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Macau gaming tax revenue rises 16.8% to $4.33B in January–April

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The Macau SAR government collected MOP34.87 billion ($4.33 billion) in gaming tax revenue during the first four months of 2026, representing a 16.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to data released by the Financial Services Bureau.

The latest figures showed gaming tax revenue reached MOP9.07 billion ($1.13 billion) in April alone, up 18.7 percent compared with the same month last year and 2.3 percent higher than March’s MOP8.87 billion ($1.10 billion).

April’s gaming tax revenue reflected Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated in March, when the city recorded MOP22.56 billion ($2.80 billion) in casino revenue, up 0.8 percent month-on-month and 0.8 percent higher than February’s MOP22.38 billion ($2.78 billion).

Gaming taxes accounted for around 84 percent of Macau’s total government revenue in the January–April period. Total government revenue for the first four months of the year reached MOP41.3 billion ($5.12 billion), according to the bureau’s latest public finance data.

The Macau government has budgeted MOP92.7 billion ($11.50 billion) in gaming tax revenue for the full 2026 fiscal year. Based on the latest figures, revenue collected in the first four months has already reached around 37.6 percent of the annual target.

Macau levies a 40 percent effective tax rate on gross gaming revenue under the city’s current gaming concession system.

Century Entertainment advances Phase IV online platform amid AML push

Trading-suspended Hong Kong-listed gaming and entertainment firm Century Entertainment International Holdings said it is continuing preparations for its ‘Phase IV‘ online entertainment platform while strengthening anti-money laundering and compliance systems as part of its digital business strategy.

In a quarterly update published on May 11th, the company said the platform remains its ‘core digital business segment,‘ with work underway on platform construction, system optimization and function testing. The latest initiative appears to build on Century Entertainment’s previously announced move into mobile gaming applications through its partnership with Philippine-based World Platinum Technologies (WPT).

Earlier this year, Century Entertainment disclosed plans to develop up to 10 mobile gaming applications through a joint venture with WPT, under which the Philippine partner would provide online platform infrastructure, gaming content, KYC and AML systems, and technical support.

Century Entertainment Holdings

Century Entertainment said it has enhanced its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) systems in response to ‘stricter global regulation and higher cross-border compliance requirements.‘ Measures introduced include strengthened user identity verification, fund flow monitoring, risk classification and abnormal transaction alert mechanisms, alongside improvements to system security, data protection and internal controls.

The company said compliance optimization would help strengthen ‘risk resilience,‘ protect shareholder interests and support future cross-border expansion plans. It added that a dedicated online project team consisting of technical, operational and compliance personnel had been established to oversee the platform’s development and AML implementation.

Century Entertainment also disclosed plans to expand overseas, particularly in Vietnam and South Korea, following the appointment of its new chairman. According to the filing, the chairman possesses ‘industry resources and regional network advantages‘ in both markets. The company said it would ‘moderately explore local offline entertainment cooperation opportunities‘ under ‘legal and compliant principles.‘

A dedicated overseas business team has been formed to conduct market research, resource coordination and compliance assessments related to the Vietnam and South Korea initiatives, the company added.

The company said it would maintain a ‘dual-track‘ strategy focused on online digital entertainment and overseas business development while continuing to prioritize compliance and risk management.

Trading in Century Entertainment shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has been suspended since June 26th, 2025.

SBC Summit Americas 2026

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SBC Summit Americas 2026 will take place from June 9–11, 2026, at the newly expanded Broward County Convention Center (BCCC), a state-of-the-art venue located in the heart of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale.

SBC Americas is the only event that gathers North, Central, and South American betting and gaming stakeholders under one roof, giving those targeting multiple markets the chance to meet the right people in one place.

Joker Winpot by ELA Games nominated ‘Game of the Year’ at SBC Awards Americas 2026

ELA Games has announced that its hit title Joker Winpot has been shortlisted for ‘Game of the Year’ at the 2026 SBC Awards Americas, marking a key milestone that highlights strong player demand for its distinctive, interactive experiences.

A consistent performer in the studio’s portfolio, Joker Winpot blends a dark, character-driven aesthetic with an accessible 1×1 grid format. The main draw of the game is its proprietary Winpot mechanic, a progression-based feature that places decision-making directly into the hands of the player.

As rewards accumulate within the Winpot, players face the tension of either cashing out their current winnings or continuing to spin for larger payouts. This unique approach transforms a conventional slot format into a choice-based experience, earning widespread praise from players and fueling the title’s commercial success.

The winners will be revealed during the official SBC Awards Americas ceremony on June 10, 2026. This year, the event will take place at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, bringing together approximately 600 industry professionals.

Set alongside the larger SBC Summit Americas running from June 9 – June 11, the evening will serve as a central gathering for the industry with opportunities to network and celebrate all the advancements of the past year.

Champions’ path: PSG and 1xBet return to the center of football history

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has reached its second consecutive Champions League final. On May 30, the Parisians face Arsenal in Budapest, a club competing in this stage for the first time in 20 years.

PSG, meanwhile, is aiming for something historically unprecedented: to become only the second club in the UCL era to defend its title after Real Madrid’s triumphant three-year run from 2016 to 2018.

From mid-table back to the top 

PSG’s season started without its usual glitz: 11th place in the league phase, followed by a drawn-out clash with AS Monaco at the start of the knockout phase. But then, Luis Enrique’s side seemed to shift gears. Chelsea was routed 8-2 on aggregate, while Liverpool was thrashed 4-0. And finally, Bayern – in a match that won over neutral fans.

The first leg of the semifinal ended 5-4 in favor of the Parisians and was immediately hailed as the best game of the season. 

Luis Enrique himself called it the best game of his coaching career, and the numbers back it up: PSG scored all five of their shots on target. A level of efficiency most teams can’t match.

In the return leg, PSG managed the game pragmatically in Munich and advanced, showing tactical flexibility and winning 6-5 on aggregate. Ousmane Dembélé’s goal at 2:19 was the third-fastest in the UCL semifinal history and effectively sealed the tie.

1xBet and PSG: Partnership that delivers results

Since 2022, 1xBet has been the official betting partner of Paris Saint-Germain. During this time, the club won the Champions League for the first time in its history and now stands one step away from the top of European football.

This is no coincidence – it reflects a shared philosophy: aiming for the best and building long-term relationships rather than chasing short-term gains with no future.

A partnership of this scale creates a strong emotional connection with millions of fans worldwide who share every victory. 1xBet and PSG have been together through trophies, records, and historic matches, and this journey continues.

Those ready to work with a brand focused on long-term results can join the 1xPartners affiliate program – a place where success stories are made!

Broadway Platform expands African footprint with Afrinova partnership

The all-in-one iGaming platform Broadway Platform has partnered with Ghanaian operator Afrinova and reinforced its footprint in the African continent. 

The agreement will see Afrinova’s platform powered by Broadway’s full-service AI-powered product suite, including casino, as well as a complete payment, CRM, and risk management solution, as the operator looks to grow its presence in its home market of Ghana. 

Ghana, like many regulated African markets, offers significant growth opportunities, with increasing internet penetration, a young population, and growing familiarity with betting products.

The Afrinova partnership is the latest commercial agreement secured by Broadway Platform, which has also strengthened its offering after a recent deal with Altenar.

Giorgi Samkharadze, Director of Broadway Platform, said: “Partnering with Afrinova is a really exciting moment for us as we strengthen our presence in one of Africa’s most exciting regulated markets. Our commitment to exceptional product delivery is unmatched, and we look forward to powering Afrinova’s market-leading offering for many years to come.”

Imad Hawwach, Managing Director at Afrinova, added: “Broadway Platform’s comprehensive back-end offering allows us to seamlessly deliver a best-in-class experience to our customers across Ghana. It’s an extremely exciting partnership for us, and one that allows us to stand apart from our competitors.”

GEG and UTM unite to launch IRISE Program at the IR Talent Empowerment Showcase

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Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) continues to reinforce its long-standing commitment to supporting the Macau SAR Government’s “Building Macau with Talent Training” policy through a comprehensive suite of talent development initiatives.

At the “IR Talent Empowerment Showcase and MOU Signing Ceremony” held at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, GEG formalized a new phase of industry-academia collaboration with the Macao University of Tourism (“UTM”) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding focused on advancing local talent cultivation.

Central to the partnership is the launch of the “Integrated Resort Innovative Service Experts Program” (“IRISE Program”), alongside the continuation of the “Experience Macao with GEG” initiative, first introduced in 2024. Together, these programs are designed to nurture a new generation of integrated resort professionals equipped with international perspectives and industry-relevant expertise, while supporting Macau’s economic diversification and long-term growth.

The showcase also highlighted GEG’s broader talent development ecosystem, including recognition of team members who completed the “IR Youth Development Program” in collaboration with the Labour Affairs Bureau (“DSAL”), as well as participation in structured leadership training initiatives such as the “Managers to Leaders Program,” “Senior Manager Program,” and “GEG Elite Trainer Program.”

To date, these programs have supported the development of more than 500 local talents. Complementing these efforts, the “Experience Macao with GEG” program continues to deepen cultural engagement through immersive learning and thematic seminars, including a recent session on Macau’s Intangible Cultural Heritage featuring participation from over 100 frontline team members.

Driven by a strong culture of lifelong learning, GEG delivered over 1.4 million hours of professional training in 2025 alone, underscoring its sustained investment in workforce development. The Group’s efforts have received extensive industry recognition, including “Team of the Year – Hospitality & Leisure” at the Hong Kong Business Management Excellence Awards 2026 and multiple accolades at the 5th National Human Resources Innovation Competition.

Moving forward, GEG remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with academic institutions and government partners, further enhancing its talent pipeline and supporting Macau’s vision as a leading global tourism and leisure destination.

Kwiff strengthens its affiliate strategy with new RavenTrack partnership

Kwiff, the pioneer of the “supercharged” betting experience, has officially appointed RavenTrack as its primary affiliate tracking provider in a strategic partnership designed to strengthen its affiliate operations through RavenTrack’s advanced platform-as-a-service (PaaS) technology.

By integrating RavenTrack’s sophisticated tracking solutions, Kwiff intends to streamline its affiliate program management, ensuring greater transparency, accuracy, and efficiency for its growing network of partners. 

The move comes as Kwiff continues to scale its presence across the UK and international markets, leveraging its unique algorithm that randomly supercharges any bet, regardless of the sport or market.

“From our very first conversation, it was clear that Kwiff were looking for more than just a tracking platform, they needed a partner who could genuinely match their ambition and long-term strategic vision. We’re truly grateful that Kwiff chose RavenTrack in what was a highly competitive process, and I’m personally proud to have helped bring the partnership together,” said Kate Scowen, sales and growth manager at RavenTrack.

“The first few months of working together have already been fantastic, and it’s been a real pleasure working with their team. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to building a strong, long-lasting relationship together.”

Jack Milner, campaign manager at Kwiff, commented on the partnership, saying: “RavenTrack came highly recommended and with a strong track record within the iGaming sphere. We have enjoyed a fantastic start, working with their brilliant and incredibly helpful team and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership together.”

The collaboration aligns with Kwiff’s recent period of rapid expansion. RavenTrack’s reputation for providing high-performance tracking and exceptional customer support was a decisive factor in the selection process. As an industry leader in affiliate tech, RavenTrack will provide Kwiff with the robust infrastructure required to manage complex data sets and optimise ROI for its affiliate channel.

BETBY enhances Tournament Betting with World Cup bracket solution

BETBY has announced the launch of its comprehensive World Cup offering, led by one of the most distinctive advantages currently available to operators: odds on the entire World Cup bracket already available, before the official draw takes place.

Released exactly one month before the opening match, BETBY’s World Cup package gives operators a crucial head start, enabling them to activate campaigns and capture player interest well ahead of kickoff. The offering also provides operators with an additional marketing tool to drive engagement and maximise player interaction in the lead-up to the tournament.

By providing a fully pre-priced tournament structure across all potential matchups, BETBY allows operators to offer betting markets from the group stage through to the final from day one. This early availability extends the betting lifecycle significantly, giving players the opportunity to engage with the full tournament narrative in advance and driving sustained activity throughout the build-up to kickoff.

To further enhance engagement during the tournament, BETBY is introducing microbetting for the World Cup, enabling wagers on events occurring within one-minute intervals throughout each match. With at least 90 intervals per game, players can bet on outcomes such as throw-ins, fouls, corners, offsides, goals, and goal kicks. This real-time, high-frequency betting format transforms the viewing experience into a continuous stream of opportunities, keeping users actively engaged from kickoff to the final whistle while increasing interaction levels, boosting ARPU, and strengthening retention.

Complementing this is BETBY’s eWorld Cup, an esports experience that replicates all tournament matches in a short-format, high-frequency environment. With matches lasting just a few minutes, the e-sim ensures continuous football action, helping operators fill off-peak gaps and overcome time zone challenges while maintaining consistent user engagement. The product is fully customizable, allowing operators to tailor visuals, teams, match configurations, and margins to align with their brand and commercial strategy.

BETBY’s World Cup offering is further supported by a dedicated tournament hub, designed to centralize all content, data, and betting opportunities within a single interface. Users can explore group stages and full bracket progression, access event pages, view promotions and line banners, watch video content, and analyze detailed statistics, creating a more immersive and informed betting experience.

The package includes boosted odds across all World Cup events, daily featured offers, and a wide selection of prebuilt “hot” combos with enhanced pricing, giving operators the flexibility to engage a broad player base, from high-value users to casual bettors. Operators also benefit from one of the most extensive market coverages in the industry, spanning main markets, outrights, props, and special bets, supported by a trading team ready to accommodate bespoke requests.

Chris Nikolopoulos, BETBY
Chris Nikolopoulos, CCO at BETBY

“As the biggest sports event worldwide, the World Cup is as much about preparation as it is about execution,” said Chris Nikolopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer at BETBY. “By being the first B2B sportsbook provider to make the full tournament bracket available ahead of the draw, we’re giving operators a clear advantage: the ability to start engaging players earlier and build momentum well before kickoff. At the same time, other features like microbetting and our eWorld Cup ensure that engagement stays high throughout every stage of the competition. We’re delivering a complete content portfolio that allows our partners to maximize both player activity and revenue across the entire World Cup cycle.”

By combining early market availability, real-time engagement tools, continuous betting opportunities, and deep trading flexibility, BETBY delivers a complete solution designed to maximize operator performance throughout the World Cup.

Ainsworth names Ryan Comstock CEO effective immediately

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Gaming supplier Ainsworth Game Technology announced on Monday that Ryan Comstock has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, following a six-month period serving as Acting CEO.

According to a filing with the Australian Securities Exchange, Comstock, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018, was selected after the Board reviewed his performance since taking on the acting role in October 2025.

The Board cited Comstock’s experience across all operational areas of the business, as well as initiatives undertaken during his tenure as Acting CEO, as key factors behind the appointment. The filing also noted that he had already obtained the necessary gaming regulatory licensing approvals through his previous positions.

Ryan Comstock will receive a base salary of US$625,000 per year and is expected to participate in the company’s 2026 Short-Term Incentive Plan, subject to financial performance targets and foreign exchange adjustments.

There will be no change to his existing long-term incentive arrangement of 400,000 cash-settled performance rights, which remain subject to service conditions and performance hurdles.

The appointment has no fixed term and remains subject to Board review. The employment agreement allows either party to terminate the contract with six months’ notice, while non-compete and non-solicitation provisions apply for up to six months following termination.