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India establishes gaming authority as new rules take effect May 1st

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India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified new online gaming rules aimed at curbing online money games and strengthening oversight of the sector, according to a press release issued on Wednesday, with the framework set to take effect on May 1st. 

The rules also provide for the establishment of a dedicated online gaming authority to regulate the industry.

Issued under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025, the framework follows legislation passed by Parliament in August 2025 to address risks linked to online money games while supporting the development of e-sports and online social gaming.

Under the new rules, the government will establish the Online Gaming Authority of India as a central regulator responsible for maintaining a list of online money games, handling complaints, issuing directions, and coordinating with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. The authority will also oversee grievance appeals and enforce compliance across service providers.

The framework introduces oversight mechanisms, complaint redressal systems, and coordination with banks and enforcement agencies to strengthen regulatory enforcement. It also sets out a structured process to determine whether a game qualifies as an online money game, based on factors such as the presence of stakes, expected monetary rewards, and revenue models.

Most non-real money games, including many online social games, will not be subject to mandatory registration unless specifically notified by the government. At the same time, the rules create a statutory registration regime for e-sports and certain categories of social games.

Additional provisions include user safety measures such as age verification, parental controls, and reporting tools, alongside a two-tier grievance redressal system and an appellate mechanism to ensure accountability.

The government said the rules are designed to protect users from financial and social harm linked to online money gaming platforms while providing regulatory clarity to support industry growth.

Zitro nails ‘FANTASY’ showcase success at Greece Casino Operators Summit

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Zitro celebrates huge success at the April 21–23 Casino Operators Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center, Hotel & Casino in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Over three days, the company’s dedicated showcase space became a hub of activity, drawing operators and industry professionals eager to connect with the Zitro team and experience its latest innovations up close.

Zitro team

FANTASY and its standout title ‘Brave Dragon’ were at the heart of the showcase, generating strong interest from attendees and reaffirming the cabinet’s growing reputation as a reliable, high-performing product across diverse markets.

Beyond the showcase floor, the summit proved to be a valuable platform for strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones. The meetings held throughout the event underlined Greece’s growing importance within Zitro’s international strategy, with operators across the region showing keen interest in expanding their collaboration with the company.

Zitro’s journey began in 2018 Greece at the Regency Casino Thessaloniki, and the arrival of FANTASY as the casino is a full-circle moment that was not lost on anyone.

“The Casino Operators Summit in Thessaloniki was everything we hoped it would be and more,” said Sebastián Salat, President – International at Zitro. “Greece is a market we deeply believe in, and the energy at our showcase space — the conversations, the interest, the connections made — confirmed that we are on the right path. Events like this remind us why building strong, lasting relationships with our partners is at the core of everything we do.”

Zitro thanks all operators, partners, and attendees who stopped by and looks forward to continuing the conversations started in Thessaloniki.

Notix.Games levels up with Turnkey Casino platform debut at the SBC Summit Malta 2026

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Notix.Games grows its lineup from two to three product lines, signaling its shift to a full-fledged B2B tech provider. The Cyprus-headquartered iGaming company will showcase its fresh turnkey casino platform at SBC Summit Malta, set for April 28–30, 2026.

Founded in 2023, the company has expanded its product portfolio rapidly and now introduces a flexible, fully featured solution for comprehensive casino management.

The platform is designed to address key challenges faced by operators, especially in dynamic emerging markets, such as the limited flexibility of available turnkey solutions and reliance on a single vendor.

The new platform enables seamless launches for fresh casinos and smooth migrations from legacy systems, offering operators unmatched flexibility and customization. Operators can integrate it gradually, without full system overhauls. Its modular design packs core tools for game and player management, payments, compliance, plus promo features for bonuses, marketing, and affiliates. Future updates will add deeper personalization, gamification, and compliance enhancements.

Commenting on the innovation, Dinara Pogodina, CEO of Notix.Games, said: “Our mission is to bring tangible value to operators globally, and the launch of the platform is the next logical step in our product development strategy. It is designed to help our partners simplify operations while remaining scalable and flexible. Moving from a game studio and aggregator to a full-scale technology provider is an important milestone for Notix.Games. It reflects our commitment to building practical, reliable solutions that respond to the real needs of operators in a fast-changing market.”

Notix.Games started as a game studio and casino aggregator, focusing on high product quality standards, continuous innovation, compliance, and dedicated partner service. Since 2023, its aggregator – the technological foundation for the new platform – has integrated more than 50 leading game providers through a single API, and the company now serves multiple operators worldwide, including 1xBet.

At SBC Summit Malta, Notix.Games will showcase its new platform at the company’s first-ever exhibition stand, D50. Visitors are invited to book a meeting with the team to learn more about the company’s products and future development plans.

Light & Wonder faces class action over ‘Dragon Train’ disclosures

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Gaming equipment and services group Light & Wonder Inc. has been served with a class action lawsuit in Australia alleging that disclosures related to its ‘Dragon Train‘ game lacked reasonable grounds, according to a company filing released on April 23rd.

The case was filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria by law firm Phi Finney McDonald on behalf of shareholders who acquired interests in the company’s Chess Depositary Interests (CDIs) between May 22nd, 2023 and September 24th, 2024.

The claim alleges that certain representations made by Light & Wonder regarding the ‘Dragon Train’ product were not supported by reasonable grounds.

Light & Wonder said it intends to ‘vigorously defend the proceeding,’ without providing further details on the allegations or potential financial impact.

The development follows earlier legal and financial issues tied to the Dragon Train game, including a dispute with Aristocrat Leisure Ltd that led to a $127.5 million settlement and weighed on the company’s financial performance. The current case focuses on shareholder claims rather than intellectual property or product-related disputes.

No timeline for court proceedings has been disclosed.

GoldenRace highlights Virtual Sports & Mobile Betting solutions at iGaming Afrika Summit 2026

GoldenRace, a worldwide pioneer in virtual sports and betting tech, is set to join the iGaming Afrika Summit in Nairobi from May 4-6. At Stand C09, the company will unveil its newest tech solutions and gaming content customized for East Africa’s booming market.

In-Shop Mobile by GoldenRace

As the African gaming landscape continues to evolve, GoldenRace is focusing its exhibition on bridging the gap between retail and digital environments. The company’s In-Shop Mobile solution will be a primary focus, offering operators a way to provide high-speed, digital betting experiences to customers on their own devices within a physical shop setting. 

GoldenRace’s presence at the summit underlines its commitment to providing localised content that aligns with regional player preferences.

The showcase will feature a mix of established market leaders and new vertical entries: 

  • Virtual Football: The company’s flagship product, featuring high-frequency leagues and markets designed for 24/7 engagement. 
  • Retail classics: High-frequency Dog Racing and the number-draw game Spin2Win, both of which remain top-performing titles for regional retention. 
  • Crash & Arcade games: The introduction of JetEscape, a multiplier-based “crash” game, and Arcade Heist, aimed at diversifying the traditional betting portfolio. 
  • Slot integration: A presentation of the Spinmatic slot catalogue, emphasising mobile-optimised performance and diverse mathematical models. 

Beyond content, GoldenRace will demonstrate how its latest innovations reduce overhead for land-based operators while improving the user journey. By integrating advanced mobile solutions into the retail space, operators can manage higher volumes of players without the proportional increase in hardware costs.

“Our goal at the iGaming Afrika Summit is to demonstrate how global technological standards can be applied to meet the specific needs of African operators,” said Martin Wachter, GoldenRace CEO & Founder. “From our In-Shop Mobile technology to our virtual sports portfolio, we provide the tools necessary for security, scalability and engagement.” 

Attendees and industry partners are invited to visit Stand C09 during the summit to meet with the GoldenRace team and view live demonstrations of the software.

EXCO integrates with SOFTSWISS to maximize content delivery

EXCO Game Studio has officially launched its portfolio on the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, marking a major milestone in its global distribution strategy.

SOFTSWISS, Game Aggregator

The integration sees EXCO’s high-octane titles made available across the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator distribution network, granting operators access to standout games like The Robbin’ Goblins and VEGASCALINE, with the boutique studio focusing on creating gaming experiences that resonate with players.

The deal will also see SOFTSWISS facilitate the rollout of upcoming EXCO titles, including the highly anticipated LunaX, as the studio looks to scale its roadmap in the second half of 2026.

EXCO doesn’t chase volume, but instead builds each title with purpose. Every release is developed from scratch with a clear identity at its core, and powered by GAMEX, the company’s proprietary mechanics system that makes gameplay instantly recognisable, memorable, and made to be watched.

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Fredrik Elmqvist, CEO at EXCO, said: “The loudest games in the room just found a much bigger room! Our partnership with SOFTSWISS is a great alignment of two brands that aren’t afraid to stand out and take a different position to achieve their goals. Our titles are already making waves, and this is another big milestone for the company. We can’t wait to become a staple supplier in SOFTSWISS’ network, and push the boundaries of game development even further.”

Nikita Keino, Head of Partnerships at SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, shared: “EXCO has managed to stick to its core philosophy of creating games that offer something different, rather than the cookie-cutter approach we see elsewhere. Partnering with them was a no-brainer as we look to differentiate our offering.”

EXCO is driven by a core philosophy of game development shaped by player interests and emerging industry trends, with a goal of breaking the volume-driven approach by focusing on quality instead.

DATA.BET unveils annual Sportsbook Report highlighting a record year

The reports reflect the company’s commitment to transparency and giving operators a clear view of what’s working and how to capitalize on it.

The 2025 Sportsbook Report goes beyond the numbers as it unpacks the thinking behind DATA.BET’s performance to date. The company saw an average of 23% increase in its clients’ turnover, demonstrating a clear picture of what’s working in the iGaming space today.

Report highlights:

  • Industry trends that defined iGaming in 2025 and continue to influence the market in 2026
  • Rising tax & regulation across European markets, pushing operators to reassess where and how they run their business
  • The demand of low-tier esports tournaments and high-engagement disciplines such as Valorant semi-pro matches has proven growth.
  • Key metrics and business results across the company’s three verticals: esports, sports, and virtuals. 
  • A practical guide for casino brands planning to add a sportsbook to their projects in 2026, backed by proof of existing client base.

Commenting on the report’s release and strategic significance, Yurii Berest, CEO of DATA.BET stated: “We believe that transparency builds trust and moves the whole industry forward. At DATA.BET sits at the core of everything we do, and this report reflects that. With the addition of sports betting last year, we want to show how our product continues to evolve and improve, and how we help operators grow their revenue through betting that works.”

Playson promotes Kateryna Oliinyk to Chief Financial Officer

Playson has announced the promotion of Kateryna Oliinyk to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), strengthening the provider’s financial leadership during its next phase of expansion.

Kateryna brings more than a decade of experience in international iGaming and professional services, with a proven track record in financial governance, regulatory compliance and multi-jurisdictional financial management.

Since joining Playson in 2021, Kateryna has progressed through several senior finance roles, most recently serving as Deputy Chief Financial Officer. During her tenure, she has played a key role in strengthening Playson’s financial control environment, improving reporting processes and supporting the company’s sustained growth across multiple regulated markets. Her promotion reflects both her impact and Playson’s commitment to developing internal talent.

In her new role, Kateryna will lead and further develop Playson’s finance function, with a focus on team leadership, operational excellence, and strategic alignment. She will oversee financial reporting, management accounting, treasury and cash flow management, as well as tax planning and compliance. A central part of the role will be driving continuous improvement of financial systems, controls, and processes, including automation, standardisation, and enhanced reporting efficiency.

Kateryna will also play a central role in financial planning and strategic initiatives, including budgeting, forecasting, risk assessment, and the development of financial models to support the company’s long-term objectives. She will be instrumental in supporting the company’s expansion into new markets, including across LatAm, by establishing robust accounting frameworks, coordinating with local partners, banks, and advisors and ensuring effective engagement with regulators.

Vsevolod Lapin, Deputy CEO at Playson, said: “Kateryna has been an integral part of our finance team for more than five years and her promotion to CFO is a testament to her expertise, leadership and dedication to our success. Her deep understanding of our business makes her ideally positioned to support our continued growth and international ambitions. On behalf of Playson leadership team, we are glad to have Kateryna on board and are confident she will enable our further growth.”

Kateryna Oliinyk, Chief Financial Officer at Playson, added: “Assuming the role of CFO is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic financial planning and drive operational excellence. I look forward to collaborating with our leadership team to strengthen reporting, optimise processes, and support the company’s expansion into new markets, delivering clear insights that enable confident decision-making.”

India eyes crackdown on prediction markets as gaming rules near rollout

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India is weighing further enforcement action against prediction market platforms, even as it prepares to roll out a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gaming from May 1st.

IT Secretary S. Krishnan said platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket have come under increased scrutiny, particularly as they are being used to facilitate betting on election outcomes, Indian Premier League matches and other real-world events. Despite being prohibited under the country’s Online Gaming Act, Krishnan acknowledged that users continue to access such services through virtual private networks, creating enforcement challenges for authorities.

“Access through VPNs is a slightly tricky issue and we are seeing how we can intervene,” Krishnan said, noting that VPN usage presents a “whack-a-mole situation” given their legitimate applications alongside illicit circumvention of restrictions. He added that the government is examining ways to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate VPN usage, though no clear solution has yet emerged.

Krishnan also emphasized that offshore operators targeting Indian users remain within the reach of enforcement action. Under the Online Gaming Act’s extra-territorial provisions, foreign platforms offering services in India can be blocked, including through Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The comments come as India moves to implement the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025, alongside its accompanying rules, which were finalized following inter-ministerial consultations and legal review.

The new framework reflects a dual policy objective: protecting consumers, particularly minors and vulnerable groups, from financial and psychological harm, while positioning India as a global hub for gaming and digital innovation. Drafted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 establish the operational structure for the law, which was passed by Parliament in August 2025.

Central to the framework is the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India, a digital-first regulator tasked with overseeing classification, compliance, grievance redressal and enforcement across the sector. The rules also introduce a formal classification system to determine whether a product constitutes an online money game, a permissible social game or an e-sport, providing greater regulatory clarity for operators in a market that has expanded rapidly in recent years while attracting growing scrutiny over addictive and monetized gameplay mechanics.

Sands China CEO sees Macau, Singapore gaining from China short-haul shift

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Sands China CEO, president and executive director Grant Chum said Macau and Singapore are likely to benefit from a shift toward short-haul travel among Chinese outbound tourists, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and rising air travel costs.

Speaking during the company’s earnings call, Chum said the changing travel environment is reshaping destination choices, with closer-to-home markets gaining share. 

“Destinations that are closer to home are going to gain share in general as a result of the current environment,” he said, pointing to evolving travel options compared with recent months.

Chum noted that both Macau and Singapore are positioned to capture this demand, as they are increasingly seen as more accessible and preferred destinations. “The net effect from a demand standpoint is… a positive one for both Macau and Singapore,” he said, adding that factors such as geopolitical conditions and the cost of air travel are influencing traveler behavior.

He added that these dynamics are expected to support visitation trends from mainland China, particularly as travelers opt for shorter journeys. “Short-haul destinations… are going to be more popular with the Chinese market,” Chum said.

Chum’s comments echo recent industry observations highlighting the resilience of Macau’s demand base, particularly its reliance on regional and land-based visitors. Earlier analysis, as reported by AGB, indicated that disruptions to air travel and higher costs are unlikely to materially impact Macau’s gaming sector, with some demand potentially redirected toward nearby destinations.

Industry observers have also pointed to shifting visitor patterns, including a rise in short-haul and same-day travel, as a key factor shaping recovery trends. In this context, Macau’s proximity to mainland China and integration within the Greater Bay Area continue to support stable visitation, even amid broader travel uncertainties.