Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) welcomed approximately 300 regulators from 16 countries to the 26th Annual Regulators Roundtable, held April 15–16 at the Palms Las Vegas.
The topics covered were as diverse as the attendees and included artificial intelligence, asset protection, cashless gaming, cyber resilience, digital responsible gaming interventions, geolocation, lottery modernization, patron protection, prediction markets, risk analysis, and sports betting.
Sports performance psychologist and author of Life as Sport, Dr. Jonathan Fader, delivered the keynote address, where he spoke about how proven sport-performance psychology applies to the realities of today’s workplace, including high expectations, constant change, and pressure to perform.
In addition to the presentations and breakout sessions, GLI hosted an Innovation Tech Hub, which featured live demonstrations from Bulletproof, EPIC, Evive, GLI University, Kobetron, KOIN, and Marker Trax.
James Maida
Commenting on the landmark event, GLI President & CEO James Maida said: “We are grateful to the approximately 300 regulators from across North America and around the world who came to Las Vegas to learn more about what’s next and what’s on the horizon in gaming technology. Regulators need to stay as far ahead of emerging technologies and issues as possible, and that is the purpose of the Regulators Roundtable. We are honored to present this conference.”
GLI is already gearing up for the next Regulators Roundtable, which will take place April 7-8, 2027, at the Palms Las Vegas.
Japan’s Universal Entertainment Corp has acknowledged the opportunity to participate in the country’s integrated resort (IR) development process but told shareholders it is proceeding cautiously, with no decisions yet on involvement structure or partners.
In a written summary of a question-and-answer session at its latest annual general meeting, the company stated: ‘Opportunity acknowledged; stance remains cautious. No decisions on consortium participation or investment structure.’
The remarks come as Japan prepares to reopen its IR application process, with local governments set to submit bids between May 2027 and November 2027 under a revised Cabinet Order. The move marks the next phase of the country’s limited casino liberalization framework, which allows for up to three IR licenses nationwide.
Universal Entertainment, which operates the Okada Manila in the Philippines, indicated it is monitoring developments but has not committed to a formal role in any future bid. The company’s cautious tone suggests it is weighing regulatory, financial, and partnership considerations before entering Japan’s competitive IR landscape.
So far, only one project—the MGM Osaka led by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp—has received approval and is currently under construction, with an expected opening around 2030.
Additional regions, including Nagasaki and Hokkaido, have previously expressed interest in IR development, and the new application window may allow them to re-enter the process.
Beyond Japan, Universal Entertainment said it continues to focus on strengthening operations at Okada Manila, prioritizing service quality and staff training as part of efforts to improve earnings performance.
Genting Malaysia Berhad has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai-based AGIBOT to explore the use of embodied artificial intelligence robotics across its leisure, hospitality and entertainment businesses, according to a LinkedIn post by Resorts World Genting.
The agreement sets out a framework for the two parties to assess, develop and potentially commercialize robotics solutions for use in integrated resort environments. AGIBOT will contribute its robotics technology, while Genting Malaysia will provide operational use cases drawn from its resort portfolio.
The collaboration will focus on three areas: theme parks, leisure and hospitality, and entertainment. Potential applications include humanoid robots for guest-facing roles such as concierge and service functions, as well as the use of robotics in live shows and attractions. The scope also includes joint research and development, pilot projects and efforts to build systems that could be deployed more broadly if proven viable.
“Innovation has always been central to Genting Malaysia’s approach in shaping the future of hospitality and entertainment,” said Aaron Chia, Chief Operating Officer of Resorts World Genting. “As guest expectations continue to evolve, we are constantly exploring new ways to deliver more immersive, seamless and memorable experiences.”
Chia said the initiative marks an initial step into embodied robotics for the group, with a focus on service delivery and guest interaction. No details were provided on investment size, timelines or specific deployment plans.
The gaming giant IGT has announced the appointment of Mark Wadley as its Incoming President of Land‑Based Gaming, pending all required regulatory approvals.
Before joining IGT, Wadley served as chief marketing officer for Aristocrat, where he built a strong reputation for driving growth through tight alignment of product, customer needs, and commercial strategy.
Hector Fernandez
As IGT’s Incoming President of Land‑Based Gaming, Mark Wadley will oversee the company’s entire land‑based gaming portfolio, including global sales, product management, field services, manufacturing, marketing, external communications, and government relations. He will report to Hector Fernandez, IGT CEO.
“Mark is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how to connect product, customer insight and commercial execution to drive performance,” said Hector Fernandez, IGT CEO. “As we continue to strengthen our Gaming business, bringing these capabilities together under one leader is a critical step in improving how we operate and deliver for our customers. Mark’s experience will help us accelerate that progress.”
Commenting on his new role as Incoming President of Land‑Based Gaming at IGT, Mark Wadley shared:“IGT has all the core elements of a winning gaming business, from differentiated content to global scale and long-standing customer relationships. The opportunity now is to operate with greater alignment and discipline, ensuring that how we develop, position, and deliver our products translates more consistently into performance for our customers. That focus on execution will define the next phase of growth.”
Drawing on a career that spans both the gaming and biotech sectors, Mark Wadley is recognised for energising teams, fostering innovation, and delivering results in fast‑moving markets. His cross‑industry experience enables him to build high‑performing teams, balance core capabilities with new growth opportunities, and execute strategies that drive immediate impact and long‑term success.
A strong advocate for collaboration and team achievement, Mark is committed to turning innovative strategies into winning outcomes while shaping a workplace known for top talent and a thriving culture within the gaming industry.
The recent surge in global oil prices and resulting flight cancellations are unlikely to materially affect Macau’s gaming sector, with industry observers pointing to the city’s heavy reliance on land-based visitors and resilient premium demand.
Billy Song, president of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association
Speaking to AGB, Billy Song, president of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, said the disruption has so far been concentrated in outbound travel and specific regional routes, with limited implications for inbound gaming demand.
“Most visitors to Macau enter via land or sea rather than by air, so the overall impact should not be significant,” he said. “Even for long-haul travelers, many combine Hong Kong and Macau in one trip, so they are unlikely to be affected by flight cancellations involving Macau’s airport.”
Song noted that while some Southeast Asian routes have been disrupted, inbound arrivals to Macau have yet to show any meaningful decline. He added that affected travelers may reroute through nearby hubs such as Hong Kong or Zhuhai, mitigating the impact on overall visitation. International visitors may face greater inconvenience due to their reliance on air travel, but the effect is expected to remain contained.
Limited reliance on air arrivals cushions impact
Recent adjustments by Air Macau have brought the issue to light. The airline confirmed it has canceled more than 400 round-trip flights between May and June due to soaring jet fuel costs, with oil prices rising from around $97 per barrel to over $200.
The affected routes include several mainland Chinese cities as well as regional destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Despite these changes, the airline has arranged rebooking options and partnerships with other carriers to minimize disruption.
Air Macau, the city’s flagship carrier, operates the majority of routes linking major mainland Chinese cities with key destinations across Asia.
Premium segment shields gaming from cost pressures
Academic Macao Polytechnic University researcher Zeng Zhonglu holds a similar view, noting that the lack of detailed data makes it difficult to quantify the impact. He said any effects are more likely to be felt among visitors traveling by air from major mainland cities such as Beijing or Shanghai. However, he added that the overall impact on Macau’s gaming sector should remain limited, given the relatively small share of inbound visitors arriving by air.
Academic Macao Polytechnic University researcher Zeng Zhonglu
Meanwhile, he said the broader impact of higher oil prices on consumer spending is also unlikely to significantly affect Macau’s gaming revenues. He argued that the city’s focus on premium and high-end players provides a degree of insulation from macroeconomic pressures.
“Higher-income visitors are generally less sensitive to cost fluctuations such as fuel prices, so their gaming and travel decisions are not easily affected,” Zeng said. “The segment that feels the pressure more is the mid- to lower-income group, but that segment has already been relatively weaker in terms of recovery.”
Zeng pointed to evolving visitor patterns as a more important factor shaping Macau’s gaming performance. While total arrivals rebounded strongly in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, overall gaming revenue has lagged behind. This divergence, he said, is largely due to a rise in short-haul, non-overnight visitors, particularly from neighboring Zhuhai.
“Visitor numbers have increased, but many are same-day travelers who do not stay overnight,” he said. “As a result, per capita spending, including gaming expenditure, has declined compared with before the pandemic.”
This structural shift suggests that fluctuations in oil prices, while relevant to travel costs, are not the primary driver of Macau’s gaming demand. Instead, visitor mix and length of stay remain key determinants of spending levels.
Travel uncertainty may redirect demand to Macau
Looking ahead to the upcoming Labor Day “Golden Week” holiday, which runs from May 1st to May 5th, both experts expect stable to positive performance, with potential upside linked to current travel dynamics. Song said flight disruptions and higher international travel costs could redirect demand toward closer destinations.
“With uncertainties abroad and higher travel costs, some mainland tourists may opt for short-haul trips instead of traveling overseas,” he said. “That could benefit Macau, as visitors choose destinations within the Greater Bay Area.”
Zeng shared a similar outlook, noting that the overall trend of strong visitor volumes but relatively cautious spending is likely to continue. He added that premium segments are expected to remain more resilient, while mass-market recovery may take longer.
Brazil has become the most talked-about market in iGaming – and for good reason. This is not just growth; it is a structural shift in how global operators and game studios approach expansion.
Vigen Safaryan, CPO at Galaxsys
In this article, Vigen Safaryan, Chief Product Officer at Galaxsys, delves into the complexities of Brazil’s emerging iGaming landscape, exploring the regulatory, cultural, and product‑driven factors that will define long‑term success.
For years, Latin America was viewed as a market of potential. Today, Brazil alone is turning that potential into a measurable, large-scale reality. With regulation in place and millions of players entering the ecosystem, the market is no longer a question mark, it is a priority.
Key Takeways
From a product perspective, Brazil represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The difference between the two lies entirely in how well companies adapt.
Rising from the Grey Market to Compete Worldwide
Brazil’s regulatory overhaul is among the most significant industry developments in recent years. Law 14.790, enacted in 2023, followed by the rollout of federal licensing in 2025, transformed the country from an unregulated frontier into a controlled, structured market. Operators must now pay around R$30 million (~$6 million) for a five-year license, establish a local entity, and comply with strict player verification, including CPF registration and real-time transaction monitoring.
“Brazil didn’t just regulate the market; it elevated it. The bar is now significantly higher, benefiting everyone.”
Vigen Safaryan, Chief Product Officer at Galaxsys
A Market Shaped by Reach and Volume
Brazil’s numbers speak for themselves. With over 213 million people, it is Latin America’s largest economy. In 2025, gross gaming revenue reached R$37 billion (~$7 billion), and around 25 million Brazilians (12% of adults) placed bets on regulated platforms.
“In Brazil, scale matters more than individual spend. You’re not building for a niche audience – you’re building for millions,” Safaryan explains.
This requires studios to prioritize accessibility, retention, and mass appeal over targeting big spenders.
Mobile Stands as a Primary Engagement Channel
Brazilian players are overwhelmingly mobile-first. Over 90% of households have internet access, and more than 80% of devices are Android, often mid- to low-range.
“Performance is everything. If a game doesn’t load quickly or run smoothly on a basic device, the player is lost before the experience begins,” Safaryan notes.
Success depends on simplicity, speed, and reliability rather than flashy graphics or complex mechanics. Games optimized for European or North American devices often underperform in Brazil because they are not adapted to local hardware and connection realities.
Culture Drives Engagement More Than Features
Brazilian players respond strongly to local themes and cultural resonance. Online slots dominate engagement, but fast-paced games, including crash-style, plinko, and mine-based formats, are increasingly popular due to their immediacy.
“Players in Brazil don’t want to spend time learning a game — they want to feel it immediately,” Safaryan emphasizes.
Football is deeply ingrained, with 80% of sports bettors wagering on matches, while Carnival-inspired visuals, music, and local symbols boost engagement in casino games. Localization is not just translation; it is a design philosophy.
Collaborations Will Set the Foundation for Market Expansion
Regulatory requirements, including local presence and partial Brazilian ownership, make partnerships critical. Collaborating with established operators provides faster access to player bases and ensures smoother compliance.
“You need people on the ground who understand the nuances of the market. Without that, decisions are based on assumptions and assumptions carry risk in Brazil,” Safaryan says.
Localization of language, support, and marketing is equally important. Brazilian Portuguese is a trust factor, not a formality.
A Market Built to Reward Long‑Term Investment
Brazil’s iGaming boom is a long-term structural shift. Billions in revenue, tens of millions of players, and a regulatory framework that supports sustainable growth make it a market that rewards companies willing to invest in localization, performance, compliance, and cultural adaptation.
“Brazil rewards those who respect its uniqueness. It’s not about entering the market – it’s about becoming part of it.”
Vigen Safaryan, CPO at Galaxsys
The Bottom Line
Brazil is no longer emerging — it has arrived. And in many ways, it is shaping what the next generation of iGaming markets will look like. The question for game studios is no longer whether to enter Brazil. It is whether they are ready for what Brazil demands.
A surge in Singapore-related wagering activity has been recorded on Polymarket despite the platform being blocked in the country since late 2024, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges around offshore and crypto-based gambling services.
According to local media reports, users have continued to access the platform via alternative means, placing bets on a range of Singapore-focused events. Recent activity has included wagers on daily temperature readings, with average daily stakes exceeding $100,000 in April. On April 17th alone, nearly $125,000 had been wagered by the evening cutoff, with most participants backing a peak temperature of 33°C.
Polymarket operates as a prediction market, allowing users to buy “yes” or “no” shares tied to the outcome of real-world events, with payouts made in cryptocurrency to winning positions. The platform states that users in Singapore are restricted from participation due to regulatory requirements, with the jurisdiction listed among more than 30 locations subject to geoblocking measures.
However, the use of cryptocurrency wallets and decentralized access methods has made it difficult to verify user locations or identities, raising ongoing concerns for regulators. Singapore authorities reiterated that “no blocking method is foolproof” in a joint response from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Singapore Police Force.
The platform was formally blocked in December 2024 after authorities determined it was offering unlawful gambling services under local law. Singapore maintains a tightly controlled remote gambling regime, with Singapore Pools remaining the only authorized provider of online betting services.
Authorities warned that individuals who deliberately circumvent access restrictions may be committing an offence under the Gambling Control Act, carrying penalties of up to SGD10,000 ($7,800) in fines, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The government has continued to step up enforcement efforts, with K. Shanmugam previously confirming that more than 3,800 illegal gambling websites had been blocked as of early 2025. By the end of 2024, over 145,000 illegal gambling transactions linked to Singapore had also been prevented, with a total value of approximately SGD37 million ($29.1 million).
Polymarket has previously hosted betting markets on major Singapore events including the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the 2023 Presidential Election and the 2025 General Election, with the latter reportedly attracting close to $720,000 in total wagers.
The platform has also drawn international scrutiny in recent months due to significant betting volumes on geopolitical events, including developments involving Iran, shortly before military action involving the United States and Israel.
Based in New York, Polymarket is backed by a number of high-profile investors, including Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr., the latter of whom serves as a strategic adviser to both Polymarket and Kalshi. Unlike Polymarket, Kalshi is federally regulated in the United States and facilitates transactions in fiat currency, although it is also blocked in Singapore.
Several major gambling operators, including SkyCity Entertainment Group and Bet365, are facing coordinated legal action in New Zealand, with multiple proceedings currently before the High Court in Auckland targeting their online gaming activities.
Three separate cases have been filed against different operators, including Bet365, Super Group, and SkyCity. According to a minute dated April 17th, Justice Ian Gault noted that the proceedings involve at least one common plaintiff and raise similar legal issues, although he said it was premature to consolidate the cases for joint case management. An interim name suppression order has been granted covering the identities of the plaintiffs.
The claims are being pursued under a range of legislation, including the Gambling Act, Financial Markets Conduct Act, Contract and Commercial Law Act and Fair Trading Act. The proceedings are expected to test the legality of offshore-facing online gambling operations that have historically accepted New Zealand-based customers.
Bet365 CEO Denise Coates is named as a defendant alongside related entities Hillside (Gaming) ENC and Hillside (Sports). The company has challenged the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts, with Justice Gault noting that Bet365 and associated parties object to the proceedings being heard domestically. The legal challenge follows legislative changes passed in June 2025 that prohibit offshore gambling operators from accepting bets from within New Zealand, effectively rendering such activity illegal.
Separately, SkyCity confirmed via a filing on the NZX in March that it had received notice of proceedings involving SkyCity, SkyCity Auckland Holdings and Malta-based Silvereye Entertainment. The case centers on the legality of online gaming operations conducted by Silvereye on behalf of a SkyCity subsidiary.
According to SkyCity’s latest half-year report, revenue from its online casino business is generated from New Zealand-based players using a platform developed by Gaming Innovation Group and operated under a Malta gaming license held by Silvereye, a subsidiary of GiG. SkyCity has stated that GiG is the primary contracting party with customers, not SkyCity itself.
The claim includes an application to proceed as a funded class action covering gambling losses incurred by New Zealand players using SkyCity Online between February 2020 and February 2026. SkyCity has denied any liability and said it will vigorously defend the case.
In parallel proceedings, Super Group CEO Neal Menashe is also named as a defendant, alongside multiple related entities including Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree (Alderney) and Baytree Interactive. Super Group operates global online betting and gaming brands including Betway and Spin. The claimants are represented by Davey Salmon KC, while the defendants are represented by David Cooper KC.
The 1xBet team is heading to the Mediterranean to take part in the prestigious international exhibition SBC Summit Malta, which will be held in St. Julian’s, Malta, from April 28 to 30.
Over three days, the azure coastline will become a hub of business activity, while the InterContinental hotel’s conference halls will serve as a platform to discuss the key challenges facing the iGaming industry.
The exhibition will also feature the SBC Awards ceremony honoring industry leaders. 1xBet has been nominated in two categories – Marketing Campaign and Sponsorship of the Year. Recognition from industry experts highlights the brand’s global leadership and strengthens its position in Europe.
More than 6,000 delegates from leading companies, along with over 2,000 operator representatives, are expected to attend SBC Summit Malta. A key part of the program will be presentations by more than 250 speakers delivering expert insights on major trends shaping the iGaming industry.
1xBet at SBC Summit Malta
1xBet will also actively participate in organizing industry discussions. The company’s Strategic Advisor, Simon Westbury, will speak on the panel Profit vs Protection: Who Is Building the Industry We Deserve? Drawing on his 18 years of experience in the iGaming sector, he will discuss ESG frameworks, the role of AI in monitoring behavioral risks, and the importance of balancing profit with player protection in light of evolving expectations from Generation Z.
”Following a successful series of shows in Latin America, we are looking forward to returning to Europe and demonstrating how 1xBet is leading the way in terms of player protection and understanding that a successful player protection strategy does not hinder profitability. We are committed to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and entertaining experience for our players. As always with SBC shows, we are sure the conversations will be many and the show exuding the normal SBC vibrancy”.
Simon Westbury
Additionally, 1xBet consultant Chris Bird will take part in the exhibition as a panelist. The session will focus on preparations for the upcoming football festival in North America. Key topics will include the effectiveness of betting trend analysis, market change forecasts, and strategies for attracting new audiences ahead of the year’s biggest sporting event.
Networking at SBC Summit Malta 2026
Building on the strong networking energy at SBC Summit Malta, the 1xBet booth (B40) will serve as a central business hub for all three days, enabling meaningful conversations around partnerships, innovation, and future opportunities. The brand’s team will create a comfortable environment for open communication and professional connections.
The booth will feature a bar area offering aromatic coffee, signature cocktails, and soft drinks. 1xBet partners and SBC Summit Malta guests can also enjoy an interactive reaction test and take part in a premium prize draw. The draw will take place on April 29 at 16:00, with one lucky winner receiving an Apple iPad mini.
1xPartners
The 1xBet booth will not only be a focal point of business energy but also a platform for generating real solutions. The brand’s team will help launch new businesses from scratch or scale existing ones through its flagship affiliate program, 1xPartners, one of the most effective earning models in the iGaming industry.
More than 500,000 affiliates from over 150 countries have already recognized its advantages, including real-time analytics, viral creatives tailored to local markets, and lifetime commissions of up to 50% from referred players. The program supports more than 250 payment methods and provides access to an extensive library of marketing creatives.
1xPartners collaborates with Paris Saint-Germain and other globally recognized sports brands, while prestigious industry awards, including SBC, IGA, and SiGMA, confirm its reliability.
1xBet is inviting all industry professionals to visit SBC Summit Malta and stop by booth B40 to explore opportunities to earn with the flagship products of the 1xBet ecosystem.
Wicked Games has secured a Swedish license, marking a key step in the studio’s expansion across regulated markets. The approval allows the company to distribute its content to licensed operators in Sweden, strengthening its position in one of Europe’s most established and tightly regulated gaming markets.
Securing the Swedish license further reinforces Wicked Games’ commitment to compliance, technical readiness, and sustainable growth in regulated jurisdictions. It also opens new opportunities for the studio to expand its reach with operator partners active in the Swedish market.
“Securing our Swedish license is a strong validation of the compliance standards and technical readiness behind our business,” said Khadija El Abi, Head of Partnerships at Wicked Games. “Sweden is an important market for us, and this approval allows us to support licensed operators there with content built to stand out in competitive lobbies.”
The new license forms part of Wicked Games’ broader strategy to grow its international regulated footprint and make its content available to more operators across key jurisdictions.
With a portfolio built around bold concepts, clear mechanics, and strong entertainment value, Wicked Games continues to focus on creating content that gives operators more ways to differentiate while meeting the standards expected in licensed markets.
