Macau-based gaming group Melco Resorts & Entertainment is focusing in on Thailand, pursuing a development strategy akin to its previous international investments.
According to reports, the company is now sponsoring three-month internships for Thai citizens, aiming to ‘train five global soft power leaders’, indicate reports.
This includes a three-month internship at Melco’s resorts in Macau and further abroad – including gastronomy, performing arts, brand strategy and architecture, among others.
This commences with the ‘Global Soft Power Talks’ on February 24th, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to give the keynote address.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn ShinawatraLawrence Ho, CEO of Melco Resorts
Speaking of the initiative, Melco CEO Lawrence Ho noted that: “Our role is to bring global expertise, foster knowledge exchange, and empower Thai talent to achieve their full potential on the international stage’.
The executive furthered “Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and creative potential make it a natural leader in soft power”.
The move further entrenches Melco’s efforts to seek a Thai casino license, one actively being sought by its Macau and international gaming competitors.
Gaming equipment and services group Light & Wonder has announced the appointment of Simon Johnson as the new CEO of the company’s iGaming business.
In a press release, the company did not specify when the executive transitioned from his former role of Senior Vice President and international Managing Director to his new role.
According to the release, Johnson will report directly to President and CEO Matt Wilson and ‘join the Company’s Executive Leadership Team’.
Johnson joined LNW in 2017 and ‘has been instrumental in driving the international commercial efforts of the Gaming business’, noted the group in a social media post.
The group furthered that Johnson in his new role will ‘bring his extensive industry expertise to lead iGaming into its next chapter’.
Johnson has been with LNW for over four years, and previously worked for Scientific Games’ Gaming division.
QTech Games, the leading game distributor across all emerging markets, has gone live with Aviatrix, the award-winning crash game.
Aviatrix is now available via QTech Games in a major distribution deal that will extend its reach across Asia and other growth territories from Africa to LatAm.
QTech Games’ operator partners can now seamlessly offer Aviatrix to players via the QTech platform. For Aviatrix, the agreement marks another major milestone in its rapid growth, having recently been named ‘Game of the Year’ at the EGR Operator Awards.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “We’re thrilled to be live with QTech Games across multiple emerging markets. This partnership considerably extends the reach of our game, giving even more players the chance to enjoy it. We’ll be working closely with QTech and their partner operators to deliver a world-class experience to users.”
Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games, added: “Naturally, we’re delighted to have launched with Aviatrix, a gold-standard game in the must-have crash games mini-vertical for emerging markets – especially in LatAm and Africa where QTech Games is currently making giant strides.
“Aviatrix’s fast-game format will thrive, not merely survive, thanks to its quick-fire thrills that satisfy audiences demanding something different from traditional slot titles.”
Aviatrix receives regular updates, including additional features like in-game promo codes, and seasonal themes to celebrate holidays and other big events.
QTech Games already provides a diverse wealth of games and unique features for players and operators, offering seamless integration with third-party content providers. The distributor exerts a strong influence across Asia and other untapped global markets, such as LatAm, CIS and Africa.
Pragmatic Play, a leading player in content development to the iGaming industry, has launched Irish Crown, its latest feature-rich slot set on the Emerald Isle.
Shimmering gems adorn the 5×3 grid, where mystery symbols can transform into the same paying symbol to enhance wins and 3-9 gold crowns award cash prizes of up to 40x.
Landing 10 crowns activates the Big Money bonus round. During the feature, crown symbols remain locked in place, with each new crown that hits triggering an extra respin. Ending the round with 10-14 crowns pays from 50x up to 200x, while filling the entire grid reveals the Super Reel, which awards up to 5,000x.
Three shamrock scatters unlock a separate bonus game with 10 free spins. Each time the leprechaun lands on reel five, one of the five lowest-paying symbols is transformed into the crown for the duration of the round, boosting win potential. Hitting 1-3 scatters awards 2-10 additional free spins.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Irish Crown is the second new slot release from Pragmatic Play in 2025, bringing with it wilds, mystery symbols, two exciting bonus features, and wins of up to 5,000x.”
BetConstruct, a leader in developing online and land-based gaming and betting solutions, has announced its participation at ICE Barcelona, which will take place from 20 to22 January 2025. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore the future of iGaming and contribute to its next chapter of growth and innovation.
Highlighting its groundbreaking concept, The Center of Gravity, BetConstruct aims to reshape the iGaming landscape through innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Debuting at Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 3.0, this vision goes into full force at ICE Barcelona, representing a hub where ideas converge, possibilities are unlocked, and the extraordinary becomes the new standard.
This year, BetConstruct will showcase an extensive product and solution portfolio, meticulously enhanced with new features and functionalities to meet even the most demanding industry needs, with a massive 1,500 sqm exhibition space at Stand 4A20.
Key highlights include:
A comprehensive Casino Suitefeaturing over 15,000+ games;
Advanced Sportsbook software covering 140,000+ pre-match and 70,000+ live monthly events;
State-of-the-art Affiliate Software designed to maximise operator profits;
At the core of the exhibition lies Spring BME, BetConstruct’s pioneering Business Management Environment. Representing the culmination of two decades of industry expertise, this platform provides operators with a seamless approach to establishing and scaling their iGaming ventures. Spring BME takes an all-in-one approach, optimising operations through intuitive back-office management and advanced player engagement tools.
Spotlight on Strategic Collaborations
ICE Barcelona will also highlight BetConstruct’s ongoing collaboration with the Ortak Platform, showcasing the recently launched Ortak SnowBall initiative and the PopOK Property Blockchain Raffle. Both initiatives were first introduced at the Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 3.0 in Ras Al Khaimah.
Celebrating the Success of FTN
The timing of ICE Barcelona coincides with the second anniversary of FTN, BetConstruct’s native cryptocurrency that has revolutionised financial transactions within the iGaming industry. Since its launch on 21 January 2023, FTN has underscored BetConstruct’s commitment to bridging blockchain technology with iGaming. Offering enhanced flexibility and security, FTN has grown from 0.19 USDT to 3.4 USDT, reflecting a 1690% increase and reaching a market capitalisation of $1.4 billion. It is currently listed on more than 15 exchanges and platforms.
BetConstruct looks forward to welcoming industry professionals and operators at ICE Barcelona from 20-22 January 2025. Visitors are invited to Stand 4A20 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, where a team of specialists will be available to demonstrate how BetConstruct’s comprehensive solutions can transform business aspirations into reality.
International Game Technology PLC (IGT), has announced today that it is the first gaming industry supplier to receive the Internet Compliance Assessment Program (“iCAP”) Ready accreditation for its iLottery operations from the National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”).
Based on the original iCAP designed for gaming operators, iCAP Ready is a U.S. accreditation program designed for gaming suppliers who are committed to upholding responsible gaming standards across their products and services.
Supported by the NCPG, iCAP Ready utilizes best practices from the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards to ensure suppliers implement and maintain responsible gambling policies, provide effective staff training and offer comprehensive player support tools.
Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling
“We applaud IGT for leading the way as the first recipient of the iCAP Ready accreditation,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. “This achievement showcases IGT’s leadership and demonstrates that suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring player protections and promoting responsible play.”
“Being the first gaming industry supplier to achieve the iCAP Ready certification for our iLottery business is a testament to IGT’s comprehensive responsible gaming processes and practices implemented throughout the organization, and our dedication to protecting our employees, customers, and players worldwide,” said Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP Marketing, Communications and Sustainability.
Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP Marketing, Communications and Sustainability
“With Advancing Responsibility as a core pillar of IGT’s Sustainable Play program, we aim to meet and exceed responsible gaming standards as a trusted supplier to ensure that our customers are provided with the necessary tools to keep their players safe and promote positive play.”
To obtain the iCAP Ready accreditation, IGT’s responsible gaming policies and practices were audited by an independent agency. An overall compliance assessment was also performed by a third party on behalf of NCPG to ensure IGT’s responsible gaming framework met iCAP Ready’s objective of protecting the consumer and ensuring safer gambling practices for players, beginning with the supplier.
Spinomenal, a leading iGaming content provider, has added momentum to its Italian expansion strategy by signing a partnership with Microgame.
Microgame is Italy’s leading provider of Software, Technologies, Products and Services to operators in the regulated online and retail gaming industry. Thanks to more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Microgame is able to provide its more than 50 B2B customers with the best gaming solutions. As a result, Italian players will now have access to Spinomenal’s premium casino content, featuring popular titles such as Poseidon’s Rising, Book of Aphrodite, Book of Demi Gods IV, Majestic King, and many more.
Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “Our agreement with Microgame marks another important step in our expansion strategy in the Italian market. We have a strong portfolio of titles that we’re sure will help Microgame provide the best casino experience possible.”
Francesco Cuzzupoli, Gaming Product Director at Microgame, said: “We warmly welcome the agreement with Spinomenal, which is in line with our corporate strategy. This partnership allows us to further consolidate the leading position of our casino platform in the Italian market, offering our customers a selection of unique video slots that will enrich and differentiate players’ gaming experience.”
Macau gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) is set to enter the bidding process for an integrated resort (IR) license in Thailand, with plans to initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) as early as mid-2025, according to Goldman Sachs.
The information was disclosed following a meeting between Galaxy management and the investment bank during the APAC Consumer & Leisure Corporate Day on January 8th, 2025.
Galaxy Entertainment has expressed strong interest in participating in the competitive IR license bidding process in Thailand, focusing exclusively on the Bangkok site.
Based on observations from Goldman Sachs’ recent Non-Deal Roadshow (NDR) in November 2024, the investment bank notes that Galaxy sees Thailand’s potential as one of the largest casino markets in Asia. The company projects the nation’s annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $3-5 billion if the country proceeds with liberalization – a conservative estimate.
The timeline for this development depends on the ongoing review of a draft bill by the Thai Parliament. If the bill is approved, it could pave the way for an official RFP to commence as early as mid-2025, allowing major players like Galaxy to submit their proposals.
According to the latest update on the casino legalization timeline, the Thai government could approve entertainment-complex legislation by May 2025, potentially opening the door for legal casinos by the end of the decade. Stakeholders and authorities had previously mentioned targeting an IR opening by 2029, ahead of Osaka.
MGM-Orix Osaka IR
Regarding its geographic focus, Galaxy has stated that plans are to concentrate efforts exclusively on the Bangkok site, despite Thailand’s blueprint to issue around five gaming licenses across the country, three of which will be located outside of Bangkok. The company believes Bangkok, as one of the world’s top travel destinations, offers a unique advantage by providing greater certainty in terms of return on investment.
Thailand’s tourism authorities recently announced that the country welcomed over 35.54 million foreign tourists in 2024, marking a 26.27 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to the relaxation of entry rules and the implementation of visa exemption measures.
Additionally, Goldman Sachs shared that Galaxy is open to forming partnerships with local businesses or companies with strong regional ties, which could enhance the prospects of their bid.
Recent media reports indicate that the Thai government is also considering the legalization of online gaming. While still under evaluation, Goldman Sachs notes that this development could represent a significant opportunity for operators, with some estimates suggesting a potential market size of $2-3 billion, based on the Philippines’ experience with online gaming regulation.
The coupling of both the land-based and online components could make Thailand a stand-out gaming jurisdiction in Asia, given that it’s only major competition for the dual-pronged approach is the Philippines.
Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, has reiterated President Xi Jinping’s strategic vision for the development of Hengqin, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting Macau’s economic diversification and improving the livelihoods of its residents.
Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office
“The central government’s decision to develop Hengqin is aimed at facilitating Macau’s economic diversification and enhancing the quality of life for its residents,” Xia stated. He stressed the importance of adhering to this vision and warned that “it is critical not to develop industries or projects that are inconsistent with this strategic direction.”
Xia made these remarks during his address in Beijing on Thursday at the Seminar of the National Hong Kong and Macau Studies Association.
He highlighted that President Xi’s key speeches made during his visit to mark the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to Chinese sovereignty in December 2022 consistently reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to Hengqin’s development.
Xia explained that the primary objectives of the initiative are to promote the moderate diversification of Macau’s economy and improve the living and employment conditions of its residents.
In the context of supporting Macau’s integration into Mainland China’s development, Xia expressed his hope that Macau would take a more “pragmatic approach” in the near future.
Macau’s transition away from gaming
Macau is the world’s largest gaming hub and the only place in China where gaming is permitted. However, Beijing is working to reduce its reliance on the gaming industry by diversifying job opportunities for its residents. During the seminar in Beijing, President Xi highlighted the need to evaluate policy implementation in key areas, including:
Evaluating the effectiveness of Hengqin’s development by examining whether it contributes to the moderate diversification of Macau’s economy and improves the quality of life and employment opportunities for its residents
Assessing progress in utilizing the benefits of “One Country, Two Systems,” as well as aligning regulations and mechanisms between Macau and Mainland China, to achieve new institutional outcomes
Measuring Hengqin’s integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and its contribution to overall market integration in the region, serving as a testing ground for new policies
Macau’s new Chief Executive
It is also worth noting that Macau’s new Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, who assumed office on December 20th, 2024, has already made several visits to Hengqin and Guangdong. Even during the Christmas period, he led a delegation to Guangdong, demonstrating his commitment and urgency in advancing Macau’s economic development and regional integration.
During his most recent visit on January 2nd in Hengqin, Sam pledged to further enhance cooperation with Hengqin by sending more public servants to work there, thereby accelerating the integration process.
Differing views on Hengqin’s role
Some Macau gaming operators and industry participants have differing views on how best to leverage Hengqin, particularly in terms of utilizing the area for lower-cost hotel rooms.
Currently, Hengqin has introduced a policy that allows office buildings to be converted into hotels. This development coincides with China’s issuance of a new type of visa permitting multiple entries for tour groups between Macau and Hengqin. This policy will give tour group visitors the option of staying in budget hotels in Hengqin while extending their visit to Macau.
Adding more hotel rooms in Hengqin, along with the new visa facility, will undoubtedly increase competition with Macau’s hotel sector. However, representatives from Macau’s tourism industry, as well as the Macau Tourism Office (MGTO), have stated that the impact should be minimal.
Recently, SJM Resortssigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Limited to acquire office properties in Hengqin, which will be converted into a new ‘Lisboa’ brand hotel.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Entertainment has expressed concerns that hotel capacity could become a significant constraint on Macau’s long-term growth. The company is hopeful that further policy breakthroughs will facilitate the development of Hengqin, helping to alleviate some of the current limitations in the hotel sector.
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the detention of nearly 400 foreign nationals during a raid in Parañaque City on Wednesday.
According to Fortunato Manahan Jr., Chief of the BI Intelligence Division, the individuals were employed by a company in Barangay Tambo and were involved in activities similar to those of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The Philippine government has mandated a complete ban on POGOs, requiring all operations to cease by the end of December 2024, with expectations for workers to leave the country by that time. The BI stated that the arrested individuals were allegedly involved in illegal activities, including online scams targeting international victims.
Manahan emphasized that these operations violated immigration laws and posed significant risks to public safety.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado noted that the raid is part of the bureau’s broader initiative to combat illegal activities and ensure compliance with local regulations among foreign nationals.
The arrested individuals are currently undergoing booking procedures and will remain in BI custody while deportation processes are initiated. Viado reiterated that those who attempt to remain in the country while violating the law will face arrest and deportation.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Cruz, director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), revealed in a TV interview on Thursday that the PAOCC is still tracking down 21,000 foreign POGO workers following the closure of POGOs in the country. Authorities also warned that Filipinos harboring illegal POGO workers could face charges.
Previously, authorities had indicated that some 11,000 foreign POGO workers were being sought after their mandatory visa modification or departure from the country were not fulfilled.
