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Altenar releases Bet Builder Boost to enhance sportsbook portfolio

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Altenar, a leading sports betting and iGaming software provider, has expanded its product offering with the launch of Bet Builder Boost, a powerful new feature designed to elevate the Bet Builder experience for both operators and players.

By integrating boosted odds into its Bet Builders, Altenar offers an exciting new betting option that enhances the user experience, particularly for pre-live markets. It also enables operators to increase player retention without sacrificing margins.

The introduction of Bet Builder Boost builds on the success of Altenar’s upgraded Boosted Odds tool, which was rolled out in 2024 and has already seen significant adoption among operators and end users, making it a key driver of the provider’s sportsbook product offering.

Operators have the same range of options available with the Bet Builder Boost as they have with the Boosted Odds tool, including three different levels of boost, a Bet of the Day feature and limited-time elements.

Bet Builder Boost by Alternar offers a flexible tool to create bespoke promotions for players and capture a broader audience. Operators can customise boosts for individual events, providing greater flexibility and allowing for tailored promotional strategies that cater to market-specific needs.

Dinos Doxiadis, Director of Product (Sportsbook and Data) at Altenar, said: “With Bet Builder Boost, we’re giving operators a way to excite their player base and offer an enhanced experience that drives engagement. It’s an important tool for differentiating themselves in an increasingly competitive market. By introducing boosted odds in this way, we help operators build more personalised and attractive offerings while maintaining control over their sportsbook profitability.”

Yggdrasil and Bitpunch dominate the reels in new King Power release

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Yggdrasil, along with newest YGG Masters partner Bitpunch, showcases unlimited win multipliers and epic features set upon seriously regal reels in its collaborative new release, King Power.

This highly volatile All Ways slots can see players win a maximum of 10,000x the stake thanks to a special King reel, unlimited win multipliers and two lucrative Free Spins features boasting Powerups.

Every time a successful spin occurs, winning symbols are removed and the King Reel drops wild symbols with up to two lives into the empty spots. The wild remains until all of its lives have been consumed. In addition, a win multiplier climbs up one position for every winning cascade.

Four scatter symbols will trigger seven Super Free Spins. During these, the King Reel offers up wild symbols with three lives and Multiplier Powerups increase the win multiplier by three steps. Players can pay 0.2x their bet to double their chances of triggering a bonus, x70 to automatically trigger Free Spins or x150 to kick-start the Super Free Spins.

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

Zoe Bird, Head of Masters at Yggdrasil, said: “Bitpunch made a strong debut as a YGG Masters partner with the release of Killroad 66 last month, and they’re back again with another stellar slot this time around. We love a game with strong theming and terrific features, and this title truly fits the bill.”

Mitri Wiberg, CO-CEO at Bitpunch, added: “We can’t wait for players to get their fill of opulence and royalty in this brilliant new release which showcases everything our talented team is about at Bitpunch. King Power proudly follows in the footsteps of our debut YGG Masters title, and we can’t wait to see how it performs.”

Indian online gaming organizations join forces to combat offshore betting ads

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The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several key organizations in the online gaming sector in order to tackle the rising concerns regarding illegal betting and gambling advertisements from offshore entities.

This partnership includes the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and it officially took effect on January 2nd, 2025.

The ASCI, established in 1985, is dedicated to self-regulation in advertising, ensuring consumer protection and adherence to advertising standards. The council collaborates with various government bodies to promote responsible advertising practices across all media.

The MoU establishes a framework for a special monitoring cell dedicated to identifying and reporting illegal offshore betting and gambling advertisements to relevant government ministries.

Additionally, the cell will monitor real-money gaming (RMG) advertisements that may violate ASCI guidelines. This collaboration aims to enhance compliance within the RMG industry while exposing illegal advertisements.

Since the MoU’s implementation, ASCI has flagged 413 offshore betting ads to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and processed 12 real-money gaming ads for potential violations of the ASCI Code. Prior to this initiative, from April 2023 to March 2024, ASCI had flagged 1,336 ads, prompting the Ministry to take action against various platforms.

Indian state laws prohibit gambling and offshore betting, rendering advertisements for these activities illegal. However, online RMG, which relies on skill, is permitted in most states, and its advertising is thus allowed.

Some offshore operators misleadingly present themselves as legitimate gaming entities, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and reporting.

“Indian consumers are exposed to numerous ads from offshore betting companies that lack accountability. Several Indian celebrities have also been featured in these advertisements. Given that gambling ads are prohibited in many parts of the country, their prevalence violates the law. ASCI aims to bring these issues to the attention of regulators for necessary action”, Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of ASCI, emphasized in an announcement.

Industry leaders expressed their commitment to responsible advertising practices, with Neil Castelino, CEO of FIFS, adding that “the collaboration is crucial to ensure that Indian consumers are not misled by illegal platforms”, while Anuraag Saxena, CEO of the E-Gaming Federation, noted that “Indian citizens have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous operators for years”.

In the same statement Roland Landers, CEO of AIGF, highlighted the federation’s long-standing commitment to responsible gaming practices, noting that this MoU is a pivotal step towards protecting consumers and fostering ethical advertising.

Bain Capital rejects Mohegan’s proposal to amend financial covenants at INSPIRE

Bain Capital has rejected Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority’s proposals to amend the financial covenants of a loan held by MGE Korea Limited, the parent company of Mohegan INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in South Korea.

In an official statement, Mohegan emphasized that its proposals were in line with ‘market precedents.’ However, Bain Capital dismissed the suggestions and instead presented counter-proposals that would prioritize large payments to the private equity firm before other lenders to the INSPIRE project.

Despite this, Mohegan, which has made significant investments in the development of INSPIRE, reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating in good faith with Bain Capital in the hope of finding a mutually agreeable solution. The company also stated that it believes Bain Capital’s decision to take a change-of-control action is not in the best interest of the resort, its employees, customers, or other stakeholders. 

Bain Capital assumes control of INSPIRE

Mohegan also confirmed receiving notices from Bain Capital indicating that the lender has accelerated the mezzanine loan for MGE Korea Limited, effectively taking control of the INSPIRE project. This move comes after the resort’s opening in February 2024, which Mohegan described as the launch of a ‘groundbreaking integrated destination’ that is rapidly establishing itself as a premier resort in Asia.

Bain Capital, an American private investment firm based in Boston, has been involved with the project since its early stages.

While Mohegan acknowledges that INSPIRE is facing some near-term operational challenges typical of large-scale resorts, the company remains optimistic about the resort’s long-term prospects. Mohegan believes the property is on track to achieve its full capacity, but it requires additional time. ‘We’ve put the essential components in place for long-term success, and the property needs more time to reach its full potential,’ the company stated.

In response to taking control of the project, Bain Capital emphasized that the move underscores its commitment to the long-term stability and growth of the resort. The firm has pledged support to improve INSPIRE’s financial performance and enhance guest experiences.

INSPIRE

No missed payments

Mohegan further clarified that, while certain financial covenant tests were not met, no principal or interest payments have been missed. The loan, which is held by Bain Capital, does not mature until May 2027, with no principal payments due before that time. Despite this, Mohegan has been engaged in discussions with Bain Capital to amend the financial covenants to better align with the current situation of the resort.

Despite the challenges, Mohegan remains hopeful about reaching a resolution with Bain Capital that would allow it to continue as a key partner in the project. ‘We have been, and will continue to be, committed to negotiating in good faith with Bain Capital to find a mutually agreeable solution that allows us to remain partners with the people of Korea and our various stakeholders,’ the company said.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Latecomers to Macau boost CNY earnings

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Good morning. Never too soon, never too late. Although Chinese New Year in Macau feels far behind, it’s crucial for those tallying up the sheets to determine whether potential January revenue carried over into the following month. For analysts, the late-term surge in CNY spending was a positive sign, holding good omens for the future, at least in Macau. Meanwhile, Thailand is taking massive steps forward, with the Council of State concluding its review of the proposed IR legislation – pushing it to the next phase. And in Sri Lanka, changes are afoot, as the new budget proposal aims to increase both casino entry fees and taxes.

What you need to know


ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

On the radar


AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Prolonged CNY boosts February GGR

January’s GGR results failed to impress in Macau, but that might just be due to players understanding how saturated the city can become over the Chinese New Year holiday. This time, player participation tended to peak in the later days of the holiday, encouraging pundits who were wary of the lackluster January results. But regional concerns still top the charts, as China’s President has warned Thailand about its casino aspirations.


Industry Updates


Corporate Spotlight

1xBet’s 2024 Milestones: key achievements & heights of success

1xBet 2024 Milestones Key achievements and new heights of success

In 2024, 1xBet achieved significant breakthroughs and successes, solidifying its position in the iGaming industry. The brand secured major partnership deals, received prestigious awards, and showcased its innovations at the world’s leading forums.


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ZITRO debuts CONCEPT cabinet line at Palace Casino in Mexico

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Mexico City’s renowned Palace Bingo & Sport Bets Casino has partnered with ZITRO once again, introducing the brand-new CONCEPT cabinet line to their Insurgentes venue, thanks to the Mexican group Palacio de los Números.

The new CONCEPT cabinets stand out for their ergonomic design, comfort, and dazzling light show synchronizing with gameplay and captivating players. The spacious ScreenDeck provides unparalleled ease of use and functionality for players and casino staff.

Zitro’s latest game releases, including Legendary Sword, Fairyland Quest, Cash Totems, and Triple Charm Journey, feature stunning graphics, exciting prizes, and innovative game mechanics. These titles have already seen remarkable success in various markets and are poised to elevate the player experience at Palace Casino.

Manuel Hernández, Director of Operations for Grupo El Palacio de los Números, commented, “Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets exceed our expectations with their exceptional performance. We are confident that CONCEPT and its new games will be a huge hit with our players.”

Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of ZITRO, added, “CONCEPT is quickly becoming the slot machine to have in casinos across Mexico. We are incredibly grateful for the continued trust Palace Bingo & Sport Bets Casino has placed in us with this latest installation, and we look forward to continuing to deliver innovative products that enhance the player experience.”

Light & Wonder ink billion-dollar deal with Grover Charitable Gaming

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Gaming equipment and services group Light & Wonder has announced a new strategic acquisition, this time acquiring Grover Gaming’s Charitable Gaming Assets in a billion-dollar deal.

According to a company release, Light & Wonder is adding strategic and financial benefits from the acquisition, which encompasses a $850 million cash consideration and a four-year revenue based earn-out of up to $200 million cash.

Under the terms of the agreement, the founder of Grover Charitable Gaming, Garett Blackwelder, will collaborate with L&W ‘to help drive the continued success of the business over the next three years’.

The transaction is expected to close within the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

Matt Wilson, Light & Wonder
Matt Wilson, President & CEO at Light & Wonder

“Grover Gaming is a leading player in charitable gaming, a category that has experienced significant growth in recent years,” said Matt Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Light & Wonder.

“Importantly, there are exciting incremental revenue opportunities to be realized by leveraging Light & Wonder’s proven land-based gaming content to a new and loyal customer base,” furthered the executive.

Garett Blackwelder, CEO and Founder of Grover Gaming noted “Light & Wonder is an ideal partner for us, given our similar company cultures and dedication to innovation and customer service. We are excited to see Charitable Gaming taken to a new level!”.

Expectations are for L&W to operate the business with a combination of Grover Gaming and L&W employees after the acquisition.

The move allows L&W access to an installed base of over 10,000 leased electronic pull-tab units across five states in the US, operating under a recurring revenue model.

Under the agreement, Garett will ‘collaborate with Light & Wonder to help drive the continued success of the business over the next three years’.

JCM Global receives licensing approval from Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission

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JCM Global (JCM), a leading innovator in transaction and payment technologies, is making significant strides in securing gaming licenses across the United States, with the latest achievement being regulatory approval and licensure from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.

iVIZION-by-JCM-Global
iVIZION bill validator

The license enables JCM to directly sell its industry-leading technology and to support its customers throughout the state.
 
This new license brings the total number of active gaming licenses JCM holds to 178. JCM recently announced it secured its other newest licenses in Colorado, New Mexico, and West Virginia.
 
In November 2020, Nebraska voters approved casino gaming at licensed racetracks within the state. With continued success in the market and the anticipated further expansion of gaming, JCM took the path to obtain licensing, enabling the company to directly support its award-winning iVIZION® bill validator, GEN5® thermal printer, and systems products for its customers operating in the state.
 
Dave Kubajak, SVP – Sales, Marketing & Operations at JCM said, “We made the decision to pursue licenses in Nebraska and other jurisdictions to better serve our customers. These licenses allow us to expand our product offerings into the market and to directly support our customers without the need for third parties.”

7777 Gaming extends its footprint in Romania with MaxBet

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7777 gaming, a top provider of online casino games, has announced a new partnership with MaxBet, a prominent operator in the Romanian gambling market.

The collaboration with MaxBet allows 7777 Gaming to further strengthen its presence in Romania and expand its portfolio of certified games in the region.

With a diverse portfolio of 100 certified games for the Romanian market, 7777 gaming offers a wide range of options tailored to different player preferences. Designed to engage and entertain, 7777 gaming content delivers a dynamic and immersive experience for all types of players.

Larisa Karaboycheva, Partnership Manager at 7777 gaming, commented on the latest partnership: “We are excited to collaborate with MaxBet and introduce our innovative gaming content to their platform. With our wide range of games, we are confident that we will offer MaxBet’s players an exceptional gaming experience like no other.”

Manuel Bauer, CEO at Maxbet.ro said: “MaxBet eagerly anticipates a prosperous partnership with 7777 gaming and remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering premium gaming content to players in Romania. We are thrilled to introduce 7777 gaming’s exciting content to our players and anticipate favorable outcomes from our collaborative efforts in the market.”

MaxBet, a market leader in the Romanian gambling industry for the past 8 years, is known for its strong, safe, and stable operation. MaxBet is committed to providing a premium gaming experience to Romanian players.

Last year, 7777 gaming has expanded its presence in Romania by offering its entire portfolio to players through some of the country’s largest operations. The company has garnered significant attention for its casino games and innovative iGaming concepts, generating considerable interest among players.

3 Oaks Gaming strengthens European presence with Greek manufacturer license

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3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of high-quality slot games for regulated markets worldwide, has been granted its manufacturer license by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), marking a significant step in the company’s European expansion strategy.

This approval enables 3 Oaks Gaming to introduce its high-performing online slot portfolio to licensed operators across Greece’s regulated iGaming market, cementing its position as a trusted content provider in the region.

Greece has become an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for regulated iGaming, with a rapidly growing player base and strong market demand for innovative casino experiences. With its newly acquired licence, 3 Oaks Gaming is set to deliver engaging, feature-rich slot games to Greek operators, reinforcing its commitment to responsible gaming and regulatory compliance.

The Greek licence follows a series of successful market entries for 3 Oaks Gaming, as the company continues to expand across regulated jurisdictions. By strategically partnering with operators in key European markets, the provider is accelerating its global reach and driving player engagement through cutting-edge, high-quality gaming content.

Sebastian Damian, Managing Director of 3 Oaks Gaming, commented: “Securing our Greek manufacturer licence is a pivotal milestone as we continue to strengthen our presence in Europe’s regulated iGaming landscape. Greece presents a fantastic opportunity for us, and we are eager to bring our engaging slot games to operators and players in this dynamic market. Our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences remains at the heart of our expansion strategy, and we look forward to forging strong partnerships in Greece.”