Chui Hou Ian is no longer serving as the deputy director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), while the role of DICJ director remains unfilled following the departure of Adriano Marques Ho in December last year.
Chui Hou Ian
Chui was appointed deputy director in 2021 after serving as an adviser to then-Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, since 2020. His term ended on February 8th, and he is no longer listed on the Macau SAR Government portal. Prior to joining the public sector, Chui had no experience in public administration.
Chui is the son of prominent businessman António Chui Yuk Lum, who leads the Industrial Association of Macau and was a key supporter of former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng’s 2019 election campaign.
Lei Seak Chio
A new deputy director, Lei Seak Chio, took office on Monday in a ceremony officiated by Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip. Lei pledged to implement government policies and strengthen the bureau’s supervision and coordination efforts.
He previously served as the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department and has built a career in public administration since joining the Labour Affairs Bureau in 2005.
Despite Lei’s appointment, the DICJ leadership remains incomplete. The director position has been vacant since Adriano Marques Ho’s departure to head Macau Customs. Deputy Director Lio Chi Chong has been serving as interim head, but no permanent replacement has been announced.
The state-wide results for pubs and clubs in Queensland have been released, revealing that total gross revenue for January 2025 reached AU$303.1 million ($190.2 million), an increase of 9.6 percent compared to the same month last year.
This figure represents a decline of 6.1 percent from December 2024, with Geoff Wohlsen from Wohlsen Consulting stating it aligns with historical patterns where January typically sees a drop in revenue.
“Over the past four years, the average January dip has been approximately 9.4 percent, indicating that seasonal fluctuations continue to impact the sector,” the consultant pointed out.
In terms of market share, clubs are gaining ground, now holding 45 percent of the market, up from 44.4 percent in the previous year. This upward trajectory has been evident since August 2024, reflecting a growing preference among patrons for club venues.
Wohlsen also highlighted that the newly opened Brisbane Queen’s Wharf property appears to have had little impact on the club and pub slot markets. “The Brisbane Inner City SA4 area is performing in line with broader market trends, suggesting that the anticipated boost from this major development has not yet materialized,” he added.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
Looking closely at the operational revenue from different venue types, clubs generated AU$136.4 million ($85.6 million) in January 2025, up 11.1 percent from January 2024, with an average daily revenue (ADR) per machine of AU$208 ($132.7). In contrast, hotels achieved a revenue of AU$166.7 million ($105.8 million), reflecting an increase of 8.4 percent year-on-year, with an ADR per machine of AU$281 ($178.2).
Overall, the total machine gross revenue for all venues combined was AU$303.1 million ($190.2 million), with an average daily revenue of AU$243 ($154.6) per machine, reflecting a 9.6 percent increase compared to the same month last year.
Pragmatic Play, a leading supplier in the iGaming industry, has extended the reach of its product offering in the UK following an agreement with Ivy Casino.
Launched in September 2024, Ivy Casino is a standout challenger brand in the online casino market. With the addition of Pragmatic Play’s multi-award-winning portfolio of slots and live casino tables, Ivy Casino is now able to deliver premium gaming experiences to its players in the UK.
The deal provides access to Pragmatic Play’s extensive range of proven slots, including Gates of Olympus 1000, Sugar Rush 1000, and the popular Big Bass franchise. In addition, Ivy Casino players will be able to enjoy live roulette and blackjack titles from the award-winning provider.
This latest partnership highlights Pragmatic Play’s continued focus on expanding its customer base in regulated markets throughout Europe.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “We’re excited to supply player favourite games to Ivy Casino as the brand continues to establish itself in the competitive UK market.”
Mark Good, representing Ivy Casino, added: “Partnering with Pragmatic Play allows Ivy Casino to provide its players with some of the most popular and innovative games in the industry. Their renowned titles will significantly enhance the gaming offering at Ivy Casino and support its mission to become a leading name in the UK online casino space.”
CreedRoomz, a leading live casino provider, has announced its successful acquisition of certification under Brazil’s new gaming legislation.
As one of the few live casino providers to gain regulatory approval, CreedRoomz is set to bring its games and unparalleled live gaming experiences to the rapidly growing Brazilian market.
With this green light, CreedRoomz is now fully authorized to operate in Brazil, offering players and operators access to its diverse portfolio of live casino games.
The Brazilian market represents a significant milestone in CreedRoomz’s global expansion strategy. This achievement highlights CreedRoomz’s commitment to compliance, innovation, and delivering premium content tailored to local markets.
“Securing this certification demonstrates our dedication to meeting the highest industry standards and providing localized, engaging experiences for players worldwide,” said Hayk Tovmasyan, Head of Live Casino at CreedRoomz. “We are thrilled to be among the first to serve the Brazilian market and look forward to creating lasting partnerships in the region.”
CreedRoomz continues to solidify its position as a leader in live casino innovation, with exciting plans for further product launches and market entries in 2025. Book a meeting with our team during SBC Rio to learn more about our solutions.
Altenar, a prominent name in sports betting and iGaming software, has launched the latest iteration of its acclaimed Bet Builder product, specifically designed for Italy’s sports betting market.
With Bet Builder functionality growing in popularity worldwide, Altenar’s latest innovation addresses Italy’s specific regulatory framework, empowering its operator partners to enhance their offerings and better engage users while remaining compliant.
The revamped Bet Builder enables bettors to combine multiple markets within a single event, with selections that remain independent of one another. This flexibility allows users to create personalised wagers with enhanced odds, unlocking the potential for more significant payouts.
Particularly popular in football, Altenar’s Bet Builder supports markets such as match result, correct score, total goals, corners, cards, and various player props. This feature provides bettors with the freedom to focus on the markets that matter most to them, enriching the betting experience and fostering higher user retention.
As well as football, Bet Builder will be also available on major US sports including basketball (NBA), American football (NFL), ice hockey (NHL), and baseball (MLB) in the near future.
To ensure optimal performance, Altenar leverages premium data feeds that enhance the number of available markets and deliver faster odds updates. Additionally, its comprehensive trading support and risk management systems monitor Bet Builders closely, safeguarding operators against the risks associated with high-payout potential.
Francesco Papallo, Regional Director for Italy at Altenar,said: “Altenar has developed the Bet Builder feature for several years, and it is used in many countries. However, it was our goal to also offer it to our Italian operators who, thanks to this product, can ensure player retention. This product demonstrates how Altenar is a high-level technological partner that can guarantee long-lasting partnerships and constant growth in various aspects.”
Evoplay, an award-winning game development studio, has announced the promotion of Ihor Zarechnyi to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthening its growth strategy and expanding its global footprint.
Zarechnyi joined Evoplay in 2021 as Head of Sales, where he achieved outstanding results in the company’s global expansion with leading operator partners.
In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), spearheading the implementation of the company’s growth plan and overseeing the development of new products. His leadership has been instrumental in driving Evoplay’s recent financial success and development in key markets.
In his new role as CCO, Zarechnyi will oversee Evoplay’s commercial operations, leading market expansion initiatives, enhancing existing partnerships, and identifying new business opportunities.
His extensive experience and proven track record make him well-suited to guide Evoplay’s commercial strategy as the company continues to deliver innovative gaming experiences to players worldwide.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Ihor has been an integral part of Evoplay’s success, playing a pivotal role in expanding our commercial reach and building strong relationships with partners worldwide. His expertise, leadership, and vision make him the perfect fit for the role of Chief Commercial Officer.”
Ihor Zarechnyi, newly appointed CCO at Evoplay, added: “Having witnessed Evoplay’s development over the past few years, I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at this vital time of expansion. We are keen to continue our upward trajectory by delivering fresh gaming experiences to more players than ever before, and I look forward to leading our commercial efforts as we continue to grow, innovate, and solidify our position as a market leader.”
FeedConstruct, a data-providing company that delivers the most precise sports data and streaming from sporting events worldwide, has announced a new partnership with the World Curling expanding its commitment to sports innovation and fan engagement worldwide.
The partnership will grant Exclusive International Betting Rights to FeedConstruct for the Pan Continental Curling Championships, European Curling Championships, Women’s and Men’s World Curling Championships, and the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship.
Leveraging FeedConstruct’s expertise, World Curling will be able to focus on integrity and fair play from these broadcast events while also increasing the fan engagement experience in a new and data-rich manner.
World Curling Commercial Strategy Lead, James Beatt said, “We are excited to begin our partnership with FeedConstruct. World Curling have been looking at new ways to engage fans around the world and we see this as an important stepping stone in the process. I look forward to working with Narek and the FeedConstruct team.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with the World Curling to bring the excitement of curling to a broader audience.” said FeedConstruct CEO, Narek Harutyunyan. “Through this partnership, we’re committed to enhancing fans’ connection to the sport. By covering Exclusive International Betting Rights, we aim to deliver an immersive experience that highlights the thrill of each championship, while supporting the highest standards of integrity in sports.”
As Hong Kong’s fiscal deficit continues to deepen, calls for the further legalization of sports betting options has gained momentum, with key stakeholders advocating for a solution to boost government revenue.
The Hong Kong government is set to unveil its latest budget on February 26th, which has attracted significant attention. According to local media outlets, Heung Yee Kuk, a council-like organization representing interests in the New Territories of Hong Kong, has suggested legalizing sports betting on basketball, snooker, and tennis in a submission to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. The submission includes 19 recommendations for the upcoming budget.
Kenneth Lau Ip-keung
The proposal, put forward by Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, focuses on revenue generation rather than expenditure reduction. Lau has suggested that the government establish a government-owned sports betting and investment company, which would be subject to public bidding for its operation. He anticipates that the company could generate stable betting tax revenues of several billion Hong Kong dollars annually.
Lau cited the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an example of a major international sporting event that could be considered for legalized betting.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong branch of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has supported the proposal, advocating for the inclusion of basketball in the sports betting scope to help broaden government revenues. The association also estimates that the Hong Kong government could face a fiscal deficit of HK$92 billion ($11.81 billion) in the 2024/25 financial year.
The executive highlighted the potential for legalizing betting to capture a significant portion of the current illegal basketball betting market. He estimated that up to 60 percent of the 150,000 punters currently engaging in illegal basketball betting could be redirected to legal channels.
The rise of illegal sports betting, particularly in the past five years, has been fueled by digitalization and the advent of cryptocurrency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online betting surged, with many punters turning to offshore accounts.
According to Engelbrecht-Bresges, approximately 560,000 Hong Kong punters used illegal bookmakers last year, with 100,000 to 150,000 of them engaging in basketball betting alone. Legalizing basketball betting could draw a substantial number of these punters to the HKJC, thereby reducing the dominance of illegal platforms.
The illegal sports betting market is estimated to have a turnover of around HK$350 billion ($45 billion), with basketball accounting for 15 percent of the total. Legalizing basketball gambling could potentially generate a turnover of HK$52.5 billion ($6.7 billion), rivaling the turnover from football betting within the HKJC.
However, Engelbrecht-Bresges noted that significant infrastructure investment would be required to set up basketball betting, estimated at HK$1.5 billion ($191.7 million) to HK$2.5 billion ($319.6 million). He also projected that the legislative process for legalizing basketball betting could take about 18 months, similar to the timeline for football betting legislation.
Global sports betting and gaming group Entain plc has announced a significant leadership transition, with Chief Executive Officer Gavin Isaacs stepping down effective immediately by mutual agreement.
Stella David, currently serving as Entain’s Non-Executive Chair, will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on an interim basis until a permanent successor is appointed.
Gavin Isaacs, ex-CEO, Entain
David previously held the position of Interim CEO from December 2023 until September 2024. In a related move, Pierre Bouchut, who is currently the Senior Independent Director, will assume the role of Non-Executive Chair on an interim basis.
In a statement, Stella David expressed gratitude towards Isaacs for his contributions to the company. “Entain is making strong progress in delivering our strategic priorities,” she said.
“The Board is pleased with the Group’s performance in 2024 and trading so far this year. As announced on January 13th 2025, FY2024 Group EBITDA is expected to be at the top of the £1.04 billion ($1.2 million) to £1.09 billion ($1.3 billion) guidance range”, David said in the announcement.
David also emphasized that the Board and management are united in their focus on operational excellence and maximizing shareholder value. “I look forward to leading the business as we continue to accelerate our performance,” she added.
In other related news, Entain Australia reportedly is preparing to disband its Ladbrokes Racing Club (LRC) program, citing rising operational costs. The LRC was launched by Entain in 2023, offering members an ownership-like experience.
Are You Watching This?!, a premier provider of real-time sports excitement analytics, partners with FanDuel Sports Network to boost engagement and viewership.
Formerly Bally Sports, FanDuel Sports Network is owned by Main Street Sports Group.
Are You Watching This?! (RUWT) will expand the engagement and viewership of the network through automated, data-driven push notifications that highlight key sports moments in the making. RUWT’s patented Excitement Analytics will be integrated directly into the network’s Customer Relationship Management System and trigger an alert to FanDuel Sports Network app users.
Identifying ‘must-watch’ games in real-time empowers FanDuel Sports Network to leverage its portfolio of 30 NBA, NHL, and MLB teams, increasing stickiness for existing customers while simultaneously converting new ones.
In addition, RUWT’s automatically generated storyline summaries help capture users by explaining why the game is compelling, creating an extra pull for fans wanting to catch the best live action.
Are You Watching This?! Founder, Mark Phillip, said: “Working with FanDuel Sports Network lets us flex our Curation and Discovery muscles, two core elements of our ecosystem. Our proprietary tech drives subscriptions and reduces user churn for the network , and ensures viewers will never miss the most exciting action, whether it’s a dramatic overtime finish or a record-breaking comeback.”
