Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, is spreading holiday cheer with its latest festive release in the popular Diamond Link™ series, Mighty Santa Boarded Up.
The Christmas-themed slot is packed with seasonal delights, featuring symbols of cookies, reindeers, and dazzling diamonds adorning the reels.
The Diamond Link™ feature can be triggered by landing six or more scatters or filling the progress meter with diamond symbols. Once the feature is activated, all diamonds turn pink and their values convert into multipliers.
The feature starts with an explosion that creates one to four highlighted fields behind randomly selected diamonds on the reels. The multiplier is then shown on the sleigh and a game board with feature fields and a Santa character appears.
The title’s innovative board game mechanic adds an interactive layer to the gameplay. Players roll Santa’s dice to move him around the board, landing on fields that trigger spin bonuses, countdowns, multipliers, and other modifiers.
Modifiers include Spin Fields which awards one free spin where the diamonds remain sticky, Watch Fields which sees the Christmas countdown randomly determine whether the feature continues or ends, Special Fields that trigger add, multiplier or collect features, and Diamond Fields that double all diamond values present.
Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operations at Greentube
When time runs out on Santa’s watch, or all reel positions are filled, the Diamond Link™ feature ends, awarding diamond values and any successful Grand, Major, Minor, or Mini jackpots won. If all 15 positions on the reels are filled with diamonds, players are awarded the Grand Jackpot of a minimum 1000x the bet.
Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operationsat Greentube, said: “Diamond Link™: Mighty Santa Boarded Upis the perfect festive addition to our portfolio, delivering an immersive and innovative experience with Christmas-themed mechanics and a visually innovative game board. We’re excited to bring this seasonal title to players looking to enjoy some Christmas magic while chasing big wins.”
Evoplay, an award-winning game development studio, has announced the launch of Mega Merry Gifts, a holiday-themed slot that combines the magic of the festive season with innovative gameplay mechanics.
Set on a traditional 5×3 grid, the game immerses players in a cosy Christmas setting featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus, their helpers Elf and Rudolf, Christmas wreaths, and gift-filled bags that act as Wilds.
The unique feature of this game is the Free Spins Mega Symbols. These 3×3 symbols appear on every spin during Free Spins on reels 2, 3, and 4, including pay symbols, Wilds, and Mega Free Spin symbols.
The additional spins are awarded through single symbols of +3 and +5 spins or by landing the Mega Free Spins symbol, which awards +9 spins. These symbols activate automatically upon landing, requiring no special conditions.
These festive features deliver high rewards and build anticipation, significantly enhancing player engagement.
The game also includes a Bonus Buy feature, allowing players to access 10 Free Spins instantly for 72x the total bet, as well as a Bonus Chance option that doubles the likelihood of triggering Free Spins.
With engaging visuals and innovative mechanics, Mega Merry Gifts combines festive charm with cutting-edge features, making it an exciting addition to operators’ portfolios.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Mega Merry Gifts is designed to capture the festive spirit with innovative gameplay and engaging mechanics that deliver substantial win potential. This release not only enriches our portfolio but also provides our partners with a compelling seasonal product that caters to player demand and enhances retention during this key period.”
With the aim of helping local youth maximize their potential and development, Macau gaming operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment and the East Asia Super League (EASL) recently co-organized a community outreach event to benefit students from the Concórdia School for Special Education and members from Macau Special Olympics.
Over 80 attendees had the chance to meet with players and coaches from the professional basketball team, Macau Black Bears.
Joined by volunteers from Melco, welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Ho Guo Sing, Head of Students’ Leisure Arrangement, Concórdia School for Special Education; and Mr. Siu Yu Hong, National Director of Macau Special Olympics.
Hosted by EASL Regional Marketing Manager, Mr. Jesse Lam, the event saw Macau Black Bears’ team players and Head Coach share their inspirational stories with the students, offering views on how they overcome obstacles to reach their personal and professional goals. The students and players then enjoyed some friendly matches and training sessions together, followed by the team presenting souvenirs to the students as memorabilia before wrapping up the session.
Ms. Akiko Takahashi, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to Melco Chairman & CEO, said, “Melco aims to always encourage individuals to follow their dreams and maximize their potential. We are glad to collaborate with EASL once again this year, to invite the city’s very own professional basketball team Macau Black Bears to join us for this community-focused event. We hope the students found the session inspiring and beneficial for their growth and development.”
The visit was hosted ahead of the forthcoming “Melco Style Presents: Clash of the Champions – Macau Classic” event, set to take place on December 11 at Studio City Event Center.
The exciting event will feature four of Asia’s premier basketball teams – Macau’s first professional basketball team, the Macau Black Bears; the 2023-24 P. LEAGUE+ champion New Taipei Kings; the 2023-24 P. LEAGUE+ runner-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots; and South Korea’s KBL runner-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, competing in two exhilarating matchups as part of the “EASL Clash of Champions” series.
An independent panel established by the New South Wales (NSW) government has released a comprehensive roadmap to reform the state’s gaming sector, recommending that a statewide account-based gaming system should become mandatory by 2028.
Industry stakeholders, while acknowledging the potential for harm minimization, stressed the need for a hybrid approach, allowing both cash and digital systems to coexist.
Independent Panel for Gaming Reform Chairperson Michael Foggo highlighted the panel’s ambitious recommendations, developed over 16 months, to explore the feasibility of cashless gaming technologies in NSW clubs and hotels.
Foggo noted that the trial of these technologies provided valuable insights into their benefits and challenges, informing recommendations aimed at managing gambling harm and money laundering risks.
Developed after a trial of cashless gaming technology, the roadmap presented by the Independent Panel for Gaming Reform focuses on reducing gambling harm and minimizing money laundering risks in pubs and clubs.
The digital gaming wallet trial, conducted in 2024, explored the feasibility of transitioning from cash-based gaming systems to a digital model that links players’ accounts to their bank details.
The trial involved 14 venues and 2,388 gaming machines, however despite initial hopes, the report states that uptake among patrons was low, with only a small number of users adopting the technology. Patrons cited privacy concerns, complex sign-up processes, and a preference for cash as key deterrents.
The NSW government believes the cashless gaming trial demonstrated the technology’s feasibility despite limited patron participation, with key barriers including privacy concerns, apprehension about government oversight, and a strong preference for cash transactions among some users.
Mandatory account-based gaming by 2028
The plan includes several harm minimization initiatives, such as default spending limits, improved education on gambling harm, and strict restrictions on gaming machine advertising. It also emphasizes accountability by incorporating technological tools like exclusion registers and facial recognition systems to address money laundering concerns.
Proposed regulatory and legislative changes include modernizing the Gaming Machines Act 2001, revising entitlement trading schemes, and simplifying local impact assessment processes. These updates aim to streamline the regulatory framework while maintaining public health protections.
The roadmap outlines a phased transition to mandatory account-based gaming, with milestones for infrastructure development, stakeholder education, and legislative updates. A AU$100 million ($64.9 million) Harm Minimisation Fund will support these initiatives, financing system development, public education campaigns, and harm reduction programs.
The panel’s recommendations include a phased transition to mandatory account-based gaming by 2028. Proposed measures focus on harm minimization, such as default spending limits and improved educational initiatives, while tackling anti-money laundering through enhanced accountability and technological integration.
However, the trial’s findings highlighted barriers to adoption, particularly among older patrons and casual gamblers, who found the digital system cumbersome and intrusive.
In their feedback report on the new plan, industry representatives, including ClubsNSW and the Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW), criticized the roadmap, labeling the trial results as inconclusive.
They argued that the panel failed to consider the broader economic impacts, infrastructure costs, and employment implications, and both groups suggested further analysis before implementing a statewide mandatory system.
AHA NSW even described the research findings of the cashless gaming trial as “embarrassing and not credible”, calling for an additional trial in a controlled region to better assess the technology’s impact.
Despite criticism, in a different evaluation report gambling harm advisors and public health experts supported the recommendations, comparing the reform to public health measures like mandatory seatbelt laws.
They highlighted the potential for technology to normalize protective measures, such as spending limits and self-exclusion tools, which could empower patrons to manage their gambling habits.
This system will link players’ gaming activities to verified accounts, enhancing traceability and harm prevention. The implementation will begin with voluntary adoption before transitioning to a mandatory model.
Industry stakeholders will be responsible for ongoing costs, such as maintaining facial recognition systems.
The reforms seek to balance public health objectives with the economic sustainability of the gaming industry, particularly considering the impact on revenue and employment in regional venues.
NuxGame, a leading and experienced betting and casino software provider, has announced the appointment of Bar Konson as its new Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), marking a strategic step in the company’s ongoing global expansion.
As CBDO, Bar Konson will oversee strategic growth initiatives, focusing on expanding NuxGame’s presence in existing markets while identifying new entry opportunities.
His leadership will be pivotal in steering the company’s business development department, fostering a high-performing team dedicated to exploring new commercial opportunities and cultivating valuable partnerships.
Konson’s appointment represents a key milestone in NuxGame’s growth strategy, reinforcing its mission to remain at the forefront of market trends and customer satisfaction globally.
Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame, said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed the new Chief Business Development Officer and contribute to the company’s exciting journey. By leveraging our cutting-edge technology and industry expertise, I am eager to help position NuxGame as the global go-to provider for tailored iGaming solutions.”
According to data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines welcomed nearly 5 million international visitors between January and November, making it unlikely that the country will meet its target of 7.7 million international arrivals for 2024.
This figure represents a 9.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
In 2023, the Philippines recorded 5.45 million international visitors. If the current trends continue, the 2024 international tourist tally may remain similar to last year’s figures.
In November alone, the country received 433,130 international visitors. South Korea remained the top source of inbound tourists, with 1,435,571 visitors recorded during the eleven-month period, reflecting a 10.5 percent increase from the same period last year. South Korean visitors accounted for approximately 26.8 percent of the total international arrivals, significantly outpacing other markets.
The United States retained its second-place ranking, with 839,635 visitors during the same period, marking a modest growth of 3.8 percent.
Japan ranked third, with 352,630 arrivals, showing a substantial surge of 27.9 percent. China followed closely, with 297,604 visitors traveling to the Philippines between January and November.
Hengqin authorities have approved five applications to convert office or commercial buildings into hotels.
According to local media, the Hengqin Guangdong-Macau Deep Cooperation Zone held a ceremony on Tuesday where the developers of these projects signed cooperation agreements with hotel operators.
However, the number of hotel rooms expected to be added to the market has not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether the conversions will involve entire buildings or just parts of existing vacant commercial properties.
Previous reports revealed the application criteria, which include the following requirements: the applicant must be a single property owner; the hotel must have at least 50 rooms, with a minimum room size of 13 square meters; the building must be equipped with essential facilities such as a lobby, restaurant, and necessary service rooms. Additionally, the conversion must be for a period of at least eight years.
Su Kun, Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of Hengqin, stated that since the policy was launched in July, more than ten companies have officially submitted applications, with over a hundred others making inquiries.
Hengqin authorities emphasized that, to enhance property owners’ understanding of hotel brands and foster collaboration, seven hotel brands were invited to share their business philosophies and management models.
Representatives from the hotel industry expressed that the policy would improve the quality of accommodation and services in the Cooperation Zone. Meanwhile, property owners highlighted that the policy provides new opportunities for utilizing idle buildings and opens up fresh collaboration possibilities.
As reported by AGB, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has recently acknowledged 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, which could help alleviate some of the current limitations in the hotel sector.
As of August 2023, Hengqin has over 8,000 hotel rooms, approximately 2,000 of which are designated for business or leisure use (apartments). Reports suggest that Hengqin may increase its hotel room inventory to 100,000 in the future, although no official confirmation has been made regarding the eventual scale of hotel development on the island.
In related news, the Macau Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system has recently launched the Hengqin Line, enhancing connectivity between Macau and Hengqin, particularly between Cotai and Hengqin. This new transport link is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve overall access to the region.
The Macau gaming operator, SJM Resorts, (SJM) continues to support the “929 Challenge Startup Competition Connecting China & Portuguese-Speaking Countries” this year, helping aspiring young entrepreneurs discover business development opportunities in Macau, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).
This competition is jointly organized by the Supporting Office of the Secretariat of the China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic Cooperation Forum (Macao) and the Association for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Macau – China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries.
This year, the challenge attracted 300 teams of university students and young entrepreneurs from nine key cities in the GBA, two Special Administrative Regions, and nine PSCs. The finals have recently concluded, following a two-week boot camp designed to equip participants with professional guidance.
Participants were able to expand their horizons by exploring SJM’s environmental initiatives at the resort and its three hotels.
This programme provided insights into business opportunities in the GBA and PSCs, market strategies, and the fundamentals of starting their entrepreneurial journeys.
In addition, SJM invited finalists to a green tour at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau in mid-November. The Grand Lisboa Palace is notable for being the first integrated resort in Macau to receive the “ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management System Certification.” Participants were able to expand their horizons by exploring SJM’s environmental initiatives at the resort and its three hotels.
SJM taking finalists on a green tour at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.
SJM is committed to enhancing Macau’s role as a Sino-Portuguese channel platform and is devoted to fostering talent through the organisation and sponsorship of various activities. This initiative aims to provide young people with expanded learning and development opportunities while supporting Macau’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy.
PartnerMatrix, a leading affiliate and agent management software provider, and Momentoom, a fast-growing and successful iGaming solution provider are excited to announce their partnership.
This collaboration introduces PartnerMatrix agent system software integration into Momentoom’s advanced platform offering, delivering innovative tools and enhanced functionality to operators worldwide.
The partnership brings together the strengths of two dynamic companies. Momentoom’s flexible Turnkey and API solutions, designed to meet the diverse needs of operators globally, now incorporate PartnerMatrix’s industry-leading agent management tools. Operators will benefit from improved network management, real-time performance tracking, and optimized player acquisition strategies, creating a seamless and scalable environment for growth.
PartnerMatrix agent system software is renowned for its ability to simplify and enhance the management of affiliate and agent networks. Its intuitive features allow operators to monitor campaign success, manage commissions, and effectively expand their market reach. The integration reflects both companies’ dedication to innovation and their shared commitment to helping operators achieve sustainable growth.
Vahe Khalatyan, CEO of PartnerMatrix, commented: “Momentoom is a fast-growing name in iGaming, providing truly targeted solutions for the market. PartnerMatrix will proudly cover agent management solutions, ensuring the most updated and cutting-edge agent tools for Momentoom’s audience. The agent market and networks are growing rapidly, and this partnership will surely bring an extra focus to the topic, with big potential in many regions worldwide.”
Artyom Dovlatyan, CPO of Momentoom, said: “The integration of PartnerMatrix agent system into our platform is an exciting milestone for Momentoom. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering operator-centric solutions that drive efficiency and growth. PartnerMatrix’s expertise in agent and affiliate management aligns perfectly with our mission to empower operators in the iGaming industry.”
Together, the companies aim to equip operators with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market.
Australia’s crackdown on operators continues, with Goulburn Valley Hotel the latest focus of its investigations, leveling a AU$100,000 ($65,000) fine for ‘providing false information’.
According to a release from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the operator in November of 2022 applied for a license for 40 pokie machines at its Shepparton hotel.
However, it ‘did not disclose that the license nominee had been found guilty of two counts of negligently dealing with the proceeds of crime, without conviction, in June 2022’.
The group’s outgoing CEO Annette Kimmitt said that criminal offending disclosure is required as part of the license application process.
“By providing wrong information, an applicant impedes the regulator from fully assessing their suitability to hold a license,” noted the official.
“We expect applicants to abide by the law and provide complete and accurate information. This is a critical part of ensuring that the gambling industry operates with safety and integrity and is free from criminal influence or exploitation,” stated Kimmitt.
The group’s cooperation with authorities in the investigation had an impact on the overall fine issued, with Kimmitt furthering that the penalty “should demonstrate to other applicants and operators that we’re serious about compliance with legal obligations”.
Further license and reporting conditions have also been applied to Goulburn and another venue license associated with it.
