Light & Wonder, Inc. has launched Thundering Blaze, from specialist slot provider Lightning Box, one of Light & Wonder’s in-house studios, showcasing Progressive features and modifiers, evolved from its 2022 hit release, Lightning Blaze.
In this 3×5 escapade focusing on a classic 7s theme, players venture into an action-packed world of distinctive fruits and icons, with the base game offering multiple routes to big prizes.
Multipliers combine up to x12 can be awarded on any line, whilst six or more Lightning Bolts triggers the Respin feature. During this round, jackpots and Colossal Lightning Bolts are available, with these landing on any spin and splitting into individual Lightning Bolts to further boost prizes. If one Lightning Bolt lands within this round, respins get reset to three.
Michael Maokhamphiou, Studio Director at Light & Wonder, said: “Thundering Blaze is the latest launch in our Thundering series, offering enhanced prizes and gameplay from the original set of Lightning games.
“Upgraded respins can transform a player’s journey in this captivating title, exhibiting a unique second game board that mirrors wins, and can hopefully prove a hugely popular game with players across the region.”
Galaxsys, an innovative games studio known for its high-energy, quick-win games with a unique twist, is delighted to confirm Teni Grigoryan’s promotion to the expanded role of Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer.
Hayk Sargsyan, Chief Executive Officer of Galaxsys, praised Teni Grigoryan’s exceptional contributions, stating, “Teni’s leadership as Head of Sales has been instrumental in our expansion across multiple regulated markets in Europe, Latin America, and North America. Her promotion to Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer was a natural progression, given our 150+ partners, from tier 1 operators to aggregators and more. Our outstanding growth in Q1 & Q2 is a testament to her capabilities, and as our business continues to flourish, Teni is the perfect team member to ensure we deliver best-in-class partnership support for our customers.”
Teni Grigoryan, now the Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer, shared her enthusiasm for the new role and the company’s future, saying, “I’m really looking forward to stepping into this new role where I’ll oversee both Sales and Partner Management departments and their strategy. My focus will be on ensuring a seamless process with our partners, from closing deals to project launch and beyond. Galaxsys has always prioritized strong partnerships, and my aim is to unify our strategy, goals, and motivation across both teams. I see these departments working hand in hand, like a single entity, to achieve our objectives together. I strongly believe that regardless of the product or service we deliver, it’s ultimately the quality of our relationships that determines success.”
Dowinn Group, a leading junket operator in the Philippines, has refuted claims of a ‘complete collapse’ in an official statement sent to AGB, attributing the situation to ‘unjust defamation by external forces’.
This statement is a response to a previous report by media outlet IAG, which cited sources familiar with the matter, indicating that Dowinn had ceased operations across all its casino and VIP club facilities, recalling its managers, amidst allegations of collapse.
Dowinn Group confirmed in its statement that it has initiated an emergency temporary cessation starting from the evening of June 17th, 2024. The group emphasized that operations are scheduled to resume at 2pm on June 24th, 2024 (Monday) at all branches, including Manila City of Dreams, Heritage Hotel & Casino, Okada Resort & Casino, Solaire Resort & Casino, Clark D’Heights Resort & Casino, and Royce Hotel & Casino.
The junket operator further explained that the temporary suspension of operations aims to ‘protect the valuable interests of our customers and shareholders’, without divulging more details in the response.
Responding to the closure allegations, the group announced its intention to pursue civil and criminal charges against those responsible for said allegations, without specifying the target of such action. “We have established a dedicated legal team to thoroughly address this issue,” the statement reads.
IAG’s report also claimed that closure allegations have surfaced following reports that associated agents were unable to withdraw funds from the company’s accounts at Okada Manila and Solaire.
Dowinn did not mention or confirm any alleged withdrawal failures from the company’s accounts.
AGB sits down with Aruze Gaming Global’s COO to get some new insights into the group’s latest offerings, including its Muso Curve 55“. The offerings are set to further its expansion in Asia, after being granted licenses for the Macau and Philippines markets.
Alejandro H. Tengco, the Chairman of the Philippine Gaming Regulator (PAGCOR) says that the current number of IRs in Manila is enough. Still, further expansion could be in other regions, such as Clark and Mactan, to fulfill demand.
Alejandro H. Tengco, CEO, PAGCOR
Speaking to AGB, the head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), noted that in regards to Metro Manila “I believe at this point in time we have room for one more”.
The official was referring to the new LET Group’s (formerly Suncity – previously a Macau-based junket) – project, the Westside City, growing across from Solaire.
Also coming up is the “integrated resort south of Metro Manila […] that was also given a license prior to my appointment,” notes Tengco.
The official refers to the Las Piñas Villar City project, which has reportedly been geared towards the Korean market.
“I should say that should be enough, for now. Especially we’re seeing the numbers of land-based operations to have not only plateaued but dipped a little.”
Tengco refers to the second-quarter drops in GGR, which have yet to be exemplified in the companies’ quarterly earnings but are expected to flag the record-breaking first-quarter earnings.
Opportunities outside Metro Manila
Speaking of Clark, the official notes that it has “good potential”.
But that is not the only area to focus on, notes Tengco.
“I just talked to a big investor in Subic (Bay) a while ago, and they’re now talking to possible investors for land-based operations in the hotel that they just acquired from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority,” he notes.
Further south, things are not as dismal as they could seem, with the recent shakeups at Emerald Bay.
However, the executive notes that the project is “failed”, even though there are expectations that the incoming investor can help salvage the IR.
Tengco points out the advantages of the area, noting that “you’re going to cater to the Japanese and Korean market”, stating that, aside from Emerald Bay “you still have room for one”.
Venturing even further, the Chairman says that there is still space in Davao. “There is a proponent who is looking at the possibility of expanding in Davao, but I have not received the proposal they might make. So that should be delivered”.
The official notes that “Then, with the privatization of our Casino Filipino properties, that will add now another close to 40 properties – city casinos, municipal or provincial casinos that cater to the local market.”
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has vowed to tighten its screening of foreigners applying for Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) to work in the country.
This comes in the wake of recent raids against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which were found to be employing foreign workers without proper documentation or using fraudulent documents.
According to the Philippine News Agency, the country’s Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said DOLE frontline staff in regional offices, especially in the National Capital Region, will be conducting more inspections of AEP applications.
Laguesma stated that DOLE is ensuring no qualified Filipino workers are replaced or displaced by the hiring of foreign workers.
The department is also coordinating with other agencies involved in the employment of foreigners, and with gaming regulator PAGCOR regarding inspections of Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), the new term for POGOs.
PAGCOR has banned work-from-home schemes for IGL employees, as this was an area where illegal activities were found.
The crackdown on foreign workers without proper documentation is part of the Philippine government’s efforts to tighten regulations and prevent abuse in the rapidly growing online gaming industry.
The Indian government is considering providing some tax relief to the country’s online gaming industry, with a new proposed amendment to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Ahead of an upcoming meeting of the GST Council on June 22nd, the Finance Ministry has proposed an important amendment, according to Business Today India.
The proposed change would give the government the power to not demand payment of any GST that was not properly charged or collected in the past.
This is aimed at addressing the confusion that has surrounded the 28 percent GST rate that was imposed on online gaming last year.
The online gaming industry had strongly objected to this high tax rate, arguing that it would seriously harm their fast-growing businesses. The new amendment could retroactively validate the industry’s past practices of not fully applying the 28 percent GST.
This would prevent gaming companies from facing huge retrospective tax demands that could severely impact their finances.
If the GST Council approves this amendment, it could mean that the 28 percent GST may no longer be collected on online gaming, casino, and horse racing activities going forward. This is expected to bring stability and clarity to the sector.
The proposal came from a recommendation by a committee that advises the GST Council. However, the amendment will not provide any refunds for any excess GST that companies may have already paid.
The GST Council meeting will also discuss how to handle the over INR1.5 lakh crore ($17.9 billion) worth of tax demand notices that have been sent to 80 online gaming companies in the country.
Overall, this potential GST relief signals the government’s effort to support India’s fast-growing online gaming industry, which has seen a 400 percent increase in tax revenues since the 28 percent rate was introduced.
Good Morning. The higher the risk, the higher the price. Such were the findings of a recent study which found that Macau punters who sought help for problem gambling had significantly higher levels of debt than those in comparable regions, correlated with higher minimum wagers. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the appetite for online gaming for locals continues to grow, with PIGO operators now totalling 44, potentially rising further as taxation rates drop. In the world of suppliers, Konami highlights its latest offerings, reiterating its dedication to APAC through customization.
Aruze Gaming Global has been granted license approvals in both Macau and the Philippines and is targeting further expansion within Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam via new offices and distributorships.
The news was announced on Tuesday, indicating the group has now expanded to 160 jurisdictions, up from 76 in August of 2023.
Aside from its Asia expansion, the group has also been approved in the US states of Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as Canadian regions of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, alongside ‘dozens more that are in process’.
Speaking of the approvals, Kelcey Allison, Global Chief Operating Officer for Aruze Gaming Global, noted that “The timing could not be better for the new gaming licenses. Coupled with the recent release of several new titles that are performing at 2 to 3 times house average – thus giving us some amazing new content for our existing and newly accessible markets.”
Furthering the group’s excitement on the announcement, SVP of International Operations Betty Zhao noted “Our explosive growth and high-performing new content is fueling a lot of excitement with our new customers”.
Seasoned casino veteran Laurence Hawke is going to be joining the operator of Newport World Resorts, in Manila, as the group’s new Chief Financial Officer.
The hiring comes after a shake-up of management at the property, operated by Travellers International Hotel Group (TIHGI) under the Alliance Global Group (AGI), which included the departure of its President, Chief Operating Officer and CFO. The officials departed the company on June 1st.
AGI last week said that the departures were part of the group’s transition plan after assuming full ownership of the IR’s operating company TIHGI.
While Nilo Rodriguez, former Chief Strategy Officer took on the new CEO and President roles and former Chief Casino Officer Lance Gatreaux moved up to COO, the new CFO hire had yet to be announced.
Hawke will report directly to the new President, Rodriguez, while also working with the group’s TIHGI’s Chairman Kevin Tan and the new COO, Gatreaux.
The new CFO comes off of six years at Hoiana Resort & Golf, in Vietnam, where he served as Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Hawke also worked as Property CFO, Deputy CFO and Senior Vice President – Casino Finance, at Okada Manila.
