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‘By Canadians, for Canadians’ – BET99 unveils new sportsbook and casino app

BET99 has confirmed its brand new online sportsbook and casino app is now available to download on the Apple App Store.

Aiming to “deliver an elevated experience with an enhanced design” that is tailored to users’ preferences, the BET99 app enables bettors to wager on a wide range of sporting events, including the NFL, NHL, UFC, NBA andMLB, as well as other worldwide leagues.

The BET99 sportsbook gives access to more than 75,000 pre-match events and an additional 58,000-plus live sporting events each month, with features including early cash-out and in-game flash bets.

Meanwhile, BET99 casino offers over 2,700 casino games, including live casino classics like blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat.

“Built by Canadians, for Canadians, the BET99 Sportsbook & Casino is more than just a betting platform – we’re a community of passionate sports fans, gamers, players, movers, shakers, and calculated risk-takers who share a love for the thrill of the game,” BET99 shared on LinkedIn last week.

Elsewhere, the Toronto-based firm recently hit a ‘significant milestone’ in Canada after forging a new partnership with Simplebet to leverage the micro-betting firm’s advanced API odds feed.

NorthStar eyes Canadian expansion after entering $10m Playtech subscription agreement

NorthStar Gaming has officially entered into a subscription agreement with Playtech, with closure of the $10m offer expected to occur by the end of October 2023.

The Ontario-based casino and sportsbook gaming platform first announced a proposed financing of at least $10m back in August, with Chair and CEO Michael Moskowitz highlighting the importance of strengthening the firm’s balance sheet in order to support the growth of the NorthStar Bets brand.

“We are very excited about our expansion outside of Ontario starting this fall, made possible by the Slapshot Media acquisition we completed in the second quarter and the offering,” he said at the time.

Earlier this month, Playtech CEO Mor Weizer also shared his excitement over NorthStar, whom his firm have had a strategic partnership with since January 2022, and with whom it finalized a strategic investment earlier this year.

NorthStar subsequently entered into a subscription agreement with Playtech last Thursday, September 21, in which it provides for the issuance of 28,571,428 units at a price of $0.175 per unit, with each unit comprised of one common share of the company, and a half warrant to acquire common shares exercisable at $0.36 per full warrant and a further half warrant to acquire common shares exercisable at $0.40 per full warrant, in each case for a period of five years.

The deal also includes a three-year 8% unsecured convertible debenture in the aggregate principal amount of $5m converting into common shares at $0.20 per share with interest payable-in-kind. Proceeds from the offering will be utilized to fund NorthStar’s expansion into the rest of Canada, and for general working capital purposes.

Additionally, it is expected that members of the company’s senior management and directors will, concurrently with the offering, subscribe for up to 714,286 units at a price of $0.175 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $125,000, and a convertible debenture in the aggregate principal amount of up to $125,000.

The company may also issue a further $250,000 in units at a price of $0.175 per unit and $250,000 aggregate principal amount in convertible debentures to arm’s length parties.

Meanwhile, NorthStar is seeking an exemption from the Ontario Securities Commission and the TSXV from the requirement to hold a shareholders’ meeting to approve the offering and instead obtain written approval from holders of a majority of the common shares (excluding Playtech and management) in accordance with Section 9.1 of MI 61-101 and the policies of the TSXV.

If the exemptions are not granted, a shareholders’ meeting will be called and closing of the offering may be delayed.

888 becomes CFL partner to front 888 Rivalry Games

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced 888 as its newest official authorized gaming operator and advertising partner in Ontario.

Confirmation of the CFL’s deal with the global betting and gaming company follows similar agreements struck with NEO.bet and FanDuel in recent months.

The league is also continuing to explore additional partnerships.

“The CFL’s unique brand of fun, fast and entertaining football soars to new heights in the fall,” said Tyler Mazereeuw, Chief Commercial Officer of the CFL.

“The changing colours of the leaves bring greater intensity, more electrifying action and even bigger stakes to the football field.

“Our partnership with 888 offers another way for our incredible fans to enjoy our great game and take in the excitement.”

As an official authorized gaming operator of the CFL, 888casino.ca – 888’s Canadian casino site – will also begin placing advertisements within Ontario’s stadiums, via TV broadcasts and on the CFL’s digital domains.

Furthermore, 888 will present the fall’s marquee matchups featuring a number of the league’s biggest clashes, known as ‘888 Rivalry Games’. The games featured are:

  • Saturday, September 23 at 7 p.m. ET – Hamilton at Toronto
  • Saturday, September 30 at 4 p.m. ET – Montreal at Ottawa
  • Saturday, October 14 at 7 p.m. ET – Ottawa at Toronto
  • Saturday, October 28 at 7 p.m. ET – Toronto at Ottawa

“The CFL and 888 are the perfect match,” added Roi Nadler, Head of Canada at 888.

“Through our high-quality, entertaining and exciting games, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience, ensuring CFL fans can find ways to keep the action going, even once the matches are over.”

888 also expressed support for the league’s high standards for game integrity and responsible gaming practices.

Elsewhere, the CFL recently joined the NBA and MLS in backing the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition’s (CQJL) call for a new regulatory framework for Quebec online sports betting.

Bet Rite taps in TCSJOHNHUXLEY for exclusive distribution deal in Canada

Bet Rite has announced the beginning of a partnership with TCSJOHNHUXLEY which will see its portfolio of products distributed across all provinces in Canada.

The Canadian gaming supplier offers a wide array of gaming products including electronic table games, monitors and touch screens, and the firm has now called on its new partner to help distribute its products.

Under the terms of the exclusive distributor agreement, TCSJOHNHUXLEY will work across the provinces to ensure the whole of Canada is serviced by Bet Rite.

Billy MacLellan, Bet Rite President, commented: “We are very excited to be working with world class live gaming manufacturer TCSJOHNHUXLEY.

“Our well-established distribution network and knowledge of the Canadian gaming market will ensure casino properties right across the region will benefit from this exclusive distribution agreement, and we look forward to hitting the ground running.”

TCSJOHNHUXLEY, meanwhile, describes itself as “the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of end-to-end live casino gaming solutions and services”, with roots in Stoke-On-Trent, UK.

Phil Lee, Managing Director for TCSJOHNHUXLEY Americas, added: “We are very pleased to be working with Bet Rite in Canada. This strategic relationship brings together our industry-leading products with a renowned name in the Canadian gaming market and we are confident this will be a major benefit to all our customers in the region.”

PointsBet Invitational excitement ramps up with return of Sweep 16 Bracket Challenge

PointsBet has announced the return of the Sweep 16 Bracket Challenge at the 2023 PointsBet Invitational, Curling Canada’s first major championship of the new season.

The free-to-play game is available to all residents of Canada – excluding those from Quebec – who are 19 years of age or older at the time of entry, giving them the opportunity to win the $1m grand prize by correctly guessing the outcome of all 30 matches during the single-elimination format event.

The winner will also receive a VIP trip for two to the 2024 PointsBet Invitational, including VIP passes, airfare and hotel accommodations. The runner-up will receive VIP passes for the 2024 event and the remaining top-10 finishers will receive PointsBet Invitational prize packages.

This year’s PointsBet Invitational is taking place at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, with 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams chasing a prize in excess of $350,000, as announced by Curling Canada and PointsBet in February.

Commenting on the renewal of the Sweep 16 Bracket Challenge, Nolan Thiessen, Curling Canada Executive Director of Marketing & Fan Experience, said: “The inaugural PointsBet Invitational was a huge success and we’re excited to build on that momentum with our partners PointsBet by once again offering the opportunity for a fan to use their curling knowledge to win a major prize.

“As we saw at last year’s event, the PointsBet Invitational is difficult to predict and we’re bound to see upsets on the ice again later this month. Make your picks today, share them with your friends on social media and see if anyone can take home the big-money prize this year.”

Meanwhile, on the Friday night, following the “Elite 8” round, there will be a Celebrity Invitational event featuring numerous Canadian celebrities participating in a draw-to-the-button challenge.

“Our ultimate mission for our partnership with Curling Canada remains focused on growing this great game,” added Nic Sulsky, CCO of PointsBet Canada.

“Following a successful inaugural PointsBet Invitational last year, we are excited to deliver innovative fan engagement opportunities yet again with an enhanced Sweep 16 bracket challenge, including new features like allowing users the ability to create private groups for added community connectivity, such as friendly competition among the many proud curling clubs across our great nation.”

Elsewhere, PointsBet Holdings Managing Director and CEO Sam Swanell recently made some interesting observations on the province of Alberta, where the Australian-owned betting and gaming group has held long-term ambitions.

SBC Awards 10th Anniversary Unveiled the Champions of Betting and iGaming

SBC marked the grand 10th-anniversary edition of the SBC Awards with a spectacular celebration, honoring the exceptional individuals and companies whose unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch products and services earned them a trophy at yesterday’s ceremony.

The anniversary edition of the Awards saw the announcement of winners across 39 categories, including operators, affiliates, media, suppliers, and payment and compliance tools. The event unfolded at the stunning Caves Codorníu, boasting over 450 years of history as Spain’s oldest wine and cava producer and drew an audience of 1,000 senior executives from the betting and iGaming industry.

The ceremony was hosted by the familiar face of SBC Awards and TV personality Kirsty Gallacher, alongside former professional football player and current manager Clarence Seedorf, widely regarded as the greatest midfielder of his generation and with a UEFA Champions League legacy to his name.

Bet365 was named Sportsbook Operator of the Year, retaining last year’s title, with the brand’s affiliate program also receiving the Best Affiliate Program Award. Kaizen Gaming was awarded the titles of Casino Operator of the Year and Southern European Operator of the Year.

In other operator categories, the independent judging panels awarded three titles to Betsson Group, including Innovation in Casino & Gaming Entertainment, Marketing Campaign of the Year, and Western European Operator of the Year.

In the Rising Star categories, Betiton Casino earned the Rising Star in Casino title, while the Rising Star in Sports Betting award went to Rhino.bet. STS S.A. claimed the Eastern European Operator of the Year title, while Glitnor Group secured the Northern equivalent. When it comes to esports, Betway Group managed to outshine the competition.

Sofascore (Affiliate Product Innovation), iGamingNuts (Casino Affiliate of the Year), and Better Collective (Sports Affiliate of the Year) emerged as the prominent winners in the affiliate categories, with Better Collective successfully retaining last year’s title.

Flutter Entertainment was honored with the prestigious Employer of the Year Award, while two industry stalwarts, Dan Taylor (Flutter International) and Marina Ilina (PIN-UP Global), jointly shared the Leader of the Year title. Entain Foundation US was recognised with the title of Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year.

IDnow, Trustly, and Nuvei dominated the field in the Payment & Compliance categories, earning the titles of Fraud and Compliance Solution of the Year, Payment Innovation of the Year, and Payment Solution of the Year, respectively.

  • Enteractive: Acquisition & Retention Partner
  • Pragmatic Play: Casino/Slots Developer of the Year
  • Oddin.gg: Esports Supplier of the Year
  • Evoplay: Industry Innovation of the Year
  • Spribe: Innovation in Casino Entertainment
  • Relax Gaming: Innovation in Mobile
  • BetConstruct: Land-Based Betting & Gaming Product
  • Genius Sports: Live Betting Product
  • Evolution: Live Casino Supplier
  • Sportradar: Marketing & Services Provider of the Year
  • Sportingtech: Multi-Channel Supplier
  • OpenBet: Platform Provider of the Year
  • Aviatrix: Rising Star in Casino Innovation/Software
  • Angstrom: Rising Star in Sports Betting Innovation/Software
  • Stats Perform: Sports Data Product
  • Digitain: Sportsbook Supplier of the Year
  • Vermantia: Virtual Sports Supplier
  • BetConstruct: White Label Supplier of the Year”

The awards ceremony was held on the last night of SBC Summit Barcelona, SBC’s global sports betting and iGaming exhibition and conference, which gathered 15,000 industry experts at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc.

Loto-Quebec lays Q1 revenue blame on Lotto Max sales

A reduction in Lotto Max sales played a leading role in decreased revenue for Loto-Quebec in Q1 of 2023-24, according to the Canadian crown corporation.

Publishing its results for the period April 1 – June 26, Loto Quebec reported total revenues of $711.2m and a consolidated net income of $380.9m, down $33.2m (-4.5%) and $65.6m (-14.7%) respectively compared to the same period last year.

The dip in revenues is “mainly” due to lower Lotto Max sales, Loto-Quebec asserts, as the lottery game had experienced an “exceptional sequence” of major grand prizes in Q1 2022-23.

This contributed to lottery revenues of $224.7m, down $31.9m (-12.4%) YoY, while online lottery revenues made up 12.8% of the sector’s total revenues.

Loto-Quebec’s total revenues and consolidated net income did increase by $54.9m (+8.4%) and $43.6m (+12.9%), respectively, from the first quarter of the pre-pandemic fiscal year, however.

Jean-François Bergeron, President and CEO, commented: “I’m very pleased with our teams’ efforts and the results achieved. I’d like to point out that we had an exceptional year last year, which set the bar very high. I thank our employees for their invaluable contribution. They have managed to stay the course and deal with the challenges of the past few years.

“All sectors have continued to exercise sound management, despite the increase in spending caused by the full resumption of operations. Thanks to these efforts, we’ve once again achieved an excellent ratio of total expenses to revenues.”

Meanwhile, Loto-Quebec hailed the “great results” of its casino and gaming hall sector which generated revenues of $274.6m, up $11.2m (+4.2%) YoY, attributable to the full resumption of operations. Online casino revenues represented 24.8% of the sector’s total revenues.

However, revenues from the gaming establishment sector dropped $11.6m (-5.1%) YoY to $216.9m.

Loto-Quebec added that it is “in the process of determining how best to continue managing the video lottery terminal offer in a responsible manner”, after the closure of many bars due to the effects of the pandemic.

Bergeron concluded: “We saw many noteworthy achievements this quarter, including the first responsible commercialization campaign featuring all game categories. Called ‘So that a game remains a game’, it demonstrates the importance we place on our customers’ well-being. The spring quarter also coincided with the start of festival season.

“We’re proud to encourage the growth of entertainment and culture and make them more accessible to Quebecers through our sponsorship program, Les rendez-vous Loto-Québec.”

Elsewhere, Loto-Quebec was forced to admit defeat this week in its quest to launch a ‘mini casino’ in downtown Montreal, after receiving pushback from Montreal Public Health.

‘On a silver platter’ – Rivalry’s Steven Salz on ‘challenge’ of AGCO’s athlete ad ban

The looming reform of online gambling advertising standards in Ontario could open the door for black market operators to profit, suggests Rivalry CEO and Co-Founder Steven Salz.

It was recently announced by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) that, from Feb. 24, 2024, registered Ontario igaming operators will be prohibited from using athletes, whether active or retired, in igaming marketing and advertising, except for the exclusive purpose of advocating for responsible gambling practices.

Furthermore, tougher restrictions will also be placed on the use of celebrities, influencers, role models, entertainers and cartoon figures.

Speaking to SBC, Salz admitted the rules are less likely to impact Rivalry compared to other operators on the market, despite the company’s use of influencers in its marketing.

“Rivalry’s success has been because our marketing with this demo is very entertainment driven and in many cases doesn’t actually talk about betting – in some markets it is, in others it isn’t,” Salz explained.

“In Ontario we do very little marketing that would conflict with these rules. It’s very much entertainment, grassroots stuff, hosting watch parties etc.”

But Salz outlined the difficulties that other operators will face once the changes are implemented.

He said: “It’s a bit of a shame. The challenge with this is for many operators the inability to be direct with marketing will make them unable to use these influencers at all. It’s very easy for us, we’ve built a Red Bull style entertainment driven brand which means we don’t talk about the betting action much, but there are others who are leveraging creators, actors and athletes in very classic ways because they do that style of marketing, with Jamie Foxx talking to you about betting.”

While the AGCO appears crystal clear in its desire to reform advertising standards and protect vulnerable members of society, there is still a degree of ambiguity over who can actually be used in adverts once the new regulations kick in.

As Salz discussed, it falls upon the regulator to outline just how far they will extend, and define who exactly is permissible or otherwise.

“A lot of it has to do with how you leverage the influencers, it’s unclear exactly how they are going to define influencers. Is a Twitch streamer with 50 average current viewers and 5,000 X [formerly Twitter] followers an influencer? It’s hard to say,” Salz said.

“If you use athletes they want you to do it with RG and safer gambling messaging, but ultimately they just don’t want you leveraging them from a direct marketing perspective. You can’t say ‘go bet on ABC for this event’ and be really specific with activation in betting marketing.”

Salz suggests that eliminating the option for regulated operators to continue leveraging influencers will hand black market operators free reign to step in and profit, as they are ultimately the ones that will not observe any rules around player protection or the province’s long-standing ban on betting inducements and promotions.

Salz further reflected that Rivalry had been promoting the benefits of Australian or UK style measures – such as a whistle-to-whistle ban on betting advertising during sports within 15 minutes of the beginning and end of a match – in its engagement with the AGCO.

“We’re kind of handing a chunk of the market on a silver platter to these guys,” he said. “By making the people you’re regulating unable to differentiate from each other because you’re cutting off every single way for them to market to customers. That’s really the downside of this.”

Loto-Quebec laments ‘missed opportunity’ after Montreal mini casino plan withdrawn

Loto-Quebec has withdrawn its proposal to launch a ‘mini casino’ in downtown Montreal, citing Montreal Public Health’s verdict as a significant factor in its decision.

The provincial gaming authority had planned to rent the 1909 Taverne Moderne restaurant – which adjoins the Bell Centre – to open a gaming hall with 350 slot machines.

Installation of these machines would have seen the removal of approximately 600 video lottery machines elsewhere on the island, but the proposal received stinging criticism from Montreal Public Health in a 42-page report which outlined the potential danger of such a property.

Significantly, the gaming hall’s location was seen as risky – particularly for men between the ages of 18-44 who are “particularly vulnerable” when it comes to gambling addictions – due to the close proximity of the Bell Centre, which is intrinsically linked to the Montreal Canadiens’ ownership group Groupe CH.

The decision of Montreal Public Health to report their findings to the media prompted a stern response from Loto-Quebec earlier this week, but the Crown Corporation has now admitted defeat in its attempts to open a gaming hall, at least in its current guise.

Citing a “missed opportunity”, Jean-François Bergeron, President and CEO of Loto-Québec, said: “We’re convinced that revamping our land-based model would allow us to better meet today’s challenges and needs. Not doing anything does not amount to a solution. Neither does reducing supply without providing new options to meet player demand.

“By no means does Loto-Québec’s future rest solely on the proposed Bell Centre project, but we are disappointed that the project isn’t going through.

“I want to thank all those involved in the project, like the public health teams, the City of Montréal, and most importantly Groupe CH, for their cooperation over the last two years. I commend Groupe CH on being one of the few professional teams that refuse to do business with illegal gambling operators.”

Loto-Quebec ‘surprised’ at Montreal Public Health reaction to mini casino proposal

Montreal Public Health has poured cold water on the idea of Loto-Quebec opening a ‘mini casino’ near the Bell Centre, citing the “risk” for vulnerable members of society nearby.

Loto-Quebec’s plans to rent the now closed 1909 Taverne Moderne restaurant – which adjoins the home of the Montreal Canadiens – to house a number of gaming machines, sport betting terminals and poker tables was detailed back in February, with CEO Jean-Francois Bergeron confirming that talks were taking place.

During the initial discussions, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plant said the mini casino would require the approval of Montreal Public Health, which rejected a similar proposal from the provincial gaming authority in Griffintown in 2006.

But judging by the authority’s recent comments, approval looks unlikely any time soon.

In an interview with La Presse, Mylène Drouin, Montreal Public Health Director, explained: “We did a complete risk analysis. And we arrive at a solid conclusion: the project as presented presents risks to the health of the population, risks sufficient to prevent us from recommending this project.”

The mini casino is part of a partnership between Loto-Quebec and Groupe CH, the entity that owns the Montreal Canadiens.

Under the proposed plan, Loto-Quebec would install 350 slot machines whilst removing approximately 600 video lottery machines elsewhere on the island.

But in a 42-page report critiquing the potential impact of setting up a mini casino near the Bell Centre, Montreal Public Health came to the conclusion that it would target men between the ages of 18-44 who are “particularly vulnerable” when it comes to gambling addictions.

“The Loto-Québec project is likely to reach and introduce a significant number of vulnerable players to the game with the associated impacts on health that we know about,” said researcher Jean-François Biron, who wrote his opinion with the collaboration of other renowned researchers, notably Sylvia Kairouz, from Concordia University, and Annie-Claude Savard, from Université Laval.

“It’s a project that can encourage an introduction to the game,” added Drouin. “All the packaging that goes into this show can send a false sense of security to the people who are going to play.”

Furthermore, according to Montreal Public Health, a games lounge associated with the Montreal Canadiens environment establishes a “dynamic of normalization” of games of chance and money.

The report stated: “This is because a large proportion of the Montreal population, all generations combined, worship the team, some of whose players have left their mark on history.

“The Bell Centre is also an important popular gathering space for culture and entertainment. In this context, it is highly likely that more individuals will learn about electronic gaming devices in this establishment.”

As well as refusing to recommend such a proposal, Montreal Public Health has also advised Loto-Quebec “to continue reducing the number of ALV sites as observed since 2017 in Montreal by ceasing to grant operating permits for video lottery machines”.

However, the body’s decision to issue the report to the media has not gone down well with Loto-Quebec, whose spokesperson Renaud Dugas responded in a press release.

He said: “We are surprised that Montreal public health decided to send its report and grant interviews to journalists rather than to the main interested party, Loto-Québec.

“We are also surprised since we have been collaborating with the DRSP Montreal on this file for two years, even before the project was submitted. She also praised our transparency from the first meetings.

“We answered all his questions and we were always available to answer his questions and concerns.”