Home Blog Page 85

Australian Gamblers unveils new toolkit for evaluating online casino bonuses

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Australian Gamblers unveils new toolkit for evaluating online casino bonuses

Australian Gamblers – a platform focused on new-player guides, gambling strategies, and casino reviews – has launched a new suite of analytical tools designed to help players better understand the true value of casino bonuses and promotions.

The new toolkit includes a bonus wagering calculator, bonus contribution calculator, and a free spins comparison tool, all designed to translate complex bonus terms into clear, actionable numbers for players.

The tools are now available through the platform’s casino tools section and are part of the site’s broader mission to help players make informed decisions when choosing online casinos.

Casino bonuses often appear generous at first glance, but conditions such as wagering requirements, game contribution rules, and maximum win caps can significantly affect their actual value. According to Australian Gamblers, many players struggle to interpret these terms, which are typically buried deep within promotional conditions.

The new tools aim to simplify that process.

The bonus wagering calculator allows players to estimate how much they must wager before they are eligible to withdraw bonus winnings. By entering details such as deposit amount, bonus size, and wagering requirements, players can instantly see the total playthrough required before cashout.

Meanwhile, the bonus contribution calculator provides insight into how different games contribute toward wagering requirements. Since many casino games count differently toward bonus clearing — with slots typically contributing more than table games — the calculator helps players understand how their gameplay choices affect their progress toward completing wagering conditions.

The third tool focuses on comparing promotional offers that include free spins. The free spins bonus comparison tool allows players to enter multiple offers and calculate which promotion provides the most potential value based on terms such as wagering requirements and maximum payout limits.

According to Australian Gamblers, the development of the tools was driven by the growing complexity of online casino bonuses and the increasing number of promotional structures offered by operators.

“Bonuses are one of the most important factors players consider when choosing an online casino, but they are also one of the most misunderstood,” the company said in a statement. “Our goal was to give players easy-to-use tools that help them break down the math behind these offers and see the real numbers.”

The launch also reflects the platform’s broader focus on transparency in online gambling. Australian Gamblers positions itself as an independent resource for casino reviews, guides, and tools designed to help players navigate the online casino ecosystem in Australia.

The new calculators form part of the site’s expanding tools hub, which aims to provide players with data-driven insights instead of relying solely on guides and written explanations.

With the release of these tools, the company hopes to encourage players to evaluate bonuses more critically and better understand the conditions attached to casino promotions.

BMM Innovation Group highlights testing & security capabilities at BIS SiGMA Americas 2026

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
BMM Innovation Group highlights testing & security capabilities at BIS SiGMA Americas 2026

BMM Innovation Group (BIG), a global testing company providing testing, certification, cybersecurity, and training for the regulated gaming industry, has announced its participation at BiS SiGMA Americas from April 6–9 in São Paulo, reinforcing its commitment to Brazil’s regulated gaming market.

Powered by its three global brands—BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training—BMM Innovation Group delivers trusted testing and certification services, advanced cybersecurity protection, and compliance‑grade employee training to suppliers, regulators, and operators.

BMM Testlabs, Long-established testing
BIG Cyber by BMM
RG24seven Virtual Training

With more than four decades of experience supporting regulated gaming markets worldwide, BMM Testlabs continues to play a leading role in Brazil by helping suppliers and operators meet regulatory requirements and bring products to market with confidence. The Company’s investment in Brazil, including its São Paulo test lab, reflects BMM’s long-term commitment to Brazil’s fast-growing gaming market.

Marzia Turrini, BMM Testlabs Global President for iGaming & Cybersecurity
Marzia Turrini

BMM Testlabs Global President, iGaming & Cybersecurity, Marzia Turrini said, “Brazil is one of the most exciting, regulated gaming markets in the world today. BMM is proud to provide Brazil’s gaming market with trusted testing and certification services that help ensure integrity and compliance. At the same time, BIG Cyber helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity readiness, and RG24seven Virtual Training provides BMM-Certified training that helps teams meet important compliance requirements.”

Visitors to BMM’s Stand F147 are invited to meet with BMM Innovation Group experts to learn how the Company is supporting the future of regulated gaming in Brazil and across Latin America through certification, cybersecurity, and training solutions.

Book An In-Person Meeting with the BIG Group 

To schedule an in-person meeting during the BiS SiGMA show with BMM representatives, visit the Company’s World Tour webpage.

1xBet triumphs in Lagos at the AGE Africa 2026

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
1xBet triumphs in Lagos at the AGE Africa 2026

The global betting company 1xBet participated in the Africa Gaming Expo, held from March 24 to 27 on Chief Yesufu Abiodun Road in Lagos, where industry leaders were honored for driving bold innovation and digital transformation that continue to elevate the African iGaming market.

An important part of the event was the award ceremony for industry leaders who, through bold ideas and digital transformation of products, made the African iGaming market a more comfortable space for all participants.

Industry experts recognized 1xBet’s major contribution to the development of the industry and named the brand winner in the African Sports Betting Operator of the Year category. The presentation of this prestigious award confirmed that the company does not simply follow trends but shapes them. 1xBet offers a unique mix of global experience and deep understanding of the local context, which helps its products deliver a better user experience for customers.

1xBet triumphs in Lagos at the AGE Africa 2026

As part of the AGE Africa 2026 exhibition, the 1xBet team set up a booth that became a hub of business activity in Lagos. Guests talked openly and without unnecessary formality, discussed new deals, and exchanged contacts. After productive networking, they could relax in the bar area, where aromatic coffee and refreshing cocktails were served. 1xBet also added interactive entertainment and prize giveaways to break up the business atmosphere.

AGE 2026 brought together more than 11,000 delegates, with over 155 global companies taking part in the event. Over three days, 85+ speakers shared expert insights and discussed the main industry challenges in the region. 1xBet was actively involved in networking and joined panel discussions.

Forums like this enable effective exchange of experience and insights, helping drive the development of the iGaming industry in the region.

The results of the prestigious forum confirmed that in recent years, the African iGaming industry has become a symbol of strong business activity, rapid growth, unique experiences, and transparent regulation. For 1xBet, this is a strategically important region that helps the brand promote responsible gaming standards and build new promising partnerships. Receiving the African Sports Betting Operator of the Year award confirmed the company’s leadership and the strength of its chosen development path.

With 1xPartners, the flagship program of 1xBet, you can fully tap into the potential of the African iGaming market. More than 500,000 participants from over 150 countries already have access to leading affiliate marketing tools and have seen the benefits of high conversion rates from registrations to deposits. 1xPartners members can earn lifetime commissions of up to 50% from the players they bring in.

About 1xBet

1xBet is a global company with 19 years of experience, one of the leading bookmakers in Africa. The brand actively supports African sports and is an official partner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and all its tournaments. On a global level, 1xBet partners with FC Barcelona, PSG and FIBA. Millions of players across Africa place bets on top events and enjoy the best online games on a platform available in 73 languages.

More than 3 million players worldwide visit the 1xBet platform every month. The company regularly receives prestigious awards, such as “Sportsbook of the Year – Africa” and “Best on mobile” at the SiGMA Africa Awards and “Affiliate Company of the Year” at the International Gaming Awards 2024.

About 1xPartners

1xPartners is a leading affiliate program that has been offering some of the best earning conditions in the iGaming industry for 10 years. It supports more than 250 payment methods and provides access to an extensive library of marketing materials. 1xPartners works with Paris Saint-Germain and other global sports brands, and its reliability has been proven by prestigious industry awards such as IGA, SiGMA, and others.

About AGE 

The Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) is one of the largest iGaming exhibitions in Africa, focused on integrating innovation and advanced fintech solutions. The forum brings together operators, regulators, investors, business professionals, and other niche experts. This year, the event was attended by more than 11,000 delegates who came to showcase modern technologies and share experiences.

SOFTSWISS rolls out new fixed‑odds prediction markets solution for iGaming operators

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
SOFTSWISS rolls out new fixed‑odds prediction markets solution for iGaming operators

SOFTSWISS has released SOFTSWISS Prediction Markets, a new B2B solution that enables online casino and sportsbook operators to enter the fast-growing category of event-based wagering.

Built on a fixed-odds model, the solution enables operators to reach audiences beyond traditional sportsbook behaviour without the complexity of peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange mechanics.

Understanding the SOFTSWISS Prediction Markets Solution

SOFTSWISS Prediction Markets allows players to wager on the binary outcomes of real-world events, encompassing politics, economics, technology, and culture. The product is available as a standalone iFrame widget or as a direct integration within the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, with launch timelines of two to three days for current partners and around three weeks for new operators looking to expand their offering.

Prediction markets have scaled quickly, fuelled by sustained user activity around elections, macro trends, and major public narratives. Annualised trading volume in the United States alone expanded from roughly 300 million US dollars in 2024 to an estimated 40 billion to 50 billion US dollars in 2025. While platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have processed billions in trading volume, traditional iGaming operators have largely remained on the sidelines of this market opportunity.

Also read: When a wager is not a wager: inside the prediction market revolution

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS
Olga Resiga, CBDO at SOFTSWISS

“We are seeing a growing player segment,” said Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS. “Prediction markets are not just an extension of sportsbooks – they introduce entirely new audiences who have never engaged with traditional betting products. The motivation is different: users are driven by their understanding of global events rather than fandom. Combined with the continuous flow of news and public narratives, this creates a more persistent engagement layer. Operators that underestimate this shift risk missing not only demand, but a new generation of players entering the market.”

Unlike peer-driven prediction market models, which rely on external liquidity and market-based pricing, the SOFTSWISS approach is built on a fixed-odds framework. This gives operators greater control over pricing and margins, while allowing them to manage risk within familiar sportsbook structures.

By aligning with existing operational and compliance frameworks, the model enables a more straightforward integration into current product environments. The SOFTSWISS Prediction Markets product is already live with selected partners, supporting early-stage adoption and testing.

“For most operators, the real question is not whether prediction markets are interesting, but how to bring them into an existing stack without rebuilding everything around exchange mechanics,” emphasized Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of Operations at SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. “A fixed-odds model makes that much more practical. It gives operators a way to test this demand within familiar risk and compliance frameworks, while also opening the door to audiences that do not necessarily begin with traditional sportsbook behaviour.”

The SOFTSWISS team will present Prediction Markets and discuss integration scenarios with operators at the upcoming BiS SiGMA South America exhibition in São Paulo at stands M80 and M85. 

BETBY launches “BETBY Predictions,” a first in fixed‑odds prediction markets

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
BETBY launches “BETBY Predictions,” a first in fixed‑odds prediction markets

BETBY, a leading Tier 1 sportsbook provider, has announced the release of BETBY Predictions, a groundbreaking new betting vertical that transforms global events into fixed-odds markets.

The product is now live, with rollout across BETBY’s global partner network set to follow in the coming days—marking a significant step forward in sportsbook engagement.

As prediction markets continue to gain momentum worldwide, existing solutions rely on exchange-based models that require liquidity, and complex user interaction. BETBY Predictions takes a different approach. It delivers a fully managed, fixed-odds experience designed specifically for sportsbook operators.

With BETBY Predictions, players can place bets on a wide range of non-sports events, including cryptocurrency, finance, technology, and entertainment, all within a familiar sportsbook interface. By eliminating the need for peer-to-peer trading and liquidity pools, BETBY enables operators to offer prediction markets in a simple, scalable, accessible and familiar format.

“BETBY Predictions represents a natural evolution of the sportsbook experience,” said Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation and R&D. “We’re taking the core principles of betting and applying them to the world beyond sports. This is about turning global moments into interactive opportunities for players, in a way that’s both scalable and responsible.”

BETBY Predictions is fully integrated into BETBY’s sportsbook ecosystem, offering operators seamless deployment, centralized risk management, standardized settlement, and continuous market availability. The solution combines AI‑driven content generation with real‑time human monitoring, enabling the creation of hundreds of new markets each week.

Built with strong internal safeguards, BETBY Predictions ensures full BETBY oversight of market creation, with all content carefully curated to uphold responsible and appropriate market standards. The platform excludes sensitive or controversial subjects—including geopolitics, active conflicts, war‑related outcomes, and any events involving human suffering—and maintains strict human review, using AI solely for trend identification rather than autonomous publishing.

By introducing a 24/7 engagement model that extends beyond traditional sports calendars, BETBY Predictions allows operators to monetize global news cycles and attract new audiences. The launch further strengthens BETBY’s leadership in sportsbook innovation, giving operators a powerful new avenue to diversify their offerings and meet the rising demand for non‑sports betting experiences.

Sands China commits MOP 1M to strengthen Macau’s responsible gaming ecosystem

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Sands China commits MOP 1M to strengthen Macau’s responsible gaming ecosystem

Sands China recently donated a total of MOP 1 million to local nongovernmental organisations to support their efforts in promoting responsible gaming within the community, in alignment with the Macao SAR government’s responsible gaming policy.

Sands China has consistently fulfilled its corporate social responsibility and has been committed to integrating the positive concept of responsible gaming into the Macao community; since 2006, cumulative donations have reached nearly MOP 10 million.

On March 25 at The Venetian Macao, Michael Lee, vice president of concession administration and casino compliance for Sands China Ltd., presented a cheque to representatives of the Youth Volunteers Association of Macao, Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Service Coordination Office, Young Men’s Christian Association of Macau, Macao Leisure Industry Employees Home and Bosco Youth Service Network.

Michael Lee reaffirmed Sands China’s enduring commitment to responsible gaming, saying: “For 21 years, we have supported social service organisations through annual donations, enabling them to deliver education, outreach, and training programmes across the community. This long‑term collaboration has helped integrate responsible gaming concepts into everyday life. Moving forward, we will continue to introduce diverse and innovative promotional initiatives to deepen public understanding of responsible gaming and support the healthy, orderly development of the integrated tourism and leisure industry.”

The donation will support the five social service organisations in carrying out diverse responsible gaming promotions in the community; initiatives include parent-child financial management activities, roadshows, workshops, trainings, sharing sessions, short film production, quiz games, and community promotion days, thereby deepening public awareness of responsible gaming.

Sands China inaugurates Responsible Gaming Academy, formalizes partnership with University of Macau

Sands China has for many years focused on responsible gaming; in 2004, it was the first integrated resort operator to launch a self-exclusion programme. Responsible gaming training was launched in 2007 and has since been part of the company-wide team member orientation programme. Last year, Sands China officially established the Sands Responsible Gaming Academy, creating a complete system for promoting responsible gaming and further deepening Macao’s responsible gaming environment and culture.

In 2025, Sands China successfully held over 150 responsible gaming promotion events, attracting over 150,000 participants and providing over 30,000 hours of training, continuously enhancing the relevant concepts and knowledge for team members and the public. Sands China will continue to collaborate with all sectors of society to promote more diversified responsible gaming advocacy and education, contributing to the harmonious and sustainable development of the Macao community.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau March GGR ‘better than expected’, at $2.8B

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau March GGR ‘better than expected’, at $2.8B
Good morning. Macau is powering through 2026, with March GGR beating analyst expectations, rising to $2.8 billion, up by 15 percent yearly. Solid demand has persisted despite geopolitical tensions, boosted by gaming luck. Estimates now are for a 12 percent uptick in April, with comparisons becoming more difficult in the second half of the year. Easy liquidity will remain a key factor, with operators seeking to improve overnight base mass, as player reinvestment bites. Looking to the Philippines, online gaming operators saw a two-month deferment on their Minimum Guaranteed Fee obligation, helping soften the blow from rising prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Happy Easter! In observance of the Easter and Cheng Ming holidays, Asia Gaming Brief will resume normal publishing on Wednesday, April 8th.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Cotai Strip, Macau 2025

March GGR ‘better than expected’, at $2.8B

Macau’s March GGR beat expectations, ringing in at MOP22.61 billion ($2.8 billion), up by 15 percent yearly, nearly 5 percent above some analysts’ estimates. MGM China and Melco were seen as the largest share gainers, according to Seaport Research Partners, while Sands and Galaxy saw share drops. Expectations are for April to see a 12 percent uptick in GGR, with comps becoming ‘more difficult’ in 2H26. Hopes remain on more easy liquidity and a boost in overnight base mass, to continue the momentum.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS | EVENTS

IBIA launches guide to help payment firms tackle illegal betting in Brazil

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
IBIA launches guide to help payment firms tackle illegal betting in Brazil

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) Payment Provider Forum has announced the release of a practice guide to help payment providers in Brazil combat illegal sports betting and strengthen protections across the regulated market.

The guide provides practical, actionable steps for identifying and blocking financial flows linked to unlicensed operators, while supporting compliance with Brazil’s new betting regulations and maintaining the integrity of betting and sporting events.

The IBIA Payment Provider Forum was established in February 2025 and brings together leading payment companies – Pay4Fun, Z.ro bank, OKTO and OneKey Payments – and industry stakeholders to address shared risks and reinforce market integrity. With the introduction of Law No. 14,790/2023, payment providers are prohibited from processing transactions for unauthorised betting operators. The guide provides clear operational controls aimed at reducing legal, financial and reputational risk.

Khalid Ali, CEO, IBIA
Khalid Ali, CEO, IBIA

The document outlines key financial threats tied to illegal betting, including shell accounts, fraudulent cash-outs, and links to match-fixing and organised crime. It also sets out practical best practice measures to address these issues, such as continuous licence checks, risk-based transaction monitoring, and strengthened due diligence.

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said the playbook provides a practical blueprint for collaboration, aligning payment providers, operators, and integrity stakeholders behind clear controls and consistent action to protect the regulated betting ecosystem.

Ari Celia, Co-Chair of the Forum and representative of Pay4Fun, commented: “Payment providers sit on the front line of market channelisation and compliance. By combining robust controls with trusted intelligence-sharing, we can block unlicensed activity quickly and consistently, before it scales.” 

Marcelo Bueno, Co-Chair of the Forum and representative of Z.ro Bank, added: “This guide sets out clear, practical controls — from continuous licence validation and risk-based monitoring, to structured blocking and reporting protocols — to protect the regulated market and reduce legal, financial and reputational exposure.” 

A key message of the guide is the need for collaboration across the ecosystem. By sharing intelligence and coordinating action, payment providers, operators, regulators and integrity bodies can more effectively detect suspicious activity and disrupt illegal betting networks.

Through initiatives such as the Payment Provider Forum, IBIA continues to support efforts to improve market channelisation, enhance financial safeguards and promote effective cross-sector cooperation in the fight against illegal betting and financial crime related to match-fixing.

The guide is available to download in English and Portuguese.

Far East Consortium sells 49% interest in Ritz-Carlton Melbourne

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Far East Consortium sells 49% interest in Ritz-Carlton Melbourne

Hong Kong-listed Australian casino investor Far East Consortium has announced the disposal of its 49.9 percent stake in The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, for AU$233.2 million ($161.5 million).

According to a Wednesday filing, the group is expected to record a gain of approximately AU$18.3 million ($12.67 million) from the transaction.

This is the second recent disposal of a Ritz-Carlton property by FEC in Australia, following a December announcement that it was selling its interest in Ritz-Carlton Perth to the AMTD Group for AU$100 million ($66 million).

The Melbourne hotel stake sale comes after FEC and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) jointly purchased The Star Entertainment Group’s 50 percent stake in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.

The purchaser of the Melbourne hotel stake is identified as Singapore-based Ace Goal Investments, which is 45 percent owned by FEC Chairman and CEO David Chiu and 55 percent owned by FEC Executive Director Jennifer Wendy Chiu.

The agreement involves the sale of the 49.9 percent equity interest in the companies that own The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and the assignment of 49.9 percent of the outstanding shareholders’ loan. The aggregate consideration for the sale is approximately AU$58.2 million ($40.3 million).

FEC CFO Boswell Cheung indicated that the Melbourne property disposal and another asset in Malaysia “are consistent with our strategy to monetize non‑core assets and strengthen the balance sheet”.

The Star appoints compliance expert as new non-executive director

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
The Star appoints compliance expert as new non-executive director

Australia’s The Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Brooke Lindsay as a new non-executive director of the company.

In a Wednesday filing, The Star noted that ‘Ms. Lindsay will be an observer to The Star board’, officially joining after obtaining regulatory and ministerial approvals.

Brooke Lindsay, non-executive director, The Star
Brooke Lindsay

Speaking of the appointment, Chairman Soo Kim noted “I would like to welcome Brooke to the Board and look forward to working with her to assist in delivering our strategic objectives and creating a sustainable future for The Star”.

Lindsay is a global legal, risk, and governance executive who had previously served as Group Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at multinational e&. In her role she advised the border on regulatory strategy, cross-border M&A and strategic investments.

The Star notes that Brooke ‘brings deep expertise in regulatory engagement, compliance transformation, and enterprise risk management, including leading large-scale governance and control uplift programs’.

The appointment comes as The Star Sydney’s casino license remains suspended by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC), with the regulator’s view that further progress is required before considering the operator’s suitability.

It also comes after a board overhaul following the equity investment by Bally’s Corp and Investment Holdings, a $390 million refinancing agreement with WhiteHawk Capital, the disposal of the group’s 50 percent stake in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, and the ongoing determination by AUSTRAC over a potential fine for prior AML/CTF breaches.

1...848586...1,809Page 85 of 1,809