Leading distributor teams up with non-traditional specialist to underscore its status as a definitive one-stop-shop for igaming

QTech Games, the leading game distributor for emerging markets, has launched with innovative games developer SmartSoft Gaming in a new deal for the platform which adds more muscle to its definitive product portfolio, allowing its clients to access another multifaceted catalogue.

Founded in Georgia in 2015, SmartSoft Gaming has swiftly cemented its reputation as a unique igaming software studio by creating many sought-after games, as well as delivering top-quality promotional tools with which to acquire new players and deepen players’ engagement in responsible fashion.

SmartSoft is proven across a number of verticals including slots, keno and roulette, alongside a category of crash titles, known as XGames, whose flagship creation is the hugely popular JetX. SmartSoft’s games are designed with immersive narratives, eye-catching design and high-class gamification components.

The developer’s offering features a rich variety of other dynamic games and slots, as well as virtual casino content. It represents just the latest studio to benefit from QTech Games’ unrivalled speed-to-market and the machine-learning excellence of its AI games lobby, which curates targeted portfolios of games for operators across Asia, LatAm, Africa and the CIS-facing markets.

The ascendant crash-games domain continues to go from strength to strength with a truly global fanbase, particularly in breakout territories like LatAm and Africa, where SmartSoft’s innovative and authentic gameplay have placed its premium content, like JetX, in the vanguard of this must-have igaming vertical. Accordingly, these games now all form part of the progressive portfolio made available to QTech Games, its partners and their culturally-diverse appetites of their myriad players.

Accordingly, integrating this content from one of the most innovative and creative online casino game developers adds more muscle to QTech Games’ thriving platform, which is bringing the widest range of online games to emerging territories with established names, such as Evolution and Yggdrasil, sitting alongside the sector’s rising-star providers.

As the fastest-growing distributor in Asia and other growth markets, QTech’s platform boasts the broadest gaming portfolio around, localised for each region, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support.

Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, said: “We’re pleased to have signed another progressive agreement with a brand like SmartSoft Gaming, whose games need little introduction and are routinely raising the bar for cutting-edge mobile and web gaming.

“SmartSoft produces a range of innovative and interesting titles across a range of gaming verticals, including the in-demand crash format, so it’s fantastic to be able to bring these compelling titles to the QTech Games platform. We firmly believe these games will resonate strongly with our operator partners’ customers around the world and are thrilled to bring SmartSoft aboard.”

The Star Entertainment Group Limited announced that the Group’s corporate lenders have executed a commitment letter for a new debt facility (of up to $200 million in two-tranches) which will become effective upon completion of long-form documentation and satisfaction of various conditions precedent.

The Group’s existing $450 million facility has been reduced to $334 million which is fully drawn.

The Company’s lenders have agreed to provide covenant waivers for the next two testing dates, being 30 September 2024 and 31 December 2024, with the waiver for the latter date being subject to execution of long-form documentation for the new debt facility and other customary conditions.

The new facility comprises two tranches of $100 million each. The first tranche is expected to be available to be drawn, subject to conditions precedent, from the end of October 2024 through to 20 December 2024.

The first tranche is subject to certain conditions precedent being met, including:

•the provision of unsecured guarantees from some of the Group’s regulated entities and enhanced security granted to lenders;

•regulatory consents and government approvals as required for guarantees and enhanced security for the lender group;

•the establishment of a disposal proceeds account with a credit balance of an amount representing the net proceeds of the sale of the Treasury Brisbane casino building and any other non-core asset proceeds completed before the draw down; and

•other customary conditions precedent.

The second tranche is subject to more extensive conditions precedent but, if satisfied, would be expected to be available to be drawn from the end of December 2024 and have a 4 month availability period following the drawing of the first tranche.

The conditions precedent for the second tranche drawdown include:

•the receipt of required regulatory consents and finalisation of documentation for the granting to the lender group of security over the Group’s regulated entities;

•provision of information in relation to the Group’s long-term strategy;

•all lender approval of the Group’s strategic plan and long-term financial forecasts;

•the Company raising additional subordinated capital of at least $150m; and

•other customary conditions precedent.

The all-in coupon for the new facility is 13.50% per annum (assuming cash pay is elected), and the existing $300 million term facility has been repriced to this level:

•the Company has the flexibility to capitalise a component of the interest at its election; and

•there is a reduction in the coupon subject to the Group’s Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio falling below 4.0x.

The maturity date for the new facility is consistent with the existing term loan (December 2027). The Group will also retain up to $34 million of bank guarantees under the existing revolving credit facility.

SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming industry consulting and advisory services, has announced a strategic partnership with El Hijo del Santo, the legendary Mexican luchador. This collaboration marks El Hijo del Santo’s exciting entry into the iGaming space through SCCG’s innovative talent agency division, SCCG NextGen.

El Hijo del Santo, an undeniable icon of Mexican wrestling, is set to make his highly anticipated debut in the iGaming and online gaming world, bringing with him one of the most recognized and respected legacies in popular culture. As the direct heir to the legendary El Santo, “The Silver-Masked Wrestler,” his entry into the gaming universe not only marks a new chapter in his storied career but also presents a unique opportunity for the industry.

The brand of El Hijo del Santo, symbolized by his iconic silver mask, represents strength, justice, and excitement—values that align perfectly with the iGaming world. Now available through SCCG, his image and legacy offer an immersive experience for players in the Latin American and Hispanic markets in the United States. This appeal is rooted in a deep cultural connection and the brand’s ability to adapt to digital entertainment and gaming trends.

This collaboration allows online gaming operators to tap into a brand deeply ingrained in the collective imagination, capable of captivating both nostalgic fans and new audiences alike.

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “We are thrilled to partner with El Hijo del Santo, a figure who embodies the rich cultural heritage of lucha libre while continuing to push boundaries in new arenas like iGaming. This partnership highlights the essence of SCCG NextGen—connecting global gaming audiences with powerful cultural icons, driving engagement, and offering unique entertainment experiences.”