GEG continues tradition with MSO at the 2026 Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day

Macau

AGBrief Editorial

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March 30, 2026

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GEG continues tradition with MSO at the 2026 Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and Macau Special Olympics (MSO) continued their 16‑year partnership in promoting community inclusion with the latest edition of the “GEG Macau Special Olympics Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day.”

Aligning with the upcoming “ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026 Presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group,” which will be held from March 30 to April 5 at Galaxy Arena, and supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), this year’s “Celebrating ITTF Centenary – GEG Macau Special Olympics Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day 2026” welcomed nearly 1,000 participants, underscoring the city’s growing enthusiasm for inclusive sports.

In the lead-up to the Fun Day, a series of inclusion workshops were held at local schools, providing students with opportunities to explore the values of inclusivity while building excitement ahead of the world-class tournament.

Mr. Bart Vermoesen, ITTF Event Director, said, “It is a privilege to be here celebrating our centenary year alongside GEG and MSO. Sixteen editions of this event is a testament to their real, sustained commitment to inclusion. Table tennis is one of the most accessible sports in the world. Over 100 years, we have grown into a global family, and events like this remind us exactly what that means. Table tennis for all, for life.”

Representing Macau Special Olympics, National Director Mr. Hetzer Siu added, “We sincerely appreciate GEG’s unwavering support in promoting inclusive values and fostering community harmony. We also thank the representatives from the ITTF for their presence, which connects our local initiative with a century-long international sporting legacy. We believe that sports is an important platform for advancing equality and inclusion, and remain committed to helping shape Macau into a warmer, more diverse, and cohesive community.”

“Over the years, GEG has not only actively hosted major international sporting events, but also leveraged our resources to strengthen the connection between sports and the community through diverse initiatives. This year marks the 16th consecutive year of our support for this meaningful event,” shared Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG. “With the trust and support of ITTF and MSO, and riding on the momentum of the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao, the Fun Day further amplifies its impact by integrating local elements of inclusivity, thereby promoting the spirit of unity and inclusivity within the community.”

The Fun Day featured a series of table tennis matches at the Broadway Macau, providing a platform for athletes of different abilities to compete, interact and exchange experiences. This year, a new “Caregivers Challenge” was introduced to encourage parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs to take part, further expanding opportunities for diverse participation. In addition, GEG arranged for members of the GEG Staff Social Club’s Table Tennis Team to team up with MSO athletes in the “Inclusive Doubles”, actively promoting the spirit of inclusion through teamwork and mutual support.

This year, the event was extended into local schools for the first time. Through GEG’s Inclusive Creative Arts Projects for “Empathy in Action”, GEG joined hands with MSO to launch the “DIY Table Tennis Ball Night Light Inclusive Workshop” across several schools, engaging nearly 80 teachers, students, and individuals with special needs.

Together, participants created ping pong ball night lamps themed around “Celebrating ITTF Centenary”. Following an online voting process, the creations were showcased and award-winning entries were recognized at the Fun Day.

The opening ceremony of the Fun Day was held at the East Square of Galaxy Macau, with distinguished guests including Mr. Chen Kun, Level IV Division Rank Official of the Department of Social Development of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR; Mr. Chan Hoi Fong, Acting Head of Sports Development Department of the Sports Bureau of the Macau SAR Government; Mr. Wong Chun Kit, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macau SAR Government; Mr. Bart Vermoesen, ITTF Event Director; Ms. Annie Loi, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility of Public Relations of GEG; Dr. Sze Tat Ming, Chairman of MSO; Ms. Chow Pui Leng, Director of the Centre of Psycho-pedagogical Support and Special Education of the Education and Youth Development Bureau the Macau SAR Government; Mr. Lao Kit Man, Rehabilitation Case Service Unit of Social Welfare Bureau of the Macau SAR Government; and Mr. Hetzer Siu, National Director of MSO.

Looking ahead, GEG will continue to leverage its resources to actively organize and support a diverse range of sporting activities, working with partners across different sectors to promote an inclusive culture in the community.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: The Star signs $390M refinancing and liquidity agreement

News

AGBrief Editorial

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March 30, 2026

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: The Star signs $390M refinancing and liquidity agreement

Good morning. Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you. That glow just got brighter for The Star, after securing a new $390 million refinancing deal, along with additional liquidity, signed with WhiteHawk Capital. The move gives the operator some breathing room to assuage lenders and get back its footing, following a lengthy battle for survival. Meanwhile, Asia Pioneer Entertainment saw a strong uptick in sales from its core market Macau in FY25, but is aiming to diversify to Singapore and Abu Dhabi and increase its product offerings. And in South Korea, Paradise is adding the Co to its management style, with a joint-CEO model established as part of its governance revamp.

What you need to know

The Star inks binding agreement with WhiteHawk Capital for $390 million in refinancing, plus additional liquidity to support operations.
Asia Pioneer Entertainment sees $784K profit for FY25, procuring distributor licenses in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
South Korea’s Paradise Co. is adopting a co-CEO model as part of its governance overhaul, with Lim Jun-shin appointed joint-CEO.

On the radar

Nepal gov’t gives order for shutdown of all betting apps and websites.
Macau February hotel occupancy hit 95% on CNY travel surge.
Cambodia rolls out “China Ready” plan with visa-free trial for tourists.
Universal Entertainment reshuffles board as governance reforms continue.
APE partners with Cartamundi for sustainable production tech in Macau.

AGB Intelligence

AUSTRALIA

The Star Sydney, Star Entertainment Group

The Star secures $390M refinancing from WhiteHawk

The Star is clawing its way back to success, announcing this morning that it had secured a $390 million refinancing deal with US-based WhiteHawk Capital Partners, as well as additional liquidity to support operations. The group aims to complete the refinancing by mid-May to meet loan covenants with senior lenders. The refinancing gives additional weight to Bally’s Corp’s guarantees it could turn the company around, following its significant investment and The Star’s board overhaul.

Industry Updates

Sands China unites properties in one-hour lights-off for Earth Hour 2026.
Eeze partners with EveryMatrix to supercharge global distribution.
SOFTSWISS scores a double win at GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS | EVENTS

Extending its commitment beyond the global movement initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Sands China has taken the initiative a step further by observing Earth Hour monthly. Since 2013, the company has been turning off the exterior lights, signage and marquees of its resorts for one hour on the first Tuesday of each month to reinforce its dedication to energy efficiency.

Commenting on the initiative, Grant Chum, CEO & Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., said: “Running a green operation is a cornerstone of our long-term ESG efforts. We have supported the global Earth Hour initiative for 18 consecutive years, joining institutions and families from over 190 countries and regions each year in this voluntary carbon reduction movement and promoting the practice of energy-saving measures in our everyday lives. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in integrating sustainability into every facet of our operations to fulfil our commitment to environmental protection and building a green future together.”

Leading up to Earth Hour, Sands China held a night exploration activity at the Taipa Grande Natural Park March 21, as part of the 2026 Sands ECO360 Ambassador Green Leadership Program. Led by an experienced ecology guide, a group of Sands ECO360 Ambassadors ventured into Macao’s countryside to observe the behaviours and habitats of nocturnal wildlife. The immersive experience illustrated the impact of human activity on the natural ecosystem, leaving the participants with a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation.

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour, Sands China and WWF China co-organised an exhibition titled “Give an Hour for Earth: Take Action for a Living Planet,” with an opening ceremony Friday at The Venetian Macao’s Level 3 Circle Hall. The exhibition features a series of informative displays focused on critical themes of biodiversity, sustainability and climate change, raising awareness and calling for conservation efforts among local residents and tourists.

From 2021 to 2025, Sands China’s over 60 various energy-saving measures resulted in 39.4 million kWh of energy savings, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 7,500 local households. In 2025, the company’s environmental sustainability achievements included:

Achieving carbon neutrality across all properties’ convention and exhibition areas
Procuring 34 percent of the company’s total energy consumption from renewable energy sources
Obtaining ISO14001 Environmental Management System certification for all five properties in Macao

In addition to these impressive achievements, Sands China also earned Top 1% rankings in both the China edition and the Global edition of the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, and achieved the ‘Industry Mover’ distinction for the first time among Chinese enterprises. The company also achieved 10 years of active participation in the Dow Jones Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) by completing the last CSA cycle in 2025. Additionally, the company was listed in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices (DJBIC) for both the World and Asia Pacific.

Sands China’s environmental sustainability efforts are part of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability strategy of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands ECO360 utilises measures like energy saving, resource recycling, conservation and community engagement to help minimise the company’s environmental impact and lead the way in sustainable building development and resort operations.

The Star secures $390M refinancing and additional liquidity agreement with WhiteHawk Capital

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 30, 2026

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The Star secures $390M refinancing and additional liquidity agreement with WhiteHawk Capital

Australian gaming operator The Star Entertainment Group has secured at $390 million refinancing agreement with WhiteHawk Capital, along with a minimum liquidity provision framework to help the group meet conditions with its current lenders.

According to a Monday release by the group, Star and WhiteHawk have ‘entered into a binding commitment letter’ which ‘provides for a refinance of existing Group debt in full and incremental liquidity to retain sufficient liquidity for ordinary course of operations’.

The move comes after The Star in early March indicated that there was ‘material uncertainty regarding the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern’.

The Star initially entered into a non-binding agreement with US-based WhiteHawk Capital Partners in late February to support the company’s turnaround, with WhiteHawk investors being given a tour of The Star’s operations in Australia in March to help secure a commitment.

The Star had indicated it was initially hoping to have a binding commitment by the end of March and to ‘consummate the Refinancing Proposal by mid-May’.

Refinancing and liquidity

Under the terms of the new agreement, the refinancing is subject to a three-year term, with a ‘quantum of $390 million’ subject to an annual interest rate plus ‘a margin that is materially consistent with the Company’s recent facility agreements.

The agreement also provides a minimum liquidity covenant of AU50 million ($34.3 million) for the first 12 months after financial close, increasing to AU$75 million ($51.4 million) for the following six months and AU$100 million ($68.54 million) after the first 18 months.

The agreement assumes quarterly amortization commencing March 31^st, 2028, with a minimum asset coverage ratio commencing December 31^st, 2026, and a minimum EBITDA covenant commencing from March 31^st, 2027.

It also mandates ‘customary covenants, representations, events of default and review events, including customary financial covenants and reporting obligations’.

The Star indicates that it is ‘working expeditiously to complete the Refinancing by no later than 15 May 2026 in order to satisfy the conditions of the waiver given on 27 February 2026 to the Group by its existing senior lenders’.

Major reforms

The refinancing agreement comes after a AU$300 million ($211.77 million) lifeline investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings last year, giving Bally’s 38 percent of The Star’s issued capital and Investment Holdings 23 percent.

The move was followed by a board overhaul, with Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim installed as Chairman and Bruce Mathieson Jr coming on as Group CEO.

Recently, the group has also appointed former Caesars executive John Koster as CEO of The Star Sydney and former Tabcorp exec Dave Whimpey as interim CEO of The Star Brisbane.

The Star is also working to significantly cut costs and shift corporate responsibility to the property level by closing its corporate office and reducing its workforce.

The group is still in the process of exiting its joint venture with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) and Far East Consortium International (FEC) for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. The exit from the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC) joint venture is still dependent on the group being released from its parent company guarantee of approximately AU$700 million ($500 million) in drawn debt for the DBC project by its JV partners.

When announcing its non-binding agreement with WhiteHawk in February, The Star indicated that it was not contingent on the current AUSTRAC case against The Star.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (AUSTRAC) had previously noted it was seeking a fine for AML/CTF breaches of up to AU$400 million ($284.87 million) from The Star, highlighting its investment from Bally’s Corp and Investment Holdings as proof that the operator could afford the hefty penalty.

The Star indicated previously that any penalty over AU$100 million ($71.22 million) could force the group into insolvency.

Nepal gov’t gives order for shutdown of all betting apps and websites within 24 hours

Nepal

Kelsey Wilhelm

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March 30, 2026

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Nepal gov’t gives order for shutdown of all betting apps and websites within 24 hours

Nepal’s government has ordered an immediate shutdown of all online betting apps and websites, instructing internet and mobile service providers to close platforms “without delay”.

The nation’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a letter to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) over the weekend, instructing all service providers to block betting apps and websites within 24 hours.

Speaking to media, an NTA spokesperson indicated that the shutdown has already commenced, with at least 16 betting sites targeted for immediate closure.

The move follows a cabinet meeting on Friday, in which the government took a firm stance against online betting apps, due to concerns over illegal financial transactions and capital outflow.

Despite the overall crackdown, the government has reportedly not provided a specific list of betting sites or apps that need to be blocked, with the choice being left to the NTA. However, the NTA indicates that “operators have been instructed to halt all activities immediately”.

NTA Spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal told local media that “The IP addresses of betting apps and their associated URLs must be identified. We have currently been instructed to block all suspicious websites; there is no situation where specific names have been sent”.

The move comes amidst a 100-point governance reform overhaul, with point 42 mandating the comms ministry to block all betting apps and websites within 24 hours. Daily monitoring and reporting on the shutdown has been implemented, with updates to be submitted to the nation’s Prime Minister and Secretariat.

Authorities did not indicate any move to shut down Nepal’s land-based casinos, largely located on the border with India.

The Best Casino Aggregator award recognises the scale, reliability, and engagement capabilities of the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator. As one of the largest content hubs on the market, the solution offers over 40,000 games from more than 300 providers across 24 regulated jurisdictions. The platform provides operators with 99.999% uptime, maintaining stable performance even during peak loads.

This is the second award for the Game Aggregator in 2026. Earlier this year, it took the Best Aggregator 2026 title at SiGMA Eurasia in Dubai.

Valentina Bagniya – CEE Influencer of the Year

Valentina Bagniya, CMO, Softswiss — _{Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS}

Valentina Bagniya was named CEE Influencer of the Year for her impact on industry thinking and knowledge-sharing across Europe. The jury recognised several milestone projects led by Valentina in 2025, including:

The 2026 iGaming Trends report, based on expert insights from over 350 iGaming professionals and AI-assisted analysis of more than 120,000 media headlines.
The 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon – a four-hour live conference at SiGMA Central Europe that introduced a new industry format, turning the report’s launch into an open, interactive dialogue.
Standout marketing activations, such as the live assembly of an Alfa Romeo 4C at the SOFTSWISS stand at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit 2025.

The jury also recognised Bagniya’s role as a speaker and judge at major industry events, as well as her regular contributions to iGaming and business media.

Commenting on the recognition, Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS, said: “Winning ‘Best Casino Aggregator’ reflects what our partners already know – our product approach works across diverse regulated markets, and Central and Eastern Europe is no exception. We will continue to invest in product development here. As for the Influencer of the Year award, it belongs to the entire SOFTSWISS team, whose expertise and dedication made this title possible.”

The CEE Influencer of the Year title has also become Bagniya’s second individual recognition this year – the SOFTSWISS CMO was named Woman in iGaming at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2026.

The multigame launches with two titles — Polar and Tropical — and stands out for its fun theme and dynamic gameplay. Four colorful penguins — green, yellow, red, and pink — are waiting to be fed, and as fish cubes accumulate during play, the characters evolve until the Bonus Link is triggered. At that point, players can unlock up to four features — Twin, Lifesaver, Multiplier, and Big Wave — setting off an exciting bonus round.

Zitro’s ‘Penguin Party’ debuts at Casino Intercontinental in Mexico

‘Penguin Party’ is one of the latest additions to Zitro’s game lineup, reflecting the company’s signature approach to visual quality, sound design, and gameplay built to deliver a distinctive, engaging player experience.

Commenting on the launch, Johnny Ortiz, founder of Zitro, said, “Penguin Party connects with players right from the start. It’s fun, visually striking, and the mechanics keep you hooked. At Zitro, we put a lot of care into every detail, and we’re very grateful to Casino Intercontinental for their trust in bringing this new title to their floor.”

According to a company filing, the group appointed six directors and established a revised board structure after its 53rd annual shareholders meeting held on March 27th. Tomohiro Okada, representative director and president, remains in his role overseeing the group. He is the son of Kazuo Okada, the billionaire founder of Universal Entertainment.

The new lineup includes both executive and non-executive directors, alongside an audit and supervisory committee framework aimed at strengthening oversight.

The changes build on reforms initiated in 2025, when the company transitioned to a governance model featuring an audit and supervisory committee, aligning more closely with international corporate governance standards. The updated structure further clarifies the division between supervisory and operational roles, with the board focusing on oversight while executive officers manage day-to-day operations.

The restructuring also appears designed to reduce the concentration of decision-making authority, part of broader efforts to enhance transparency and internal controls. Universal Entertainment has faced governance challenges in recent years, including leadership disputes that drew scrutiny from investors and regulators.

The latest changes come amid continued financial pressure. According to its latest financial report, the company posted a net loss attributable to owners of the parent of JPY231.43 billion ($1.52 billion), widening sharply from a net loss of JPY15.57 billion ($102 million) in 2024. The result was primarily driven by impairment losses related to Okada Manila.

Gross gaming revenue at Okada Manila declined 20.1 percent year-on-year in FY25, to PHP27.81 billion ($480.6 million), as the gaming market in Manila’s Entertainment City continued to undergo a prolonged correction.

Cambodia rolls out “China Ready” plan alongside visa-free trial for Chinese visitors

Viviana Chan

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March 29, 2026

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Cambodia rolls out “China Ready” plan alongside visa-free trial for Chinese visitors

Cambodia will roll out a “China Ready” tourism initiative alongside a visa-free entry trial for Chinese visitors starting June 15th, as the government seeks to boost arrivals and restore confidence in the market.

Speaking to local media, Minister of Tourism Huot Hak said authorities have prepared policies, enforcement, and services to support the four-month trial, which runs through October 15th. Chinese passport holders, including those from Hong Kong and Macau, will be allowed multiple entries with stays of up to 14 days, requiring only an electronic arrival card for entry.

The initiative comes as Cambodia intensifies efforts to improve its tourism image following concerns linked to telecom fraud. Huot Hak acknowledged such activities had affected investor and visitor confidence but stressed that these crimes are largely transnational. The official said the government has launched large-scale enforcement actions aimed at dismantling criminal networks and is accelerating legislation on anti-telecom fraud to strengthen penalties and oversight.

“Current enforcement operations are extensive and focused on completely eliminating telecom fraud chains within the country,” he said, adding that the overall security environment and international perception are gradually improving.

China remains one of Cambodia’s most important source markets. Cambodia welcomed more than 1.2 million Chinese visitors in 2025, accounting for roughly 22 percent of its 5.57 million total international arrivals, according to official data.

The visa-free policy is being introduced during the “green season” to stimulate off-peak demand, while the trial period will allow authorities to assess outcomes and consider adjustments.

Huot Hak said a cross-ministerial task force has been established to coordinate implementation with diplomatic missions, tourism operators, and media in both countries. Under the “China Ready” plan, Cambodia will enhance services tailored to Chinese travelers, including language support, payment convenience, and customized tourism offerings.

GEG continues tradition with MSO at the 2026 Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and Macau Special Olympics (MSO) continued their 16‑year partnership in promoting community inclusion with the latest edition of the “GEG Macau Special Olympics Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day.”

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: The Star signs $390M refinancing and liquidity agreement

What you need to know

On the radar