SAGSE South America’s exhibition booths are sold out! Argentina's gaming market is experiencing a strong recovery, making it a hotbed for industry activity.  The gaming market in Argentina has experienced a strong recovery over the past twelve months, making it one of the most attractive in terms of profitability due to the revaluation of its local currency. The economic measures implemented by the Milei administration have also generated growing confidence among local gaming operators, who now find it easier to acquire new equipment, thanks to both the reduction of import restrictions and the peso-dollar exchange rate. In this context, SAGSE South America  will take place in Buenos Aires on March 19 and 20, and its organizers have announced that all exhibition spaces at the Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center have been sold out. “The exhibition is fully booked,” highlighted Alan Burak, Vice President of Monografie, adding: “We are truly grateful for the immense support the market has given SAGSE in its 33rd edition in Argentina. A month before its opening, we have 100% of the exhibition floor occupied by top-tier national and international companies. These companies have witnessed a strong recovery in the local market and also recognize the regional reach of our event, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile.” Among the event’s main sponsors this year are major industry names such as BetConstruct, Pragmatic Play, EGT, Evolution, Playtech, First Best in Sports, Altenar, Amusnet, Ainsworth, GLI, Games Global, eGaming Group, Better Collective, TechnoGaming, PayRetailers, and Creed Roomz, among others. Additionally, pre-registration for SAGSE South America is now open to industry executives, with limited spots available: Pre-registration Organizers have also announced that, due to the high level of interest in this edition, they will reinforce the private and exclusive nature of the event when accrediting visitors, prioritizing access for operators, regulators, and key sponsors. “We want to ensure the quality of attendees and give exhibiting companies the prominence they deserve, while guaranteeing that only top-level executives walk our halls. SAGSE will be an event attended exclusively by decision-makers with purchasing power for equipment and services, both for the online market and for physical gaming venues operating throughout the country,” Burak explained. “Gaming expos have multiplied across the region, and today, the key differentiator for exhibitors is the quality of the audience. That is why we are working to maintain our exclusive event status for our 2025 editions,” the executive concluded. Read related article:   SAGSE Latam 2025: Connecting Global Firms to Latin America

SBC Summit Rio returns next week for its second edition, now hosted at Riocentro, the largest exhibition space in Latin America. SBC Summit Rio returns next week for its second edition, now hosted at Riocentro, the largest exhibition space in Latin America. With 15,000 attendees expected—marking a 275% increase from the 2024 edition—the summit will be the first in-person opportunity to explore the latest developments and strategies in Brazil’s newly regulated market. Taking place on 25-27 February, SBC Summit Rio will unite key figures from global and regional operators, along with affiliates and influencers, a multitude of suppliers, regulators, government entities, and media. Notably, all licensed operators in Brazil have confirmed their attendance, making this a prime opportunity to connect with the country’s most in-demand and influential brands. To further enhance networking, SBC has introduced a free “Expo Pass,” creating extra opportunities for greater access to key players on the show floor. Recognizing the growing importance of affiliation in a newly regulated market, along with the need for localized payment solutions, SBC has added two side summits to the event lineup: the ‘Affiliate Leaders Summit’ and the ‘Payment Expert Summit’—each featuring a tailored educational program and dedicated space on the show floor. The exhibition floor will host hundreds of global and regional brands, showcasing their latest products, tech, and services. Exhibiting brands include Amusnet, BetConstruct, Eightroom, EGT Digital, Esportes Da Sorte, EstrelaBet, Evolution, Fiserv, KeyAffiliates, KingMidas, Paybrokers, Pragmatic Play, Red Rake Gaming, Sportingtech, Trio Payments, and Wazdan. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC said: "For reasons known to all of us, Brazil is the talk of the industry right now. "With this being the first event in the country since regulation, we’ve built the agenda to offer real, practical insights—whether you’re looking to enter the market or have already taken your first steps. The goal is to help everyone make the most of the opportunities while staying fully compliant with the regulations." On the educational front, the event will feature a four-stage conference program, offering an in-depth exploration of the most pressing topics surrounding leadership, payments, affiliation, technology, player protection, regulation and compliance.  The event’s keynotes offer a powerful blend of inspiration and education, featuring Brazilian football legend Bebeto alongside key government officials who played a pivotal role in the industry’s regulation process; Carolina Yumi, Deputy Secretary of Prizes and Betting at the Ministry of Finance, and Senator Irajá Abreu of Tocantins. Besides the keynotes, the agenda will showcase an impressive lineup of Brazilian industry experts, including Arthur Silva (CEO, Alfa Entertainment), Alex Fonseca (CEO, Superbet), Amilton Noble (CEO, HEBARA), Fellipe Fraga (Chief Business Officer, EstrelaBet), Fernando Garita (CEO, Betsul), Ícaro Quinteiro (COO & CMO, Esporte Da Sorte) and Marcos Sabiá (CEO, Galera.bet ). Attendees can also take advantage of the newly introduced ‘Influencer Academy Workshop’, developed in partnership with Brazilian marketing firm Propane. Designed to highlight the crucial role of influencers in Brazil, the workshop will provide clear guidance on industry regulations—helping stakeholders navigate what’s permissible and what’s not. Delegates with a full access pass (VIP, Operator, or Affiliate Pass) can take networking beyond the show floor by joining the 3v3 Football Championship and attending exclusive evening events—the SBC Summit Rio Opening Party on Tuesday and the Official Networking Party on Wednesday. The event will wrap up with INFINITY RIO, Brazil’s biggest industry party, at the Riocentro Amphitheatre, featuring a powerhouse lineup—global EDM icon Afrojack and Brazilian sensation DubDogz. Sojmark added: "We wanted to end the event with a huge party to thank our attendees for being part of it and to create the perfect transition as Carnival kicks off right after. It’s going to be an epic night, and we can’t wait to welcome you all!" Read related article:   Galaxy Entertainment Eyes Bangkok Casino Opportunity

Stretch Network, a trusted B2B poker software provider, is gearing up for SBC Summit Rio 2025 with a showcase of exciting updates, tournament formats and features, and unique collaborations. Stretch Network, a trusted B2B poker software provider, is gearing up for SBC Summit Rio 2025 with a showcase of exciting updates, tournament formats and features, and unique collaborations.  Improving Mobile Poker Experience Stretch Network’s latest mobile offerings are designed to meet the demands of modern players and partners. New Mobile Version:  A faster, more intuitive, and visually engaging platform to boost player retention and satisfaction. This innovation underlines Stretch Network’s commitment to providing seamless and rewarding poker experiences, driving growth for partners. Unveiling Mystery Bounty Tournaments Stretch is introducing Mystery Bounty Tournaments, a thrilling format that combines strategy and suspense. Players earn hidden rewards with each knockout, ranging from modest payouts to game-changing jackpots. This inclusive feature boosts engagement, participation, and player satisfaction by adding excitement to every hand. Stretch x Ortak: Transforming Prizes with NFTs Stretch Network’s collaboration with Ortak introduces an exciting layer of value to poker tournaments by combining traditional cash prizes with exclusive NFT assets. This partnership reflects a commitment to offering engaging and rewarding experiences that set Stretch Network apart in the competitive poker market. Visit Stretch Network at SBC Summit Rio 2025 Stop by Stand B600  at SBC Summit Rio to explore Stretch Network’s latest offerings and discover how these solutions can elevate your business. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with our team and learn more about what’s ahead for the poker industry. For more information, visit https://www.stretchnetwork.com/ . Read related article:   PopOK Gaming Prepares for a Grand Showcase at SBC Summit Rio

PopOK Gaming will showcase groundbreaking iGaming developments and its dynamic portfolio at SBC Summit Rio, February 24-27, 2025.  Learn how PopOK Gaming is leading the industry. PopOK Gaming is set to make waves at the highly anticipated SBC Summit Rio , taking place from February 24-27, 2025. As a leading force in the iGaming industry, PopOK Gaming is ready to unveil groundbreaking developments, showcase its dynamic portfolio, and strengthen its position as an industry trailblazer. In a sensational move, PopOK Gaming is now the exclusive partner and official provider of the globally renowned crash game, Aviator. This collaboration marks a monumental milestone for the company, solidifying its role as a leading innovator in the crash game segment. Aviator’s immense popularity worldwide makes this partnership a game-changer, offering PopOK’s partners exclusive access to one of the most sought-after games in the market. Attendees at SBC Summit Rio will have the chance to learn more about this iconic title and explore the unique opportunities it presents. Starting from early 2025, PopOK Gaming expanded its portfolio by introducing Land-Based Slot Cabinets — a bold move that underscores its forward-thinking approach. These slot cabinets are not just machines; they are a blend of sleek, modern design and advanced gaming technology, offering players an immersive casino experience. PopOK Gaming will present a detailed look at their features, benefits, and exclusive offerings. Partners will gain insight into how these cabinets are revolutionizing the casino floor experience and how they stand out from traditional slot machines. Innovation is at the core of PopOK Gaming’s mission, and nowhere is this more evident than in its groundbreaking Mixed Game Solution. Breaking away from traditional formats, this exclusive innovation combines multiple game types in a single experience, offering players unmatched excitement, variety, and engagement. This revolutionary approach is a clear demonstration of PopOK’s commitment to setting new industry trends, not just following them. PopOK Gaming’s NFT journey is nothing short of revolutionary. As the first providers to join Ortak marketplace, the leading NFT marketplace, PopOK has established itself as a trendsetter in the NFT gaming space. This collaboration has resulted in the largest NFT collection on Ortak, offering digital collectibles that enhance gameplay and introduce new layers of excitement for players. From rare in-game items to exclusive digital assets, PopOK’s NFT collections are setting the standard for the future of gaming. Attendees of SBC Summit Rio 2025 are in for an exciting experience at the PopOK Gaming booth. From unveiling the exclusive Aviator crash game partnership to presenting a preview of the next generation of land-based slot cabinets, the PopOK team will be on-site to provide hands-on demonstrations, showcase new features, and present exclusive offers to partners. Guests will also have the chance to explore PopOK’s impressive NFT collections on Ortak and witness the future of iGaming through revolutionary innovations. Read related article:   SOFTSWISS Is Certified iGaming Supplier at SBC Summit Rio

Leading betting platform Stake announces a major sponsorship deal with Chilean Primera División side Club Deportivo Ñublense. Leading betting platform, Stake, has today announced a sponsorship deal with Chilean Primera División side, Club Deportivo Ñublense. The partnership will see Stake become the front-of-shirt sponsors for the 2025 season, a campaign in which Ñublense compete in the historic Copa Libertadores for just the second time in their 109 year history. Finalists in the 2024 Copa Chile, Club Deportivo Ñublense will look to upset the odds in South America’s biggest domestic tournament. This partnership demonstrates Stake’s strong support for clubs in Latin America, as the brand continues to expand its footprint in the region, adding another front-of-shirt partnership to its growing portfolio, which now stands at six clubs globally.  Nikkita Thomas, Head of Sponsorship, at Stake, commented: “Ñublense are a fantastic club, with a rich history and great fan base. We saw a real underdog story last season as they made it to the final of Copa Chile, and their involvement in the Copa Libertadores is something we are very excited about. “We are really passionate about expanding our footprint across Latin America, and to be a partner with one of Chile’s most prestigious teams is something we are proud of.” Francisco Mardones, General Manager at Club Deportivo Ñublense, added: “We are very pleased to start this agreement with Stake, a brand that shares our passion for football and innovation. This sponsorship will allow our club to continue its growth, reaching new audiences and offering more experiences to our fans." Read related article:   $9.18 Billion Bet in Singapore for Lottery, Sports Betting

The APT Manila Classic 2025 shattered records, becoming the Asian Poker Tour's biggest and richest Philippines festival ever with 8,406 entries and a PHP 350M+ prize pool.  The APT Manila Classic 2025 has cemented its place in poker history, smashing previous records to become the Asian Poker Tour's (APT) largest and richest festival ever held in the Philippines.  The ten-day event, held in partnership with the Metro Card Club at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, drew an astounding 8,406 total entries from 1,268 unique players representing 54 countries and regions. This impressive turnout generated a massive PHP 350,124,235 (~USD 6,015,880) prize pool, making it a landmark event for the tour. The festival achieved a remarkable feat, setting thirteen new tour country records for both field size and prize pools across various events. The PHP 60,000 APT Main Event was a significant contributor to this success, attracting a four-figure field and boasting an eight-figure (USD seven-figure) prize pool.  Other notable record-breaking events included the APT Super High Roller, Baby Superstar Challenge, Superstar Challenge, Zodiac Classic - Sponsored by Natural8, Mini Main Event, and the Micro Main Event. These events showcased the growing popularity of poker in the region and the APT's ability to attract a diverse and competitive field. The Main Event, a highlight of the festival, saw Russia's Ivan Govorov emerge victorious, capturing the coveted 24K Gold Lion APT Main Event trophy and a substantial prize. The event itself generated a massive PHP 61.6 million (~USD 1.05 million) prize pool, attracting 1,202 entries from 47 countries and regions, representing 18% of the series’ total prize money. While Govorov claimed the Main Event title, other players also made their mark. Germany's Tobias Schwecht won the APT Super High Roller, taking home a significant portion of the PHP 44.7 million (~USD 769.5K) prize pool. Japan's Yohei Kitazato conquered the APT High Roller, earning the Bronze Lion trophy and a hefty payday. Australia's Matthew Wakeman topped the Superstar Challenge, seizing the largest first-place prize of the series. Austria's Matthias Lipp emerged victorious in the record-breaking Zodiac Classic - Sponsored by Natural8. The APT Manila Classic 2025 has undoubtedly raised the bar for future poker tournaments in the Philippines. Its record-breaking numbers and impressive prize pools demonstrate the growing passion for poker in the region and solidify the APT's position as a leading force in the international poker scene. Read related article:   Filipino Bags P2.6M, 5th Asia Poker Tour Title in Manila Classic Event

Pronet Gaming's Alex Karaoulis explores key strategies for maximizing profitability and adapting to player trends and regulations. In the increasingly competitive iGaming industry, business-to-consumer (B2C) operators must constantly refine their strategies to boost key metrics such as gross gaming revenue (GGR), registration numbers (Reg), first-time deposits (FTD), and net profit. To remain profitable and sustainable in the long term, operators need to focus on enhancing these vital metrics while adapting to changing player preferences and regulatory challenges. Here, Alex Karaoulis , Commercial and Product Strategy Lead at Pronet Gaming, explores how online operators can drive success and increase profitability by focusing on these key performance indicators. Maximising gross gaming revenue Gross gaming revenue is one of the most important metrics for any online operator. It measures the difference between the total amount wagered by players and the total amount paid out as winnings. To maximise GGR, operators need to focus on two main factors: player acquisition  and retention . Effective player acquisition strategies involve targeting the right audience, whether through social media campaigns, SEO, casino streamers, affiliate marketing, or partnerships with game developers. Understanding customer behaviour and personalising marketing efforts based on player preferences can increase the chances of attracting high-value players who generate greater wagering volumes. Retention, on the other hand, is just as important. Operators usually implement loyalty programmes, gamification techniques, bonus structures, and regular promotions to keep players engaged. By offering players a compelling reason to return—such as exclusive rewards or unique games—operators can improve player lifetime value and, ultimately, boost GGR. Growing registrations An increase in registrations is the first step towards building a sustainable player base. Without new users signing up, operators cannot grow their GGR or net profit. Effective acquisition strategies are key to growing registration numbers, and they need to be multi-channel. Optimising the registration process is crucial in reducing friction and ensuring a smooth user experience. Complex or lengthy registration forms can deter potential players, so keeping the process simple and intuitive is essential. Additionally, operators would want to focus on implementing high-conversion landing pages and engaging promotional offers to entice new players to sign up. In a competitive market, operators must also differentiate themselves by offering unique bonuses and incentives. These might include welcome bonuses or free spins that provide players with immediate value and encourage them to create an account. Driving first-time deposits The next metric that directly impacts profitability is first-time deposits. Simply getting players to register is not enough; operators need to turn these registrations into paying customers. The key to boosting FTD lies in providing compelling deposit incentives and offering promotions that encourage new players to make their first deposit. Operators typically offer attractive welcome bonuses tied to a player’s first deposit, such as a match bonus or free spins. This not only incentivises players to deposit but also enhances the perceived value of playing on the platform. A frictionless payment process, with multiple payment options, is also crucial to encourage players to fund their accounts quickly and easily. Additionally, operators would want to track player behaviour closely to identify users who are at risk of abandoning the site before making their first deposit. Targeting efforts through personalised messages and special offers can help convert these players into paying customers. Increasing net profit Net profit is the ultimate measure of an operator’s success. It reflects the bottom line after accounting for all operating expenses, including marketing, software licensing, and customer service. To increase net profit, operators must improve both their revenue-generating activities and cost-efficiency. Optimising marketing spend is a significant area where iGaming operators can boost profitability. By analysing the return on investment for different marketing channels, operators can identify the most effective acquisition strategies and allocate resources accordingly. Cutting costs on underperforming channels allows businesses to reinvest in more effective strategies, driving both acquisition and retention. Another strategy for improving net profit is to enhance the efficiency of back-end operations. Implementing automation in customer support and compliance tasks can significantly reduce operational costs. In addition, focusing on data analytics allows operators to identify patterns in player behaviour and make data-driven decisions that boost player engagement and increase profitability. Final thoughts By employing targeted marketing strategies, optimising the user experience, offering engaging incentives, and maintaining cost-efficiency, B2C businesses can enhance their profitability while staying ahead of the competition. Operators who adapt to changing market conditions and continuously refine their approaches will be better positioned to capitalise on the growth opportunities within the iGaming industry—now and in the long run. Read related article:   New Normal Financial Strategies in iGaming

Senator Raffy Tulfo warns that Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) pose a greater threat than POGOs.  A Philippine senator sounded the alarm over the proliferation of inland gaming operators, claiming they pose a bigger threat compared to the now-outlawed offshore gaming operators (POGO).  Senator Raffy Tulfo has called on local regulators, through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to stop issuing new PIGO licenses and to implement stricter regulations on existing operators. During a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing, Tulfo emphasized that while POGOs preyed on foreigners, PIGOs directly target Filipino players, including minors. He warned that the growing accessibility of online gaming could lead to increased gambling addiction and higher crime rates. "Ang POGO ang biktima ay foreigners. Of course, napakasama niyan. Pinakamasama sa lahat. Pero ang hari ng kasamaan ay itong PIGO dahil ang mga manlalaro ay Pilipino," Tulfo said.  (POGOs preyed on foreigners, which is already bad, but PIGOs reign as the worst between the two because they target Filipinos.)  The popularity of inshore gaming applications in the Philippines has skyrocketed as POGOs winded down their operations. With the exit of POGOs, PIGOs have become a vital source of gaming revenue in the Philippines.  As of now, PAGCOR has granted 60 PIGO licenses. Officials claim that licensed operators must comply with the Responsible Gaming Program, which includes self-exclusion measures where players or their families can request a gambling ban. However, Tulfo dismissed the effectiveness of this approach, arguing that addicted players are unlikely to impose self-restrictions. The senator also criticized PAGCOR's penalties for operators violating regulations, particularly those allowing minors to gamble. Under current rules, first-time offenders face a P25,000 fine, second-time offenders a P50,000 fine, and third-time violators a P100,000. Tulfo insisted that licenses should be revoked upon a second offense rather than permitting repeat violations. In a related issue, Pagcor’s security and monitoring cluster, led by retired Brig. Gen. Raul Villanueva, reported discovering 276 illegal gambling websites in 2025, including platforms linked to former POGO operators. Of these, 136 have been blocked by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), but Tulfo expressed frustration over the slow crackdown. “Why is it taking so long? These sites should be blocked all at once,” Tulfo said, underscoring reports of illegal gambling operations continuing despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to shut down POGOs by December 31, 2024. PAGCOR acknowledged receiving over 20 complaints from concerned citizens about POGO sites still in operation, with some reports confirming physical locations still running. With Tulfo leading the call for stricter oversight, the pressure is mounting on PAGCOR to reassess its regulatory approach and ensure that PIGOs do not exacerbate social issues in the country. He warned that without urgent action, gambling addiction among Filipinos could spiral out of control, leading to dire consequences for society. Read related article:   Are POGOs Reopening? PAGCOR Says It's Fake News

Award-winning supplier WA.Technology is already established as go-to B2B platform partner for some of Brazil’s biggest brands. WA.Technology, the award-winning B2B iGaming solutions provider and a trusted partner for Brazil's top operators, will showcase its latest innovations designed for the Brazilian market at SBC Summit Rio 2025, Stand B290.  Already established as one of LatAm’s favourite B2B providers, WA.Technology is partnered with many of Brazil's biggest brands, as well as being one of the first major suppliers to have received the necessary certifications to launch in Brazil at the start of 2025.  With a local team established on the ground in Brazil and an office in Recife, WA.Technology has used two decades of experience to develop its latest round of Brazil-focused products, set to be exhibited at Stand B290.  The company’s highlight launch of 2024 and 2025, Pick‘Em Player Props, has already proven to be a standout acquisition, engagement, and retention tool for Brazil-focused operators and will be key to any operator looking to make its mark on the market.  Combining Fantasy and Sports Betting, WA.Technology’s Pick‘Em Player Props gives players a chance to put their sporting knowledge to the test by predicting individual player performances – capturing the growing popularity of player props betting as well as the Brazilian love of soccer.  Taking second centre stage will be WA.Technology’s hugely popular WA.Lottery vertical. WA.Technology’s partners can now integrate the provider’s newly upgraded lottery product directly into their online casino or sportsbook via a seamless wallet integration.  Representing another high-performing acquisition tool for all partners, players can access more than 70 of the world’s biggest lottery formats, including weekly prizes of $100m across all LatAm and Brazilian draws.  Highly popular Lottery games from the USA, such as Powerball and Megamillions, are also available, with jackpots reaching in excess of $1bn.   Commenting on WA.Technology’s plans to become a true leader in Brazil’s regulated market, Phyllyp Sedicias, WA.Technology’s Country Director for Brazil, said:  “We’re not just talking about Brazil – we’re invested in it. With local teams and offices across Brazil and LatAm,  we understand the nuances of the market and what players want. Our Pick‘Em Player Props and upgraded WA.Lottery are designed to give our partners a competitive edge.  Visit us at Stand B290 to see how we can help you become a true market leader with our unmatched experience and expertise. We have incredibly exciting plans for this year – and we can promise that with a true reputation of excellence, we’re here to be the best.”  Asia Casino News is a one of the media partners for SBC Summit Rio . To save 50% on your all-access pass, use this exclusive code at checkout: ACNPARTNERVIP   Read related article :   SOFTSWISS Is Certified iGaming Supplier at SBC Summit Rio

As Brazil’s betting and gaming market undergoes a major transformation, industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders will convene at SBC Summit Rio to explore new opportunities and navigate regulatory changes shaping the sector’s future. As Brazil’s betting and gaming market undergoes its most significant transformation yet, industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders will gather at SBC Summit Rio to navigate the evolving landscape. Taking place at Riocentro, Rio de Janeiro, from 25-27 February, the event will feature a dedicated focus on regulation, equipping businesses with the insights needed for a compliant and successful market entry and expansion. Key topics include the impact of recent regulatory shifts, best practices for maintaining compliance, and the legal complexities surrounding influencer marketing. With expert insights from industry leaders and policymakers, attendees will gain the strategic knowledge needed to navigate Brazil’s rapidly changing market. On Wednesday, 26 February, at 11:20, the keynote panel 'Regulatory Overview: Inside Brazil’s Game-Changing Law', will see two key representatives from Brazil’s Ministry of Finance's Prizes and Bets Secretariat—Daniela Olimipio (Undersecretary for Authorization) and Carolina Yumi (Deputy Secretary) —take the stage alongside Senator Iraja Abreu (Province of Tocantins) and Martin Lycka (SVP, American Regulatory Affairs & Responsible Gambling, Entain). Together, they will provide exclusive insights into the development of Brazil’s regulatory framework, dissect current market dynamics, and explore what lies ahead for the country’s betting and gaming industry. Immediately following at 12:00, Senator Iraja Abreu will join another keynote panel, ‘The Future of Licensing: Updates and Guidance’, where he and Leonardo Benites (CEO, Propane) will break down the latest licensing laws and regulatory requirements in Brazil. This session will provide attendees with essential insights to strategically prepare for what lies ahead. On Wednesday at 12:40, the panel ‘State vs Municipal vs Federal’ will dissect the various licensing options available to brands entering Brazil. Plínio Jorge (President, ANJL), Filipe Alves Rodrigues (Lawyer and Founder, Brazilian Institute of Sports Law - IGE), Amilton Noble (CEO, HEBARA), Waldir Marques (Director of Regulatory Affairs LATAM, WA.Technology ), and Luiz Felipe Maia (Founding Partner, Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados)—will break down the distinctions between state, municipal, and federal licenses. This critical discussion will explore how each option impacts business operations, who holds regulatory and taxation authority, and the complexities involved in compliance and market entry. Other notable experts set to speak on panels addressing the impact of Brazil’s regulatory framework include Rafael Marchetti Marcondes (Chief Legal Officer, Rei do Pitaco), Antonio Bratefixe (Legal Representative before the Regional Management Committee of the Electronic Judicial Process (CGRPJE), OAB/SP), Rodrigo Verly (Tax Auditor, Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (RFB)), Tiago do Vale (National Treasury, Fazenda Nacional), Ricardo Saadi (Director of Investigation and Organized Crime Combat, Federal Police), Ana Pamplona (Doctor of Law, Lawyer, University Professor, and Co-founder of AMIG), and Ludovico Calvi (President, United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS)), among others. Asia Casino News is a one of the media partners for SBC Summit Rio . To save 50% on your all-access pass, use this exclusive code at checkout: ACNPARTNERVIP   Read related article:   WA.Technology To Highlight Brazil iGaming at SBC Summit Rio

Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate welcome world record gaming industry attendance of 59,101 from 163 nations. The Barcelona editions of ICE and iGB Affiliate have ripped up the record books attracting a total of 59,101 unique attendees surpassing the previous high of 52,345 which was set in 2024 – the last editions to be held in London. The ICE unique attendance of 50,019 represented an 11% year-on-year uplift with iGB Affiliate recording a total of 9,082 unique visitors an increase of 24% on the previous highest which was set 12-months ago. ICE and iGB Affiliate registered a total Visitation figure, which measures the number of person days spent at the Fira Gran Via Barcelona of 107,664 another gambling industry world record. Nine nations recorded four figure attendances with Spain topping the table (8,954), followed by the UK (6,518), Malta (3,074), Cyprus (2,328), Ukraine (1,938), United States (1,730), Italy (1,496), Bulgaria (1,252) and Germany (1,157). Stuart Hunter, Managing Director Clarion Gaming said: “The data has been interrogated by an independent registration body and reflects the number of unique attendees.” He added: “I am delighted that the transition of ICE and iGB Affiliate to Barcelona has been so well-received by our international community of stakeholders. The data has confirmed an all-time opening day high of 32,788 ICE attendees and a closing day attendance of 24,926 which was 20% higher than 2024’s closing day. “Growth was achieved across all key jurisdictions, including Continental Europe, North America, LATAM, and Asia, with notable new growth recorded from the UAE and India. While UK attendance saw an anticipated reduction in numbers, like-for-like UK company representation remained stable. Looking behind the data it has been a case of UK companies rationalising their representation to their senior teams. The overall attendee growth mitigated and exceeded that reduction.” Looking ahead to 2026 Stuart Hunter confirmed that 86% of the event space is already booked. He stated: “The response has been so positive that many exhibitors have already rebooked and in many cases secured additional space for January 2026. ICE will expand into Hall 1 addressing exhibitor requests for extra space while iGB Affiliate will relocate to Hall 8 providing attendees with a dedicated arrival experience. The success of the 2025 event underscores the value of the move, and we look forward to building on this momentum for 2026.” Naomi Barton, Portfolio Director, iGB Events described the response to the first edition of iGB Affiliate to take place in Barcelona as ‘simply outstanding’. She stated: “The growth of iGB Affiliate has been phenomenal and Barcelona has underlined the popularity and status of the brand. Whilst the figures can only tell part of the story the unique attendance of 9,082 was a 24% uplift on 2024 with the 2025 figures representing the fifth consecutive year of significant growth.” She added: “108 nations were represented at iGB Affiliate making it one of the most international live b2b events on the industry calendar. All of the metrics that we use to measure performance are looking extremely healthy and we are in the midst of analysing in more detail the exhibitor and visitor surveys that we commission after each event. Our attention now switches to July and the relocation of iGB L!VE from Amsterdam to ExCeL London.” Read related article:   WA.Technology To Highlight Brazil iGaming at SBC Summit Rio

The Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks - which will prevail ahead of the All-Star break? Check the picks and odds here. By: Sanjay Belani Running score: 9-6 The struggling Miami Heat head to Dallas to face the short-handed Mavericks. Both teams are currently sitting as the 8th seed in their respective conferences and have struggled to find a rhythm all season bugged by injuries and massive trades. Both franchises also lost their franchise player, Dallas’ Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers and Miami’s Jimmy Butler was traded to the Warriors. However, the show must go on for these two teams as they try to build camaraderie with their new pieces and are looking to stay in the race for the playoffs. The Heat have lost three straight games, in two of those three games they put up 8 and 9 points in the fourth quarters and squandered the lead to the opposing team. Meanwhile, the Mavericks looked great with their newest addition and one of the best players in the league in Anthony Davis. However, Anthony Davis unfortunately got injured in his Mavericks’ debut and will miss the next couple of weeks. With both these teams coming off a back to back, I’d like to take our chances with the Heat. The Heat are 6-3 on the second night of back to back and the line is strange being set as two point favorites, for a team that has not looked great since the first week of January. The Mavericks are coming off an impressive win against the Warriors and I look for this to be a letdown spot right before the all-star break. Current Odds: Spread: Miami Heat -2.0 | Dallas Mavericks +2.0 Moneyline: Miami Heat 1.77 | Utah Jazz 3.85 Over/Under: Over 222| Under 222 Odds from Arena Plus. Hot Trend: The Heat are 5-0 in their last 5 match-ups against a Southwest Division team. Sanjay’s Pick: Miami Heat -2.0 Read related article: Lakers vs. Jazz - Picks & Odds, February 13, 2025