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Playgon Games eyes influx of operators after Pariplay integration

Vancouver-based games developer Playgon Games has confirmed its online gaming suite is now fully integrated into Pariplay’s Fusion aggregation program.

Under the terms of the two-year agreement, Pariplay – a NeoGames subsidiary – will add and market Playgon’s proprietary mobile-first live dealer and e-table offerings – under the VegasLounge brand – to its content library for availability and distribution to all of its global client base in regulated markets.

Pariplay currently services more than 150 operators with an offering consisting of over 14,000 games from 120+ suppliers.

Ashley Bloor, Director of Partnerships at Pariplay, commented: “Playgon Games’ mobile live-dealer titles occupy a unique spot in the industry and we’re delighted to be able to offer them across our operator network through the market-leading Fusion platform.

“It is another positive addition to our ever-growing portfolio, and we’re confident they’ll be a real selling point for partners looking to target new demographics.”

The partnership was announced last September, with Playgon President and CEO Darcy Krogh describing it as a “major deal”, but the systems integration has taken until this point – 11 months later – to be completed.

Speaking this week, Krogh said: “Completion of this integration with Pariplay will give us access to high-profile markets and new markets we are chasing through their aggregation platform.

“We look forward to working with the team at Pariplay to onboard new operators and expect it to accelerate our growth as we build on our partnership.”

Betway serves ace with National Bank Open agreement

Betway has added another tournament to its portfolio of global tennis sponsorships after being confirmed as the official betting partner of the National Bank Open in Toronto.

The online betting and gaming brand was already tied into agreements with 12 tournaments on the ATP Tour, including the Miami Open, but has now struck a multi-year partnership with the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Toronto, to help solidify its standing in the province of Ontario.

Betway was heavily involved in the Ontario grey-market game prior to the opening of the province’s regulated market in April 2022 but completed the transition to become a regulated operator three months later, and has been serving the market ever since.

“Adding to our enviable portfolio of tennis sponsorships globally, we’re delighted to welcome the National Bank Open to the Betway family,” said Anthony Werkman, CEO of Betway Group.

“This competition is steeped in history and is a firm-favourite for tennis fans, so we’re obviously very excited to be a partner as we continue to be known as the number one betting brand within tennis.”

The 2023 edition of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament takes place Aug. 5-13 at the Sobeys Stadium with the 10,800 capacity Centre Court hosting the final at the tennis complex.

Betway’s partnership will ensure the brand maintains high-profile courtside visibility on the back wall around the Sobeys Stadium complex throughout the eight days of play.

The newly crowned Wimbledon champion and World Number 1 Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to play in Toronto for the first time and will play his opening match during the night session of Aug. 9.

Rob Swann, Chief Commercial Officer, Tennis Canada, added: “We are delighted to partner with Betway and welcome them to our incredible group of corporate partners.

“We look forward to working closely with them as part of this multi-year agreement as we deliver an exceptional event for our fans.”

888 leverages pioneering Nuvei payment method to push US igaming ambitions

Canadian fintech Nuvei has renewed its relationship with 888 to help the igaming operator enhance its payment experience in the US.

Nuvei was instrumental in 888’s entrance into Ontario last year, following the launch of the newly regulated igaming market in April 2022.

Now, Nuvei is taking its technology and expertise across the border to boost 888’s card acquiring and local payment method capabilities, with the aim of accelerating the operator’s growth in the US.

Commenting on the partnership, Nuvei Chair and CEO Philip Fayer said: “We’re thrilled to continue to grow our relationship with 888 and support its global expansion in the US and beyond.

“Instant, convenient, and secure deposits and payouts are critical to winning players in the rapidly expanding US igaming landscape.

“Optimizing card payment acceptance is a key component of the cashier experience, and Nuvei has decades of experience supporting operators maximize their revenue growth.”

888 is leveraging Nuvei’s technology platform, extensive acquiring reach, instant bank-to-bank payments, and deep knowledge of regulated igaming markets to maximize payments acceptance and optimize its risk management.

In addition to enabling 888 to accept deposits, players will be able to instantly withdraw funds from their 888 account directly to their bank card or via Nuvei Instant Bank Transfer, the US igaming industry’s first payment method for instant account-to-account deposits and payouts.

Noam Klivitzky, 888 VP of US Marketing, added: “Enabling players to deposit and withdraw funds from their igaming accounts seamlessly and securely is critical to the overall platform experience.

“At 888 we’re committed to offering the most comprehensive igaming experience in the market, so we’re excited to add Nuvei’s card acquiring capabilities alongside its Instant Bank Transfer solution.

“Nuvei has a rich heritage of enabling igaming operators to maximize their payments’ performance in regulated markets across the globe.”

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Nuvei received a significant financial boost with the addition of Ryan Reynolds to its investor ranks.

Rush Street Interactive Credits Ontario for Q2 Profitability

When Rush Street Interactive CEO Richard Schwartz discussed how the group managed to achieve profitability of $1.2 million in Q2, he repeatedly mentioned the company’s Canadian performance.

“On the international front, we had another strong quarter. We continued to perform very well in the highly competitive Ontario market. As we are generating outsized year-over-year gains, as well as sequential growth, Ontario has recently increased the amount of data they’re sharing,” Schwartz said, referencing iGaming Ontario’s most recent quarterly report.

In that report, iGO included some new fields to what was previously a pretty scant overall snapshot of the market.

“Two things jump out to us. First, further evidence that our average retail per monthly active user (ARPMAU) is significantly higher than the market’s, coming in at well over two times that of our competitors. Secondly, this is the first time they’ve broken out the difference between casino and sports with casino making up almost three-quarters of the market. This trend is similar to what we’ve seen in the US markets with iCasino and should provide an outsize benefit to RSI as future iCasino markets launch.”

As Schwartz emphasized during the company’s Q1 call, RSI is particularly invested in states and markets looking to expand online casinos. While he named Ohio and New York as some of the US markets the company is monitoring, he also mentioned Alberta as a jurisdiction the group thinks could open up to them in the near future.

“In Canada, you have a couple of jurisdictions there in particular. Alberta is one that really seems to be moving fairly fast in terms of appreciating the tax benefits and consumer protections available from the regulation of Ontario. Other jurisdictions are starting to see consumers in those jurisdictions are being marketed to by operators who aren’t paying taxes there. So they certainly would like to take that lead of Ontario and be able to generate some taxes up and up in Canada for the jurisdiction. Quebec and British Columbia as well are showing various signs of interest.”

The interest may be there but, so far, other provinces have not taken any recent steps to expand gambling to the point that Ontario has.

Great Canadian Entertainment cooks up ‘groundbreaking’ Gordon Ramsay deal

Great Canadian Entertainment is serving up a special treat for its guests in British Columbia via a ‘groundbreaking’ partnership with celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay.

The gaming, entertainment and hospitality company operates 25 gaming properties in Canada, consisting of casinos and a number of hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

One of the properties – Hard Rock Casino Vancouver – will be the first to benefit from Great Canadian Entertainment’s deal with Ramsay’s company, with Gordon Ramsay Burger expected to open its doors this fall, followed by Gordon Ramsay Steak at River Rock Casino Resort next year.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Great Canadian Entertainment to bring our dining concepts to the vibrant Canadian dining scene,” said Ramsay.

“Canada has a strong culinary market, and we can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurants in the coming months.”

The collaboration marks the introduction of both Gordon Ramsay brands to the Canadian marketplace, while Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is set to earn the honour of welcoming Canada’s first Gordon Ramsay Burger.

Matthew Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring Gordon Ramsay’s extraordinary gastronomic vision to our properties.

“This partnership represents a monumental moment for our company as the addition of Gordon Ramsay Burger and Gordon Ramsay Steak in British Columbia will offer our guests an unrivalled dining experience, and we are eager for the opportunity to introduce additional Gordon Ramsay brands at other Great Canadian destinations in Canada.”

Elsewhere, Great Canadian Entertainment recently unveiled its latest property – Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto – equipped with 4,800 slot machines and 145 table games.

The firm later added a poker room to its Vegas-style casino ‘to cater to the market’s vibrant poker community’.

Amelco on brink of ‘major’ Ontario partnership ahead of landmark launch

Amelco will launch its end-to-end product in Canada for the first time after securing a gaming related supplier license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

The sports betting and platform supplier is most active in the UK – where its headquarters is located – and the US – where it operates in at least 15 states – but also has engagements elsewhere in Europe and Africa.

The firm’s expansion into Canada, meanwhile, was teased ahead of SBC Summit North America earlier this year by Brandon Walker, Head of Amelco USA, in an interview with SBC.

Walker added that expansion into Canada would be achieved with “one of the market’s biggest players”, and Amelco’s latest announcement declared that its first major Ontario partner will be confirmed ‘within the coming weeks’.

“This represents a significant milestone for us, and we are thrilled to be finally entering Ontario, where we are confident that both our sportsbook and igaming products will prove to be very popular,” said Walker.

“Moving into an area with such a rich sporting history boosts our hopes of making an immediate impact within the space and with multiple operators already lined up to go live, we are confident of making a fast start in the province.

“We have huge plans coming up over the next 12 months and we want to expand our presence across Canada as other provinces are granted licences.”

Amelco’s igaming, player account management and sportsbook suite have all been granted a licence by the AGCO, with the specialist technology supplier adding that its igaming suite will provide games from the likes of Evolution, Red Tiger, Evolution, Pragmatic Play and Pariplay.

AGCO makes decision on e-raffle regulatory framework amid push for expansion

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is pressing ahead with a proposal for the expansion of 50/50 e-raffle ticket sales in the province.

Listing 10 key points of the anticipated regulatory framework, the AGCO expects hospital foundations to obtain a 50/50 raffle licence to conduct and manage the e-raffle within convenience store(s). A licence fee of 1% of the prize board would then be paid to the AGCO after the event.

Convenience stores would also have to be registered with the AGCO as sellers, with hospital foundations expected to provide a list of seller locations.

As detailed by the Ontario Crown agency last week, the AGCO recently completed an engagement on the proposed approach in May, receiving 18 submissions from several sources including OLG, the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association, and the Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario (CGAO).

Seven convenience stores, six hospital foundations and one supplier also sent submissions in a bid to improve fundraising opportunities for Ontario’s charities.

The expanded framework will permit hospital foundation 50/50 e-raffle tickets to be sold in Ontario convenience stores by retail staff, using an electronic device.

An announcement on the formal framework and final regulatory requirements is expected in September, with applications to be accepted thereafter.

This timeframe will allow the AGCO to prepare internally to support the new framework whilst simultaneously giving hospital foundations, convenience stores and e-raffle solution providers the time to organize their individual activities.

Elsewhere, the AGCO recently announced Dave Forestell as new Chair of its Board of Directors, following the sudden resignation of Lalit Aggarwal.

NEO.bet becomes official sportsbook partner of CFL

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced NEO.bet is now an authorized gaming operator and official sportsbook partner of the league.

NEO.bet joins an exclusive list after FanDuel claimed the honour of becoming the CFL’s first authorized gaming operator last month, whilst also being named an official sportsbook partner.

The CFL has now added NEO.bet – a sportsbook and casino platform – to its growing list of partners and is ‘continuing to explore additional partnerships’.

“We’re thrilled to welcome NEO.bet to the CFL family,” said Tyler Mazereeuw, Chief Commercial Officer of the CFL.

“Responsible sports wagering is such a deeply personal and meaningful way for fans to connect with the greater story of our league.

“It’s always special when a victory for your favourite team or player becomes a win for you, as well.”

NEO.bet’s origins lie in the agido Group, a software development company founded in Germany over 20 years ago, but the firm has been active in Canada, entering the Ontario igaming market earlier this year as CEO Thomas Louis discussed in an exclusive interview with this site in April.

The brand now offers sports betting in the province, providing a list of markets across international leagues and major North American sports such as MLB, NHL, NBA, and NFL, with odds available on more than 25 sports and 9,000 live events each month.

NEO.bet has now received a significant boost to its sports betting sector after becoming an official sportsbook partner of the CFL.

“NEO.bet is extremely delighted to partner with the CFL,” said Louis.

“The league represents the inclusiveness, pursuit of excellence, and dedication to fan and athlete welfare that resonates with the values that we hold dear at NEO.bet.

“We hope that this partnership will allow us to elevate online sports betting for all fans who crave the best possible experience to bet on their favourite teams.”

As NEO.bet establishes its sportsbook and casino platform in Ontario, Louis sees long-term opportunities for the organization to not only engage CFL fans and bettors, but to also revolutionize their overall betting experiences with the game.

He concluded: “Our partnership with the CFL will become the foundation as we introduce millions of Ontarians to a higher standard of igaming – a standard where the safety and security of the customer are placed above profits; where the drive to deliver a better-quality product with technological innovations and unparalleled reliability take precedence over traditional business objectives.”

PointsBet encouraged by early stage of Canadian operations despite FY2023 losses

PointsBet made several notable observations on its operations in Canada in its latest quarterly report, reporting a total net win of A$5.5m (CAD$4.9m) for the jurisdiction in Q4FY2023 despite an overall loss for the year.

The Australian-owned betting and gaming group recorded A$102.3m (CAD$90.6m) in overall revenue for the three months ended June 30, marking global growth of 19% year-over-year.

Sports betting handle dropped 18% YoY to A$1.07bn (CAD$950m), but this was offset by 122% growth in igaming revenue, which stood at A$16.2m (CAD$14.4bn) in the last quarter. Sports betting revenue also grew 10% to A$86.1m (CAD$76.3m).

Play-off push

Significantly, PointsBet highlighted “momentum” in its Canadian sportsbook and online casino offerings in the quarter.

Canada net win was up 3052% YoY to A$5.5m (CAD$4.9m) with a total sportsbook handle of A$42.5m (CAD$37.7m) as the NBA and NHL playoffs, combined with the opening of the MLB season, generated “strong interest”. This represented a 166% rise on the same period last year.

Furthermore, sports book gross win was A$3.3m (CAD$2.9m) at a gross win margin of 7.7% while sports betting net win came in at A$1.9m (CAD$1.7m) at a 4.4% net win margin.

Net win for the casino sector, meanwhile, came in at A$3.5m (CAD$3.2m), up 453% YoY on A$0.7m (CAD$0.62m). The corresponding period last year was, of course, the first few months of Ontario’s newly regulated igaming market, which explains the substantial YoY growth.

However, despite a strong performance in April and May, net win was flat QoQ due to volatility in June on table games, with some partial offset to this driven by growth in slots.

PointsBet did, though, finish the financial year with a net win of A$18.3m (CAD$16.2m) in its first full year of operation.

Speaking to investors, CEO Sam Swannell noted: “The strength and quality of the customers that are making the choice to play on PointsBet demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategy.

“Cash active clients grew to over 30,000, up 8% from Q3. Total marketing spend was CAD$5.5m in Q4, down 22% versus the PCP as we continue to get more efficient in acquiring our target customer.

“We also delivered key operational and technological enhancements aimed at reducing customer friction throughout the onboarding journey, which resulted in significantly improved performance of our conversion funnel in Q4.

“As we look ahead to FY24, we’re looking forward to delivering growth in Canada.”

Attractiveness of Canadian market

Swannell later added: “The Canadian business provides shareholders continued exposure to the North American market through a jurisdiction that is more attractive than most US states, no partner fees and acceptable tax rate and eye gaming complementing sports betting for the entire market.

“We believe the early stage of the Canadian business complements our more mature Australian business, as well as providing an opportunity to leverage attractive features of our tech stack that aren’t available in the Australian market, such as igaming, and online live betting.”

He continued: “The company currently expects the positive EBITDA of the Australian trading business to significantly offset EBITDA losses of the Canadian trading business in FY24 as Canada builds scale.”

While PointsBet expects Australia to offset Canada’s losses in FY24, the firm doesn’t envisage positive EBITDA in Canada being too far away, with FY25 earmarked as a possible point to break profitability.

Alberta on the agenda?

Alberta has been heavily tipped as the next Canadian province to follow in Ontario’s footsteps, and Swannell confirmed that PointsBet is “keeping a close eye” on developments there, and is primed to act accordingly.

“I think that the difference is that in America we were live in 14 states, and only four of the 14 had igaming. In Canada, you have one state that’s live and it has igaming, so your path to profitability, and the efficient monetization that you get, is stronger.

“Plus, we’re getting better every quarter, our product is getting better. That’s been seen in the American results, and we’ll see that in the Canadian results.

“As it relates to the potential expansion of Alberta, unlike here in America, we don’t anticipate that that comes with a whole round of additional costs. When you open a new state in America, it’s its own country, basically. And so Canada will be province by province, but the expectation is that the synergy benefits are far higher.

“And as it relates to some of our marketing spend, performance marketing is very targeted. So you’re only targeting people in the province of Ontario at the moment.

“But as it relates to above the line, there’s certainly some spend that we’re making that floats into other jurisdictions of Canada. So, if an Alberta was to open up, you naturally get some marketing efficiencies there.”

iGO appoints Heidi Reinhart as new Chair

iGaming Ontario (iGO) has confirmed the appointment of Heidi Reinhart as its new Chair following the departure of previous incumbent Dave Forestell.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced on July 21 that Forestell had vacated his position as iGO Chair to become the AGCO’s new Chair of its Board of Directors.

Forestell served as iGO Chair for two years, combining the role with his duties as a sitting member of the AGCO board, but left iGO on a permanent basis to succeed Lalit Aggarwal, whose sudden exit earlier this month was attributed to a desire to ‘spend time with his family and to focus on his business affairs’.

Before Forestell was announced as Aggarwal’s replacement, though, the AGCO promoted its Vice-Chair – Reinhart – to assume Chair responsibilities in the interim, which ended up being less than a week.

A member of the Ontario Securities Commission’s Securities Advisory Committee and the Toronto Stock Exchange Listing Advisory Committee, Reinhart has been a member of the AGCO Board of Directors since 2020, but has now been handed the extra responsibility of chairing its subsidiary.

Reinhart is also a Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, where she practices securities and corporate law, and received the King’s Counsel designation earlier this year.

“iGaming Ontario welcomes Ms. Reinhart and extends a sincere thank you to Mr. Forestell for his leadership of this agency from its inception,” the Crown corporation concluded in a statement.