex aspect, “which would become its anchor development”.
Image by: ME49
But, aside from the complexity of the site, there is also the matter of a squatter community totaling over 13,000 “that needs to be relocated/rehoused”.
Cheng made particular note of this in an article in mid-2024, among other concerns around the port’s redevelopment.
So how should the government prioritize the development?
“The entertainment complex should only be in the latter phases because its successful integration depends on the successful resolution of other pressing urban challenges and particularly improving infrastructure to accommodate the large number of daily visitors to the resort.”
For context, Marina Bay Sands’ casino alone gets an average of 25,000 visitors each day and the complex as a whole welcomes over 1 million guests per year.
Bangkok last year was hailed by many international bodies as the top tourism city in the world, welcoming over 32 million visitors. By comparison, Macau welcomed nearly 35 million tourists in 2024. Both cities suffer from gridlock problems, particularly during key holiday periods, and require infrastructure improvements to be able to meet their ever-increasing tourism goals.
Bangkok could tender first but unlikely to open first casino
Five potential large-scale IRs are being proposed under the current framework under discussion: one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket and two in Bangkok.
In mid-2024, Cheng already expressed doubts that Bangkok would be able to be the first location to house a casino – citing rumors that the Rayong Province near Pattaya could beat it to the punch.
But that doesn’t mean that authorities should hold off on going ahead with a tender for an entertainment complex in Bangkok, even if the port is one of the chosen locations.
“It’s still acceptable to tender the license first once the new master plan (for the port) is approved, but the project schedule should be set appropriately for the future. As a point of the reference, Singapore’s Marina Bay downtown precinct spanned a few decades from ideation to reality.”
The ease of access to MBS is testament towards the strong infrastructure investment and comprehensive city planning that allow its ongoing success.
And while the Bangkok Port does benefit from its relative proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport, current highway and transportation links are unlikely to be able to keep up with the increase in traffic that must go hand-in-hand with a large-scale IR.
Plus, as evidenced by pushback against the new IR bill by segments of the population, ensuring that an entertainment complex actually benefits the surrounding region, and its residents, will be essential to its success.
“Lack of careful planning could disrupt the local community and fail to integrate harmoniously with the surrounding environment,”warns Cheng.
Land is in woefully short supply in Bangkok, so finding a site that would be more advantageous than the port is tricky. All hopes are that a long-term approach is taken to make sure that the government, the public, and integrated resort operators all stand to benefit.
Macau’s hotel occupancy rate is expected to reach 90 percent during the Chinese New Year (CNY) period, with tourists targeting Cotai.
Wong Suk Yan, president of the Macau Hotel Association
Wong Suk Yan, president of the Macau Hotel Association, stated that hotel bookings in Macau are strong ahead of the upcoming CNY holiday (January 28th to February 4th). Booking rates at hotels within Cotai’s integrated resorts are expected to reach around 90 percent, while budget hotels are projected to be at 60-70 percent.
According to local media outlet TDM, Wong revealed that Macau’s hotel occupancy rates have largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels, similar to the same period in 2019. The hotelier also anticipates that the peak for hotel check-ins will occur on the third day of the New Year (January 31st).
Regarding room rates, Wong noted that prices are expected to be similar to those of last year. However, a recent Morgan Stanley CNY 2025 hotel survey released earlier this week indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) for most hotels in Macau is expected to be 15-40 percent lower than in CNY 2024 and 10-30 percent below the October Golden Week in 2024.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) forecasts an average daily arrival of 185,000 visitors during the holiday. Wong expressed optimism about these projections, noting that Macau will host several cultural, tourism, and sports events during CNY.
Additionally, the implementation of new visa policies toward neighboring cities, such as “one trip per week” and “multiple entry,” has led to a noticeable increase in mainland Chinese visitors, contributing to a bustling market.
She also mentioned that, as CNY is a peak season, the industry has made appropriate staffing arrangements, and there is currently sufficient manpower to handle the expected holiday influx.
Thailand’s tourism-centric economy is expected to grow by more than 3 percent this year, according to statements by the nation’s Finance Minister.
This is anticipated to be particularly driven by increased foreign investor confidence in the nation, and “two to three large foreign investors coming in,” indicated Pichai Chunhavajira.
Overall incoming investment applications to the nation in 2025 are expected to reach some THB1 trillion ($29.7 billion), while the nation is also seeking to attract some 40 million visitors this year and THB3 trillion ($89 billion) in tourism revenue.
And as Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Business Act legislation progresses, hopes are that even more visitors and investors will be arriving to the nation’s shores, potentially boosting employment by up to 20,000 jobs per IR.
Thailand’s top visitor source market this year so far has been China – with about 22,000 daily arrivals. The nation now is hoping to attract some 9 million Chinese visitors in 2025 – up by 35 percent yearly.
One of the main periods for this visitation is Chinese New Year, starting January 29th and running for over two weeks.
According to the government, as cited by the Bangkok Post, expectations are for some 770,000 Chinese visitors during the period between January 24th and February 2nd – a yearly rise of 22.6 percent.
In contrast, Macau has been registered upwards of 130,000 daily visitors in the lead up to CNY – however the SAR has both legalized casino gambling and shares a border with China.
Given some of the negative feedback against the proposed new IR bill in Thailand, expectations are that operators will have a strong focus on attracting international clientele, rather than relying on Thai punters.
Macau is also trying to welcome more international punters, to reduce its dependency on Chinese gamblers.
With hopes that an IR housing a casino could open in Thailand as early as 2029, and with interest from major Macau gaming operators such as Galaxy, it will be interesting to see how companies aim to create synergy between a future property and their other regional casinos – especially at peak times such as Chinese New Year.
While the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) has garnered attention for contributing to office space vacancies in Metro Manila, CBRE analysts say it’s not the primary driver of the increase in empty office spaces.
The main factor is the downsizing and relocation of IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) companies.
According to the Real Estate Market Monitor by CBRE, office space vacancy in Metro Manila rose to 19.9 percent in 2024, translating to nearly 1.8 million square meters of available office space. Of this, 51 percent consists of vacated spaces, while 49 percent remains unleased or unrented.
Although the POGO ban, which took effect at the end of 2024, has caused some companies to vacate their office spaces, it accounts for only 31 percent of the vacancies.
In contrast, IT-BPM companies account for the largest portion of vacated spaces, at 32 percent. While POGOs faced a ban and increasing regulatory scrutiny, the more significant factor behind the rise in office space vacancies is the restructuring within the IT-BPM sector.
According to ABS-CBN News, Jie Espinosa, Country Head of CBRE Philippines, clarified that the vacated spaces are primarily from IT-BPM companies, who are downsizing or relocating to smaller spaces.
Espinosa added that many IT-BPM companies have moved based on client preferences or chosen smaller offices. NEO, a major office developer in Taguig, reported a slowdown in the office sector and is working to foster a sense of community to encourage employees to return. Raymond Rufino, CEO of NEO, acknowledged the challenges facing the office sector, noting it’s a tough time for the industry, whether perceived or real.
Carlo Rufino, NEO’s Co-Managing Director, noted that their main competition is the work-from-home trend. He mentioned that the company is organizing activities for tenants and their families to encourage office attendance and highlight the value of in-person interactions.
Despite the high vacancy rate, rental fees have not dropped significantly. Espinosa explained that some building managers are offering incentives, such as rent-free periods, instead of reducing rent.
However, CBRE remains optimistic that the 19.9 percent vacancy rate will decrease by year-end. Espinosa added that the US elections last year delayed decision-making, but with that now behind them, US firms have begun inquiring about office spaces in the Philippines.
The Philippine National Police has been directed to investigate an online lottery app after it was found to have misused the logo, photos and other markings of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DILG issued the mandate on Monday, after reports that the ‘PCSO Lotto Online Award’, as well as the related Facebook page ‘Online Lotto’ misused photos taken during a DILG event as advertising material.
According to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group has been ordered to investigate the incident, which has also been reported to Facebook parent company Meta “for further action”.
“The Department of the Interior and Local Government strongly condemns the unauthorized use of our logos, photos, and other Department markings and materials for unrelated posts, advertisements, or any malicious purposes,” stated Remulla, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
The photos in question involve the Seal of Good Local Governance 2024 award ceremony and incentive fund national expo, which authorities say are completely unlinked to the online lottery.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is the government agency that holds charity sweepstakes, races and lotteries to provide funds for government programs.
