Press Releases
The Stars Group & Resorts Casino Hotel Partner to Enter New Jersey’s Online Sports Betting Market
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ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey, August 2, 2018
The Stars Group and Resorts Casino Hotel today announced the extension of their existing partnership in the New Jersey regulated online gaming market to include online and mobile sports wagering through the BetStars brand alongside the already existing online poker and casino offering available through the PokerStarsNJ brand. The Stars Group will bring its online and mobile-led betting expertise and experience as one of the world’s largest and most licensed online betting and gaming companies to the burgeoning U.S. online sports betting market, while leveraging the company’s well recognized brands, customer trust and loyalty, and established position in New Jersey’s online gaming market.
The Stars Group intends to utilize its existing and approved proprietary technology and player account management platform for its betting offering, providing customers in the state with a single account, common wallet, various online and mobile depositing and withdrawal options, and a seamless offering of betting options along with the company’s popular poker and casino products. The Stars Group intends to draw upon its technology development, management, marketing, and sports book trading expertise to provide New Jersey customers with an innovative, compelling, and robust mobile-led sportsbook. The company anticipates providing over time, subject to required regulatory approvals, a wide range of betting products including in-play wagering, bespoke accumulators, and live streaming, as well as an ecosystem of free-to-play products and promotions and sports content, for dozens of sports, including professional and NCAA football, basketball, and baseball as well as horse racing, hockey, soccer, tennis and other sporting markets.
“We believe The Stars Group is uniquely qualified with the experience and insight needed to make sports betting a success in New Jersey,” said Matt Primeaux, SVP Strategy & Operations, USA at The Stars Group. “We have successfully launched the BetStars brand in many European regulated markets and we have invested heavily to create a premier global offering. Working with our longstanding partner, Resorts, we are really excited to introduce a brand-new consumer experience by bringing New Jersey fans closer to the sports and the teams that they love.”
“We’re excited to double down on our already successful partnership with The Stars Group, which owns leading sportsbooks globally and has always been known and respected for their advanced technology, superior customer experience and cutting-edge security safeguards,” said Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel.
The Stars Group currently owns online and mobile sportsbook operations in the UK, Europe and Australia, with more than $800 million in betting revenues generated by these entities in 2017.
BetStars is the European focused online sports betting brand of The Stars Group and sits alongside the PokerStars brand, the world’s largest poker brand, and PokerStars Casino, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing online casinos. BetStars holds nearly a dozen sports betting licenses globally, offering support in 17 languages and through its online and mobile apps and platforms offers a wide range of popular and specialist betting options, promotions, exclusive new products across dozens of sports, as well as local sports news and content in major markets.
The Stars Group recently bolstered its sports betting portfolio through its acquisition of Sky Betting & Gaming, which operates the Sky Bet brand, a leading mobile-led sportsbook in the United Kingdom, the world’s largest regulated online gaming market.
The Stars Group also recently successfully completed the acquisition of CrownBet and William Hill Australia, which combined form the third largest online sports betting operator in Australia, the world’s second largest regulated online gaming market.
About The Stars Group
The Stars Group is a provider of technology-based product offerings in the global gaming and interactive entertainment industries. Its brands have millions of registered customers globally and collectively are leaders in online and mobile betting, poker, casino and other gaming-related offerings. The Stars Group owns or licenses gaming and related consumer businesses and brands, including PokerStars, PokerStars Casino, BetStars, Full Tilt, Sky Bet, Sky Vegas, Sky Casino, Sky Bingo, and Sky Poker, as well as live poker tour and event brands, including the PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship, European Poker Tour, PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, Latin American Poker Tour, Asia Pacific Poker Tour, PokerStars Festival and PokerStars MEGASTACK. The Stars Group is one of the world’s most licensed online gaming operators with its subsidiaries collectively holding licenses or approvals in 19 jurisdictions throughout the world, including in Europe, Australia, and the Americas. The Stars Group’s vision is to become the world’s favorite iGaming destination and its mission is to provide its customers with winning moments.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements and Other Information
This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can, but may not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “would”, “should”, “believe”, and similar references to future periods or the negatives of these words and expressions. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Please refer to The Stars Group’s most recent annual information form and annual and interim financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for more information about the factors, assumptions and risks that may apply to The Star’s Group’s forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, and The Stars Group undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
About Resorts Casino Hotel
The resort that brought gaming to Atlantic City in 1978, Resorts Casino Hotel, a Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Property, is at the top of its game today, offering world-class casino action in a relaxed environment that keeps the focus on fun. Resorts Casino Hotel made history as the first American casino outside of Nevada and recently celebrated a major milestone – their 40th anniversary. Winner of 20 Casino Player Magazine 2017 “Best of Gaming Awards,” Resorts Casino Hotel has undergone $100 million in renovations, including the all new state-of-the-art Resorts Conference Center, a large $25 million room renovation project and the $35 million Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville themed entertainment complex with the only beach bar, Landshark Bar & Grill, on the Atlantic City sand, open year-round.
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment assumed management of Resorts Casino Hotel in 2012, a move that has set the stage for its return as the most exciting gaming destination in Atlantic City. Boasting a prime location spanning 11 acres at the northern end of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, the resort features 942 guest rooms and suites in two hotel towers, an 80,000-square-foot casino, two theaters, 10 restaurants, a food court featuring five eateries, two VIP slot and table player lounges, a casino bar, indoor-outdoor swimming pool, health club and spa, salon, and retail shops. Its 64,000 square feet of technologically advanced meeting space includes 24 meeting and function rooms, most featuring natural light and ocean views, and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Eric Hollreiser: [email protected]
For investor relations, please contact:
Tim Foran: Tel: +1 437-371-5730, [email protected]
SOURCE The Stars Group
Source: Press Releases Published on European Gaming Media Network
News
AI, Regulation, and Brand Power: SOFTSWISS 2026 Trends Report Reveals Where Industry is Heading
SOFTSWISS, a global tech leader in iGaming solutions, has released its 2026 iGaming Trends Report, developed in partnership with NEXT.io. The fourth edition of this annual study provides a data-driven roadmap for operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders as they prepare for the next phase of industry evolution.
The report is based on a survey of over 350 iGaming professionals and the AI-driven analysis of more than 120,000 media headlines, making it one of the most comprehensive overviews of the global iGaming landscape to date. It combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, including independent analytics from Kantar, one of the leading research agencies, and internal insights from 30 SOFTSWISS experts.
Covering key global regions and industry domains, including marketing, regulation, technology, responsible gambling, cybersecurity, and AI, the 2026 iGaming Trends Report offers an in-depth look at the factors driving market transformation:
- AI Goes Operational: The perceived importance of AI scored 8.41/10 in 2025, up from 8.15 the previous year, with 56% of surveyed companies listing AI integration as one of their top three business priorities.
- Brand Over Bonus: Influencer marketing dominance has dropped by 10 percentage points since 2023, while brand reputation and trust now play a bigger role than bonuses in player acquisition.
- Marketing Reinvented: Operators are shifting their focus from performance-only tactics to brand-led ecosystems. iGaming companies are now tracking brand equity metrics, such as Top of Mind and Purchase Intent, as strategic KPIs.
- Regulation Reshaped: New markets, including Brazil, Finland, and France, are transitioning to competitive licensing models, while countries such as the UK and Lithuania are introducing tighter advertising controls.
- Responsible Gambling 2.0: AI-based tools are being deployed to identify at-risk player behaviour in real-time, a step now expected by regulators in jurisdictions, including Ontario and Greece.
- Cybersecurity as a Core Metric: Phishing incidents have increased by 180% since 2023, while 35% of smaller operators report inadequate cyber resilience, highlighting the growing connection between trust, compliance, and player retention.
This year’s edition introduces a new Microtrends section, exploring early-stage shifts and emerging ideas with near-term potential. This dedicated chapter highlights the smaller signals shaping tomorrow’s market opportunities.
Each microtrend is supported by real-world examples and regional case studies, illustrating how forward-looking operators and suppliers can capitalise on these developments before they reach mainstream adoption.
The report also includes a regional outlook developed by NEXT.io, covering Europe’s recalibration, North America’s measured growth, South America’s compliance-driven execution, and Asia’s controlled innovation model.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, comments: “In recent years, the sector has moved into maturity. What now matters is disciplined profitability, operational resilience, and the ability to deliver durable player value. This fourth edition reflects that shift. We examine the macrotrends reshaping the sector, the micro-level tactics and technologies that improve performance, and a regional outlook developed in partnership with NEXT.io. Taken together, these chapters provide a structured view of what will shape 2026 and the decisions it asks of operators, suppliers, and partners.”
In support of its ebook, SOFTWISS will present the 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit on 5 November 2025. A four-hour event will take place from 12:00 to 16:00 on the People, Partners & Performance Stage, featuring keynotes and panels with leading global industry experts.
Last year’s edition of the Trends Report attracted significant industry attention, with over 13,000 downloads, confirming its value as one of the sector’s most respected analytical resources.
Operators and industry professionals can download the 2026 iGaming Trends Report here.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
SOFTSWISS, a leading technology provider for iGaming, has further solidified its presence in the European market by securing certification for its Jackpot Aggregator in Bulgaria.
The iGaming market in Bulgaria is experiencing significant growth, attracting new businesses despite stringent domestic regulations. The market is projected to generate 168.70 million euro in revenue by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 5.42%. The number of users is expected to reach 377.3 thousand by the same year, further highlighting the sector’s momentum.
In line with this growth, SOFTSWISS announces that its Jackpot Aggregator has received certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), ensuring it meets all technical requirements for use in the Bulgarian market. With the new certification of the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, Bulgarian-licensed operators can integrate this advanced engagement tool into their casino offerings.
In May, SOFTSWISS successfully entered the Bulgarian market through a partnership with Topwin.bg, which implemented the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator, and the Sportsbook.
“We are seeing a strong surge in interest in our jackpot mechanic, fueled by the growing demand for engagement tools in the market. That’s why we are committed to further developing the Jackpot Aggregator, enhancing its features, and expanding into new markets. Certification for the Bulgarian market is a clear testament to our ambition and drive for expansion. We are actively working on obtaining certifications in other jurisdictions,” comments Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator.
SOFTSWISS has several international and national licences and certifications, including a South African licence acquired through the purchase of a majority stake in Turfsport. The company recently announced its plans to become the first certified software provider in Brazil.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
What are the most popular games? What iGaming providers have achieved the greatest success? SOFTSWISS, an innovative company providing a complete ecosystem of comprehensive software solutions, shares valuable insights across regional markets.
The analysis presented is based on the Game Aggregator data spanning the second half of 2022 and the first half of 2023.
Europe
Slot games remain popular in Europe, even though they lost around five p.p. during H2 2022 and H1 2023. Despite this decline, their market share still exceeds 80% among the other gaming categories. In contrast, card games improved their position by almost four p.p.
The top five most popular game categories underwent minor changes in Q2 2023. The Total Bets Sum in Craps games saw a substantial increase, growing 2.7 times in comparison to the previous quarter. This boost in performance secured the fifth position for this type of games in the top rankings, displacing casual games.
Gates of Olympys, Big Bamboo and Midas Golden Touch emerged as some of the most popular games during the past year. Notably, the landscape of top games exhibited significant variations from quarter to quarter.
In the European gaming sector of 2022-2023, top-performing game providers include Amatic, Amusnet (EGT), BGaming, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Push Gaming, and Relax Gaming. Their positions in the rankings experienced subtle shifts from quarter to quarter.
Asia
The top five most popular game categories in Asia have exhibited a consistent trend since the final quarter of 2022. Slot games hold a prominent position in the asian gaming landscape, with their market share exceeding 80% compared to other categories.
Gates of Olympys claimed the title of the most popular game in Asia in Q4 2022, and has maintained its leading position since. Meanwhile, another popular game, Bonanza Billion, has experienced fluctuations in its rankings within the top five since the end of the previous year. The Total Bets Sums of Aviator increased twofold during the first half of this year, propelling the game into a leadership position. In contrast, the once-popular game, Hot Fruits, lost its foothold in the top rankings during the second quarter of 2023.
As for the most successful game providers in Asia, it should be noted that Evolution, Pragmatic Play and BGaming have continually jostled for positions within the top five over the past four quarters under review. Play’n Go and Amatic ceded their places in the rankings to 1spin4win and Amusnet (EGT), with the latter heading the list in Q2 2023.
Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, comments: “The popularity of the Aviator game can be explained by simple interface and fast payouts. What sets it apart even further is its distinctive gameplay mechanics, which significantly differ from other crush games in the market. Notably, Aviator provides players with the illusion of “control” over the game, adding an extra level of excitement and intrigue.”
Latin America
The top five of the most popular game categories in LatAm have remained consistent over the last year, with almost 60% of these categories dominated by slots.
The current top five most popular games are as follows:
Roleta Brasileiri – 8.27%
Aviator – 5.97%
Gates of Olympus – 5.24%
Sweet Bonanza – 3.44%
Crazy Time – 3.14%
Notably, Aviator surged to the top in Q4 2022, experiencing a significant increase in the Total Bets Sum, nearly 170 mln euro more in comparison with the previous quarter. This success propelled its provider, Spribe, from the tenth place in Q3 2022 to the fourth in Q2 2023, displacing Play’n GO from the top five. Other providers, specifically Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Playtech, and BGaming, remained in the top with minor shifts in their rankings over the past year.
The top five most popular games account for approximately 25% of the Total Bets Sum across all games in Latin America, while in Europe and Asia the same covers around 10%. Another noteworthy market trend is the displacement of slots with roulette, and the growing preference for live games.
Carla Dualid, Regional Business Development Manager at SOFTSWISS in LatAm, comments: “Players in Latin America in the context of online gambling may differ from players in Europe in several ways. Most Latin American players bet through mobile devices and prefer online play. Local casino slot players tend to place small but regular bets, which distinguishes them from European online casino players, who, in turn, bet less frequently, but wager larger sums on slots. Speaking about the LatAm market, we should keep in mind that Brazil is the most active player in it. Such factors as economic potential, increasing Internet penetration, mobile accessibility, and regulatory changes are making the Brazilian market more attractive for operators.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international iGaming company supplying certified software solutions for managing gambling operations. The expert team, which counts 1,400 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
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