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Hong Kong airport opens T2 departure facilities after $1.7B upgrade

Viviana Chan
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Hong Kong airport opens T2 departure facilities after $1.7B upgrade

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) officially reopened the departure facilities of its expanded Terminal 2 (T2) on Wednesday, May 27th, with Hong Kong Airlines becoming the first carrier to relocate operations to the upgraded terminal. A total of 15 airlines are scheduled to complete their move by mid-June.

The HK$12.9 billion ($1.65 billion) expansion project equips T2 with 108 check-in counters, 68 self-service baggage drop kiosks, and 15 smart security screening lanes. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) reported smooth morning operations and expects approximately 4,200 passengers to use the facility on its opening day. Arrival facilities at T2 are slated to begin operations within 2027, at which point the terminal will be fully operational.

HKIA recorded 61 million passenger movements in 2025, representing year-on-year growth of approximately 15 percent. Once fully commissioned, T2 will handle 30 million passengers annually, bringing the combined capacity of Terminals 1 and 2 to 100 million passengers per year.

The terminal’s reopening carries direct implications for Macau, which depends heavily on HKIA as a gateway for international visitors. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is currently running its free direct coach ticket program from HKIA’s SkyPier to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The scheme, launched on January 20th and following similar initiatives in 2024 and 2025, runs through December 31st and is available to non-Greater China residents.

Habanero expands portfolio with Chinese mythology-themed slot Nuwa Deluxe

AGBrief Editorial
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Habanero expands portfolio with Chinese mythology-themed slot Nuwa Deluxe

Premium slots and table games provider Habanero has released Nuwa Deluxe, a 5×3 slot inspired by Chinese mythology that introduces a variable payline system alongside a progression-based free spins bonus.  

Taking inspiration from the Chinese goddess of creation, the title pairs a tranquil Asian theme with unpredictable gameplay to keep momentum building with each spin.  

At the heart of the base game is a variable payline system that upgrades randomly on any spin, moving from 28 up to 38, 58 or 88 active paylines. Each upgrade opens up more winning combinations across the board, ramping up excitement even at the base game.

Habanero expands portfolio with Chinese mythology-themed slot Nuwa Deluxe
Habanero expands portfolio with Chinese mythology-themed slot Nuwa Deluxe

Expanding Wilds which cover the entire first and third on reels are added as a further engagement layer, significantly boosting win potential on any given spin. 

The Free Games round introduces a collection mechanic built around five element symbols. Landing all five during the round unlocks Super Free Games, a second-tier bonus where full-reel Wilds are guaranteed on two reels on every spin.

The release follows recent launches Steampunk Plinko and Raiden Shogun as Habanero continues to broaden the themes and mechanics across its growing portfolio. In addition, Nuwa Deluxe supports Habanero’s Jackpot Race and Buy Feature, giving operators the tools to tailor the experience for different player profiles.

The release follows recent launches Steampunk Plinko and Raiden Shogun as Habanero continues to broaden the themes and mechanics across its growing portfolio.
The release follows recent launches Steampunk Plinko and Raiden Shogun as Habanero continues to broaden the themes and mechanics across its growing portfolio.
The release follows recent launches Steampunk Plinko and Raiden Shogun as Habanero continues to broaden the themes and mechanics across its growing portfolio.

Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero, commented: “Nuwa Deluxe is an exciting new release that boasts a variable payline system to keep engagement high at the base game, while the element collection mechanic in free spins gives players something to work towards beyond simply triggering the bonus. The Super Free Games tier is where the action really kicks in with guaranteed full-reel Wilds on every spin. It is another strong addition to our portfolio and one we expect to have a genuine impact with players.” 

Yaspa appoints industry veteran Justin Fears as US Sales Director 

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Yaspa appoints industry veteran Justin Fears as US Sales Director 

Yaspa, a leading fintech specializing in payments and identity solutions, has appointed Justin Fears as US Director of Enterprise Sales to spearhead its strategic commercial growth across North America amid rapid international expansion.

Based out of Yaspa’s Atlanta office, Fears will be responsible for supporting the company expansion throughout North America, helping gaming operators modernise payment experiences through real-time bank payments, intelligent transaction solutions, and next-generation payment innovation. He will work closely with Yaspa’s recently bolstered US and global commercial leadership teams to scale strategic partnerships and market adoption.

A US Air Force veteran with over 18 years of specialized experience in gaming-focused fintech and AML compliance, Fears has held senior leadership roles at prominent organizations like First Data Corporation and Kinectify, where he notably expanded the adoption of AI-driven compliance solutions for the casino industry.

“We’re delighted to welcome Justin to the team as we accelerate our footprint in the US market,” said James Neville, CEO of Yaspa. “His deep operational understanding of gaming-focused financial infrastructure, compliance technologies, and enterprise sales leadership makes him an incredible asset. Justin’s appointment further strengthens our local team and underscores our commitment to helping North American operators lower costs, reduce fraud, and elevate the player experience through open banking.”

Speaking on his new position, Justin Fears added: “I’m excited to join Yaspa at such an important stage in the company’s growth journey. The combination of open banking, innovative payment solutions, and intelligent transaction data represents a significant opportunity within the US iGaming market, particularly as operators continue to prioritise player experience, fraud reduction, and payment efficiency. Yaspa has built an innovative platform uniquely positioned to support the evolving needs of regulated operators, and I look forward to helping expand the company’s presence and strategic partnerships across the US.”

Yaspa takes home Best Payment Solution at SBC Awards Europe 2026

In the last 12 months, Yaspa was named winner of the Real-Time Payments Innovation award at the 2025 Payments Awards and one of the CB Insights Top 100 Fintechs, a global ranking that spotlights the most promising and innovative companies shaping the future of financial services. 

This comes during a period of sustained growth for Yaspa in the past 18 months and closed a $12m investment round in July, led by Discerning Capital. This growth has culminated in the opening of its new Atlanta office in the US, as well as the opening of its tech hub in Leeds, UK, in August 2025.

Meet the 1xAffiliates team at SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

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Meet the 1xAffiliates team at SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

The 1xAffiliates team will participate in SiGMA Asia 2026, the leading industry event for the Asian region, which will take place on June 2–3 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila (Philippines).

The forum will bring together 16,000 delegates, 3,100 operators, 1,300 affiliates, and over 250 speakers, with 25% of attendees being C-level top managers.

Asia is one of the priority markets for 1xAffiliates, and participating in SiGMA Asia is a logical extension of the brand’s strategy to establish a presence in the region. The brand’s team looks forward to meeting with current and potential partners to present its partnership terms: over 250 payment methods, lifetime commissions of up to 50% RevShare, and flexible payment models.

Up to 70% of registered users make their first deposit, ensuring maximum traffic monetization for affiliates. Each affiliate gains access to personalized landing pages, promo codes, exclusive promo materials, and support from a dedicated personal manager. The brand has been operating in the market for over 10 years and is present in more than 150 countries. All of this makes 1xAffiliates one of the best affiliate programs on the market.

Learn more about 1xAffiliates’ partnership opportunities by contacting your manager and scheduling a meeting at SiGMA Asia 2026.

BetConstruct AI is bringing its full AI suite to SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

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BetConstruct AI is bringing its full AI suite to SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

BetConstruct AI has announced its participation in SiGMA Asia 2026 (June 2–3, Manila, Philippines, Stand 2572), one of Asia’s most consequential iGaming events, which draws operators, affiliates, and decision-makers defining where the regional market goes next.

The centerpiece at BetConstruct’s stand will be the Best Sportsbook for the World Cup 2026. Special Bets, Powerfull, and Bet on League form a tournament-ready package that operators can activate immediately — no development cycles, no platform risk.

New partners unlock a 50% discount on the platform setup from day one, 100% Core Suite Access free for the first 3 months (50% off for months 4–12), and third-party tools at 51% off for the first 3 months.

Alongside the World Cup offer, the company will be showcasing the full AI Suite — CRM AI, Umbrella AI, AI Game Recommendation System, and Betting Mate AI — covering everything from churn prediction and risk consolidation to personalised casino experiences and conversational sportsbook engagement.

The foundation: the Sportsbook Platform with 140,000+ pre-match events and 90,000+ live matches monthly, the Casino Platform with 45,000+ games from 350+ providers via a single API, and the Affigates Affiliate Ecosystem with 7,000+ vetted affiliates and AI-based scoring.

Altenar upgrades sportsbook platform for enhanced personalization and engagement

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Altenar upgrades sportsbook platform for enhanced personalization and engagement

Altenar has introduced new sportsbook product updates designed to improve personalization, campaign automation, and betting flexibility for operators and players.

The latest release expands Bet Builder capabilities, enhances promotional automation and introduces new tools that allow operators to deliver more tailored sportsbook experiences across multiple player segments.

Among the key updates is the launch of Player Tags, giving operators greater control over audience segmentation and campaign management. Tags can be created, edited and assigned in bulk, while integration with Bet Cards and Boosted Odds allows operators to automatically display more relevant promotions and betting content to different player groups.

Additional sportsbook updates include:

  • Expanded Basketball Bet Builder Markets – Added new pre-match basketball selections including player blocks, steals, double-doubles, triple-doubles and highest-scoring quarter markets, increasing betting variety and personalization options.
  • Bet Builder Direct Calculation – Allows players to combine compatible selections directly from market groups without switching to a dedicated Bet Builder view, creating a faster and more flexible betting flow.
  • Bet Builder Bundles – Introduces structured betting paths that group related selections together, improving usability and helping players build more engaging bets.
  • Auto-generated Boost Campaigns – Automates boost creation using predefined rules and pick logic, reducing manual setup time and accelerating promotional campaign delivery.
  • Popular Bet Builders & Bet Cards Automation – Uses Altenar Intelligence Services (AIS) integration to automatically populate promotional content and keep sportsbook recommendations continuously refreshed.
  • New Sport Lobby Structure – Delivers a redesigned navigation system with configurable category groupings and improved event discoverability across sportsbook sections.
  • Early Payout Expansion for Ice Hockey – Extends early payout functionality to Ice Hockey 1×2 markets, providing additional engagement opportunities for players.
  • LMT & Scoreboard Integration – Enhances live betting experiences with richer real-time match tracking and scoreboard functionality powered by data.bet.

Commenting on the platform enhancement, Nikos Zygouris, Head of Sportsbook Product at Altenar, said: “Flexibility remains central to how we develop our sportsbook technology. We continuously monitor player behaviour, operator needs, and market trends to ensure our platform evolves in the areas that deliver the most value. These updates are designed to help operators create more personalized experiences, automate key processes and give players greater flexibility throughout the sportsbook journey.”

Jefferies flags ‘tougher’ setup for Macau gaming through 2026 as growth comparisons bite

Viviana Chan
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Jefferies flags ‘tougher’ setup for Macau gaming through 2026 as growth comparisons bite

Based on industry checks, Jefferies said daily gaming revenue for the remainder of May is expected to range from MOP650 million ($81.1 million) to MOP750 million ($93.5 million), implying full-month GGR of MOP21.8 billion ($2.72 billion) to MOP22.4 billion ($2.79 billion). That compares with the market’s expectation of 6.3 percent year-on-year growth and Jefferies’ own forecast of 4 percent growth.

‘The more modest GGR growth estimate for May compared with the prior week (+3%-+5% vs. +4%-+11%) should be a modest negative for shares in the sector,’ Jefferies analysts wrote. ‘Our expectation that comparisons become increasingly challenging through 2026, which in part drives our measured enthusiasm, is playing out.’

According to Jefferies’ industry sources and checks, Macau’s gaming revenue averaged MOP656 million ($81.8 million) per day for the eight days ending May 25th. That was 5 percent lower week-on-week, despite Hong Kong’s Buddha’s Birthday holiday long weekend from May 23rd to May 25th, and 4 percent below the average daily revenue recorded for May 2026.

Month-to-date mass and VIP revenue were up 8 percent to 10 percent and 10 percent to 12 percent month-on-month, respectively, while the VIP win rate was tracking below the normal range at 2.6 percent to 2.8 percent.

The brokerage said the latest indication is modestly negative for the sector, given expectations of growth in May before more difficult comparisons in June.

Jefferies also noted that premium mass remains the main driver of market growth, favoring Wynn Macau and Galaxy Entertainment due to their positioning in the segment. It said Wynn and Galaxy should continue gaining share in premium mass, while other operators are expected to remain stable or face greater competitive pressure.

On policy, Jefferies highlighted Macau’s consultation draft for its Third Five-Year Plan for 2026 to 2030, which aims to raise the non-gaming share of GDP from 56.7 percent in 2024 to about 60 percent by 2030. The brokerage said this effectively marks a two-year delay from the previous 2028 target under Macau’s diversification plan.

The draft plan also includes goals to grow overall GDP, raise median monthly income for locally employed residents, and commit at least MOP18 billion ($2.24 billion) toward technology and innovation infrastructure.

CreedRoomz brings Ronaldinho to Yerevan to unveil new live casino games

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CreedRoomz brings Ronaldinho to Yerevan to unveil new live casino games

CreedRoomz, the live casino pioneer, has welcomed global football icon Ronaldinho Gaúcho to Yerevan to officially unveil a massive multi-game collaborative project, marking a groundbreaking fusion of next-generation igaming technology and elite sports culture.

Bringing the collaboration to life, Ronaldinho made a spectacular personal appearance at the state-of-the-art CreedRoomz headquarters and filming studios in Yerevan. Walking through the floor, the football legend immersed himself in the tech ecosystem, engaging directly with the development teams, signed custom corporate assets.

His presence electrified the studio floor as he collaborated with the live dealers and production crews, ensuring his authentic energy, signature smiles, and unmatched charisma are embedded into every single frame of the live player experience.

The exclusive partnership marks a monumental shift in the entertainment landscape, merging Ronaldinho’s legendary flair with CreedRoomz’s industry-leading live gaming ecosystem to debut two brand-new, highly anticipated titles: Kickoff Roulette and Marble Cup.

  • Kickoff Roulette: A high-octane live roulette experience that transforms the traditional casino roulette game into a stadium-sized event. Infused with Ronaldinho’s personal style, rhythm, and signature voiceovers, the game delivers an unmatched, immersive athletic energy to the screen.
  • Marble Cup: A fast-paced, high-tech live game show set in a dynamic football-themed studio. Merging the nostalgic thrills of fast-track racing with diverse, modern live betting opportunities, the game allows players to experience high-stakes competition right alongside the Master himself.

This collaboration isn’t just a brand endorsement, it is a complete creative integration. By bringing the world’s most charismatic footballer directly into the live studio environment, CreedRoomz is breaking traditional boundaries to capture the hearts of both hardcore sports fans and casino players globally.

“It is amazing to be here. The incredible Yerevan energy and the warm welcome at the office have been fantastic. Stepping onto this digital pitch is a thrill because these are totally unique games. I am proud to be the ambassador for these games,” said Ronaldinho during the interview. 

By capitalizing on the massive global momentum ahead of major football tournaments, CreedRoomz and Ronaldinho have built an ecosystem designed for high engagement, viral cross-platform challenges, and premium player retention.

PAGCOR launches 24/7 problem gambling helpline

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PAGCOR launches 24/7 problem gambling helpline

The helpline, available at 02-8248-9568, connects callers directly to trained counselors for confidential support and counseling. The program is being implemented in partnership with Seagulls Flock Organization Inc. (SFO), which provides mental health, counseling, addiction treatment, and behavioral wellness services.

pagcor
pagcor
pagcor

In a keynote speech read by Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Daniel Cecilio, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the initiative forms part of the regulator’s responsible gaming and player protection efforts.

“This National Problem Gambling Helpline that we are launching today reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to ensure that the gaming industry remains productive, well-governed, humane, and accountable,” Tengco said.

He said gambling is a form of leisure and recreation for many people, but can lead to “financial strain and ruin, emotional distress, damaged relationships, and isolation” for others. Tengco added that responses to problem gambling should be based not only on regulation, but also on compassion.

The NPGH will provide immediate assistance, psychological support, and referrals through para-counselors and mental health professionals. It will focus on guidance, triage, and long-term support, following referral protocols for crisis situations.

SFO chairperson Teresita “Chit” Castillo said the helpline is the first round-the-clock hotline dedicated to gambling-related problems. She said the partnership helps connect regulatory efforts with evidence-based interventions, including counseling and referrals to treatment and rehabilitation centers.

A graduation ceremony for NPGH para-counselors was held before the launch. Castillo said the counselors underwent training in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical skills, technical call handling, and dealing with irate callers.

The helpline currently has 12 para-counselors working across 3 shifts per day.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: PAGCOR sets July deadline for B2B accreditation

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: PAGCOR sets July deadline for B2B accreditation
Good morning. The clock is ticking in Manila. PAGCOR has drawn a hard line: B2B gaming providers that miss the May 31st accreditation filing — or fail to wrap up all requirements by July 31st — will see their systems decommissioned from August 1st. Gaming system administrators caught working with non-compliant partners face sanctions of their own. Meanwhile, S&P knocked Universal Entertainment’s outlook down to negative, pointing to a Philippine casino arm dragging EBITDA well below earlier forecasts. And in Macau, SJM’s Daisy Ho says Hotel Lisboa and Grand Lisboa will merge into one complex by 2027.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

PAGCOR

PAGCOR warns B2B suppliers over compliance deadlines

PAGCOR’s latest memorandum marks another step in its year-long overhaul of iGaming regulation, bringing B2B suppliers under direct accreditation. Contracted providers must submit applications by May 31st and complete documentation, probity checks, inspections, system testing and cash deposit requirements by July 31st, 2026. Failure to comply will trigger decommissioning from August 1st and possible sanctions for GSAs using non-compliant entities.

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO for GR8 Tech

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.

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