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PAGCOR “seriously considering” a purely regulatory role
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco disclosed the new management’s plans to focus more on PAGCOR’s regulatory role, expand the agency’s reach and contribute more to nation-building.
During the opening of the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Marriott Manila on March 21, 2023, where Tengco was keynote speaker, the PAGCOR chief explained that under his term, the management hopes to privatize the state-run gaming firm’s self-operated casinos nationwide.
Upon its assumption in August 2022, the current PAGCOR Board has been open to talks about privatization but ensured that the welfare of employees who will be affected by such management decision, will be taken into consideration.
Meanwhile, apart from embracing a purely regulatory role, Tengco shared the agency’s plans and programs for 2023, which are geared towards benefiting gaming industry stakeholders, upholding responsible gaming, and contributing to the government’s nation-building efforts.
Among the programs that Tengco discussed were the creation of regulatory frameworks for online poker operations, enhancement of slot machine operations, destruction of outdated gaming paraphernalia and equipment (for suppliers), creation and updating of regulatory manuals such as Junket Licensing Regulatory Manual and Casino Regulatory Manual for licensed casinos.
Also, modernization projects for slot machines in PAGCOR-operated gaming venues, slots information management system and casino management system, as well as PAGCOR’s Technical Standards for Electronic Gaming Machines will also be enhanced.
“As we speak, our Licensing & Regulatory Group has already accomplished projects like the updating of suppliers’ regulatory manual, implementing rules and guidelines for foundations, and crafting of Gaming Employment License regulations on prohibition on enter/stay/play.”
CEO Tengco also mentioned that PAGCOR has already revisited its policies and regulatory frameworks for online gaming after the offshore gaming operations became a subject of public concern last year. He said that monitoring efforts were intensified to ensure lawful compliance by licensees.
“We acknowledge our limitations on the side of enforcement and on our capacity to address illegal gambling, thus we reinforced our partnerships with various law enforcement agencies to address this concern.”
As regards strengthening its regulatory functions, Tengco shared that PAGCOR has forged partnership with various government agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation, among others to update and revise the Mutual Cooperation Agreement, whose main objective is to combat illegal gambling, including those that are illegally operated online.
For domestic online gaming, Tengco explained that amendments were introduced to PAGCOR’s regulatory frameworks to foster the growth of both online and onsite gaming.
Tengco also noted that PAGCOR aims to capitalize in the booming industry of online gaming. “We are studying the possibility of regulating other facets of the overseas gaming operations, or the possible regulation of Special Class of BPOs or those who service legitimate operators licensed abroad and amending the processing of penalties imposed on overseas gaming operators and their service providers so as to discourage non-compliance and involvement in any irregular activity.”
Meanwhile for domestic online gaming, PAGCOR plans to conduct an accreditation of payment gateway providers to curb the gray market. The agency also plans to expand its permitted game offerings and products such as eSports, Live Dealer games, Online Horse Racing, and Online Arcade (includes Perya) games to maximize player engagement and entice them to play more.
“Finally, to better regulate the fast-developing and volatile online gaming industry, we aim to revitalize our information technology systems. It is but right for us to level-up on our technological capabilities to be better in our role as gaming regulators,” Tengco explained.
He added that PAGCOR acknowledges the challenge or competition posed by its licensed casinos. “While we may struggle to be at par facilities-wise, I am of firm belief that we do not trail behind in terms of skill set and talent pool. The greatest asset PAGCOR has ever had is its human resource; thus, to capitalize on our people is also part of our vision.”
All these put in place, Tengco said he sees a Philippine gaming industry with better safeguards and controls which address the social ills which come with the conduct of gaming operations.

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Fast Track releases new AI Player Churn Model
Fast Track has announced the release of a new AI-driven Player Churn Prediction Model, now available to all partners within its CRM platform. The model enables operators to identify players at risk of churning as early as the first day of inactivity, supporting more proactive and efficient retention strategies.
Built on Fast Track’s proprietary machine learning platform, FTML, the model uses seven sub-models to analyse player behaviour and make accurate predictions tailored to each operator’s player base. The system continuously trains itself on live data, ensuring predictions remain relevant and effective over time.
The Churn Model is already in use by several Fast Track partners and is fully integrated into the platform’s core workflows. Once activated, operators receive clear, actionable insights into which players are likely to churn, along with data-informed recommendations on timing and incentive levels for re-engagement.
“Churn is one of the most impactful use cases for AI in player engagement,” said Simon Lidzén, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast Track. “With this model, operators can focus their efforts where it matters most; targeting players who are truly at risk with the right offer at the right time. It’s a smarter, more cost-effective approach to retention.”
The Churn Model addresses a common challenge in the industry – overuse of reactivation bonuses – by helping teams deliver more relevant and timely incentives based on predictive insights, not guesswork.
To support the launch, Fast Track will host a live webinar on Thursday, 10 July 2025 at 16:00 CEST, offering a walkthrough of the new Churn Model and its practical applications. Save your spot at app.livestorm.co/fast-track/save-your-players.
The post Fast Track releases new AI Player Churn Model appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Evolution and Hasbro sign exclusive online live casino and slots partnership agreement
Evolution today announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, to be their exclusive licensing partner for online live casino and slot games for MONOPOLY and other Hasbro Games titles.
The worldwide deal, including the USA, covers online content from all Evolution brands, including Evolution, Ezugi, NetEnt, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming (BTG), Nolimit City and Livespins.
The new exclusive partnership for MONOPOLY and other Hasbro Games titles builds on a highly successful working relationship between the two companies. Evolution has already developed MONOPOLY Live and MONOPOLY Big Baller, two innovative online live casino game shows based on Hasbro’s world famous board game. Both are at the top of Evolution’s game line-up and are two of the best-performing games in all of online gaming.
As a result of the new partnership, Evolution will be the exclusive licensing partner for online casino games based on much-loved Hasbro Games properties. New games will launch from January 2026 onwards and will be showcased at ICE Barcelona 2026. Amongst the new Hasbro-based titles from Evolution brands will be Game Night, MONOPOLY Filthy Rich, MONOPOLY Roulette (all live online games with live presenters), and a number of online slot titles.
At Hasbro, we’re all about play—whether it’s classic board games or casino experiences. After a thorough RFP process, we’ve chosen Evolution as our exclusive partner for online live casino and online slots for Hasbro Games titles,” said Claire Hunter Gregson, Director Gaming Relationships. “We trust them to bring our brands to life in fresh, exciting ways for our adult fans and look forward to our partnership.
Todd Haushalter, Evolution’s Chief Product Officer, commented: “The combining of Hasbro and Evolution just feels right — we will make magic together! The bidding process was extremely competitive, but showing our commitment to innovation and excellence with MONOPOLY Live and MONOPOLY Big Baller, really helped! The team and I are incredibly excited to bring the Hasbro Games brands to all our various brands. I think MONOPOLY is the world’s best casino game brand, and we can do so many great things with it, and, of course, with many other Hasbro Games brands. It is hard to believe, but these are still the early days of online gaming, and with Hasbro we will forge a new chapter in our industry.”
The post Evolution and Hasbro sign exclusive online live casino and slots partnership agreement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Expanse Studios (GMGI) Obtains Croatian iGaming Certification
Expanse Studios, the B2B game development division of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has received official certification from Croatia’s Ministry of Finance for its flagship game Super Heli, with additional titles in the company’s 56-game portfolio expected to receive approval in the coming weeks for the EU member state.
The certification marks a strategic entry into a market that generated US$484.70m in 2024, with projected growth at a CAGR of 8.4% during 2024-2030. Super Heli, Expanse’s most popular crash-style game, becomes the first of the studio’s titles approved for the Croatian market, paving the way for broader portfolio distribution.
Tapping Into High-Growth European Market
Croatia represents a compelling opportunity for B2B gaming suppliers, with the Online Casinos segment alone projected at US$218.10m in 2024. According to iGamingToday’s latest market research, Croatia’s gambling market will reach €720.42 million by 2025, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated markets.
Among the key market benefits are:
- Accelerating digital adoption – Internet penetration jumped from 76% in 2020 to 83% in 2023
- Over 20.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023 following Schengen Zone entry
- Over 500,000 Croatians expected to engage in regular online gambling by 2027
Strategic Value for the Company
The certification strengthens Expanse Studios’ European footprint at a critical juncture. With 56 proprietary titles and 500+ B2B partners globally, Expanse is expected to capture a meaningful share in the growing EU market.
“Croatia certification is more than market access—it’s validation of our content quality and compliance capabilities in demanding EU jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “With our flagship title Super Heli already approved and more games in the pipeline, we’re very excited for the opportunities this markets brings us”
Competitive Advantage in Regulated Markets
Croatia’s regulatory framework favors established, compliant B2B providers. Operators must obtain licenses requiring significant capital investment, and only licensed casino games operators who have at least one brick-and-mortar casino can offer online gambling. This creates high barriers to entry and positions certified B2B suppliers like Expanse as essential partners for operators.
The post Expanse Studios (GMGI) Obtains Croatian iGaming Certification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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