GR8 Tech and José Mourinho sign a partnership for the Champions Club

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AGBrief Editorial

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April 2, 2026

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GR8 Tech and José Mourinho sign a partnership for the Champions Club

GR8 Tech and José Mourinho have come together in a partnership built for the Champions Club—GR8 Tech’s exclusive community for partners who compete at a championship level, where technology, expertise, and a culture of performance replace luck as the path to results.

Because championship is not a moment. It is a method—one that shows up in training sessions, in data, in decisions made under no pressure that later hold up under it all.

One of the most successful coaches in football history, Mourinho has built his career on discipline, tactical excellence, and relentless preparation. GR8 Tech, an award-winning B2B iGaming platform provider, brings that same approach to the industry through powerful technology, smart analytics, and high-performance solutions.

This partnership unites two names that believe winning is built on strategy, control, and execution.

“José Mourinho represents the mindset we believe in: success is engineered long before the final result. In iGaming, just like in football, winning comes from preparation, structure, and the ability to perform under pressure.”
Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech

Champions Don’t Believe in Luck

People often describe success in football and iGaming as a matter of luck, a fortunate moment, perfect timing, or a pass that just goes your way. But long-term success is never accidental.

That is what makes José Mourinho such a natural fit for GR8 Tech. His career has been defined by the ability to turn preparation into results, building winning systems, and creating the conditions for success before the competition even begins.

The same is true in iGaming. Sustainable performance depends on the strength of the platform, the quality of the technology, and the ability to scale with precision. Advantage comes from intelligent decisions and consistent execution.

“I have worked with many organizations over the years. What separates the ones who win consistently is never talent alone—it is culture. The belief that preparation is never optional. I recognized that in GR8 Tech immediately.”
José Mourinho

What Comes Next

José Mourinho’s arrival marks the start of a wider campaign for GR8 Tech. Over the coming months, GR8 Tech will bring the Champions Club to life through a series of activations and collaborations that reflect what both parties stand for—and what operators who compete at the highest level should expect from a platform built to match their ambition.

The standard has been set. The work has already begun. Luck off. Championship—ON!

The award recognizes 1win’s focus on building a high-performance platform designed for the crypto-friendly generation. Since its launch in 2016, 1win has been refining the balance between premium entertainment and blockchain technology, offering a product where speed, privacy, and accessibility are built into the core experience. As a Curaçao-licensed casino, 1win provides a globally accessible platform with multi-language support and seamless performance across devices, including native iOS and Android applications.

At the heart of its offering is a crypto-first approach. The platform supports a wide range of digital assets, including BTC, ETH (ERC-20), TRX (TRC-20), BSC (BEP-20), TON, SOL, DOGE, DASH, and XRP, allowing users to move funds efficiently across networks. In line with its focus on crypto users, 1win offers an enhanced bonus system, with up to 600% on crypto deposits.

Commenting on the recognition, Mike Danshin, CMO 1win Crypto, said: “Today, the market is no longer competing on bonuses or traffic, it is competing for attention. In crypto iGaming, players are exposed to similar offers across platforms, and the real difference comes from how well a brand understands its audience and builds trust. At 1win, we focus on being a truly crypto-native product. This means clear positioning, tailored communication for different player segments, and a scalable marketing ecosystem that combines global brand presence with local relevance. Receiving this award as the best crypto casino is a strong validation of our approach.”

The Belgrade Web3 & iGaming Awards is one of the key industry platforms in the region, recognizing companies that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and impact across emerging digital ecosystems. The recognition further reinforces 1win’s position as a major player shaping the future of crypto-powered online entertainment.

MGM China and Melco biggest share gainers on ‘better than expected’ Macau March GGR: Seaport

Kelsey Wilhelm

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April 1, 2026

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MGM China and Melco biggest share gainers on ‘better than expected’ Macau March GGR: Seaport

Macau’s gross gaming revenue in March came in ‘better than expected’, with ‘strong premium play and VIP hold likely in the normal range’, according to Seaport Research Partners. Expectations are now for April to rise 12 percent yearly but for growth to slow in 2H26.

GGR for the month came in at MOP22.61 billion ($2.8 billion), up by 15 percent yearly, according to data from Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

Senior Analyst Vitaly Umansky indicated that this was above Seaport’s estimate for an 11.6 percent gain and higher than the Bloomberg Asia consensus of 11 percent.

Looking at the operators, Umansky notes that, compared to February, ‘MGM and Melco were the biggest share gainers, while Sands and Galaxy were the biggest share decliners’.

The group holds a ‘Neutral’ rating for MGM China, noting ‘we see no near-term catalysts to drive MGM or MGM China to outperformance, and see better names to own’.

Melco takes first place for the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five‑Star Awards

For Melco, Seaport has a ‘Buy’ rating, highlighting that ‘changes at CoD (City of Dreams) and SC (Studio City) have been bearing fruit’. The group notes that share pressure faced particularly in 4Q25 ‘is only temporary’.

For Sands China, Seaport also has a ‘Buy’ rating, noting that the group lost share in Macau in late 2024 and 1H25, but ‘the company has been regaining share in the last three quarters as it has been reworking its marketing and player reinvestment strategy’.

Galaxy also holds a ‘Buy’ rating, as it’s ‘set to be a long-term winner in Macau’, with Phase 3 continuing to ramp-up – including ultra-luxury Capella, and Phase 4’s slated opening in late 2027. Umansky notes that Galaxy ‘should see a more meaningful share jump when Phase 4 opens’, classifying the group as ‘a solid #2 operator in Macau (in terms of scale), with a ‘stellar balance sheet’.

Base mass uptick needed

Macau, Mass Table Gaming, Venetian Casino Floor, Macau GGR, croupiers

Looking ahead, Seaport predicts a 12 percent yearly increase in GGR for April, ‘followed by May slowing to 8.2 percent year-on-year’. Umansky notes that the second half of the year will see ‘more difficult year-on-year comparisons, and we expect growth to slow unless we see a pickup in demand or liquidity improvement’.

The forecast for 2026 is for 7 percent GGR growth, with 1H26 rising by 9.8 percent and 2H26 slowing to 4.4 percent growth.

Currently, ‘player reinvestment and agent commissions remain high’, notes the Senior Analyst, indicating ‘we do not foresee any improvement in the market in the near/medium term. If higher-end or agent business grows faster than the market, then player reinvestment/commissions could see an increase relative to GGR. However, overall competitiveness remains stable at this stage’.

Umansky indicates that there ‘has been some hope that the government may step in to limit commissions and/or player reinvestment’ but that ‘we do not expect this to happen (at least in the foreseeable future)’.

While premium play has been strong in Macau, the analyst notes that base mass ‘continues to lag’, about 15 percent below 2019 according to Seaport estimates, with ‘relatively weak’ overnight base mass (75-80 percent of pre-COVID levels). ‘In order to drive sustained growth’, indicates Umansky, ‘bass mass recovery (overnight higher value in particular) will be a key driver’.

This is dependent on ‘continued easy liquidity’, in combination with continued easy visa policies, with the expert noting that ‘as long as the liquidity channels remain open, Macau should continue to meet gaming demand (high-end demand in particular), although growth will decelerate’.

Under the amended schedule, the first tranche will sees the MGF imposed between June 1^st and December 31^st of this year. This targets GSAs with Electronic Casino Games with minimum monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP30 million ($500K) and PHP15 million ($250K), which are to be subject to an MGF of PHP9 million ($150K) and PHP3 million ($50K), respectively.

The second tranche will be applied from January 1^st, 2027 onwards. This focuses on GSAs with Electronic Casino Games with minimum monthly GGR of PHP35 million ($580K) and PHP20 million ($332K), with MGF values of PHP10.5 million ($175K) and PHP4 million ($66.5K), respectively.

PAGCOR indicates that, prior to the expiration of the two-month deferment period, its Electronic Gaming Licensing Department ‘shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of prevailing industry conditions to determine whether to proceed with, further adjust, or lift the deferment of the MGF implementation, consistent with the objectives of long-term sector sustainability’.

The deferment notice also serves as a ‘reply to all requests for extension received in connection with the implementation of MGF’.

PAGCOR had announced in mid-December that all licensed gaming system administrators (GSAs) would have to pay a fixed monthly fee starting from April (before the deferment), regardless of actual revenues.

The memorandum, issued December 15th by PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Division, applies to all 65 licensed GSAs. Arden Consult previously indicated that, according to Industry data it analyzed, only 25 operators met or exceeded the PHP30 million monthly gross gaming revenue threshold that would naturally cover the minimum fee for e-casino operations.

WinSpirit and The Digital Wellness Center launch a new era of player well‑being

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AGBrief Editorial

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April 1, 2026

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WinSpirit and The Digital Wellness Center launch a new era of player well‑being

For years, the industry’s approach to responsible gaming has centered on urging players to stop. But that model is showing its limits. WinSpirit’s collaboration with The Digital Wellness Center brings a more supportive alternative, embedding short mental wellness breaks into gameplay to help players maintain healthier habits.

These small pauses are designed to help users stay in control without killing the fun.

The Digital Wellness Center works at the crossroads of technology and mental health. They build tools that reduce mental overload and help people deal with digital products mindfully. Their approach is notably free of judgment, lecturing, and restrictions, just practical support that fits into how people actually behave online.

How It Works

Instead of restricting players, WinSpirit introduces mild wellness prompts. When a player has been active for a long period, they receive a short, friendly email. Not a warning, but just a reminder. It invites them to visit a dedicated page built by The Digital Wellness Center.

That page features a droodle, which is a quirky, abstract picture with no right or wrong answer. A droodle asks one question: what do you see? There’s no timer, no score, no right answer, but a brief cognitive shift, pulling the brain out of autopilot and into a different mode of thinking. Simple by design, effective by the same logic.

The idea is not to pull players away from the game, but rather to help them come back to it in a better, less impulsive state of mind. Most responsible gaming tools are built around one idea: less is more. Play less, spend less, log off sooner. WinSpirit is working from a different premise: that the mental state of the player is what affects the decisions. Short, intentional breaks are designed to come back calmer, more in control, and less reactive. It’s not about limiting the player. It’s about managing the moment.

Initiative Highlights

The partnership rolls out over two months in structured communication waves, reaching players at the moments that matter most: long streaks and high-frequency play, when the risk of impulsive decisions is the highest. From there, players are guided to co-branded wellness landing pages meant for slowing down without switching off.

The tools themselves are intentionally light. Doodle activities shift the brain into slower thinking, quick self-check surveys, and light mental reset games. The kind of break you might actually take.

Early Results

Early results from the first outreach wave point to real interest. Players opened the emails, clicked through to wellness content, and completed the self-checks. Some users returned for a second interaction without being prompted. The response reflects less a surprise and more a gap finally being addressed.

That readiness connects to a broader shift in how WinSpirit operates. The platform’s AI-powered support already processes more than half of its 50,000+ monthly player requests, with part of its function used to detect behavioral patterns before they develop into problems. The wellness partnership extends that logic further — from reactive support to something closer to prevention.

Industry Recognition

The approach is starting to get noticed beyond the platform itself. When Casino Guru put WinSpirit forward for Rising Star in Responsible Gambling, it reflected something bigger than one platform’s initiative. It is an early signal that the industry is beginning to recognize a shift from compliance-driven messaging to well-being built into the product. This isn’t a niche experiment but a direction the broader market is moving toward.

For WinSpirit, this partnership is not a one-off. It is part of a wider message that responsible gaming and fun can work together. When you genuinely care for a player’s state of mind, that is good product design. Supporting player well-being ultimately improves trust and long-term engagement.

“The goal was never to play less. It was always to play better. A player who feels cared for trusts the platform, and that’s what the industry has mostly been missing.“

Singapore’s former Commissioner of Police appointed Chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Authority

Singapore

Kelsey Wilhelm

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April 1, 2026

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Singapore’s former Commissioner of Police appointed Chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Authority

Singapore’s former Commissioner of Police has been appointed the new Chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Authority board, effective from Wednesday.

Hoong Wee Teck, Chairman, Singapore Gambling Regulatory Authority

According to a release from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Hoong Wee Teck, the Deputy Chairman of the GRA, has taken over from Tan Tee How, who has been Chairman of the authority since 2018.

Hoong Wee Teck only recently left his position as Commissioner of the Singapore Police Force (SPF), on January 5^th of this year, after serving 11 years in the role. Before joining the GRA, Hoong had served 38 years with the SPF.

As Commissioner, Hoong established the Anti-Scam Command and Emergency Response Teams in the SPF, as well as overseeing the introduction of new technology, including unmanned aerial patrol and incident response vehicles, a police camera network with video analytics in public places, and other measures.

Departing Chairman Tan Tee How oversaw the group’s transition from the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) to the GRA, which was established as the national gambling regulator in July of 2022.

The MHA notes that ‘in this journey, Mr. Tan ably steered GRA’s priorities and development, whilst maintaining strong governance oversight. His leadership has helped GRA to effectively fulfil its responsibilities of keeping gambling in Singapore free from criminal influence, and minimizing its harms to Singapore society’.

The MHA did not specify a reason for Tan’s departure; thanking him for his service and contributions and wishing him ‘the best in his future endeavors’.

Habanero unveils Fortune Dragon Joy, a 5×3 dragon slot boasting a max win of 174,238x

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April 1, 2026

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Habanero unveils Fortune Dragon Joy, a 5×3 dragon slot boasting a max win of 174,238x

Habanero has rolled out Fortune Dragon Joy, a high‑volatility 5×3 dragon slot powered by a turbocharged Fortune Wheel feature and a persistent multiplier for nonstop excitement.

Played across 28 paylines, the title blends traditional East Asian aesthetics while boasting features that propel momentum throughout both the base game and bonus rounds, offering a colossal win potential of up to 174,238x.

At the centre of the game is the Fortune Wheel, which can trigger randomly to deliver a variety of instant wins, including lucrative bonuses, multipliers and Wild symbols.

Fa symbols can also land on the reels, revealing hidden rewards while building a persistent multiplier that increases as the feature progresses. In a game-changing twist for the bonus round, the multiplier does not reset when the free spins feature is activated, compounding its accumulated value directly into the free games.

Landing three or more scatter symbols triggers the free spins round, where the multiplier continues to grow as players collect wins, unlocking the game’s most fiery payout opportunities.

Fortune Dragon Joy also integrates Habanero’s signature engagement tools, including Jackpot Race and the Buy Feature, giving operators additional flexibility when introducing the title to players.

Commenting on the release, Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero, said: “Fortune Dragon Joy captures the excitement and symbolism often associated with Eastern fortune themes, combining it with mechanics that build intense anticipation throughout the game. The Fortune Wheel introduces elements of surprise and calculated chaos, while the Fa multiplier system ensures a sense of progression that rewards players, creating a gameplay experience that is both dynamic and exceptionally rewarding.”

The release strengthens Habanero’s growing portfolio of content as the provider continues to deliver feature-rich titles designed to perform across global markets.

Jeju Dream Tower posts 40.3% surge in 1Q26 casino sales on strong table play

South Korea

Viviana Chan

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April 1, 2026

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Jeju Dream Tower posts 40.3% surge in 1Q26 casino sales on strong table play

Jeju Dream Tower’s foreigner-only casino, operated by Lotte Tour Development, reported a 40.3 percent year-on-year increase in casino sales in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in table games and continued momentum in international visitation.

Casino sales for the January–March period reached KRW118.63 billion ($78.9 million), up from KRW84.55 billion ($56.2 million) a year earlier.

Table game revenue accounted for the bulk of the increase, rising 41.5 percent year-on-year to KRW112.94 billion ($75.1 million), while machine game revenue grew 19.6 percent to KRW5.69 billion ($3.8 million).

Table drop reached KRW573.87 billion ($381.6 million) in the first quarter, up 36.7 percent from the same period last year, reflecting higher volumes of play.

The performance highlights sustained demand at the Jeju Dream Tower, one of South Korea’s largest integrated resorts catering exclusively to foreign patrons.

Monthly data for March showed casino sales rose 24.3 percent year-on-year to KRW40.4 billion ($26.9 million). Table revenue increased 24 percent to KRW38.35 billion ($25.5 million), while machine revenue climbed 30.3 percent to KRW2.05 billion ($1.4 million).

Hotel revenue, however, showed some softness during the month, declining 9.9 percent year-on-year to KRW5.88 billion ($3.9 million), indicating mixed performance across non-gaming segments.

The results indicate continued strength in Jeju’s foreigner-only casino segment, supported in part by shifting regional travel patterns. Recent tensions between China and Japan, which led to the suspension of most flights between the two countries, have redirected some Chinese outbound travel to alternative destinations, with South Korea among the beneficiaries.

Earlier last month, Lotte Tour Development said its wholly owned subsidiary had approved a cash dividend totaling KRW110.94 billion ($74.9 million), based on 2025 earnings.

Cambodia deports alleged scam kingpin Li Xiong to China

Viviana Chan

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April 1, 2026

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Cambodia deports alleged scam kingpin Li Xiong to China

Cambodia has deported Huione Group chairman Li Xiong to China following his arrest in Phnom Penh, as part of an ongoing cross-border fraud investigation, authorities said on April 1st.

In a statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior said Li was detained at the request of Chinese authorities and handed over the same day for further legal proceedings, according to local media reports. The move follows months of joint investigations and close coordination between Cambodian and Chinese law enforcement agencies targeting transnational telecom fraud networks.

State-run broadcaster CCTV described Li as “a core member of Chen Zhi’s criminal gang,” pointing to the case’s links to broader organized fraud operations. Chen Zhi is one of the founders of Prince Group, which has been accused of large-scale investment fraud and money laundering.

The ministry added that Li’s Cambodian citizenship had been formally revoked under a royal decree issued on March 31st, clearing the way for his transfer.

Responding to the case, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on April 1st that cooperation between the two countries in combating cross-border telecom and online fraud had achieved “notable results,” adding that China would continue to strengthen law enforcement collaboration.

Li is chairman of Huione Group, which has been linked in multiple international investigations to illicit financial flows tied to online fraud operations across Southeast Asia. The group’s Huione Guarantee platform has been widely cited as facilitating fund transfers associated with scam networks.

The US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network designated Huione Group a “primary money-laundering concern”, citing more than $4 billion in illicit transactions processed between August 2021 and January 2025. The designation, made under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, effectively cuts the group off from the US financial system.

Investigations have also linked the group to funds derived from global investment scams and cryptocurrency theft, including proceeds associated with North Korean-linked hacking groups.

Separately, Cambodia’s central bank revoked the license of Huione Pay in March 2025 over anti-money laundering and compliance violations.

Huione Group has previously maintained that it provides legitimate payment and transfer services, though reports indicate it has increasingly shifted toward cryptocurrency-based transaction platforms.

Evoplay launches Arena Platform to boost engagement in online slot tournaments

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April 1, 2026

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Evoplay launches Arena Platform to boost engagement in online slot tournaments

The platform enables players to participate in online slot tournaments conducted entirely in demo mode, with no deposits, payments, or real-money gameplay involved. Evoplay Arena hosts daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tournaments, where players earn points and rankings based on their performance.

Getting started is straightforward

After registering and choosing a tournament, players join automatically on their first spin. Each tournament clearly states its duration, featured game, scoring system, and rules, while live leaderboards update in real time during the competition.

Scoring varies by tournament format and may be based on factors such as winning results and multipliers. Once a tournament concludes, final results are published on the leaderboard, and rewards are distributed accordingly.

Depending on the tournament, players can earn digital certificates or Arena Coins. Certificates recognise top-performing players, while Arena Coins serve as an in-platform reward currency earned through participation and performance.

Evoplay Arena also features Legends of Arena, a seasonal leaderboard system that rewards consistent participation across multiple tournaments. Players automatically earn seasonal points with each entry, with top-ranked players receiving rewards at the end of each season.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Evoplay Arena gives players a new way to engage with our games through competition and progression, without the need for real-money play. It’s a platform built around accessibility, clear rules, and long-term engagement, reflecting our desire to create diverse and engaging entertainment for our players.”

The platform is designed for players familiar with slot gameplay and casual competitive audiences, offering structured, leaderboard-driven competition, the opportunity to play favourite Evoplay games without financial risk, and social interaction through player chat.