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Playson boosts its footprint in Brazil after going live with Betnacional

AGBrief Editorial
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Playson boosts its footprint in Brazil after going live with Betnacional

Playson has strengthened its presence in Brazil after going live with prominent local operator Betnacional, marking another significant step in its Latin American expansion strategy.

Flutter-owned Betnacional is a well-established online sportsbook and casino brand focused on the Brazilian market, recognised for its strong local presence and growing player base. The partnership sees a selection of Playson’s top-performing titles made available to Betnacional’s customers, including 4 Pots Riches and Diamonds Power – both featuring the popular Hold and Win mechanic – as well as Sugar Teddy x1000, all known for their engaging gameplay and proven performance across regulated markets.

The agreement reinforces Playson’s commitment to expanding alongside trusted, high-impact operators in key growth regions. Brazil remains a strategic focus for the supplier, with increasing demand for high-quality, mobile-optimised content tailored to local player preferences.

Cristhian Zito, Head of LatAm at Playson, said: “Partnering with Betnacional is an important milestone for us in Brazil. It is a highly respected local brand with a deep understanding of its audience, and we are confident our content will resonate strongly with its players. This launch further strengthens our position in the market and reflects our commitment to delivering engaging, high-performing games to operators across Latin America”.

This latest collaboration builds on Playson’s continued growth in Brazil, where the supplier is rapidly expanding its network of leading operator partners and reinforcing its position as a key content provider in the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Playson’s portfolio to Betnacional,” shared Frederico Cunha, Head of Commercial at Betnacional. Their games are recognised for their quality, strong mechanics, and consistent performance, making them a valuable addition to our offering. We look forward to working closely together and bringing an enhanced entertainment experience to our players”.

RubyPlay expands US presence with debut in West Virginia

AGBrief Editorial
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RubyPlay expands US presence with debut in West Virginia

RubyPlay, a studio-based content ecosystem, has strengthened its footprint in the regulated US iGaming market after launching its premium games in West Virginia, marking the company’s third state entry.

RubyPlay’s latest market expansion brings the company’s distinctive games portfolio to the Mountain State, providing leading US casino brands with access to top-performing titles such as Vegas No Limit Wins SE, Mad Hit Diamonds, and Mad Hit Devil.

Operators in the state are set to benefit from RubyPlay’s unique content platform, which is built on shared technology, infrastructure and distribution, all designed to meet individual customer needs.

Market-specific studios within the ecosystem, including xSlots, provide online casinos in West Virginia and beyond with localised content, unique and bespoke games, as well as improved speed to market.

The launch marks RubyPlay’s continued expansion across the US, following recent successful entries into New Jersey and Delaware. As the company strengthens its presence in regulated markets, the region remains a key focus for growth and a central part of its broader commercial strategy, with further expansion into Pennsylvania expected in the near future.

Dima Reiderman, CCO at RubyPlay, said: “Our launch in West Virginia reflects RubyPlay’s ongoing commitment to expanding across regulated US markets. Each new state represents an opportunity to strengthen our commercial footprint while building relationships with leading operators. Through our studio-driven model, we are able to support operators with content that aligns closely with their strategy and audience, enabling them to deliver more relevant and differentiated experiences.”

Steven Gerrard joins WE88 as Brand and World Cup 2026 Ambassador 

AGBrief Editorial
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Steven Gerrard joins WE88 as Brand and World Cup 2026 Ambassador 

Steven Gerrard, one of football’s most iconic captains, has announced a landmark partnership with WE88, stepping in as a Brand Ambassador and World Cup 2026 Ambassador. For millions of fans, Gerrard is more than a Liverpool legend.

Gerrard is a perfect example of leadership, resilience, and inspiration. From the miracle of Istanbul in 2005 to his thunderous FA Cup final performance in 2006, Gerrard’s career defined an era of English football. 

This collaboration signals Gerrard’s continued influence off the pitch, bridging the worlds of sport and digital entertainment. WE88, a fast-growing platform in Southeast Asia, sees Gerrard’s arrival as a turning point in its mission to connect communities through football passion and innovation. 

Commenting on the landmark partnership, WE88 Executive Partnership Director Alex Chia said: “Steven Gerrard’s arrival as our Brand Ambassador is more than a milestone; it is a turning point. At WE88, we see this partnership as a bridge between passion and innovation, where the spirit of football meets the future of gaming. Gerrard’s leadership on the pitch inspired millions, and now his presence with us will inspire a new generation of fans and players.” 

Steven Gerrard added: “I have always believed that football has a unique way of bringing people together. The passion fans have for the game is what makes it so powerful and so special. WE88 understands this and is creating a platform that channels that excitement into a more engaging gaming experience. I am looking forward to working together and sharing in the excitement as the football world builds towards the 2026 World Cup.” 

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Gerrard’s ambassadorship strengthens WE88’s presence while deepening ties with Southeast Asia, where Premier League rivalries remain cultural traditions. 

Paradise Ent. Chairman raises stake amid share price decline

Viviana Chan
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Paradise Ent. Chairman raises stake amid share price decline

Jay Chun, Chairman and Managing Director of Paradise Entertainment, has increased his shareholding in the company to 60.27 percent, after acquiring additional shares, according to a company filing on March 30th.

The filing shows Chun purchased 2.84 million ordinary shares on March 27th at an average price of HK$0.4454 ($0.057) per share, for a total consideration of approximately HK$1.26 million ($161,000). Following the transaction, his total holdings rose to about 634.16 million shares.

The increase comes as Paradise Entertainment’s share price remains under pressure, having declined more than 82 percent from its peak in March last year and about 75 percent since June, when the Macau government announced the end of satellite casino operations.

The company has been adjusting its strategy following the loss of its high-margin satellite casino business, with a growing focus on expanding into overseas gaming markets alongside its core gaming equipment operations.

Despite earnings pressure, last week Paradise declared a dividend for 2025, supported by what it described as a stable financial position. It reported cash holdings of HK$378.1 million ($48.4 million) against total borrowings of HK$110.8 million ($14.2 million), with net assets of HK$475.1 million ($60.8 million).

The company added that its relatively low leverage and solid liquidity position continue to support shareholder returns as it navigates structural changes in Macau’s gaming sector.

Kjerulf Ainsworth 5.5% share takeover bid open until April 27th

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Kjerulf Ainsworth 5.5% share takeover bid open until April 27th

Kjerulf Ainsworth has announced that his takeover bid for 5.5 percent of the shares of Ainsworth Game Technology (AGI) will run until April 27th, closing at 7pm Sydney time unless extended or withdrawn.

In a Monday supplementary statement to the bid first announced on March 12th, the law firm acting on the Ainsworth heir’s behalf noted that the ‘offer is now open for acceptance’. This encompasses a AU$1.30 ($0.89) price per share, still exceeding the AU$1 ($0.66) per share previously offered by Austrian gaming group Novomatic AG in its off-market takeover bid announced in August 2025.

Included in the statement was information on the Ainsworth shareholder’s current holdings: nearly 27.75 million shares, with voting power in AGI of 8.24 percent as of March 27th.

The move follows a previous proportional offer launched earlier this year. In January, Ainsworth extended an off-market takeover bid seeking to acquire up to 2.9 percent of the shares he did not already own, as part of efforts by the Ainsworth family to increase its stake amid takeover interest from Novomatic.

Kjerulf Ainsworth is the sixth son of Len Ainsworth, the founder of AGI and a prominent figure in Australia’s slot machine industry. While he does not hold an executive role at the company, he has long been one of its significant shareholders.

PhilWeb secures PAGCOR accreditation, expands B2B gaming service

Viviana Chan
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PhilWeb secures PAGCOR accreditation, expands B2B gaming service

Gaming technology firm PhilWeb Corporation has secured accreditation from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) as a gaming affiliate and support service provider, enabling the company to deliver technology and operational services to licensed gaming operators within the regulated market.

The development was disclosed in a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.

The accreditation supports PhilWeb’s strategy to expand its asset-light, business-to-business (B2B) platform, focusing on scalable infrastructure and recurring revenue through system integration and platform management. 

The company said it is also participating in technical working groups alongside regulators and industry stakeholders, with efforts focused on ‘strengthening transparency, consumer protection, and overall governance of the sector’.

PhilWeb’s operational footprint is supported by partnerships with integrated resort operators, including Hann Casino Resort and Okada Manila. The company provides backend systems and digital infrastructure required to support regulated online gaming platforms at these properties.

In addition, PhilWeb has collaborated with FBM Philippines to deploy platform solutions across a nationwide network of gaming venues.

The company said these partnerships demonstrate its capability to deliver technology-driven solutions within the regulated ecosystem, reinforcing its role in supporting the modernization of the Philippine gaming industry.

ASEAN Gaming Summit returns in 2027

AGBrief Editorial
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ASEAN Gaming Summit returns in 2027

Organizers Asia Gaming Brief have announced they will forego this year’s edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit and return in March 2027 with a revamped, packed version of the event.

The increasingly volatile geopolitical outlook, prompting states of emergency across the globe, and the increased cost of international travel, has led Asia Gaming Brief to reconsider hosting the summit in 2026.

Patrons had previously requested that the organizers postpone the event from the traditional March slot to May. While 2026 would mark the 8th edition of the premier high-networking industry conference in the region since its inception in 2017, that anniversary will now take place next year.  

“Instead of eroding the industry in 2026, we’re breaking the cycle by taking a proactive stance and using the opportunity to reshape the ASEAN experience in March 2027,” said Luis Pereira, Managing Director of Asia Gaming Brief.

ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025 beats expectations, but there’s more to come!

Asia Gaming Brief’s focus is now to reinvigorate and augment the key elements that make up the ASEAN experience:

• Personalized networking opportunities, curated individually prior to the event, to enhance and encourage business matching.

• A range of consultancy services for both new businesses and established enterprises, to be on offer on the ground to streamline procedural challenges. 

• The international conference, to provide the platform for stakeholders to discuss the industry’s strategy across the region’s evolving frameworks.

• Workshops series, to delve into operational challenges and practical solutions.

• Limited showcases, allowing patrons direct engagement with delegates and visitors.

“As organizers, we’re excited to have the time and resources allocated to develop an event a step ahead of the curve. The team is engaged with the challenge!”, Luis Pereira added. 

The ASEAN Gaming Summit will return on 15-17 March 2027.

For details on the conference and showcase please connect with the ASEAN team.

Highlight Games & Bulletproof Games launch Serie‑A slot collaboration

AGBrief Editorial
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Highlight Games & Bulletproof Games launch Serie‑A slot collaboration

London-based video virtuals and instant-win games specialist Highlight Games Limited has announced a new partnership with Bulletproof Games to develop a Serie A-themed slot product for the Italian market.

Highlight Games will license content from its extensive archive of Serie A footage to Bulletproof, who will develop the slot game, which will then be deployed in Italy by Yggdrasil Gaming.

Steven Holmes, CEO, Highlight Games said: ‘I’m delighted to announce this exciting development in our roadmap, which allows us to extend the reach of our premium content beyond virtual sports. SOCCERBET is the number one performing virtual sports product in Italy, and we are confident that the popularity of featuring archive Serie A footage in games will translate equally well into slots and casino environments, as it has already proven to do in sportsbook.’

Craig Ball, Managing Director, Bulletproof Games added: ‘This partnership allows us to combine Highlight Games’ rich archive of Serie A content with Bulletproof’s expertise in building engaging slot experiences. We are confident that together we will create a product that will strongly appeal to Italian slots players and look forward to going live later this year.’

Philippines expands casino ban list under DOJ–PAGCOR agreement

Viviana Chan
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Philippines expands casino ban list under DOJ–PAGCOR agreement

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to expand the list of individuals barred from entering casinos, strengthening enforcement of existing restrictions on public officials.

According to the Philippine News Agency, the agreement enables DOJ personnel to be included in PAGCOR’s centralized database of restricted individuals. It marks the first such arrangement between PAGCOR and a government agency, reflecting efforts to improve compliance through closer inter-agency coordination.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the current database includes around 600,000 restricted individuals, compared with an estimated 4.5 million government officials and workers nationwide. Under Presidential Decree 1869, government employees are prohibited from entering or gambling in licensed casinos.

The DOJ employs approximately 60,000 personnel across its main office and attached agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Corrections. Their inclusion is expected to enhance identification and enforcement at gaming venues.

Tengco also noted that PAGCOR has voided PHP310 million ($5.5 million) in casino winnings after verifying that certain players were ineligible to participate. Casinos are required to screen patrons against the database upon entry and when processing payouts.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the initiative is intended to reinforce accountability and uphold ethical standards within the public sector, particularly by preventing violations of gambling restrictions.

The Philippines maintains a strict casino entry framework under Presidential Decree 1869 and related regulations. Government officials and employees are prohibited from entering or gambling in licensed casinos, alongside members of the military and police, minors, and individuals enrolled in exclusion programs.

PAGCOR oversees enforcement through a centralized database used by licensed operators for identity verification. Despite these measures, enforcement has been challenged by the large size of the public sector workforce, prompting authorities to strengthen inter-agency coordination and expand data-sharing efforts to improve compliance and oversight.

Cambodia parliament passes anti-telecom fraud law with unanimous support

Viviana Chan
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Cambodia parliament passes anti-telecom fraud law with unanimous support

Cambodia’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a draft law targeting telecom and online fraud aimed at stomping out illegal activity in the country.

The legislation was passed on March 30th during a plenary session chaired by Khuon Sudary, with all 112 lawmakers voting in favor, according to The Cambodia China Times.

The draft law had earlier been approved by the cabinet on March 13th and is set to become Cambodia’s first dedicated criminal law addressing telecom fraud. It is also seen as one of the first of its kind in the region. Authorities said the measure is designed to prevent the re-emergence of such activities and reinforce enforcement efforts.

Koeut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, previousy indicated the legislation introduces strict penalties, including life imprisonment for the most serious offenses.

Organizing or operating telecom fraud centers is classified as a major crime, punishable by five to ten years in prison. Cases involving aggravating factors such as illegal detention, extortion, or murder may carry sentences of up to 30 years or life imprisonment.

The law also targets individuals involved in recruiting or training personnel for fraud operations, as well as property owners who lease premises to such groups. Authorities stated that landlords cannot avoid liability by claiming a lack of knowledge.

Chhay Sinarith, senior minister in charge of special missions and head of the Secretariat for the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), previously indicated the legislation would provide a key legal foundation for Cambodia’s efforts to eliminate telecom fraud, describing it as the strictest criminal framework of its kind in the country.

Officials added that the law is intended to institutionalize anti-fraud efforts and address the growing cross-border nature of telecom scams.

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