Page 132 – canadiangamingbusiness

Canadian Gaming Summit Gets a New Addition with SBC First Pitch Competition for Startups

March 30, 2023

SBC is thrilled to announce the inclusion of SBC First Pitch in the 26th edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit, scheduled to take place from June 13-15 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

This startup competition for sports betting and iGaming firms has been successfully conducted at SBC Summit North America in New Jersey and the global flagship SBC Summit Barcelona event. With SBC now managing the Canadian Gaming Summit, the First Pitch competition will be a vital component of the Growth and Leadership track on the second full day of the event (June 15).

The inclusion of SBC First Pitch in this prestigious summit underscores SBC’s commitment to supporting the brightest entrepreneurs and most innovative startups in the sports betting and iGaming space.

The SBC First Pitch application period is officially open and will remain so until April 30th. A panel of esteemed judges will meticulously evaluate each submission to assess their alignment with the application criteria, and ultimately select the five most promising startups with the strongest pitch decks.

The selected companies will receive the opportunity to present their groundbreaking products in front of industry leaders and investors, as well as compete for a chance to secure an exclusive prize package already valued at CA$30,000, designed to support their future development and growth plans.

The competition will be judged by a group of highly respected professionals, including Benjie Cherniak (Principal at Avenue H Capital, LLC), a distinguished investor and advisor in the sports betting industry, and Dani Lipkin (Managing Director of Global Innovation Sector TMX Group), an expert in guiding private companies and their shareholders through the process of raising equity capital in Canada. Before the application deadline expires, SBC will be including additional judges to the list.

The winner of the competition will receive an exceptional package, already valued at $30,000, which will be further enriched by the time of the event. The prize package includes:

A six-month subscription to Eilers & Krejcik Gaming’s Sports & Emerging Verticals, a boutique research firm that specializes in providing comprehensive services to the gaming equipment, sports, and interactive gaming sectors within the global gaming industry. This subscription alone is worth $25,000.
An exclusive brand or web design package, valued at $2,800, from Vegas Kings, the premier iGaming design and development agency that has been trusted by leading brands such as Ladbrokes, Betfred, Spinomenal, BetConstruct, and more.
A comprehensive promotional package from SBC Media, including six months of advertising on either SBC Americas or Canadian Gaming Business, newsletter advertising, as well as two featured editorials promoting the winning business. This package alone is valued at $12,000.

Sue Schneider, VP of Growth and Strategy at SBC, said, “One of our previous winners, Parleh Media Group, is a Canada-based company, and the country itself is a well-established tech hub and a centre for global investment. So, this inaugural edition is sure to attract exciting entries, and we can’t wait to see what innovative products and ideas the Canadian startup scene has in store.

“It’s SBC’s first involvement in the Canadian Gaming Summit as an organizer, and adding the First Pitch competition to the event schedule was a no-brainer. We are committed to supporting young companies in their growth journey by providing them with a platform to showcase their breakthrough products and innovations – and the First Pitch competition is one of our most powerful cards in doing just that.”

The start-ups that apply have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria:

Must have been founded no earlier than 2020
Must be focused on the sports betting and iGaming industry
Must have raised no more than CA$5 million on outside financing
Must have an MVP product to discuss and showcase
Must be seeking investment of a minimum of CA$250,000
Have at least one representative from the company present at the competition on June 15

The deadline for applications is midnight ET on April 30, 2023. Head to the SBC First Pitch application page to submit your entry.
The five finalists will be announced on May 12, 2023.

BCLC becomes third Canadian lottery member of ULIS

March 29, 2023

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has been named as the newest member of United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS), following approval from its Executive Committee.

ULIS, the organization formerly known as the Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS), signalled its acceptance of BCLC on Mar. 17.

It works closely with sport’s governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, public authorities and other stakeholders to combat sports competitions manipulations around the world.

“ULIS is delighted to welcome BCLC as a member,” remarked Ludovico Calvi, ULIS President.

“BCLC’s commitment to ESG, responsible gambling and community outreach aligns with our values, and we look forward to working with BCLC to promote a culture of integrity in sports.”

BCLC is now the third lottery in Canada to become a regular member of ULIS, following in the footsteps of Loto-Québec and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

BCLC has generated more than $28bn for British Columbia since 1985, helping to support healthcare, education and community programs.

The corporation was recently selected as one of the top 100 employers in the province and helped Evolution to launch Mega Ball in Canada last week.

Bragg Gaming goes live with Grand Casino Basel to aid online casino goal

March 29, 2023

Bragg Gaming Group is continuing its growth strategy after joining forces with Grand Casino Basel, its fifth different operator in Switzerland.

The Toronto-based provider made its debut in Switzerland in 2021 and recently partnered with Swiss Casinos, but has now added Grand Casino Basel to its ranks to deepen its presence in the European country.

Grand Casino Basel is one of 12 licence holders to operate online in Switzerland and its digital brand has attracted a ‘substantial’ customer base since it launched last year.

Lara Falzon, President and Chief Operating Officer at Bragg, said: “Our content is resonating very well in Switzerland and our latest launch with Casino Basel’s Golden Grand brand is testament to the strength of our offering.

“We continue our growth strategy in the country and other key markets in Europe and North America to further consolidate our position as a leading global igaming technology and content provider.”

As part of the agreement, games from Bragg Studios such as Fairy Dust from Atomic Slot Lab, and exclusive titles from its

Adrian Schiesser, Divisional Director Online Casino at Casino Basel, added: “We aim to provide our customers with the best online casino experience and through Bragg’s offering we have strengthened our proposition, bringing thrilling, entertaining and exciting games to Swiss players.”

The launch follows a deal struck by Bragg Gaming with 32Red earlier this month that saw its online casino content rolled out across the brand’s UK casino site.

Furthermore, the group has also recently alluded to further expansion in the US and Canada.

Adesso expands lottery operations into Canada

March 28, 2023

Adesso has announced the expansion of its lottery business into the North American market, aimed at all lotteries in the US and Canada.

The IT service provider already has a firm grip on the European market with its headquarters in Germany, one of 61 locations it is active in on the continent.

But the consulting and software development company has now opted to take its first steps in North America to help make the brand a global one, becoming a member of the North American lottery association NASPL (North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries) in the process.

Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Striemer, who heads adesso’s lottery business as Senior Vice President of Lottery, commented: “Adesso is ideally equipped to meet the challenges of digitalisation in the global lottery market.

“We are looking forward to the US and Canadian markets and are convinced that our future-proof solutions will enrich the state and provincial lottery companies here.”

To support the company’s entrance into the North American market, adesso has ‘engaged the services’ of lottery and gaming consultant Bishop Woosley, Principal at Woosley Gaming Advisors.

Woosley led the Lottery of Arkansas and served as president of NASPL prior to his consulting career and was inducted into the ‘US Lottery Hall of Fame’ in 2020.

Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “I am proud to be part of the team helping to expand adesso’s services and solutions into the North American market!”

The focus will be on the two latest adesso developments for the global market, which adesso presented at the World Lottery Summit 2022 held in Vancouver last October.

Firstly, LotteryForce is the ‘cloud-based ilottery platform of the future for all channels’, including a 360-degree player view for an optimal customer experience.

Meanwhile, adessoDraws provides an electronic, blockchain-based draw system – billed as the world’s first fully transparent, repeatable and auditable solution for the secure drawing of winning numbers for digital lotteries.

DraftKings & High 5 Games extend partnership into Ontario

March 28, 2023

DraftKings customers in Ontario can now access a wider range of casino titles after the online casino and sportsbook went live with content from High 5 Games last week.

The two companies first linked up last May after entering into a multi-market agreement that saw Michigan become its first entry point.

High 5 Games received its supplier licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) prior to the launch of the regulated Ontario market last year, but has now entered the Canadian province via DraftKings as it continues its expansion across North America.

“We are incredibly pleased to expand to more regulated markets through our ongoing partnership with DraftKings,” said Anthony Singer, CEO of High 5 Games.

“As we continue on this growth trajectory, we feel privileged to offer new and exciting gaming content to the DraftKings fanbase while meeting our shared mission of servicing all igaming states across North America as well as Canada.”

Among the popular High 5 games now available for casino players in Ontario are ‘Triple Double Da Vinci Diamonds’, ‘Platinum Goddess’, and ‘The Green Machine Supreme’

Furthermore, Ontarians will be among the first to play High 5’s ‘Goldstruck Blasts’, which only launched earlier this month.

Elsewhere, further growth into West Virginia is next on the agenda for High 5 Games and DraftKings as they continue their expansion plans to reach every regulated state in the US.

Pickering agrees Durham Region casino revenue deal in Ontario first

March 27, 2023

An agreement has been reached between Pickering and Durham Region, which will see the city share some of its casino gaming revenue to help Durham fund social housing projects.

Billed as the first deal of its kind in Ontario, Pickering will split revenue in half with the region once it has reached the $10m threshold, with funds capped at $8m per year.

The agreement dates back to Jan. 1, 2023, and is set to conclude in 2026.

Kevin Ashe, Mayor of Pickering, commented: “The City of Pickering has made a remarkable commitment with this historic revenue sharing agreement. As a recognized municipal leader, we are taking a proactive step towards building a stronger, more equitable community for all, by sharing our casino gaming revenues with the Region of Durham.

“Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need and create a brighter future for residents across our region.”

According to the latest estimates, Pickering receives $16m in annual revenue from the casino, a sum that would see Durham Region collect $3m per year.

Since Pickering Casino Resort opened its doors in July 2021, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has awarded more than $20.2m in non-tax gaming revenue for hosting rights.

“The Region of Durham and City of Pickering have entered into an exciting partnership to share revenue generated by the Pickering casino,” added Regional Chair John Henry.

“This new opportunity will provide exceptional value to Durham taxpayers. It’s a partnership designed to offer responsive, effective, and fiscally sustainable service delivery; focused on the delivery of exceptional quality services and value.”

Pollard Banknote earns spot on ‘Manitoba’s Top Employers in 2023’ list

March 24, 2023

Pollard Banknote has been recognised for its ‘progressive and forward-thinking programs’ by Mediacorp Canada, which has named the firm as one of ‘Manitoba’s Top Employers’ for 2023.

A lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, providing instant ticket products, licensed games and in-lane ticket options, Pollard Banknote has become a renowned organization in Canada and beyond.

Closer to home, Pollard Banknote has recently worked with Loto-Quebec, which became the first lottery in Canada to create a concept for Pollard Banknote’s new digital press, but it continues to drive operations out of its base in Manitoba, where it employs approximately 850 full-time and part-time staff.

Doug Pollard, Co-CEO, commented: “Pollard Banknote is a proud Winnipeg-based company, and we are thrilled to be included on the list of Manitoba’s Top Employers. Since the early days of the company, one of the goals has been to be a well-run organization that is a great place to work.

“Today we have an exceptional team of intelligent, skilled, and knowledgeable people at Pollard Banknote whose dedication and efforts contribute to a positive corporate culture each and every day.

“It is the entire team that has earned this acclaim.”

Employers of any size, in the private or public sector, are eligible to apply to be named in the list co-published by Mediacorp Canada and the Winnipeg Free Press.

Applicants are evaluated on eight criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

“Not only is Pollard Banknote a great place to work, it is a great place to build your career as there is a broad range of career and advancement opportunities – beyond what many companies can offer,” added Margaret Proven, Executive Vice President, Human Resources.

“We believe in internal mobility, recognizing that we win as a company when we promote from within.”

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board green lights sale of Irish National Lottery

March 24, 2023

The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) is further withdrawing from the lottery market after deciding to sell the Irish National Lottery, according to The Times.

The report states that the Canadian pension fund is looking to sell the business despite there being more than a decade remaining on its licence.

The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan – which controls Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) – spent $598.85m on a 20-year licence to operate the franchise back in 2014, but has now reportedly hired Swiss bank UBS to advise on its sale.

A spokesperson for PLI said: “Any discussion regarding the ownership structure is a question for the shareholders and not something that we are in a position to comment on.

“PLI is wholly committed to delivering its core purpose, to operate a responsible and world-class lottery for the people of Ireland, raising much-needed good cause funds for the benefit of local communities throughout Ireland.”

This latest development follows the OTPP’s recent sales of Camelot UK and Camelot Lottery Solutions to global operator Allwyn.

The former was finalised last month following approval from the UK Gambling Commission in January, with the OTPP relinquishing control after 13 years.

Furthermore, earlier this month, Allwyn officially completed its acquisition of the Camelot LS group of companies.

The OTPP Board acquired Camelot in 2010 for a fee in the region of $634m, but all control and ownership of the group has now passed to Allwyn, the next operator of the UK National Lottery.

AGLC lifts VLT limit to ease burden on airports

March 23, 2023

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has raised the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) allowed in the province following a request from Edmonton International Airport.

As reported by CBC, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt on Canadian airports today, leading the AGLC to open up an additional revenue stream by creating a new category of licence holders called Airport Entertainment Centres.

The cap for VLTs in Alberta was set in 1995 based on recommendations by the Lotteries Review Committee, but the number permitted has now grown from 6,000 to 6,098, though currently only Edmonton and Calgary airport authorities are allowed to access this revenue stream.

Each can have up to 49 VLTs located post security in areas where minors are prohibited, such as bars and lounges.

However, the Calgary Airport Authority has told CBC that it has no plans to install VLTs at its terminals, whereas Edmonton International Airport already has 14 and has set its sights on adding more in the future.

As part of the agreement, Edmonton Regional Airports Authority will collect 15% of revenues while the majority (85%) goes to the government’s general revenues to support programs and services.