Live Casino Studio Lieders Propel Global Expansion

Key Takeaways:

• Evolution advances localization with new studios in Brazil and Czech Republic, tailoring live content for emerging markets.
• Atlantic City reports record summer revenues, signaling robust recovery in North American casino performance.

Evolution Opens Brazil's First Live Casino Studio

Evolution Gaming has launched its inaugural live casino studio in Brazil, São Paulo, marking a pivotal step in localizing content for the country's newly regulated iGaming market. The state-of-the-art facility, operational since mid-September 2025, streams games like Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, and the flagship 2025 release Ice Fishing, all with Portuguese-speaking dealers. This setup allows operators to deliver culturally resonant experiences, from game selection to branding, while adhering to Brazil's January 2025 regulatory framework, where Evolution secured the first supplier license.

The move underscores the growing importance of geographic expansion in live casino operations, enabling operators to capture Brazil's estimated $2 billion annual iGaming potential. By investing in dedicated infrastructure, Evolution, as one of the most popular software for live casino games, reduces latency issues common in cross-border streaming and fosters player trust through native-language interactions. This launch not only boosts operator retention but also sets a compliance benchmark for the Lat Am region, where regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. As Brazil's market matures, such localized studios could drive a 25% year-over-year growth in live vertical revenues across the continent.

Atlantic City Casinos Achieve Decade-High Revenues

New Jersey's Atlantic City casinos posted $311.9 million in gross gaming revenue for August 2025, the strongest summer month in over 10 years and a 9.2% increase from August 2024. This surge, driven by a 7.8% rise in slots and 12.4% in live table games, reflects sustained post-pandemic recovery and heightened tourist footfall. Year-to-date, the nine casinos have generated $2.1 billion, up 5.6% overall.

The performance highlights North America's live casino resilience amid economic pressures, with online live iGaming complementing land-based play—though the state hiked online taxes to 19.75% in July. Known live casino operators, like Borgata and Hard Rock benefited from diversified offerings, including live dealer integrations via apps. However, looming competition from potential Northern New York resorts tempers optimism. This boom validates investments in hybrid experiences, where live tables bridge physical and digital realms, potentially inspiring similar upticks in Las Vegas and emerging US markets.

Melco Shuts Down Macau Satellite Venues

Melco Resorts & Entertainment is closing two Macau properties—Grand Dragon Casino in Taipa on September 22 and Mocha Kuong Fat slot lounge on September 24—aligning with the city's 2022 gaming law revisions mandating direct operator ownership or non-profit-sharing models by year-end. These satellite closures follow SJM's shutdown of Casino Grandview in July, part of a broader industry shift away from third-party arrangements that once dominated Macau's $36 billion market.

The move impacts Asia's live casino ecosystem by streamlining operations toward concessionaire-led venues, reducing revenue leakage from profit-sharing deals. Melco, holding a 20% market share, anticipates minimal financial hit, redirecting resources to flagship properties like City of Dreams. Regulators, via the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, enforce this to enhance oversight and combat illicit flows. Globally for live casinos, it signals a trend toward consolidated models, influencing operators in the Philippines and Singapore to reassess partnerships.

Sources:

• https://sigma.world/news/melco-resorts-closes-grand-dragon-casino-mocha-macau/
• https://www.evolution.com/news/evolution-launches-first-live-casino-studio-in-brazil/
• https://casinobeats.com/atlantic-city-casinos-best-summer-decade-2025/