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China court rules crypto ownership legal, as digital currency head accused of bribery

Viviana Chan
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China court rules crypto ownership legal, as digital currency head accused of bribery

The ongoing cryptocurrency boom has been offering notable benefits to the iGaming sector by providing fast and cost-effective payment solutions. In this context, China’s position as one of the world’s largest players in the crypto market could be crucial for future developments.

In an article published this week on the Shanghai High People’s Court’s official WeChat account, Sun Jie, a judge at the Shanghai Songjiang People’s Court, addressed a lawsuit involving disputes between two companies over an initial coin offering (ICO), a form of fundraising that China deems illicit. Sun’s opinion affirms that, while business-related crypto activities remain prohibited—including cryptocurrency investment and token issuance, individuals can legally hold digital currencies such as Bitcoin.

china

The ruling provides crucial legal guidance to crypto holders in China, where the legal status of cryptocurrencies has been a subject of uncertainty due to stringent government policies.

Despite the clear legal framework banning commercial activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as trading and mining, the judge’s opinion highlights that cryptocurrencies, as virtual commodities, possess attributes of property and are therefore legal to own. However, Sun emphasized that such ownership does not extend to business operations that could jeopardize financial stability or facilitate illegal activity.

This legal opinion comes amid a renewed surge in Bitcoin prices, which recently surpassed $98,000, fueling speculation about the future of the crypto industry in China. 

The ruling could be significant, as, according to a report dated August 2023, Binance users in China traded cryptocurrency-related assets worth $90 billion in a single month, despite such trading being illegal in the country since 2021.

china
Yao Qian, the former head of the Science and Technology Supervision Department at the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), and former head of the People’s Bank of China’s (PBoC) digital currency research institute.

China’s regulator chief accused of cryptocurrency bribery

The court ruling coincides with recent major news in the Chinese crypto world.

Yao Qian, the former head of the Science and Technology Supervision Department at the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), former head of the People’s Bank of China’s (PBoC) digital currency research institute, and a key figure in the development of China’s digital currency, is now at the center of a cryptocurrency bribery scandal. 

He has been expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office after being accused of using virtual currencies to facilitate bribery.

The charges, revealed on Wednesday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission, include serious misconduct, such as abusing his position for personal financial gain and engaging in improper dealings with technology providers. Yao’s fall from grace is a dramatic reversal for a figure once celebrated for his contributions to China’s digital finance initiatives.

The PBoC has led efforts to curb crypto-related activities, instituting a ban on ICOs in 2017 and declaring all crypto-related commercial activities illegal by 2021. This has significantly impacted the development of the crypto sector in mainland China.

People's Bank of China PBOC
PBoC

Despite this regulatory crackdown, the legal standing of cryptocurrencies has been a topic of some debate. Courts in China have previously ruled that cryptocurrencies are to be treated as property, offering some protection to individual holders. However, calls for a more open regulatory framework persist, especially as experts like former Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao advocate for China to embrace cryptocurrencies as a key component of the digital economy.

With Bitcoin’s record-breaking price surge amid global developments—including growing enthusiasm in the US crypto market—China faces increasing pressure to reconsider its regulatory approach. 

President-elect Donald Trump promises a national Bitcoin reserve and advocates for crypto-friendly policies. China’s stance remains closely watched by global market participants, eager to understand whether Beijing might eventually soften its restrictions on the industry.

china

Hong Kong’s ambition to become a crypto hub

Hong Kong has and could act as a middle ground between China’s policies and the extreme worldwide interest in crypto.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), operator of Asia’s third-largest stock exchange, introduced the virtual asset index series on November 15th to bolster its ambitions as a crypto hub.

The Hong Kong government has been actively promoting the development of virtual currencies in the region in recent years. 

In June this year, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) allowed six virtual currency ETFs to be listed in Hong Kong, setting a precedent in Asia. 

The launch of the virtual asset index series responds to the government’s ongoing emphasis on developing financial technology and provides investors with more diverse investment options.

The index will be based on the spot price weighted by the 24-hour trading volume of Bitcoin or Ethereum, and the market data will be aggregated from multiple major virtual asset exchanges, calculated in US dollars.

Shifts expected in Macau gaming dynamics in coming years, but Sands and Galaxy to maintain dominance: Jefferies

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Shifts expected in Macau gaming dynamics in coming years, but Sands and Galaxy to maintain dominance: Jefferies

Analysts at Jefferies are largely in line with the Macau government’s estimates for gross gaming revenue in 2025, at MOP245.08 billion ($30.57 billion), a 2 percent increase from recently announced official estimates, as consumer sentiment towards China’s fiscal policy stabilizes and competition from other travel destinations normalizes.

GGR for 2024 is expected to total MOP226.21 billion ($28.21 billion), a yearly uptick of 23.57 percent, in line with market estimates of MOP227 billion ($28.32 billion), and equating to 84 percent of 2019 levels.

Mass revenue this year targeted to total nearly MOP172.65 billion ($21.54 billion) – up by 25.25 percent, while VIP should reach MOP53.56 billion ($6.68 billion), an 18.45 percent yearly uptick.

What the future holds

During both 2025 and 2026, expectations are for mass to remain the key driver for GGR growth, particularly the premium mass segment.

This is backed by an expected growth in tourist arrivals, hotels upgrading suites to attract premium mass players, new attractions and events and the aforementioned factors.

Particularly for mass, the 2025 GGR estimate is MOP189.92 billion ($23.7 billion), up by 10 percent yearly, while VIP is expected to rise slightly by 3 percent, to MOP55.16 billion ($6.88 billion).

Looking forward to 2026, GGR growth is estimated at 6.6 percent, to MOP261.38 billion ($32.61 billion).

Mass revenue is expected to grow by 8 percent yearly, to MOP205.11 billion ($25.6 billion), while VIP growth will slow to 2 percent, at MOP56.27 billion ($7.02 billion).

The gaming results are backed by expectations of increased visitation, with 5.3 percent and 4.9 percent yearly growth in tourist numbers for 2025 and 2026, respectively. This would increase the predicted 35.14 million tourists in 2024 to 37.02 million in 2025 and 38.83 million in 2026.

Average spend per visitor is expected to reverse its negative yearly comparisons by 2025 (after a 0.8 percent drop in 2024), rising by 2.9 percent in 2025 and by 1.7 percent in 2026.

During the periods, market share is expected to shift slight, despite being dominated by Sands China, which should dominate 24.4 percent of the market in 2024.

Overall Sands and Galaxy are expected to maintain their leadership positions of over 20 percent market share each, at the expense of MGM China, Melco, SJM and Wynn.

Sands will continue to lead

The analysts point out that, while Sands is expected to maintain its dominant position, ‘a return of base mass is crucial’, with management noting a break in correlation between visitation and gaming revenue.

To tap this, the reopening of The Londoner Grand Casino, accompanied by more rooms coming online and driving attendance at its revamped Venetian Cotai Arena (opening in December of this year) will be key.

Regarding rooms, some 1,300 Londoner suites and rooms should come online by Chinese New Year of 2025, with 1,500 suites and 905 rooms in service by Golden Week of 2025.

This should help boost GGR by 14 percent yearly in 2025, increasing its market share to 25.7 percent.

Galaxy a close second

Looking at Galaxy, the analysts note that ‘its entertainment strategy has paid off as […] programs are player centric with positive impact to both gaming and non-gaming revenues’.

A particular highlight is enhancements to stay competitive, including upgrades to its gaming floor and lobby at StarWorld, the opening of Hotel Capella at Galaxy Macau – with 100 ultra-luxury sky villas and suites, its strong focus on non-gaming in Galaxy Macau Phase 4 (expected to be completed in 2027 and include new high-end hotel brands and a 5,000-seat theater, water resort deck and casino) and its ramp up of its convention center, Arena, Raffles and Andaz hotels.

GGR for Galaxy is expected to increase by 16 percent in 2025, raising its market share to 20 percent.

Market share shifts

Predictions for market share vary over the coming years, despite Sands and Galaxy maintaining their dominance.

MGM is expected to record market share of 15.6 percent this year, shrinking to 14.2 in 2025 and further falling to 14 percent in 2026.

Wynn is predicted to have 13.4 percent market share this year, up to 13.5 in 2025 and remaining so in 2026.

For SJM, market share of 13.1 percent is expected in 2024, down to 12.7 percent in 2025 and 12.1 percent in 2026.

Jefferies only covers the five operators, excluding Melco from their estimates.

Yggdrasil launches exciting new slot: Valley of the Dead OnlyWins

AGBrief Editorial
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Yggdrasil launches exciting new slot: Valley of the Dead OnlyWins

Yggdrasil, a company whose passion is to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to operators and players worldwide, all powered by agile technology, is bringing a new dark twist to an epic series in Valley of the Dead OnlyWins™, showcasing its brand-new Game Engagement Mechanic (GEM) OnlyWins™.

This spine-chilling, high volatility slot offers wins as high as 5,800x the stake, via destroying Blockers, unlocking Multipliers and Second-Chance Lives.

Valley of the Dead OnlyWins revolves around triggering a Respin on every single win, where each winning symbol destroys one blocker, unlocking more ways to win – up to a deadly-serious 3,125 Ways!

Should players destroy all of the blockers, an unlimited win multiplier will become active. The multiplier grows by 1x when five winning symbols marked as blue are gathered. In addition, extra lives also become active when all blockers are destroyed. Gathering five winning symbols marked red will award an Extra Life that will trigger a Respin even if there are no winning combinations.

The true star of the game is the brand-new OnlyWins GEM. By activating it, every single spin will reap a win: for just 4.4x the bet, the player will have a 99.99% chance to land a winning combination, unlocking the Bonus Game much more often on average! The player can also buy 10 such winning spins right away through Multi OnlyWins.

Tomasz Kowalik, YGGDRASIL
Tomasz Kowalik, Head of Games Production at Yggdrasil

Valley of the Dead OnlyWins significantly strengthens Yggdrasil’s GEM content offering, which includes some of its best-performing games.

Tomasz Kowalik, Head of Games Production at Yggdrasil, said: “This release not only continues the legacy of legendary titles of the same IP, but also introduces players to the OnlyWins GEM, a fantastic new addition to our family of mechanics that promises to up the ante. In such a competitive industry it’s imperative that we stay at the forefront of innovation and continue to deliver games that differentiate themselves from the crowd. I’m confident this slot achieves that, and more!”

3 Oaks Gaming ignites excitement with 3 Coin Volcanoes launch

AGBrief Editorial
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3 Oaks Gaming ignites excitement with 3 Coin Volcanoes launch

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has launched its most ambitious title to date, 3 Coin Volcanoes, which takes the company’s Hit the Bonus series in a bold new direction.

The game is the first within the distributor’s popular Hit the Bonus range to be played on a 4×3 reel layout, with players given the opportunity to increase the number of active lines to raise the probability of triggering the bonus round.

Bonus symbols that land on active lines in the base game ignite green, red, and blue fire effects, awakening the three volcanoes positioned above the reels. When these volcanoes activate, players enter the Bonus Game with corresponding Boosters. The Life Booster refills the respin counter, the Multi Booster adds multipliers that combine when landing on the same cell, and the Grow Booster expands the grid by two rows. The fire effects remain active during the bonus, potentially triggering additional Boosters.

There are five in-game jackpots to be won in 3 Coin Volcanoes. The classic Grand Jackpot worth x500 is awarded when the entire Bonus Game grid is filled with symbols, while the all-new Royal Jackpot worth x2000 is available only when the Grow Booster is activated and expands the gameplay to a 4×5 field.

Popular features such as Sticky Coins, Mystery Symbols, and Coin Collect make a welcome return, along with the Buy Bonus functionality that offers three options at different price points.

With its engaging features, immersive animations, and jackpot-driven gameplay, 3 Coin Volcanoes enhances 3 Oaks Gaming’s Hit the Bonus portfolio, introducing a fresh dimension to the supplier’s growing offering.

Sebastian Damian, Managing Director of 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “The launch of 3 Coin Volcanoes continues our focus on creating high-impact games for operators worldwide, seamlessly blending new features with strong player appeal. This title is set to deliver an exceptional gaming experience and robust results, resonating with players globally.”

R. Franco Digital boosts IRIS Platform with Endorphina integration

AGBrief Editorial
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R. Franco Digital boosts IRIS Platform with Endorphina integration

R. Franco Digital, the Spanish most established iGaming provider, has announced a strategic partnership with slot provider Endorphina to enhance its IRIS platform.

Through the collaboration, R. Franco Digital will integrate Endorphina’s entire portfolio of games into its IRIS platform, expanding its gaming content offering and delivering an enriched gaming experience to its operator partners.

Endorphina, renowned for its diverse and visually engaging slot games, brings top-performing titles to IRIS, including fan favorites Hell Hot 100, Cyber Wolf, and Buffalo 50, known for their captivating themes and immersive gameplay.

R. Franco Digital, Iris Platform

This partnership amplifies R. Franco Digital’s extensive portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leading gaming platform in Spanish-speaking markets while supporting Endorphina’s continued expansion into key regions.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R. Franco Digital, said: “At R. Franco Digital, we strive to enhance our platform with innovative, high-quality content for audiences, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Our partnership with Endorphina allows us to offer a diverse range of engaging games, combining our platform’s strengths with their creativity. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences for Spanish-speaking markets.”

Zdeněk Llosa, Senior Partnership Manager at Endorphina, said: “We are thrilled to partner with R. Franco Digital, a respected name in the Spanish and Latin American gaming industry. We look forward to creating memorable, fun experiences that bring joy and excitement to our shared communities. This collaboration marks the beginning of something truly special.”

Pragmatic Play ventures into Norse Mythology with Might of Freya Megaways

AGBrief Editorial
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Pragmatic Play ventures into Norse Mythology with Might of Freya Megaways

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has unleashed Might of Freya Megaways™, an epic mythology-themed slot featuring up to 117,649 ways to win. 

Freya, the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and war, presides over the 6×7 grid, where tumbles can lead to mighty wins of up to 8,000x. 

The Freya Super Symbol, which acts as a wild, can land on the bottom row, adding wilds to a random number of positions on reels directly above it. Wilds come with one or two lives in the base game and up to three in the bonus game, triggering respins until their lives run out.  

Players can also hit the Redrop symbol in the base game – this clears the reels and counts as a tumble, potentially unlocking new winning clusters. 

The bonus game is triggered by landing five consecutive tumbles, with a wheel spin beforehand awarding up to 20 free spins and a minimum number of guaranteed ways to win. During the feature, each tumble win increases the total multiplier by 1x. 

Might of Freya Megaways™ is the latest title in the Pragmatic Play portfolio to feature the popular game mechanic, joining recent hits Release the Kraken Megaways™ and Mustang Gold Megaways™. 

Release the Kraken Megaways™ by Pragmatic Play

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Might of Freya Megaways™ introduces a new heroine to Pragmatic Play’s slots portfolio, bringing with her sticky wilds, redrops, and wins of up to 8,000x.”  

Macau October visitor arrivals near pre-pandemic levels

Viviana Chan
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Macau October visitor arrivals near pre-pandemic levels

Macau’s visitor arrivals in October 2024 reached almost 3.14 million, showing a strong recovery, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. 

According to the latest data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), Macau’s visitor numbers in October rose by 13.7 percent year-on-year to 3,135,358, recovering to 97.7 percent of the same month’s 2019 figure. This also marked a significant 24 percent month-on-month increase.

Macau-Visitor-Arrivals-October-2024

Mainland China remained the dominant source of visitors, with arrivals from there growing by 16.1 percent year-on-year to 2.3 million. Of these, around 1.1 million traveled under the Individual Visit Scheme, an increase of 6.8 percent compared to October 2023.

Macau Visitor Arrivals October 2024 (2)
Visitor Arrivals OCT 2024

International visitor arrivals experienced significant growth, rising 31.2 percent year-on-year to 212,284, reaching 98.8 percent of the figure recorded in October 2019. Southeast Asian markets performed strongly, with visitor numbers from the Philippines increasing by 30.3 percent to 38,924, Malaysia growing by 47.1 percent to 15,926, and Indonesia edging up by 0.3 percent to 13,625. However, Thailand saw a decline, with arrivals dropping 14.5 percent to 12,036.

In the South Asian market, visitors from India rose by 29 percent to 8,148. Northeast Asia also contributed to the overall growth, as arrivals from South Korea surged by 83.5 percent to 47,069, while Japan recorded a 23.5 percent increase to 9,594. From the long-haul markets, visitor numbers from the United States grew by 20.8 percent to 13,022.

Macau Visitor Arrivals October 2024 (2)
Visitor Arrivals YOY 2024

In the first ten months of 2024, the total number of visitors reached over 29 million, a 28.1 percent year-on-year increase, recovering to 87 percent of the pre-pandemic levels seen in the same period of 2019. 

International visitors for this period surged by 85 percent, totaling 1.9 million, which is 73.1 percent of the number recorded during the first ten months of 2019.

Macau Visitor Arrivals October 2024 (2)
Visitor Arrivals 2024 vs. 2019

Earlier this week, Macau’s Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng projected that the city is on track to welcome 34 million visitors by the end of 2024.

UFC’s return to Macau after 10-year hiatus showcases city’s new focus as sport event center: Galaxy COO

Nelson Moura
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UFC’s return to Macau after 10-year hiatus showcases city’s new focus as sport event center: Galaxy COO

The return of UFC events to Macau demonstrates the city’s focus on becoming a sport event center in Asia, says Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer of Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Kelley made the comments on Thursday at a press conference for the ‘UFC: Fight Night’ mixed martial arts event, which will be held on November 23rd at the Galaxy Arena, emphasizing the number of entertainment and sports events organized by GEG and Macau in 2024.

“The return of UFC Fight Night showcases our commitment to promoting the integrated development of sports and tourism in Macau, while attracting enthusiasts and visitors from around the world”, the Galaxy Macau COO noted.

This event marks the UFC’s fourth outing in Macau since 2012 – albeit the first since 2014 -and the seventh overall in Greater China, and will be carried out in front of a sold-out crowd at the new Galaxy Arena, airing during a special local prime time for audiences across Asia.

The main bout includes a clash between former UFC bantamweight champion and No.3 ranked contender Petr Yan and former UFC flyweight champion and No.5 ranked bantamweight Deiveson Figueiredo.

In the co-main event, former UFC women’s strawweight title challenger and No.2 ranked Yan Xiaonan will reignite her championship quest against No.10 ranked Tabatha Ricci.

During the press conference Kelley acknowledged the role of Macau’s tourism sports development strategy in enhancing the city’s reputation as a sports destination, with sporting events one of the main avenues chosen by authorities to diversify the city’s economy away from gaming.

Under its new 10-year gaming license, GEG has committed non-gaming investment of over MOP33 billion ($4.1 billion) to further diversify Macau’s tourism attraction, with its new Galaxy Arena – which opened on December, 2023 – hosting entertainment and sport events basically every weekend, including the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2024 and The Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macao.

“Recent months have seen us host numerous world-class events in entertainment and sports,” Kelley stated. “But our partnership with the UFC, the premier organization in mixed martial arts, truly raises the bar. We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome UFC Fight Night back to Macau at the Galaxy Arena.”

Kelly also extended his best wishes to all participants, particularly the four fighters present at the press conference. “You are all remarkable athletes, and I have great respect for your dedication, rigorous training, and strength of character to compete at the highest international level. Your fans and all spectators, including myself, are looking forward to an incredible show.”

Analysts at Jefferies noted in a Thursday release that ‘UFC is expected to attract high level ADT players’. ADT refers to average daily theoretical player loss.

Melco and MMSA co-host Macau’s first MotoSurf World Championship

AGBrief Editorial
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Melco and MMSA co-host Macau’s first MotoSurf World Championship

Macau gaming operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment, dedicated to fostering cultural and sporting industries by hosting world-class events, is co-hosting Macau’s inaugural MotoSurf World Championship from November 22 to 24 at the iconic Hac Sa beach, in collaboration with the Macau MotoSurf Association (MMSA).

The prestigious international event is co-presented by Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) and Wuling Technology Ltd. Over 120 elite racers from 22 countries and regions, including the Czech Republic, China, Korea and Macau, will compete and showcase incredible speed and skill. At this qualifying event in Macao, the women’s category champion will be the first official qualifier for the 2025 Chengdu World Games.

A launch ceremony in celebration of the anticipated event was hosted at City of Dreams. Official guests included:

  • Ms. Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture;
  • Mr. Wan Sucheng, Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR;
  • Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office;
  • Ms. Lei Si Leng, Acting Vice President of the Sports Bureau;
  • Ms. Tong Iok Peng, Deputy Director of the Marine and Water Bureau;
  • Mr. Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco Resorts & Entertainment;
  • Mr. Martin Jančálek, Director of MotoSurf World Championship;
  • Mr. Frederico Jorge Silva, Commissioner of the UIM;
  • Ms. Irene Nga Ieng Ho, Chairman of the Macau Motosurf Association;
  • Mr. Eurico de Jesus and Mr. Ho Wai Kun, members of the Macau Sports Council. 
Melco and MMSA co-host Macau’s first MotoSurf World Championship4

MotoSurf is one of the fastest-growing and safest water sports in the world. The “2024 UIM Macao Grand Prix MotoSurf World Championship Finale” is set to offer an exciting new water racing experience for local audiences in Macau and the Greater Bay Area, with over 120 elite racers from 22 countries and regions, including the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Macau, competing and showcasing incredible speed and skill. 

Melco and MMSA co-host Macau’s first MotoSurf World Championship4
Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco Resorts

Mr. Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco, said, “Melco continues to be dedicated to promoting Macau’s cultural and sports industries, hence we are honored to be bringing the esteemed MotoSurf World Championship to the city for the first time. We will continue to support the SAR government’s economic diversification initiatives, including contributing through the launch of world-class sports events to bring into play the cross-border integration linkage effect of ‘Tourism + Sports’, and thereby furthering Macau’s development as a recognized global ‘City of Sports’.”

Melco and MMSA co-host Macau’s first MotoSurf World Championship4
Irene Nga Ieng Ho, Chairman of the Macau Motosurf Association

Ms. Irene Nga Ieng Ho, Chairman of the Macau Motosurf Association, said, “As a thrilling and new addition to Macau’s sports calendar, the MotoSurf World Championship Finale highlights the exciting possibilities of motosurfing and Macau’s capability to host premier water sports events. We are proud to bring this dynamic sport to Macau, aiming to boost awareness of our city as a unique destination for water sports on the international stage. Through events like this, we hope to showcase Macau’s vibrant blend of culture, tourism, and high-level sports, strengthening our reputation as a world-class ‘City of Sports.’” 

Melco and MMSA co-host Macau’s first MotoSurf World Championship4
Martin Jančálek, Director of MotoSurf World Championship

Mr. Martin Jančálek, Director of MotoSurf World Championship, said, “We cannot wait to hit the waters of Macau for the first time in MotoSurf history. It truly feels great that Motosurf will join other major motorsports like the FIA TCR World Tour in the city of James Bond. The UIM Macau GP will also deliver the first ever World Games qualified athlete for MotoSurf which will be an exceptional moment for the whole sport.” 

Officially recognized by UIM in 2019, MotoSurf has become a global sensation since its emergence in 2012. UIM, founded in 1922, is the world’s governing body for powerboating activities and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). MotoSurf boards are self-powered by compact two-stroke internal combustion engines or electric motors, making them more environmentally friendly and requiring less external equipment compared to traditional surfing. 

MotoSurf will represent the UIM for the first time at the 12th edition of The World Games in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, in August 2025. This marks Powerboating’s debut in The World Games and highlights MotoSurf’s rapid growth since its official integration into the UIM in 2019.

At this qualifying event in Macao, the women’s category champion will be the first official qualifier for the 2025 Chengdu World Games, further boosting MotoSurf’s presence and impact on the international sports stage. 

Event Information & Race Schedule

  • Date: November 22–24, 2024 
  • Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 24
  • Location: Hac Sa Beach 
  • Admission: Free
2024 MACAO MSWC TIME SCHEDULE

QTech Games partners with Rogue for enhanced creative content

AGBrief Editorial
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QTech Games partners with Rogue for enhanced creative content

QTech Games, a prominent game distributor in emerging markets, has strengthened its premium pipeline by partnering with dynamic slots provider, Rogue.

Integrating content from one of the industry’s most exciting casino game developers, which dares its partners and their players to “deviate from the standard” in an increasingly homogenized slots space, bolsters QTech Games’ burgeoning platform with yet more creative muscle. In short, QTech Games is now taking the broadest range of online games to market across emerging territories, with established names sitting alongside the industry’s most exciting up-and-coming providers.

Rogue

Rogue adds its head-turning style of disruptive slots to one of the planet’s most comprehensive vertical igaming spreads, with titles that include OverDrive, Happily Ever After, and breakout slot variant stacKing Kong, alongside the recently released Rainbow Falls and Fever Las Vegas. Every game employs unique mechanics such as Turbo Reels™, Happy Returns™ and Blockchain™ to go through the gears of varied volatility appetites.

Rogue’s gaming suite has also been optimized for mobile, a cornerstone of QTech’s RNG model, which is founded on its fully owned and customized technical platform, affording game providers and operators the fastest integration available. Through this leading platform, which has sealed its definitive status as a global gaming one-stop shop, clients enjoy the best performance and customer support available, localized to every region across both developing and more mature markets.

The agreement naturally extends Rogue’s international footprint, unlocking untapped jurisdictions from Asia, through Africa and Eastern Europe, and on to Latin America for diversified growth.

Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “In recent history, Rogue has been rolling out some of the sector’s most captivating content, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer new players access to their game-changing slots. They have created game mechanics that afford players a novel user experience that they don’t get elsewhere, so it’s no surprise these innovative games are standing out in a sea of routine re-skins and replicated ideas. Rogue will continue to go from strength to strength with a raft of original and high-octane content that pushes the boundaries in an often copycat space.”

John Parsonage, Rogue
John Parsonage, CEO and Co-Founder of Rogue

John Parsonage, CEO and Co-Founder of Rogue added: “Founded in 2020, we’re still an embryonic business that’s witnessed exceptional growth in our first four years of existence, simply through making quality games that stand out, and then getting the quality distribution to realize their potential across assorted markets.”

“QTech Games immediately delivered the goods in the latter department, thanks to the seamless ease with which their API allows various operators to quickly get our games live on their sites and the dexterity with which their game lobby distills our portfolio according to different regional tastes. This deal marks a huge opportunity for us to increase the reach of our games via QTech Games’ vast distributional scope, furnishing new operators and players with titles that dare to be different and disrupt the norm.”

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