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ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of premium live games and casino content, has continued the Chinese New Year celebrations with the release of Lucky Hong Bao. ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of premium live games and casino content, has continued the Chinese New Year celebrations with the release of Lucky Hong Bao. This is the provider’s eighth slot game having made its move into the vertical for the first time back in December last year, strengthening its position as an iGaming content pioneer. Lucky Hong Bao is an Asian-themed live slot featuring a majestic Chinese Dragon that brings bonus features and potentially big wins. Bonus features include Wild symbols that can land anywhere on the reels to form additional win combinations. Players will also want to keep their eyes peeled for the Scatter symbols. If three land in the base game, they are taken to the Free Spins bonus with ten Free Games initially awarded. While the Free Spins play out, players will want to see additional Scatters land – if they do, five more Free Spins will be awarded. There’s also the option to Buy the Bonus if players want to indulge themselves with Free Spins without having to trigger it from the base game. Lucky Hong Bao offers 20 ways to win, has an RTP of up to 96.11% and a volatility score of 5/5. The max win potential is 1,000x and the max exposure is 250,000x.   All of the provider’s slots are offered in real-money and social casino formats to meet the demand it’s already experiencing from both types of operators for its existing suite of games. Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21 , said: “As our slot portfolio continues to grow, we’re focused on adding as much variety as possible to appeal to players worldwide, and we have done just that with the launch of Lucky Hong Bao. “This latest release brings together a high RTP, in-demand features and a vibrant Asian-inspired design, launching just in time for Chinese New Year. It’s designed to maximize engagement and deliver strong results for operators during one of the busiest gaming seasons of the year and beyond.” In addition to its recent slots portfolio, ICONIC21 has a broad lineup of games covering Blackjack, Roulette, Sic Bo, Baccarat, Bet on Teen Patti, Dragon Tiger, Crash Live and more. Read related article:   Light & Wonder Opens New Hub In Philippines, Its Key Market

Yellow Bat will make its debut at the SBC Summit Rio 2025, marking its first entry into the Brazilian market.  In this festive season, Yellow Bat Gaming proudly presents three games that have been widely popular in the South American market! Among them, the cat-themed game "Lucky Meow" offers generous rewards to players. The randomly triggered "Lucky Meow Feature" provides up to 10X additional bonuses, with a total prize challenge of up to 1,500X, delivering excitement beyond expectations. Another player-favorite online slot game is the poker-styled "Royal Ace", whose free game mode offers up to 50 consecutive spins with multiple payouts, creating a thrilling and rewarding gaming experience. Finally, the favorite of bingo enthusiasts — "Money Bingo" — brings a new golden moment to bingo games! The game features a special Wild Ball, allowing players to freely choose numbers on their cards, greatly increasing their chances of winning, with each game filled with anticipation and surprises. From February 26 to 27, 2025, Yellow Bat will make its debut at the SBC Summit Rio 2025! This marks Yellow Bat's first entry into the Brazilian market and is an important step in the company’s journey toward international expansion. They will showcase newly designed online bingo and slot games and have an interactive experience area, allowing attendees to experience Yellow Bat's innovative gameplay firsthand. The event will be filled with exciting activities, where visitors can not only learn about the latest game products but also have a chance to win exclusive limited-edition merchandise. Yellow Bat Gaming warmly invites gaming enthusiasts from around the world to join this grand event, explore the endless possibilities of Yellow Bat™ games, and witness our rise in the global market! Read related article:   WA.Technology To Highlight Brazil iGaming at SBC Summit Rio

Light & Wonder expands in the Philippines with a new Clark office, strengthening its presence in what they described as Asia’s largest gaming market. Casino equipment and gaming technology provider Light & Wonder Inc. inaugurated a new office and showroom in the Philippines, which it described as its largest Asia market.  The new office and showroom is at the Clark Cityfront complex in Pampanga, just a couple of hours from capital Manila. The office covers 580 square meters and has a showroom.  In a GGRAsia report, Glenn Huybrecht, Vice President and Managing Director for Asia at Light & Wonder underscored the importance of having a showroom in what he described as their “largest market in Asia.” Light and Wonder currently has operations in both Clark and Manila, and in Macau and Singapore.  READ: City Of Dreams Manila Developer Eyes Clark Integrated Resort Part of the pipeline, he says, is to hire more people from the Philippines. “We’ve expanded quite a bit … and we have an objective to hire more talent in the Philippines in the future.”  Inside Asian Gaming reported that Light and Wonder partnered with RGB International for the office and showroom. READ:   ACN Spotlight: Casino Plus CEO Bares Plans for Future Hotel Expansion Light & Wonder will officially open its Singapore office in March. Meanwhile, the company will also zero in on innovating its current offerings,  particularly in electronic table games (ETGs). They now operate seven game studios dedicated to developing Asia-focused content. With a firm commitment to innovation and expansion, Light & Wonder is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the gaming landscape across the region. Read related article:   Hann Reserve Project in New Clark City Breaks Ground

Kelcey Allison has left Aruze Gaming after leading a significant rebuild of the company. He plans to take a break before his next venture. Kelcey Allison, the chief operating officer (COO) of Aruze Gaming, has announced his departure from the company.  In a LinkedIn post, Allison reflected on his time with Empire and the acquisition of Aruze, stating that leading the company had been a rewarding experience. Allison led the rebuilding of Aruze Gaming 2 (AG2), a task he described as challenging and unprecedented in the gaming industry. He noted that AG2 exceeded expectations under his leadership. “Rebuilding AG2 was the most formidable endeavor of my professional journey, and a task that had never been done in our industry before. Together, we not only took on that challenge but succeeded in ways that exceeded so many expectations,” he said.  Allison was recently recognized as one of the Top 25 People to Watch in 2024. He credited this recognition to the efforts of the AG2 team. Allison stated that he will take a break before pursuing his next venture. He indicated that he has future plans but did not provide specifics. “With my recent decision to step away, I’m taking a short, well-deserved break to recharge and reflect before diving into my next adventure,” he added.  Allison thanked the AG2 team for their contributions to the company's achievements. AG2 provides slot machine operations to land-based casinos worldwide, including those in Asian countries like the Philippines. Read related article:   From 20 to 40 Million: DigiPlus Doubles Its User Base

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defends her government’s plan to legalize casino gaming after China’s President Xi Jinping raised concerns during their recent meeting. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended her government's proposal to legalize casino gaming anew, amid concerns by China President Xi Jinping about the plans.  During a press briefing held February 11, Paetongtarn said President Xi gave her the warning during a meeting between the two. She admitted that President Xi quizzed her during their meeting the previous week.  Paetongtarn shared that she reiterated Thailand's commitment to instead focus on developing these facilities as integrated resorts, assuring that these casinos take up less than 10 percent of the total floor space.  The bill states that private companies must operate entertainment complexes with a minimum paid-up capital of THB 10 billion (PHP 16 billion, US$285 million). It also suggests that these projects be joint ventures between the government and private operators, potentially using a concession model similar to Macau's. The exact number and locations of these integrated resorts (IRs) are yet to be decided, but reports indicate that up to five licenses could be issued, including two in Bangkok. Several major global IR operators have expressed interest in Thailand, including Las Vegas Sands, Genting Singapore, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts, and MGM Resorts. Notably, MGM Resorts stated last year that it would bid for a Thai IR license through its Macau subsidiary, MGM China. The council have until March 6 to decide on the bill. According to a report by Bangkok Post, there are differences in the revised version of the bill. They also assured that casino space will take up not more than 10 percent of the space.  Reception so far about the bill has been mixed, with local civil groups calling for a referendum.  Read related article:   Parent company of NUSTAR to have new President and CEO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserts that none of his Senate candidates are tied to POGOs, despite his previous call for a nationwide ban on the industry.  President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. asserted that none of the Senate candidates he is backing under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alyansa) have links to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), even as he previously called for a nationwide ban on the industry. Speaking at the Alyansa’s proclamation rally at the Centennial Arena on Tuesday, Marcos Jr. took a swipe at a rival Senate candidate, referring to them as a “false prophet” facing cases related to abuse of women and children. He emphasized that none of his slate’s members are tainted by such controversies. “Wala po sa kanila ang tila sakrista na isang bulaang propeta na nasasadlak dahil sa pagyurak sa ating kabataan at ating kababaihan,” Marcos Jr. said. (None of them behave as sacristans, as false prophets who are facing cases for abusing our children and women.) Amid his assurances that Alyansa candidates have clean records, the President made it clear that they also have no ties to POGO operations, which have been a controversial issue in the country. This statement comes after Marcos Jr. himself called for a ban on POGOs last year, citing concerns over crime, money laundering, and national security risks linked to the industry. The President also took aim at other political groups, expressing pity for parties he believes are struggling to field strong Senate candidates, while distancing his slate from past government controversies, stating that none of them were involved in alleged drug war of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, the alleged misuse of pandemic funds, or pro-China stances amid maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea. While an executive order (EO) banning POGOs is in effect, the legislative department is lobbying for a law that will put an outright ban the industry. Read related article:   Marcos Orders “Smaller Scale, Multiple” Anti-POGO Operations

Lei Seak Chio swears in as the new deputy director of Macau’s gaming regulator amid leadership changes. The bureau is currently without a permanent director. Macau has yet to appoint a permanent director for its gaming regulator, amid changes in its leadership.  The DICJ is currently operating without a permanent director following the departure of Adriano Marques Ho in December. Deputy director Lio Chi Chong is serving as acting director. With Chui's departure and no permanent director yet named, the DICJ has one vacant deputy director position. Meanwhile, Lei Seak Chio was formally appointed as a new deputy director, effective February 10th after a formal ceremony led by Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, who expressed confidence in Lei's ability to contribute to the bureau's supervisory and management tasks. Lei pledged his commitment to implementing the SAR Government's policies and enhancing the DICJ's effectiveness. Lei will replace Peter Chui Hou Ian, whose term expired on February 8th. Chui, son of prominent businessman António Chui Yuk Lum, had served as an advisor to the Secretary for Economy and Finance before his appointment to the DICJ, despite lacking prior experience in public administration. Lei brings a strong background in public service, having worked at the Labour Affairs Bureau since 2005. He most recently served as the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department. His qualifications include a bachelor's degree in engineering management and a master's degree in public administration. Read related article:   Macau Gaming Regulator Appoints New Deputy Director

Following the ban on POGOs, the DOLE is organizing a second job fair to assist displaced online gaming workers.  The event will connect job seekers with potential employers. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is organizing a second job fair specifically for internet gaming licensee (IGL) workers displaced by the ongoing ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with no definite date.  Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma announced the upcoming event, citing the a previous job fair that saw more than 100 IGL workers participate, with several finding new employment. "We saw some successful hires from the last job fair, and we're committed to following through on those efforts," Laguesma stated. "We're planning another job fair specifically focused on these workers." While the event will prioritize displaced IGL employees, Laguesma indicated that other job seekers would also be welcome.  The POGO ban, initially ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2023 due to links between several operators and various crimes, was further solidified and expanded in November 2024 with Executive Order No. 74. This order extended the ban to encompass all illegal offshore gaming operations, including license applications, renewals, and cessation of operations. An interagency task force, comprised of the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, DOLE, and other relevant agencies, is overseeing the closure of POGOs and providing assistance to affected workers. This includes facilitating job placement and other support services to help individuals transition to new employment opportunities. The DOLE's job fair is a key component of this support strategy, aiming to connect displaced workers with potential employers in other industries. Read related article:   DOLE Job Fair Offers 5K Jobs For Displaced POGO Workers

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warns that legalizing casinos and online gambling in Thailand could worsen social issues, calling gambling harmful to families. Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has strongly criticized the government's plan to legalize casinos and online gambling in Thailand, warning that such a move would exacerbate existing social issues. Speaking at a seminar on the push to legalize gambling, Abhisit called gambling a "major social problem" that has caused significant harm not only to individuals but also to their families. "Since the legalization of casinos and online gambling is now high on the government's agenda, Thai citizens must prepare for the negative consequences," he said. READ:   2026 Enactment, Pushback From Crime Rings Await Thai IR Bill The proposal to legalize casinos and online gambling was first introduced by the Pheu Thai Party during its campaign for the 2023 elections. The party argued that rather than criminalizing these activities and driving them underground, the government should regulate them and collect revenue from gambling and related enterprises. However, Abhisit pointed out that the party has not specified what additional activities might also be legalized. He also noted the lack of any serious public discussion on the issue. "I strongly oppose this plan... it is dangerous. Online gambling, in particular, will harm society by increasing household debt and, consequently, crime rates," Abhisit said. Abhisit served as Thailand's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2011 and was the leader of the Democrat Party. Known for his strong stance on social issues and economic policies, Abhisit has frequently criticized the current administration for its handling of economic reforms, governance, and policies he believes prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability. He has opposed populist measures that he argues could lead to increased debt and social instability. The government has justified the move by arguing that legal casinos would generate revenue through licensing fees and taxes, boost employment, and attract tourists. However, Abhisit warned that the potential risks could outweigh these benefits. "I do not believe legalized casinos will benefit Thai workers because, in the end, migrant workers from neighboring countries are the ones most likely to be recruited to work in these complexes," he said. READ: Thai Opposition Calls Casino Bill A “False Advertisement” He also stressed the importance of strict law enforcement to prevent potential money laundering through gambling and casino entertainment complexes. Public Opposition and Legislative Hurdles Nuannoi Trirat, director of the Centre for Gambling Studies, highlighted a recent survey conducted by the center, which found that over 50% of the 8,000 respondents opposed the plan to legalize casinos. She criticized the government for disregarding calls for a public referendum on the issue. On January 13, the cabinet approved, in principle, a bill that would allow the establishment of casino-entertainment complexes. The government has given the Council of State, its legal advisory body, 50 days to review the bill before forwarding it to the House of Representatives for deliberation. Despite public opposition, the government insists that no referendum is necessary, arguing that the policy has already been approved by parliament and was a key part of Pheu Thai's campaign platform. Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State, stated that the government wants the bill to be treated as an urgent matter, underscoring the 50-day review period set by the cabinet. Read related article:   7 in 10 Thais Say No to Casino, Online Gambling: Survey

Macau's Chinese New Year casino revenue fell short of pre-pandemic levels, raising concerns about the gaming hub's recovery. Visitor numbers near 2019, but spending remains down. Macau Chinese New Year Casino Revenue  reached MOP780 million (approximately PHP5.4 billion) in daily gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the recent holiday. However, the numbers show that Macau’s casino industry is still struggling to recapture its pre-pandemic glory. Macau’s Chinese New Year revenue for 2025 is a significant 8% lower than the same period in 2019, according to Seaport Research Partners, highlighting the lingering challenges facing the industry. While Macau welcomed 1.31 million visitors over the eight-day holiday (January 28th to February 4th), a daily average of 163,700, the overall visitor count was down 3.5% from last year. Although visitor numbers have nearly reached pre-pandemic levels, the spending habits of those visitors tell a different tale. Analyst Vitaly Umansky noted that the estimated per-visitor GGR was US$593 (approximately PHP33,700), a 3% increase compared to last CNY, but still down 3% compared to 2019. This suggests that while Macau is attracting tourists, they aren't spending as much at the gaming tables as they did before the pandemic. Umansky cautioned that the "spend per visitor" figure could be misleading, as Macau likely saw an influx of non-gaming visitors during the holiday. This influx of tourists, while positive for the overall economy, may not translate directly into casino revenue. He also pointed out that "anecdotes from Macau point to somewhat better premium play than base mass play," suggesting a potential shift in the composition of gamblers, with high-rollers potentially propping up the market while the mass market remains subdued. The Chinese New Year period is a crucial indicator for Macau's gaming industry. In 2019, it accounted for approximately 2% of the year's total GGR. While that figure rose to 2.7% in 2024, this year's CNY is projected to contribute around 2.6% to the forecasted MOP242 billion (approximately PHP1.7 trillion) annual revenue for 2025. This slight decrease, coupled with the lower overall revenue compared to 2019, paints a picture of an industry still struggling to fully recover. Looking ahead, Umansky forecasts February's GGR to reach MOP18.5 billion (approximately PHP127 billion), a modest 0.1% year-on-year increase and a 1.3% month-on-month rise. He anticipates an average daily GGR of MOP609 million (approximately PHP4.2 billion) for the rest of the month, which he believes is achievable. Despite these projections, the comparison to 2019 remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing Macau's gaming sector. The city's reliance on gaming revenue and the changing dynamics of tourism and consumer spending raise questions about the long-term health and future of this vital industry. Whether Macau can recapture its pre-pandemic glory remains to be seen. Read related article:   Macau Breaks Daily Record but Misses Holiday Visitor Goal

PAGCOR's new 40,000 sq meter headquarters at Nayong Pilipino will consolidate operations and generate revenue through leased commercial space. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) broke ground on its new corporate headquarters at the Bagong Nayong Pilipino complex. The PHP2.45 billion PAGCOR Corporate Center, a sprawling 40,000 square meter facility, marks a significant turning point for the agency, which has operated from rented and dispersed spaces for over four decades. The sheer size of the new building underscores the scale of PAGCOR's ambitions. With 40,000 square meters of floor space, plus an additional 15,000 square meters for fit-out, the Corporate Center will finally provide a unified and modern home for PAGCOR's workforce. Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasized the historic nature of the event, stating, "Ang araw na ito ay katuparan ng isang pangarap para sa PAGCOR na magkaroon ng sariling tahanan," (This day is the fulfillment of a dream for PAGCOR to have its own home). The building's substantial size also presents an opportunity for PAGCOR to generate revenue. Chairman Tengco revealed plans to lease out some of the commercial spaces within the center, anticipating that the rental income will cover the building's maintenance costs. This strategic approach highlights the agency's focus on maximizing the value of its new asset. The project is a result of a public-private partnership with San Miguel Corporation (SMC), which will fully finance and construct the Corporate Center at no cost to PAGCOR. SMC Chairman Ramon Ang highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of the agreement, noting that SMC will also utilize PAGCOR’s 13-hectare Nayong Pilipino property for aviation-related infrastructure, complementing airport requirements. Designed by JSLA architectural design firm and built by New Golden City Builders, both known for their expertise in large-scale projects, the PAGCOR Corporate Center is slated for completion in 2028.  The 25-year lease agreement between PAGCOR and SMC, signed in December 2024, not only covers the building construction but also includes monthly rental fees (with annual escalations) paid by SMC for the use of the Nayong Pilipino property. This comprehensive partnership promises to revitalize the Nayong Pilipino complex, transforming it into a "vibrant symbol of progress and opportunity." Read related article:   PAGCOR Partners with SMC for New Headquarters

Who will DigiPlus partner with in Brazil? The gaming giant is seeking a local expert for its P660M expansion, set for Q4 2025 launch. DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (PLUS) is prioritizing its efforts as DigiPlus partners with a local company in Brazil to launch its first international venture by late 2025. The company disclosed its expansion plans to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on February 5. "It's better to have a local partner," Chairman Eusebio Tanco stated, emphasizing the need for on-the-ground knowledge and gaming expertise within the Brazilian market.  The ideal partner will complement DigiPlus's strengths in online gaming platform development and operation, and the company anticipates forming a joint venture. READ: DigiPlus Allots P660 Million for Investment in Brazil DigiPlus has allocated P660 million for the Brazil expansion, targeting a fourth-quarter 2025 launch.  This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to a successful entry into the competitive Brazilian gaming market and signals its ambition to become a global player READ: Online Gaming Now PH Largest Gaming Tax Contributor Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus vice president for investor relations, confirmed that the search is underway. "We haven't identified a partner yet," Jovenir explained. "The team is still on the search... We have an investment banker helping us. It's a local Brazilian investment bank." Earlier this 2025, Digiplus joined 80 other operators, according to the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU).  Fifteen of these licenses are permanent, while 66, including DigiPlus's, are provisional. Brazil's stringent licensing process requires companies to meet strict financial and legal criteria.  This includes a R$30 million (US$4.7 million) payment to the government and a R$5 million (US$789,862) emergency fund. Among those receiving permanent licenses are major players like SuperBet, MGM, and SportyBet.  Other prominent companies, including bet365, Betsson, Betano, Caesars, and SportingBet, were granted provisional licenses.  This licensing initiative is part of Brazil's effort to regulate its rapidly expanding online betting sector.  Licensed operators will be subject to a 12.5% tax on their monthly revenue. Read related article:   PH Firm DigiPlus Allowed to Operate Sports Betting, iGaming in Brazil