Category: News

Sirplay shook up the online casino world today with the launch of Casino Manager. This powerful tool hands operators total control over their platforms. No more waiting on support tickets for simple changes. Operators can now tweak games, launch promotions, and boost player engagement instantly.

Online casino operators know the pain all too well. Routine jobs like hiding a weak game or spotlighting a hot new slot often mean filing tickets and waiting days. Sirplay built Casino Manager to fix that fast.

The tool acts as a central hub. Operators manage everything from one spot. This shift cuts costs and speeds up decisions. In a market that never sleeps, every minute counts.

Sirplay stresses business speed. Operators spot a trend on Friday night and act right away. No need for outside tech help.

Core Features Boost Operator Power

Casino Manager packs smart tools for daily wins. Operators hide underperformers or push new games with one click. Promotions fire up without delays.

Here are standout features:

• Free spins handed out on the fly to keep players hooked.
• Tournaments built quick to spark competition.
• Drag-and-drop showcase to highlight top earners.
• Category order tweaks for better player flow.

One short note stands out. This tool turns operators into their own bosses. They react to player moves in real time.

Marketing gets a lift too. Retention strategies launch solo. No devs or approvals needed.

Ties to Top Game Providers

Sirplay links Casino Manager smooth with big names. Pragmatic Play slots shine bright. Evolution live tables draw crowds. Habanero and VivoLive join the mix.

Over 30,000 games from 75 providers fill the library. Slots top 15,000. Table games hit 500 plus. Live casino brings real buzz.

Web3 and crypto prep makes it future-proof. Hybrid setups run easy. Players bet with Bitcoin or fiat seamless.

Operators curate huge catalogs fast. Visibility controls keep focus on winners.

Fits Booming iGaming Trends

The online gambling world grows fast. Experts peg global size at $78 billion in 2024. Forecasts show $153 billion by 2030. US alone eyes big jumps.

Self-run tools like this match hot shifts. Agility rules as AI and personalization rise. Operators need speed to stand out.

Sirplay, with 15 years in the game, leads the pack. Malta home base. Offices in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Nigeria. White-label and turnkey options serve all.

Sportsbook side covers 150,000 pre-match events monthly. Up to 70,000 live. Full platforms go live in weeks.

This table shows why tools matter now.

Sirplay moves past basic provider role. They aim as partners in speed and smarts.

Operators gain edge in cutthroat fights. Costs drop. Players stay longer with fresh looks.

Casino Manager opens doors wide. iGaming thrives on quick pivots. Sirplay delivers the keys.

This launch sparks real hope for operators tired of red tape. Full control means more wins and less hassle. Picture your casino adapting on demand. Thrilling times ahead.

Macau’s casinos are gearing up for steady growth in 2026, with experts predicting a 5-6% rise in gross gaming revenue that could reshape the industry’s future. But will the mass market boom offset a dip in VIP play? Dive in to see what this means for the world’s gambling hub.

Analysts at JP Morgan forecast Macau’s gross gaming revenue, or GGR, to hit new heights with a 5-6% increase in 2026. This comes after a solid 2025 where total GGR reached about $30.9 billion, up 9% from the year before. The growth is mainly fueled by everyday gamblers in the mass market and slot machines, which make up the bulk of casino action.

Mass and slot segments are expected to jump 7-8% next year. That’s a big deal because these areas have bounced back strong since the pandemic slowdown. In 2025, December alone brought in roughly $2.6 billion, a 15% rise year-over-year, showing real momentum.

This shift away from high-rollers toward regular visitors could make Macau’s economy more stable. Local officials and casino operators are betting on it to keep jobs flowing and tourism alive.

Experts point out that profit growth might even beat revenue gains, hitting 6-7%. That means better margins for big players like Sands China and MGM Resorts, as costs stabilize.

VIP Segment Faces Headwinds

Not everything looks rosy. VIP gaming, where big spenders drop massive bets, is set to drop by about 5% in 2026. Why? It’s all about tough comparisons to 2025’s strong showing, when VIP revenue surprised many by holding firm.

Regulations have tightened on junkets, the middlemen who bring in wealthy players. This has cut commissions and rebates sharply, changing how casinos operate. A recent report notes that these payments fell way more than overall GGR in recent years, leading to leaner but smarter business models.

One analyst explained it simply: with fewer high-stakes tables relying on junkets, casinos are focusing on direct customer perks. But this could mean less flash and more grind for the VIP crowd.

Still, early signs for 2026 are positive elsewhere. January alone might see GGR climb 19% to around $2.71 billion, based on fresh estimates. That’s a hot start that could ease worries about the VIP slide.

Broader Impacts on Macau’s Economy

Macau isn’t just about casinos; gaming taxes fund 80% of the government’s budget. A steady 5-6% GGR growth could pump more cash into public services, from healthcare to transport. In 2025, revenue topped official forecasts, proving the sector’s resilience.

But challenges linger. Events like the NBA China Games and national sports meets added costs in late 2025, eating into profits. Analysts warn that similar one-offs could pop up again, testing operators’ agility.

Here’s a quick look at the key projections for 2026:

• Mass and Slots: Up 7-8%, leading the charge with everyday players.
• VIP Revenue: Down 5%, due to regulatory shifts and base effects.
• Overall GGR: 5-6% growth, building on 2025’s $30.9 billion.
• Profit Outlook: 6-7% rise, outpacing revenue for the first time in years.

This mix suggests a maturing market, less dependent on volatile high-rollers.

Tourism plays a huge role too. With borders fully open, visitor numbers are climbing. Slots, often overlooked, generated billions in past years, equaling major global benchmarks. If mass market trends hold, it could draw more families and casual gamblers, diversifying the crowd beyond the elite.

Looking Ahead: Risks and Opportunities

Investors are watching closely. Shares of companies like Melco Resorts dipped recently amid broader market jitters, but the long-term view is upbeat. JP Morgan’s note highlights how profit flow-through – basically, how much revenue turns into actual earnings – should improve in 2026.

One risk is external: global economic slowdowns could curb travel from mainland China, Macau’s main source of visitors. On the flip side, new attractions and marketing pushes might boost slots and mass play even more.

Data from late 2025 shows daily GGR sometimes topped $106 million in early January 2026, a “quite strong” pace per industry watchers. That kind of vigor could make the forecasts a reality.

For residents, this means job security in a city where casinos employ a third of the workforce. But it also raises questions about over-reliance on gaming. Diversification efforts, like entertainment and conferences, are gaining steam to balance things out.

This table breaks down the shifts, showing why mass segments are the stars.

As Macau evolves from its junket-heavy past, the focus on sustainable growth feels like a smart pivot. It might not match the wild pre-pandemic highs, when annual revenue topped $36 billion in 2019, but it’s a healthier path forward.

The forecasts paint a picture of cautious optimism for Macau’s gaming world in 2026, where mass market strength could finally let profits shine brighter than revenue alone. This shift not only stabilizes the industry but also promises better days for workers and visitors alike, turning potential pitfalls into stepping stones for a more balanced economy.

New Jersey kicked off 2026 with a fresh pay boost for workers, raising the minimum wage to $15.92 per hour starting January 1. This move puts more money in the pockets of thousands, especially in Atlantic City’s bustling casino scene, but what does it mean for tipped staff and the local economy? Dive in to see how this change shakes things up.

The state’s minimum wage climbed by 43 cents from $15.49, hitting $15.92 for most workers. This adjustment follows a law signed years ago that ties hikes to inflation and living costs. Officials from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced the change last fall, making it one of the highest rates nationwide.

This bump affects over a million workers statewide, with experts estimating it could add hundreds of dollars to annual earnings for full-time staff. For families scraping by, that extra cash might cover groceries or rent. The increase builds on steady rises since 2019, when the wage was just $10. Back then, Governor Phil Murphy pushed for gradual steps toward $15, and now it’s even higher.

Small businesses with fewer than six employees get a slightly lower rate of $15.23, up from $14.53. Seasonal and farm workers see their own tweaks, but the core goal is to keep pay fair amid rising prices.

Home health aides and long-term care workers also benefit, with rates jumping to match the standard. State data shows these roles employ tens of thousands, many earning near the minimum before.

Big Wins for Atlantic City’s Casino Workers

Atlantic City’s casinos, a key driver of jobs and tourism, feel this wage shift deeply. Thousands of employees, from dealers to servers, now start at higher base pay. For tipped workers, the cash wage rises to $6.05 per hour, but bosses must ensure tips push total earnings to at least $15.92.

This setup helps in a tip-heavy industry where gratuities can vary wildly based on crowds and seasons. Union leaders have cheered the change, saying it protects against slow nights. One recent study by the Economic Policy Institute, updated in late 2025, found that similar wage floors in gaming hubs like Las Vegas lifted worker retention by 15 percent over five years.

In Atlantic City, casinos employ about 20,000 people directly, according to state employment figures from 2025. The industry pumped $3.5 billion into the economy last year, with hospitality roles making up a big chunk. Workers here often juggle multiple shifts, and this raise could ease that grind.

Imagine a blackjack dealer pulling in tips on a busy weekend; now their base pay gives a stronger safety net. Local voices, like those from casino staff unions, highlight how past low wages led to high turnover. With this increase, experts predict fewer quits and better service for visitors.

The change comes as Atlantic City rebounds from pandemic hits. Visitor numbers rose 10 percent in 2025, per tourism board reports, fueling demand for more staff.

Economic Ripples in Hospitality and Beyond

Beyond casinos, New Jersey’s hospitality sector gets a lift. Hotels, restaurants, and bars in tourist spots like the Jersey Shore now pay at least $15.92, which could draw more job seekers. But business owners worry about higher costs, potentially leading to price hikes for customers.

A 2025 report from Rutgers University analyzed similar wage boosts and found they boosted local spending by 5 to 7 percent. Workers with extra cash buy more goods, creating a cycle that supports small shops. In Atlantic City, this might mean busier boardwalks and stronger retail.

Here’s how the wage affects different groups:

• Tipped employees: Base of $6.05, tips to reach $15.92.
• Small business staff: $15.23 minimum.
• Farm workers: Phased increases to full rate by 2027.
• Home aides: Now at $15.92, up from prior caps.

Statewide, the hike is projected to inject $500 million into the economy, based on labor department estimates from October 2025. That figure comes from modeling consumer spending patterns. Critics argue it might squeeze profit margins for employers, but supporters point to lower poverty rates as a win.

Inflation played a role in this adjustment. Consumer prices rose about 3 percent last year, per federal data, so the wage keeps pace. Without it, low earners could fall further behind.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Not everyone celebrates. Some restaurant owners in Atlantic City say the tipped wage rules complicate payroll. They must track tips closely or risk fines, adding admin work. A survey by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association in late 2025 showed 40 percent of small firms plan slight price increases to cope.

Larger chains, however, adapt easier with bigger budgets. For workers, the real test is whether tips hold steady or drop if prices rise. One bartender shared in a local interview that higher bases reduce stress during off-seasons.

Looking ahead, the wage will adjust annually based on inflation. By 2028, tipped workers might reach full parity, as hinted in ongoing union talks. This could set a model for other states eyeing similar laws.

Experts from think tanks like the Brookings Institution note that high-wage states often see stronger job growth in service sectors. New Jersey’s unemployment dipped to 4.2 percent in December 2025, below the national average, suggesting resilience.

The wage floor also ties into broader fights for worker rights. With rising costs for housing and food, this increase offers a buffer. Yet, some advocates push for $20 by 2030, citing studies showing minimum wages lag behind productivity gains since the 1970s.

This wage hike marks a step toward fairer pay in New Jersey, empowering workers in key industries like casinos and hospitality while sparking debates on business impacts. It highlights the balance between helping families thrive and keeping the economy humming, potentially inspiring changes elsewhere.

Sri Lanka just cranked up taxes on casinos and betting spots, hitting players and operators hard starting January 1, 2026. This move doubles entry fees for locals and boosts business levies, aiming to pump more cash into the government’s coffers amid tough economic times. But what does it mean for gamblers, businesses, and the island’s recovery? Stick around for the full breakdown.

Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department rolled out these changes under updates to the Betting and Gaming Levy Act. The big news hits right at the door: the casino entrance levy for Sri Lankan citizens jumped from $50 to $100 per person. Gaming operators must collect this fee directly from locals stepping inside.

This levy targets only Sri Lankan citizens, leaving tourists untouched. It’s a smart way to shield the tourism side while squeezing more from domestic players. The fee can be paid in U.S. dollars, other foreign cash, or local rupees, making it flexible but no less painful for regulars.

Operators face their own squeeze too. The gross collection levy climbed from 15% to 18% on monthly earnings. This applies to businesses pulling in over 1 million Sri Lankan rupees about $3,228 each month. That covers licensed casinos, bookmakers, and other gaming outfits.

For smaller spots, the tax stays lower, but most big players will feel the burn. Reports show this could add millions to government revenue, helping stabilize finances after years of struggle.

Why Sri Lanka Is Turning Up the Heat

The island nation has battled economic woes since a massive crisis in 2022, with shortages, inflation, and debt piling up. Officials say these tax hikes are part of a broader push to boost income without slamming everyday folks.

In 2023, Sri Lanka’s gaming industry brought in around 10 billion rupees in taxes, according to government figures. That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the country’s $80 billion-plus debt, but every bit helps. The government plans to set up a new Gambling Regulatory Authority soon, which could tighten oversight and collect even more.

This isn’t just about money. It’s a response to public concerns over gambling’s social costs, like addiction and crime. Yet, leaders argue regulated betting creates jobs and draws tourists, especially in spots like Colombo where casinos thrive.

Experts point out similar moves in other countries. For instance, Brazil phased in gambling tax hikes to 15% by 2028, as noted in recent reports. Sri Lanka’s jump to 18% puts it ahead, showing urgency in revenue needs.

How Businesses and Players Are Reacting

Casino owners aren’t thrilled. Many say the higher levies could cut profits and force layoffs. One operator in Colombo told reporters the 18% tax on gross collections might push some to raise prices or scale back operations.

For players, that $100 entry fee is a game-changer. It used to be affordable for a night out, but now it might keep casual gamblers away. Serious bettors could still bite the bullet, but families or groups might think twice.

Here’s a quick look at the impacts:

• Operators: Must track and collect fees, facing audits if they slip up.
• Local gamblers: Pay double to enter, potentially shifting to online or underground options.
• Tourism: Unaffected for foreigners, which might keep visitor numbers steady.
• Government: Expects a revenue boost of up to 20% from the sector, per early estimates.

Small betting shops with under 1 million rupees monthly might dodge the full hike, giving them a slight edge. But overall, the industry could see consolidation, with bigger firms absorbing smaller ones.

Reactions on the ground vary. Some residents welcome the changes, hoping it curbs excessive gambling. Others worry it drives activity underground, where taxes and regulations don’t apply.

Economic Ripple Effects and What’s Next

These taxes come as Sri Lanka rebuilds from its 2022 default on foreign debt, the worst in its history. The International Monetary Fund bailed out with $3 billion, but conditions demand fiscal reforms like this.

Data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka shows tourism, including casino visits, contributed 5% to GDP in 2024. Upping taxes here risks slowing that growth, but officials bet on long-term gains.

Looking ahead, the new regulatory body could issue more licenses or crack down on illegal ops. That might balance the scales, encouraging responsible gaming while filling state pockets.

One study by the Asian Development Bank in 2025 highlighted how such taxes helped neighbors like the Philippines stabilize budgets. Sri Lanka aims for the same, targeting a budget deficit cut to 5% of GDP by 2027.

In daily life, this means higher costs for entertainment. If you’re a local who enjoys a flutter, budgets might tighten. Businesses could innovate with promotions to lure crowds back.

Sri Lanka’s bold tax hike on casinos and betting signals a tough stance on revenue amid recovery, doubling entry fees to $100 and lifting operator levies to 18%. It’s a gamble that could pay off by bolstering finances and curbing social ills, yet it stirs worries over jobs and underground shifts. As the nation heals from economic scars, these changes highlight the delicate balance between growth and control, leaving many hopeful for brighter days.