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Time is money, Rolex GMT-Master II is recognition: How to hit 200 FTD and become legend in Yerevan

AGBrief Editorial
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Time is money, Rolex GMT-Master II is recognition: How to hit 200 FTD and become legend in Yerevan

On May 25–27, the Affiliate Conference MAC will turn Yerevan into the world capital of traffic arbitrage. While thousands of MAC participants fill lounge areas and local bars, the industry’s real value will be measured elsewhere. At the center of events, at the closed giveaway final from 1xAffiliates, only those who managed to turn their experience into real numbers will gather.

The event goes beyond regular networking. It becomes a real proof of leadership, high status, and professional achievement, with the legendary Rolex GMT-Master II watch as the main prize.

Yerevan

This is the choice of global celebrities such as Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benjamin Affleck-Boldt, and others. The watch represents global thinking and the ability to stay in touch with events anywhere in the world. Its Oystersteel case and signature Cerachrom ceramic bezel make it almost timeless, just like high-quality traffic that delivers steady income.

The giveaway of iconic watches will take place among five shortlisted participants. The path to the season’s main trophy and participation in the closed 1xAffiliates event consists of three stages.

Stage 1. Qualification round (March 15 – April 14)

To enter the pool of candidates, the partner must bring in at least 200 new users (FTD) within one month.

Stage 2. X-Chance accumulation: scaling up the chances (from April 15)

Every additional 10 FTD is converted into a virtual ticket – X-Chance.

Stage 3. Grand final in Armenia (May 25–27)

The culmination of the marathon will take place in Yerevan at the MAC conference. Based on the final statistics, the top contenders will be selected, leaders in accumulated X-Chance. The winner’s name will be announced at the closed 1xAffiliates evening at the end of May. In addition to the award ceremony, the event will serve as a platform for sharing insights and analyzing key performance cases that helped participants reach finalist status.

Guaranteed profit: Game with no losers

We’re making the path to the final even more enjoyable! Every week, active partners take part in a 2,000 USDT giveaway. Stay sharp, performance has its own reward.

The organizers from 1xAffiliates built the event on a system where it is impossible to end up in a loss. Every finalist will be guaranteed a crypto wallet with a balance of 3,000 USDT.

In the iGaming niche, time is a resource that grows more valuable every minute. Only a short time remains until the final countdown. It is being decided who the participant in the Yerevan conference will be: a spectator in the hall watching colleagues’ success, or the main star of the evening on stage.

April 14 is the deadline. Those who manage to reach the required 200 FTD will secure their place in the history of our brand.

Your time is valuable, but the Rolex GMT-Master II is capital that can be passed down through generations. See you in Yerevan, where numbers turn into legends. Don’t delay registration: join today – we also give away an additional 2,000 USDT every week!

Ainsworth bidder flags governance concerns, pushes board and dividend reforms

Viviana Chan
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Ainsworth bidder flags governance concerns, pushes board and dividend reforms

Kjerulf Ainsworth has raised governance concerns at Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) while advancing proposals for board changes and dividend reform, as part of his ongoing takeover bid for a 5.5 percent stake. 

In a second supplementary bidder’s statement released on Tuesday, Kjerulf Ainsworth outlined his position on upcoming shareholder resolutions and confirmed his offer will remain open until April 27th at 7pm Sydney time unless extended or withdrawn.

Kjerulf Ainsworth said he would support a proposed amendment to tighten director remuneration and disclosure requirements, describing it as a “positive” step for governance. However, he opposed a separate resolution to renew proportional takeover provisions, arguing it could “restrict the ability of other parties… to offer AGT shareholders an opportunity” to sell shares and may entrench existing control.

In parallel, he has nominated former AGT chief executive Lawrence Levy as an independent non-executive director, with the intention of later supporting his appointment as chairman. 

Kjerulf Ainsworth said Levy would bring “valuable continuity and strategic insight” to the company’s next phase of development.

Kjerulf Ainsworth also signaled plans to push for a constitutional amendment to mandate dividend payments, noting that the company has not paid dividends since October 2018 despite reporting growth. He said the continued withholding of returns “raises a legitimate question” about whether the board has appropriately balanced reinvestment and shareholder returns.

The developments come amid a long-running control contest with Novomatic, AGT’s majority shareholder since 2018. Kjerulf Ainsworth, a significant minority investor and son of founder Len Ainsworth, has consistently opposed efforts to consolidate ownership, positioning his bid as a move to improve governance and protect shareholder value.

Hong Kong suspends basketball betting rollout citing prediction market risks

Viviana Chan
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Hong Kong suspends basketball betting rollout citing prediction market risks

Hong Kong authorities have suspended plans to introduce regulated basketball betting, citing concerns that the move could encourage greater participation in illegal gambling linked to rapidly growing “prediction markets.”

The government said it would halt the initiative and conduct further study to safeguard public interest. The decision comes as the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said on Monday night that, under current conditions, launching basketball betting would likely attract more attention to unregulated prediction market platforms. Officials warned that such platforms, particularly those involving sports wagering, could indirectly fuel illegal gambling activities.

Officials added that the rapid development of prediction markets has introduced significant uncertainty to the gambling landscape. Data cited by the government showed global trading volume reached $64 billion in 2025, up 300 percent from $16 billion in 2024, while monthly volumes surged from less than $100 million at the start of 2024 to more than $13 billion by the end of 2025.

In the coming years, monthly trading volumes are projected to increase fivefold by 2030, with more than 40 percent of activity expected to be linked to sports-related events. Authorities said that, given these trends, introducing basketball betting at this stage could draw more users toward illegal prediction market platforms and indirectly support unregulated activity.

[Read more: When a wager is not a wager: inside the prediction market revolution

“Given the latest developments, there is a need to further study the operation of prediction markets and related platforms,” a spokesperson said. “To protect public interest, new gambling initiatives should not proceed until the necessary conditions are in place.”

Hong Kong legalizes basketball betting

Legislative groundwork for basketball betting

Hong Kong had previously moved toward legalizing basketball betting through legislative changes aimed at channeling demand into a regulated framework. In September 2025, the Legislative Council passed the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing a 50 percent tax on net stake receipts, in line with the existing rate for soccer wagering.

The bill cleared its third reading with 77 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions among 83 lawmakers present. The legislation empowers the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue licenses for basketball betting, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club widely expected to serve as the sole licensed operator under a model similar to horse racing and football betting.

Authorities said the proposal was not primarily intended to generate government revenue, but to establish a regulated channel to curb illegal gambling. Estimates cited during the legislative process suggested that unauthorized basketball betting turnover could reach as much as HK$90 billion ($11.47 billion) annually.

HKJC-Hong Kong Jockey Club

According to projections by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the introduction of legal basketball betting could generate annual turnover of around HK$28 billion ($3.57 billion) once fully implemented. This would translate into approximately HK$1.5 billion ($191 million) in annual betting duty for the government under the proposed tax structure.

In response to media inquiries, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said it acknowledged the government’s decision and would cooperate with the review. The operator added it would await further instructions regarding any future licensing arrangements.

How prediction markets work

Prediction markets are platforms that allow users to trade on the likelihood of future events, effectively turning forecasts into financial positions. Participants can bet on a wide range of outcomes, including political developments, economic indicators, and sports results such as match winners or championship outcomes.

Unlike traditional sports betting, where odds are set by an operator, prediction markets function more like exchanges. Prices are driven by supply and demand, reflecting the collective view of participants on the probability of an event. Contracts are typically priced from zero to 100, indicating the perceived percentage chance of an outcome.

For example, a contract on whether a team will win a major tournament may trade at 75, implying a 75 percent probability. If the outcome occurs, the contract settles at 100; if not, it falls to zero. Prices can shift rapidly in response to new information, such as injuries or match performance, allowing users to adjust positions in real time.

Most platforms enable continuous trading and often operate using blockchain technology, facilitating cross-border participation and, in some cases, anonymous transactions. Widely used platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi have gained prominence in recent years, with similar structures increasingly applied to sports outcomes, raising regulatory concerns over potential unlicensed betting activity. The structure of such platforms has also raised concerns over regulatory gaps, particularly in jurisdictions where existing gambling laws may not fully apply.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau revenue climbs, costs weigh on earnings

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau revenue climbs, costs weigh on earnings
Good morning. Revenue up, margins down. Macau’s gaming sector is showing strong top-line recovery, but profitability is under pressure as premium-driven demand raises reinvestment needs and compresses margins. Earnings growth is expected to lag revenue, highlighting a shift in the industry’s financial profile. Meanwhile, a parallel forecast suggests EBITDA will still rise, though a less favorable VIP mix and hold rates continue to weigh on margins. The industry is holding up, but the cost of growth is rising as operators compete more aggressively for high-value customers.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau, cotai-strip, Gaming revenue, Macau GGR, gaming operators, gaming industry, Macau dasino operators

Premium-led recovery squeezes Macau margins

Macau’s gaming sector is expected to post solid revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong premium demand. However, rising costs associated with high-value players, including rebates and reinvestment, are likely to weigh on profitability. EBITDA growth is projected to lag revenue expansion, with margins declining from previous levels. Analysts highlight that normalized VIP win rates and intensifying competition will limit earnings upside, placing greater focus on operators’ ability to maintain efficiency.

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IGSA establishes new GSA Africa regional office in Nigeria

AGBrief Editorial
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IGSA establishes new GSA Africa regional office in Nigeria

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has announced the opening of its new GSA Africa regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, reinforcing its mission to collaborate closely with operators, regulators, and suppliers worldwide.

IGSA President Mark Pace shared that the launch of GSA Africa underscores the association’s commitment to supporting gaming stakeholders across Africa. Nigeria’s rapid regulatory growth and Lagos’s role as the country’s economic center were cited as key reasons for selecting the city as the site of the new office.

Mark Pace, IGSA
Mark Pace
Nimish-Purohit-chair-of-IGSA-International-Gaming-Standards-Association-
Nimish Purohit

Nimish Purohit, Chairman of the IGSA Board of Directors, shared, “On behalf of the IGSA Board of Directors, I am very pleased to see IGSA expand its reach and develop stronger ties to the African gaming market. We are opening GSA Africa in recognition of the growing regulated gaming market on the continent, as well as our desire to partner with regulators, operators, and suppliers there to understand Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities that can benefit from Standards and Best Practices. IGSA is always incorporating updates from the newest jurisdictions, and Africa’s diversified jurisdictions give us a chance to also enhance our global standards.”

F.K. Fayad, Managing Director of GSA Africa, also highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating “The launch of GSA Africa marks an important milestone in the evolution of the gaming industry across the continent. Africa stands as one of the most dynamic and high-potential markets globally, and with this growth comes a shared responsibility to ensure it is underpinned by robust regulatory frameworks, technological integrity, and adherence to international best practices. Through GSA Africa, we are committed to working closely with regulators, operators, and industry stakeholders to support sustainable development, strengthen regulatory capabilities, and foster an ecosystem where innovation is balanced with transparency, accountability, and trust.”

Bashir Are, CEO of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, stated that hosting the GSA Africa office in Lagos is an honor and emphasized the Authority’s commitment to collaborating on Standards and Best Practices to strengthen gaming regulation and industry development across the continent.

Mark Pace of IGSA added that the organization aims to support the African market in adopting and benefiting from technology‑driven standard processes and procedures that have already proven successful in other jurisdictions.

Korea Sports Leisure rolls out reward scheme to target illegal betting networks

Frank Schuengel
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Korea Sports Leisure rolls out reward scheme to target illegal betting networks

South Korea’s Korea Sports Leisure Co. Ltd. has introduced a rewards-based reporting system aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal sports gambling, offering payouts of up to KRW200 million ($135,000) for information leading to confirmed violations.

The initiative operates through the company’s Illegal Sports Toto Reporting Center and is positioned as a tool to encourage public participation in identifying unlawful betting activity. Reports can be submitted via an online portal or by phone and may relate to a broad spectrum of offenses, including illegal gambling websites, operators, users and those involved in promoting or facilitating such activities.

Under the scheme, the highest rewards – up to KRW200 million ($135,000) – are reserved for reports linked to the operation of illegal sports gambling businesses. Separate incentives are offered for other categories, including up to KRW50 million ($33,500) for information related to match-fixing involving Sports Toto events. Lower-tier rewards of up to KRW15 million ($10,000) apply to reports concerning activities such as using, promoting or brokering illegal gambling operations, as well as providing related sports data or technical systems.

The reporting framework also includes specific provisions for identifying illegal gambling websites. Users submitting such reports are required to verify their identity, provide the relevant URL and include supporting information such as login credentials or referral data, alongside evidence. Following review by the Korea Communications Commission, successful submissions may receive KRW15,000 ($10) per case, capped at KRW1.5 million ($1,000) per individual.

However, the company noted that in cases where illegal gambling platforms rapidly replicate themselves using multiple domains, rewards may only be granted to the first individual to report a particular site. This reflects the challenges authorities face in tackling operators that deploy cloning and URL-generation techniques to evade enforcement.

In addition to website reporting, the system allows submissions relating to bank accounts used by illegal gambling operators. These reports carry a fixed reward of KRW100,000 ($67) per case, with no stated cap on the number of eligible submissions. Korea Sports Leisure said participants must provide a valid, registered mobile phone number, as notifications and reward outcomes are communicated via SMS. The requirement forms part of the verification process for handling and confirming reports.

The company framed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to curb illegal gambling activity by embedding public reporting into the enforcement framework. According to a company representative, voluntary citizen participation is viewed as a critical component in efforts to disrupt illegal sports betting networks and mitigate associated harm.

Vietnam’s Hai Phong to redevelop Do Son casino into $85M integrated resort: report

AGBrief Editorial
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Vietnam’s Hai Phong to redevelop Do Son casino into $85M integrated resort: report

Vietnam’s Hai Phong is planning to redevelop the historic Do Son Casino into a VND2.11 trillion ($85 million) integrated resort, according to local media reports.

The project will be led by Hai Phong International Tourism Joint Venture Company Limited and is expected to begin construction in the coming months.

The redevelopment, named the “Hai Phong International Convention, Trade and Tourism Center,” will cover nearly 25 hectares. The project will feature a design inspired by a gold bar, aimed at maximizing sea views and showing the area’s economic development.

Planned facilities include a casino with approximately 600 electronic gaming machines and a nine-story, five-star hotel with 180 rooms. The development will also include a conference center with capacity for up to 1,000 delegates, supporting the city’s efforts to expand its meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Construction is expected to coincide with local events, including Hai Phong Liberation Day in May 2026.

Local authorities view the redevelopment of the Do Son site, which has seen limited activity since the pandemic, as part of broader efforts to support tourism and business travel, with the aim of enhancing the city’s position as a regional destination.

GoldenRace, Spinmatic & Playlogiq mark successful 5-year partnership

AGBrief Editorial
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GoldenRace, Spinmatic & Playlogiq mark successful 5-year partnership

GoldenRace, a leader in Virtual Sports and betting solutions, and Spinmatic, a creator of premium casino content, are celebrating five years of successful collaboration with Playlogiq—one of their strongest and longest‑running partnerships.

Since January 7th, 2021, GoldenRace and Spinmatic have been working hand-in-hand with the Playlogiq team to deliver top-tier gaming experiences across the globe. It has been more than five years of shared goals, technical synergy and—most importantly—unbeatable results.

This partnership has been a primary engine for growth within the African continent. By leveraging Playlogiq’s robust platform and GoldenRace and Spinmatic industry-leading content, they have successfully provided operators with a competitive edge that resonates with local players.

While the agreement reach is broad, the companies have seen exceptional success in East Africa, where the appetite for high-quality, fast-paced betting content continues to skyrocket. By focusing on online and mobile offerings, they have tapped into the heart of the modern African betting market, where accessibility and performance are the keys to high traffic volumes.

Martin Wachter, GoldenRace
Martin Wachter

“Our collaboration with Playlogiq has always been about more than just a business transaction; it is a very strong and productive relationship between two companies that share a drive for excellence. By offering our full suite of verticals, Playlogiq has proven to be a vital partner in our mission to dominate key markets in Africa.”

Martin Wachter, GoldenRace CEO & Founder

One of the hallmarks of this relationship is Playlogiq’s commitment to innovation, as they’re always among the first to integrate and deploy GoldenRace and Spinmatic latest releases, ensuring their operators have access to a diverse and thrilling portfolio.

“Working with GoldenRace and Spinmatic since 2021 has allowed us to consistently provide our operators with the most engaging content on the market. The traffic we see, particularly through mobile and online channels, is a testament to the quality of the games. We’ve seen Spinmatic become our most successful product line by far, with the Sizzling Blaze series generating incredible engagement across the board.”

Baha Yahya, CEO of Playlogiq

The Spinmatic product line has emerged as the undisputed champion of this partnership. It is, by a significant margin, the most successful product line provided to Playlogiq.

While Spinmatic slots are currently leading the charge, GoldenRace Virtual Sports remain a staple of the Playlogiq offering. They provide a consistent, reliable revenue stream and are particularly beloved by sports betting enthusiasts.

What makes this partnership truly special isn’t just the GGR or the traffic stats—it’s the very strong relationship between the companies, which speak the same language when it comes to quality and share a common vision for the future of igaming.

Premium-led recovery weighs on Macau gaming margins despite strong demand

Viviana Chan
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Premium-led recovery weighs on Macau gaming margins despite strong demand

Macau’s gaming sector is expected to post solid revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026, but rising costs tied to high-value players are likely to weigh on profitability, signaling a shift in the industry’s earnings profile, according to CLSA.

The brokerage forecasts sector-wide EBITDA to reach $2.07 billion in 1Q26, representing a 7 percent year-on-year increase, supported by a 14 percent rise in gross gaming revenue (GGR). However, the slower pace of earnings growth relative to revenue highlights mounting margin pressure linked to a premium-driven recovery.

Macau-GGR-March-2026

Sector margins are also expected to decline, with EBITDA margins projected at around 25.3 percent for the quarter, compared with levels above 27 percent in previous periods, reflecting the higher cost base associated with premium play.

‘Amid premium-led growth, we do not expect margins to expand,’ CLSA said, noting that VIP win rates are unlikely to exceed normalized levels due to ongoing competition.

Analysts said demand is increasingly driven by higher-value players, requiring greater incentives such as rebates and reinvestment spending. This has become a key factor limiting earnings conversion, even as headline gaming volumes continue to recover.

Channel checks cited in the report indicate that VIP win rates remained largely within or below the normal range of around 3.0 to 3.3 percent during the quarter, reducing the likelihood of margin upside from favorable hold.

‘With Macau’s strong headline GGR growth, a key focus will be how effectively this can be translated into earnings growth,’ the report said, adding that luck-adjusted margins remain a key indicator of operators’ spending efficiency.

Competitive dynamics are also intensifying, with larger concessionaires stepping up reinvestment programs to capture premium demand. This has increased pressure on peers to match incentives, raising the overall cost of acquiring and retaining customers across the market.

Macau, cotai-strip, Gaming revenue, Macau GGR, gaming operators, gaming industry, Macau dasino operators

At the operator level, Sands China is expected to lead market share at around 26.5 percent in 1Q26, followed by Galaxy Entertainment at approximately 20.8 percent, pointing to continued concentration among leading operators.

Ahead of first-quarter earnings releases, analysts revised their earnings forecasts across the sector, trimming EBITDA projections to reflect updated assumptions on operating expenses, rebates, and non-gaming revenue, even as revenue expectations remain broadly intact.

Target prices were lowered across most operators, although CLSA maintained Galaxy Entertainment and Sands China as its top picks, citing balance sheet strength and dividend visibility. Wynn Macau was downgraded to ‘Hold,’ reflecting limited earnings upside under the current operating environment.

Zitro brings FANTASY cabinet line to the Casino Operators Summit in Greece

AGBrief Editorial
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Zitro brings FANTASY cabinet line to the Casino Operators Summit in Greece

Zitro will be present at the upcoming Casino Operators Summit, taking place April 21–23, 2026, in Greece, where the global gaming supplier will showcase its standout FANTASY cabinet and top‑performing title Brave Dragon at the country’s premier industry gathering.

The company will host a dedicated showcase space where operators can meet the Zitro team and experience firsthand the FANTASY cabinet and ‘Brave Dragon’, the proven performer that has been resonating with players across markets worldwide.

Brave Dragon joins ZITRO’s FANTASY cabinet portfolio following Gold Space debut

Greece has emerged as an increasingly important market for Zitro, one where the company has built strong relationships with leading operators and seen its footprint grow steadily in recent years. The Casino Operators Summit represents an ideal platform to deepen those connections, exchange insights with key industry players, and continue building the partnerships that drive long-term success in the region.

At the showcase space, attendees will have the opportunity to discover why FANTASY has become one of Zitro’s most consistent success stories, delivering strong performance results that operators across multiple regions have come to rely on.

Sebastián Salat, President – International at Zitro, underscored the importance of joining the event, stating: “The Casino Operators Summit is a key moment for us to reinforce our commitment to the Greek market and connect with leading industry operators. It is a region we are genuinely invested in, and we look forward to meeting operators, showcasing what FANTASY brings to the floor, and continuing to strengthen the partnerships we have built here.”

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