Home Blog Page 514

IGT upgrades lottery system for LOTTO Thüringen with 7-year contract extension

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
IGT upgrades lottery system for LOTTO Thüringen with 7-year contract extension

The contract term will begin upon go-live of the new platform, planned for March 2026.

IGT

An integral part of OMNIA™, IGT’s player-centric, omnichannel solution for lotteries, Aurora helps drive lottery innovation and profitability. The platform will provide intuitive, user-friendly applications, tools and reporting capabilities which will handle all of LOTTO Thüringen’s transaction processing, game management and back-office operations.

“LOTTO Thüringen has relied on IGT’s versatile and strong-performing central system technology throughout the course of our decades-long relationship,” said Jochen Staschewski, LOTTO Thüringen Chief Executive Officer. “Upgrading our central retail system to IGT’s advanced platform and back-end software will enable us to streamline our business processes and continue operating with the highest levels of efficiency.”

IGT

“IGT’s retail central system incorporates a suite of flexible solutions designed to help manage, transform and further grow LOTTO Thüringen’s business,” added Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Global Lottery. “With this long-term contract extension, LOTTO Thüringen is well-positioned to continue benefiting from IGT’s secure, responsible and modernized technology and software. Leveraging these best-in-class solutions will aid in the Lottery’s goals of supporting good causes throughout the state.”

As the global lottery market leader, IGT is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lotteries in the U.S., eight of the world’s 10 largest lotteries and 16 of the world’s top 25 lotteries.

BetConstruct launches The Last Battle Universe B2B reward program

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
BetConstruct launches The Last Battle Universe B2B reward program

iGaming industry veteran BetConstruct unveiled at ICE Barcelona 2025 The Last Battle Universe, a groundbreaking B2B feature designed exclusively for partners, poised to revolutionize business interactions.

The Last Battle Universe is a testament to how BetConstruct values its partnerships and remains committed to opening up new possibilities for mutual growth. The recent novel initiative allows partners to earn points after meeting specific pre-defined criteria. The points can include monthly turnover, active products, and more.

The more of these points partners collect via The Last Battle Universe, the greater rewards they will unlock, with cashback on setup fees reaching up to 100%. Furthermore, The Last Battle Universe has zero setup fee for BetConstruct and Fastex partners, making it all the more inciting. More details about the feature are yet to be revealed and BetConstruct is currently exhibiting its wide portfolio of offerings at ICE Barcelona 2025.

Pragmatic Play explores underwater riches in Wild Wild Pearls

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Pragmatic Play explores underwater riches in Wild Wild Pearls

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has launched Wild Wild Pearls, an aquatic adventure where golden pearls and doubling multipliers can unlock wins of up to 5,000x. 

Poseidon wilds act as the collect symbol in this 6×4 ocean escapade. Whenever a wild lands on both reels one and two, adjacent money symbols on reels three to six, forming a left-to-right winning line, are awarded.  

When collection takes place and a reel is fully stacked with money symbols, the total win is boosted by the multiplier above that reel – 2x on reels three and four and 4x on reels five and six. One of four fixed jackpots with values up to 100x can also land on reel six. 

Landing wilds on the first two reels alongside either a bonus symbol or super bonus symbol on reel three triggers free spins or super free spins, respectively. 10 free spins are awarded in either feature, where more money symbols are present on the reels, with increased 3x and 5x multipliers above the reels in super free spins.  

The feature can be retriggered with five additional free spins up to two times. In super free spins, each time the feature is retriggered, the multipliers above the reels double. 

Wild Wild Pearls is the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s growing range of premium slots, following recent hits Money Stacks Megaways™ and Irish Crown. 

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Wild Wild Pearls enhances the award-winning Pragmatic Play portfolio with two bonus games, four fixed jackpots, and wins of up to 5,000x.” 

NBA star Tristan Thompson joins Sportsbet.io as global ambassador

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
NBA star Tristan Thompson joins Sportsbet.io as global ambassador

NBA superstar Tristan Thompson has joined forces with Sportsbet.io, the leading crypto-first sports betting site, as its newest global ambassador.

Tristan Thompson

Thompson, a Cleveland Cavaliers center and 2016 NBA Championship winner, will bring his star power and passion for cryptocurrency to the Sportsbet.io community for the next two years.

The Canadian basketball legend will be sharing his views on the latest action for Sportsbet.io, where fans will have the opportunity to take part in some exclusive promotions.

Tristan Thompson, Sportsbet.io ambassador, said: “Sportsbet.io brings together my two biggest passions: sports and cryptocurrency. I’ve been following the crypto sector for some time now and have seen how transformative it can be. There’s no better place to combine that with my love of sports than Sportsbet.io.”

Shane Anderson, Director Partnership, Content and Brand, Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added: “We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”

Thompson’s crypto credentials are already well established; he’s been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, and recently celebrated as it reached a new all-time high in price.

He will be providing weekly betting tips on a range of sports, including NFL, MLB, European soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and boxing.

The partnership with Thompson marks another exciting new chapter for Sportsbet.io, which has earned a reputation for both its innovative approach to gaming, and its star-studded line-up of ambassadors, including cricket legend Brett Lee, Kenyan rapper King Kaka and many more.

Sportsbet.io is also an official partner of LALIGA and Newcastle United.

SpinOn and Yggdrasil toast to the Life O’Riley

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
SpinOn and Yggdrasil toast to the Life O’Riley

Yggdrasil and SpinOn have launched the latest YGG Masters release, Life O’Riley, a slot with an Irish theme and a thrilling pint collection feature that offers free spins, sticky wilds, multipliers, and mystery symbols for great win potential.

The core gameplay focuses on landing Beer Tap symbols, unlocking various exciting features, which are then carried over to the bonus round, ensuring a rewarding experience. At a minimum, players will receive five free spins, even if no features have been unlocked.

Wild symbols act as substitutes for all other symbols, while the Multiplier feature enhances winnings during the bonus round based on the player’s progress on the associated pint glass trail. Multipliers can reach up to 10x, amplifying the excitement and potential payouts.

Sticky Wilds can appear during the bonus round and remain in place for the duration of the feature, increasing the chances of winning combinations. Mystery Symbols, activated through Beer Tap collections, can transform into matching symbols, adding another layer of anticipation to the gameplay.

Life O’Riley is powered by GATI, Yggdrasil’s state-of-the-art technology that enables partners to consistently employ the preconfigured, regulation-ready, standardised development toolkit to produce cutting-edge content followed by rapid distribution.

Zoe Bird, Head of Masters at Yggdrasil, said: “Life O’Riley is a traditionally themed Irish game that features a barrel of fun just in time for St Patrick’s Day. The theme and the features create a fantastic blend that delivers rewarding gameplay experiences.”

The Marketing Team at SpinOn said: “Life O’Riley brings the vibrant energy of Irish charm to the reels, offering players an engaging and rewarding experience. From the sticky wilds to the multipliers, every spin is packed with excitement and the potential for big wins. The beer taps and quadrant mechanics really add a unique twist to the gameplay, and we’re confident it’ll be a hit with players who love a bit of luck and adventure!”

Thai IR legislation lacking clarity: Economist

Nelson Moura
-
0
Thai IR legislation lacking clarity: Economist

An economics expert warns that Thailand needs to clarify the foundational principals behind its proposed entertainment complex bill to avoid illegal activities associated with gambling.

The Council of State has expressed six significant concerns regarding the draft law aimed at establishing entertainment complexes, leaving supporters of the initiative puzzled about the council’s intentions.

In comments to The Nation, Professor Chidtawan Chanakul from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Economics emphasized that the council’s concerns suggest a lack of clarity from the government regarding the law’s overarching “principles and rationale.” He noted that the draft seems to chase two conflicting aims: attracting tourists while simultaneously tackling illegal gambling.

“Attempting to achieve both goals requires meticulous planning,” Prof. Chidtawan remarked, referencing Singapore’s successful model of entertainment complexes with casinos. Singapore has implemented stringent regulations, including protective measures that limit citizens’ access to gambling, aiming to uphold social order and minimize adverse impacts.

“In Thailand, there seems to be confusion about the intent behind this draft law. It fails to clarify whether the objective is to legalize gambling to curb underground operations or to restrict local citizens from gambling altogether while focusing on tourism,” he explained, as cited by the publication.

The professor also highlighted that entertainment complexes in various countries have yielded mixed outcomes, often failing to address issues related to gambling, crime, or tourism effectively.

An example provided was that of Atlantic City, which sought to mirror Las Vegas and enhance tourism. According to the gaming expert, since opening its casinos in 1976, Atlantic City has struggled with illegal gambling, political corruption, and a rise in prostitution, leading to significant challenges.

Given these concerns, Prof. Chidtawan urged Thailand to clearly define its objectives, implement strict regulations, and build the necessary infrastructure and workforce to manage risks effectively. Without these critical measures, the proposed entertainment complex initiative risks becoming another poorly conceived policy with considerable social and economic repercussions.

Thai PM to personally assure safety of Chinese tourists when visiting Xi Jinping

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Thai PM to personally assure safety of Chinese tourists when visiting Xi Jinping

Even as Thailand pushes ahead with its casino legislation, its Prime Minister is to personally delivery assurances to China’s President about the safety of tourists from the nation’s largest tourism source market.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is reportedly going to make an official visit to China in February and plans to bring up tourism safety with Xi Jinping.

Paetongtarn-Shinawatra-prime-minister-Thailand
Paetongtarn Shinawatra

The assurances aim to assuage concerns, following the recent disappearance and safe return of Chinese actor Wang Xing. The actor had gone missing along the Thai-Myanmar border in early January, with authorities believing he may have been a victim of human trafficking.

While tourism officials have already communicated directly with Chinese officials about Thailand’s efforts to rebuild confidence from Chinese tourists, the top-level encounter should further solidify the message.

Thailand is hoping to attract some 9 million Chinese visitors this year, a 35 percent yearly increase.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sowarong Thienthong, as cited by the Bangkok Post, indicated that tourism arrivals from China had actually to 22,000 daily (up until January 20th), this year, from an average of 17,000.

China has been the top tourism source market for the country so far this year, with over 354,000 arrivals. This has been supported by a permanent visa-free agreement between China and Thailand.

The official indicated that cancellations were largely from first-time tour group visitors, after the incident, and that there had been “no impacts on tourists who were free independent travelers”.

Thailand is now working to improve border security, as China has also reached out to ASEAN nations to increase their crackdowns on scam operations in their respective countries – especially those operating across borders.

Thailand aims to attract a total of 40 million visitors this year and tourism revenue of THB3 trillion ($29.56 billion).

Thai gov’t gives Council of State 50 days to review IR law, says no need for referendum

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Thai gov’t gives Council of State 50 days to review IR law, says no need for referendum

Thailand’s government has given the nation’s Council of State 50 days to review the Entertainment Complex Business Act and forward it to the nation’s House, while negating the need for a referendum, given the policy’s approval by parliament.

According to the Bangkok Post, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says that a delay to the bill would be detrimental to the economy, negating a need for a referendum but saying the government is welcome to opinions on policy.

Thailand Council of State

“The policy has been made public and approved in parliament by representatives of the people. So, what’s the point of seeking public approval on it again?” queried the official.

The Secretary-General of the Council of State indicated that the government had tagged the bill as urgent, noting that the council has no authority to call for a referendum on it.

Opposition voices are calling for the public to be allowed to study the bill’s details, while not negating its positive potential to control underground gambling.

Queensland Premier wants to keep The Star property open if employment is ensured

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Queensland Premier wants to keep The Star property open if employment is ensured

Queensland’s Premier is potentially extending an olive branch to embattled Australian gaming operator The Star, but also stating that the operator had not kept its promises to the state.

David Crisafulli, Queensland, Australia
David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland

According to the Brisbane Times, David Crisafulli stated that The Star’s obligations to taxpayers included that Queen’s Wharf Brisbane while remain open “and for it to be able to serve the purpose that it was initially set up for”.

The Star recently disclosed that there was ‘material uncertainty as to the group’s ability to continue’, citing just AU$78 million ($48.5 million) in available cash, and a possibility that it couldn’t unlock loans or secure ‘other possible liquidity solutions’.

Aside, from the precarious position this puts all of The Star Entertainment Group’s properties in, the Queensland Premier indicated that “there were also other terms and conditions that weren’t met”.

The official noted that the focus “right now is only on the workers in continuing that operation”.

Queen's Wharf Brisbane, Star Entertainment
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane

Crisafulli (not so subtly) hinted that The Star could sell its Queen’s Wharf asset in the state’s capital, rebranding it under a different name.

Queen’s Wharf is a joint venture development, with The Star investors Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium each holding 25 percent.

“My concern is the people who work for them, and whoever they work for today or tomorrow, whether it’s the same company or a different one”.

He furthered, “I just want that place to be open, and I want as many people as possible to have a job”.

The official noted that any potential investor in The Star would need to fulfill on the obligations promised, with a particular focus on employment. Queen’s Wharf currently employs some 6,000 workers, with a previous promise of up to 8,000 or more.

Crisafulli was direct on his statements about The Star, noting “I’m not on their board. I have no interest in whether or not they are a viable entity,” cites Newswire.

This furthers a direct shutdown on a potential tax rebate from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who noted that the state has funding requests across the state “from roads to psychiatrists to nurses to the railways […] I don’t have money for casinos, I’m sorry”.

Macau expecting to see over 5M border crossings during Chinese New Year

Viviana Chan
-
0
Macau expecting to see over 5M border crossings during Chinese New Year

Macau is expected to experience between 5.04 to 5.36 million cross-border movements during the upcoming Chinese New Year period (January 28th to February 4th), with an average of 630,000 to 670,000 people entering and exiting daily, according to the Macau Public Security Police Force, the department responsible for immigration services.

This represents a 3 percent or larger increase compared to the same period in 2024, with peak traffic anticipated on the fourth and fifth days of the new year.

In a press conference outlining the upcoming measures for the holiday season, Lam Tong Hou, Public Relations Director at the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), noted that various government departments, tourism industry groups, and associations will organize a variety of celebrations during the Chinese New Year Golden Week. These events are expected to boost both visitor numbers and hotel occupancy.

As of January 16th, hotel bookings in Macau are nearing 80 percent occupancy. With Chinese New Year fast approaching, reservations are expected to continue growing.

It is also worth noting that, according to a recent survey by Morgan Stanley, the average daily rate for most hotels in Macau during the Chinese New Year period is expected to be 15-40 percent lower than in 2024, and 10-30 percent below the October Golden Week in 2024.

Macau visitors border crossing

New visa policy adds around 4,400 visitors daily

Lei Tai Fai, spokesperson for the Macau Public Security Police Force, stated that the new visa policy for Macau’s neighboring cities has already shown positive results.

Between January 1st and 21st, more than 91,000 visitors used the new visa to visit Macau. This includes over 18,000 visitors entering under the multiple-entry policy, and more than 73,000 under the one-entry-per-week policy, averaging around 4,400 visitors daily.

As reported earlier this month, over 66,000 multiple-entry visas have been issued for travel to Macau by residents of Zhuhai and Hengqin in less than two weeks.

China’s National Immigration Administration also reported that, since January 1st, 2025, Zhuhai residents have made 257,000 trips to Macau, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.1 percent in the first two weeks of the policy’s implementation.

1...513514515...1,820Page 514 of 1,820