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Pragmatic Play levels up iconic candy hit with Sweet Bonanza 2500

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Pragmatic Play levels up iconic candy hit with Sweet Bonanza 2500

Pragmatic Play has elevated its timeless candy-themed franchise with the launch of Sweet Bonanza 2500, introducing explosive 2,500x multipliers.

Set within a familiar candy land, the 6×5 slot retains its signature charm and mechanics, with 8-12+ matching symbols landing anywhere on the grid awarding base game wins of up to 50x.

Four lollipop scatters trigger the bonus game with 10 free spins, where one or more multiplier symbols can land on any spin. During the feature, the values of all multipliers on screen are added together and applied at the end of the tumbling sequence, helping players unwrap wins of up to 25,000x.

Sweetening the win potential in select markets, Sweet Bonanza 2500 offers a suite of special bets and bonus buy options, unlocking multipliers in the base game, higher guaranteed minimum multipliers, and the option to trigger Super Free Spins.

The first Super Free Spins option increases the minimum value of multipliers up to 20x. The second makes 10x the minimum and activates a progressive total multiplier that increases throughout the feature, boosting subsequent wins.

Sweet Bonanza 2500 is the latest addition to one of Pragmatic Play’s most popular game brands, which includes standout titles such as Sweet Bonanza Super Scatter and live casino game show Sweet Bonanza CandyLand.

Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said: “Offering vibrant visuals, a new 2,500x max multiplier, and a mouthwatering selection of special bets, Sweet Bonanza 2500 is packed with even more sweetness for fans of the iconic game series.”

Galaxsys introduces “King of Ocean,” a skill‑based underwater battle game

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Galaxsys introduces “King of Ocean,” a skill‑based underwater battle game

Galaxsys has released King of Ocean, a new underwater shooting game adventure where players use skill, timing, and strategy to win rewards in a fast-paced ocean setting.

In the game, players control powerful cannons to catch fish, collect treasures, and activate bonuses while exploring different underwater environments. Each shot matters, as targets and features can quickly change the outcome of the game. The game is a mix of action and strategy where every shot counts, and every catch can turn the tide.

King of Ocean: Standout Features & Thrilling Highlights

Four Weapon Levels

Players can choose from four cannon types: one standard and three advanced weapons. Each advanced gun multiplies both bet and win potential by x2, x5, or x10, amplifying every shot’s impact.

Three Ocean Rooms

Three dynamic rooms with varied bet ranges and difficulty levels let players select their preferred pace and strategy.

Special Fish features

Freeze Fish and Shocker Jellyfish immobilize targets, making hits easier. Free Spin Fish, Captain Fish, and Money Fish trigger bonus rounds, extra multipliers, and instant payouts.

Submarine feature

Once the total sum of caught fish odds reaches x200, a submarine surfaces, hitting it rewards random multipliers from x0.1 to x20. Progress carries over between sessions.

Wrath of Poseidon Bonus

Poseidon strikes at random, awarding instant golden coins. Players can also trigger the feature manually for 100x their bet, unleashing three trident attacks and a Wheel Multiplier for massive rewards.

King of Ocean joins the diverse portfolio of Galaxsys’ games, which continues to grow with new titles released every month. 

DATA.BET introduces Prediction Markets to its betting offering

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DATA.BET introduces Prediction Markets to its betting offering

DATA.BET has expanded its content portfolio with the launch of Prediction Markets, empowering operators to diversify their betting content through new markets focused on global events spanning politics, geopolitics, finance, technology, crypto, the economy, culture, and weather.

With prediction markets gaining global popularity, DATA.BET sought to reduce the structural complexity typical for exchanges, while introducing clear pricing, fiat transactions, and an intuitive user experience. Unlike offers currently presented on the market, the company operates within a familiar sportsbook logic, allowing players to place bets without navigating complex mechanics or using cryptocurrency, significantly lowering the entry barrier for both operators and end users.

The solution is built on a dedicated architectural approach, treating prediction markets as a standalone product within the platform. Rather than extending existing sportsbook mechanics or relying on workarounds, DATA.BET has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that includes VWAP and other features, delivering the functionality expected from a top-tier sportsbook. The update supports both binary and multi-outcome events, enabling operators to offer a broad range of market formats.

In addition, DATA.BET highlights both existing capabilities and upcoming enhancements, including:

  • Combo bets supported alongside single bets;
  • Simplified interface design for fast and intuitive interaction;
  • Dedicated event pages with full market visibility, including a probability bar, volume data, and resolution conditions;
  • Cashout, fast-settled markets;
  • Pptimized betting limits with slippage-aware mechanics.

“Our recent launch represents a technically complex challenge that our team managed to solve with a strong focus on usability. Prediction Markets will continue to gain momentum, but the key difference will be how effectively this mechanism is adapted to sportsbooks and casino environments. This is exactly where we see our strength,” said Yurii Berest, CEO of DATA.BET.  “Building them as a standalone vertical, without blending sports, esports, and virtual sports content into the same category, we ensure clear product structure and positioning for operators and platform providers.” 

The new vertical is now available via iFrame with no additional integration required for existing partners. For clients using the API, the company has ensured maximum consistency with current endpoints, minimizing the entry threshold and simplifying the implementation process.

With this launch, DATA.BET continues to strengthen its position as a technology-driven sportsbook supplier, offering solutions that are highly adaptable to diverse business needs.

Zitro powers up for G2E Asia in Macau with FANTASY and CONCEPT cabinets

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Zitro powers up for G2E Asia in Macau with FANTASY and CONCEPT cabinets

Zitro is setting the stage for one of its most significant appearances in Asia at G2E Asia 2026 in Macau. Two of its standout cabinets, FANTASY and CONCEPT, will be the main highlights, supported by a portfolio of titles developed with the Asian gaming market firmly in mind.

FANTASY makes its G2E Asia debut this year, bringing with it exclusive games such as ‘Brave Dragon’ and ‘Lion Falls’. Each title was developed specifically for this cabinet, combining graphics second to none, immersive multimedia, and an individual color lighting system that gives each game its own identity on the floor.

Alongside FANTASY, the acclaimed CONCEPT cabinet from Zitro spotlights custom regional content: ‘Haunted Fortune’, ‘Ancient Link’, ‘Goddess Saga’, ‘Tied Up! Coins’, ‘River Gold Wealth’, ‘Legendary Sword’, and ‘King Fu Frog’ — sure to connect with Asian audiences.

“We are glad to return to G2E Asia with a lineup that represents a new chapter for Zitro in this market,” said Sebastián Salat, President-International at Zitro. “Asia is a key market for us, and our growing presence across the region is a reflection of the trust operators have placed in our products. With FANTASY making its Asian debut and a strong CONCEPT game portfolio behind it, we are confident this will be our most successful show yet.”

Zitro’s FANTASY cabinet has conquered casino floors worldwide, boasting installations across key regulated markets in Latin America and Europe. Its high-profile showcase at G2E Asia 2026 in Macau will amplify this global momentum, drawing international attention and paving the way for expanded Asian adoption.

MGM China revenue rises 9% in 1Q26, but higher branding fee weighs on earnings

Viviana Chan
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MGM China revenue rises 9% in 1Q26, but higher branding fee weighs on earnings

MGM China reported a 9 percent year-on-year increase in net revenues for the first quarter of 2026, although profitability declined due to higher branding fees linked to the use of the MGM name.

The Macau-based operator generated $1.1 billion in revenue for the three months ended March 31st, up from $1.0 billion a year earlier, while segment adjusted EBITDAR fell 4 percent to $273 million.

According to financial results released by its parent, MGM Resorts International, on Thursday, branding license fee expenses increased by $23 million year-on-year, reflecting the first full quarter under a new long-term agreement between the two entities. Total branding fees reached $41 million during the period, compared with $18 million a year earlier.

MGM Resorts holds approximately 56 percent of MGM China’s issued share capital, underscoring the close financial and operational relationship between the two companies. The branding fee forms part of this structure, reflecting payments for the use of the MGM brand and related intellectual property.

At the property level, both MGM Macau and MGM Cotai recorded revenue growth, although performance diverged at the EBITDA level. A decline at MGM Macau was offset by stronger gains at MGM Cotai, resulting in overall growth in adjusted EBITDA on a combined basis.

MGM Grand Macau, MGM China
MGM Macau
MGM Cotai, MGM China, Macau
MGM Cotai

MGM Macau generated revenue of HK$3.44 billion ($439 million) in the first quarter, up 9.2 percent from HK$3.15 billion ($402 million) a year earlier, although adjusted EBITDA declined 7.9 percent to HK$831.5 million ($106 million) from HK$902.5 million ($115 million).

MGM Cotai reported stronger performance, with revenue rising 10.1 percent to HK$5.33 billion ($680 million) from HK$4.84 billion ($617 million), while adjusted EBITDA increased 10.9 percent to HK$1.63 billion ($208 million) from HK$1.47 billion ($187 million).

Operationally, MGM China’s performance was supported by gaming activity. Casino revenue rose 9 percent year-on-year to $977 million, driven by a 10 percent increase in main floor table games drop and an 18 percent rise in table games win, with the win rate improving to 27.1 percent.

At the group level, MGM Resorts reported consolidated net revenues of $4.5 billion, up 4 percent year-on-year, with MGM China cited as a key contributor to overall growth.

MGM China expands premium gaming space at Cotai, prioritizing quality over scale

Viviana Chan
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MGM China expands premium gaming space at Cotai, prioritizing quality over scale

MGM China has opened a new 40,000-square-foot premium gaming area at its Cotai property (MGM Cotai), reinforcing its focus on high-end customers in Macau’s competitive gaming market. 

The newly launched space features around 40 gaming tables and 15 private rooms, with management emphasizing a strategy centered on quality rather than volume, according to comments made during the company’s first-quarter earnings call.

MGM China expands premium gaming space at Cotai

Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Feng said the expansion reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to refine its premium mass offering and tailor products to targeted customer segments. “We just opened 40,000 square feet of premium gaming space at Cotai. We have about 40 tables, 15 private rooms,” Feng said, adding that the design, construction, and service approach were developed to meet evolving customer preferences.

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts, CEO, President
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO, MGM Resorts

The new gaming area complements broader upgrades at MGM Cotai, including recently completed suite conversions and renovated premium gaming zones ahead of the upcoming Golden Week holiday. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle said the company continues to invest in its competitive advantages in the premium segment to support future growth.

“We continue to invest in our competitive advantages in premium mass to support future growth, and the suite conversion and renovated premium gaming areas at MGM Cotai were recently completed,” Hornbuckle said.

The company also indicated that its Macau market share stood at 15.4 percent for the quarter, but improved to 17.3 percent in March and remained at a similar level into April.

Feng noted that Macau remains a market driven by product quality and customer experience rather than scale alone. “Macau market is a premium-driven one. It’s not simply about supply… it’s more about quality,” he said, highlighting the company’s focus on meaningful and targeted offerings for high-value players.

In addition to physical upgrades, MGM China is also expanding its gaming product mix. Feng said the company has introduced additional side-bet options on gaming tables following regulatory approval, noting that these products have gained traction in Macau since the pandemic and typically carry higher house advantages.

“Side betting in Macau is still relatively new… we will keep monitoring the adoption of the games, player behavior and GGR trends,” he said.

Beyond Macau, MGM continues to advance its international pipeline. Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Halkyard said the company expects to deploy between $200 million and $225 million in Japan this year, underscoring ongoing investment in the future integrated resort market there.

The Cotai expansion comes as operators in Macau increasingly compete on premium offerings and differentiated experiences, with MGM positioning its latest investment as part of a broader strategy to capture high-end demand.

BETBY taps QTech Games to scale sportsbook offering across Asia

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BETBY taps QTech Games to scale sportsbook offering across Asia

The tier-1 sportsbook provider BETBY has partnered with QTech Games, a leading aggregator in emerging markets, to deliver its full sportsbook solution across QTech’s global operator network.

Through this collaboration, QTech partners will gain access to BETBY’s complete sportsbook offering — as the aggregator’s exclusive sportsbook provider — covering more than 500,000 monthly events, proprietary AI-driven tools, and esports feed Betby.Games. Delivered via a single, seamless API integration, the solution unlocks immediate access to QTech’s operator base, significantly expanding BETBY’s distribution while enabling partners to onboard a premium sportsbook with reduced complexity and rapid time-to-market.

The integration directly addresses key operator challenges associated with launching a sportsbook, particularly the technical complexity and costs of managing multiple platform integrations. By leveraging QTech’s aggregation platform, operators — especially those with a casino-first focus — can seamlessly introduce a fully scalable sportsbook solution without heavy development overhead, accelerating their entry into sports betting while maintaining operational efficiency.

The partnership also reinforces BETBY’s strategy of expanding its presence in Asia, where QTech Games has built strong distribution channels and local expertise, while also supporting its broader growth across emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa. By combining BETBY’s sportsbook solution with QTech’s reach, operators will be able to deliver more competitive, localized, and engaging betting experiences.

“Partnering with QTech Games is a natural step for BETBY,” said Stefanos Karakidis, Business Development Director at BETBY. “They have established themselves as one of the most influential aggregators in Asia, with strong distribution channels and deep local expertise, while continuing to expand across other high-growth markets. QTech has a clear understanding of local player behaviour and operator needs, and together we’ll be able to deliver a Tier-1, mobile-first sportsbook experience, well-suited to the demands of the markets they serve.”

Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, said: “We are delighted to add BETBY’s award-winning sportsbook to our platform. Their product is modern, flexible, and designed for fast-growing markets, aligning with what our operator partners are looking for. From AI-driven tools to a rich e-sims portfolio, BETBY brings a level of innovation that elevates our offering and supports our mission to deliver the best content available across emerging iGaming markets.”

Sands China rolls out second phase of community revitalization plan

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Sands China rolls out second phase of community revitalization plan

Macau gaming operator Sands China has launched the second phase of its community revitalization initiative targeting Rua das Estalagens.

The initiative aims to expand funding support for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forming part of Sands China’s non-gaming investment commitments under Macau’s gaming concession framework.

Rua das Estalagens is located near the Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macau’s city center, a key area where the government aims to attract more visitors and enhance tourism flows.

Rua-das-Estalagens-Macau
Rua das Estalagens, Macau

Announced Wednesday at The Londoner Macao, the “Community Revitalization Programme 2.0” introduces two key initiatives aimed at boosting economic activity and sustainability in the historic district. The programme aligns with directives from the Macao SAR government to promote economic diversification beyond gaming.

Sands China

According to the press release, the first component, the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0, seeks to attract a new batch of local businesses to establish operations on the street. Applicants are required to commit at least MOP300,000 ($37,500) in initial capital, with selected projects eligible for subsidies of up to twice their investment, capped at MOP1 million ($125,000). A judging panel will determine subsidy levels based on factors including business creativity, market potential, and the experience of the operating team.

A second initiative, the Shop Rebranding Programme, targets existing businesses on Rua das Estalagens, offering support to upgrade branding, packaging, and storefronts. Participants must invest a minimum of MOP50,000 ($6,250), with subsidies reaching up to three times that amount, capped at MOP500,000 ($62,500).

The company said the programme builds on the success of its first phase, launched in 2024, which selected seven enterprises from 128 applications across sectors such as cultural retail and food and beverage. Over the past two years, these businesses have helped increase foot traffic and visibility in the district.

Sands China rolls out second phase of community revitalization plan
Yau Yun Wah, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government

Speaking at the launch, Economic and Technological Development Bureau Director Yau Yun Wah said the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to strengthen SME development and community-based economic growth. He added that cross-sector collaboration has been key to revitalizing traditional districts.

Sands China rolls out second phase of community revitalization plan
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China

Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong said the programme reflects the operator’s long-term commitment to supporting Macau’s economic diversification and preserving cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Sportradar swings to loss despite revenue growth

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Sportradar swings to loss despite revenue growth
Good morning. The game behind the game matters. Sportradar reported a $7 million loss despite revenue rising to $406 million in 1Q26, with FX movements offsetting operational gains, while maintaining its guidance. The firm continues to expect strong full-year performance, projecting adjusted EBITDA growth of 34 percent to 37 percent. Meanwhile, Moody’s shifted Macau’s outlook to stable, reflecting closer alignment with mainland China’s economic outlook and strong fiscal fundamentals. Looking to Australia, The Star narrowed losses to $720,000 as restructuring and cost discipline improved results.

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Sportradar

Sportradar logs 1Q26 loss on FX impact, maintains full-year guidance

Sportradar reported a $7 million net loss in 1Q26 despite revenue rising 11 percent year-on-year to $406 million, as foreign exchange losses offset operational gains. Adjusted EBITDA rose 12 percent to $77 million. The company reaffirmed full-year EBITDA guidance of $456 million to $468 million, representing over 30 percent year-on-year growth. Alongside this, the company launched an enhanced $250 million buyback program and addressed short-seller concerns.

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SOFTSWISS presents Tech Race Summit 2026, focused on high-load infrastructure

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SOFTSWISS presents Tech Race Summit 2026, focused on high-load infrastructure

SOFTSWISS has announced the launch of Tech Race Summit 2026, a high‑load technology conference focused on addressing complex engineering and infrastructure challenges in the iGaming industry.

The event takes place on 10 September 2026 in Warsaw, Poland. Confirmed speakers include representatives from Amazon, Gcore, and Fastly, alongside technology leaders from iGaming and other high-load sectors.

The summit responds to a clear gap in the current conference landscape. As the iGaming industry grows in complexity, its infrastructure demands increasingly mirror those of other high-volume sectors. Yet most industry events remain oriented toward business development and commercial networking. Engineers, CTOs, product leaders, and technology decision-makers who actually build and run these systems have had no dedicated forum for in-depth technical discussion, comparing approaches, and learning from peers facing the same pressures from different angles. Tech Race Summit is that space.

The summit is built around cross-industry panel discussions. These sessions place knowledge exchange at the centre of the agenda, bringing together iGaming technology leaders and specialists from fields such as fintech, cybersecurity, cloud, and others. 

Sergey Kastukevich, Chief Technology Officer at SOFTSWISS

“The iGaming industry has grown to the level of technical complexity that demands its own conversation – and its own community,” said Sergey Kastukevich, Chief Technology Officer at SOFTSWISS. “What we kept hearing from CTOs, engineers, and tech leaders across the industry was that they wanted a space to go deep: real architecture discussions, honest post-mortems, hard-won knowledge from people solving similar problems at scale. That space didn’t exist, so we built it.”

The summit will feature three tracks – the Main Track, the Engineering Track, and the VIP Track – scaling from open keynotes and panels down to small-group roundtables and exclusive sessions for decision-makers. Sessions span high-load systems architecture, AI implementation at scale, cybersecurity, cloud and edge infrastructure, platform strategy, and the technology decisions that are shaping today’s world. 

The early bird tickets are available now at the Tech Race Summit website. 

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