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BET99 joins IBIA to help combat betting corruption

BET99 has become the latest sports betting platform to join the membership list of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

The online sports betting and casino platform joins the IBIA not long after being approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario to provide its offerings in the province of Ontario.

“Joining IBIA, the world’s leading independent integrity monitor, is critical to our sportsbook strategy, in which trust, integrity and protection are prioritized for our Canadian customers,” stated André Bewerungen, Head of Sportsbook for BET99.

“We are delighted to combine forces with IBIA to combat foul play in sports, as well as betting-related corruption and manipulation, providing our customers a safe and enjoyable environment.”

Monitoring integrity within the licensed betting industry, the IBIA is run by operators for operators, protecting its members from corruption through collective action. 

The association’s monitoring and alert network detects and reports suspicious activity on its members’ betting markets, using information-sharing partnerships with sports and gambling regulators to battle corruption.

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “IBIA is delighted to welcome BET99 to the association. The move highlights BET99’s commitment to integrity and further cements IBIA as the leading integrity monitor in Ontario, with more than 75% of licensed online betting operators having joined the association.

“IBIA looks forward to collaborating with BET99 both in Ontario and within the operator’s wider international betting operations to safeguard those markets from fraudulent betting activity.”

Earlier this month, BET99 agreed to a partnership with Toronto FC icon Sebastian Giovinco, adding the ex-MLS star to its brand ambassador roster.

Betano goes live in Ontario

Betano has debuted its operations in the Canadian province of Ontario, marking both the gaming brand’s and its parent company Kaizen Gaming’s first launch in a North American market.

The gaming brand will provide over 30 sports and more than 1,000 casino games to players in Ontario as part of its portfolio. 

Kaizen Gaming has gone live with Betano in the Canadian province during all major sports league’s peak season, including NHL, NFL and NBA, as well as the FIFA World Cup, which the brand is a Regional Supporter of in Europe.

Julio Iglesias Hernando, Chief Commercial Officer of Kaizen Gaming, commented: “We are excited to enter a new market, but also a new territory for Betano and Kaizen Gaming.

“The competition is intense in Ontario but we are confident that with our solid product offering, backed by our proprietary technology, we will offer a superior sports betting and gaming experience to millions of Canadians.”

Kaizen Gaming’s brands of Betano and Stoiximan are now live in 12 markets across Europe and Latin America.

Kahnawa:ke challenging the legality of Ontario online gambling set up

Ontario broke new ground when it elected to open up the market for sports betting and online casino, but the Mohawk Council of Kahnawa:ke (MCK) are questioning whether this is an overstep of what the law allows.

MCK filed a Notice of Application with the Ontario Superior Court challenging Section 207 of the Criminal Code. In that section, it permits legal “lottery schemes” to offer gambling. In addition to charitable gaming, it allows for province-run gambling. The passage of law C-218 expanded the scope of the gambling these lottery schemes can offer to include sports betting.

Ontario used this opportunity to form iGaming Ontario (iGO) and, in tandem with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), launch regulated online casinos and sportsbooks in the province. Since not all of these casinos are not owned and operated by the Ontario and Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG), MCK is challenging that the province is actually “conducting and managing” the endeavors.

In a press conference, Ratsenhaienhs (elected Council Chief) Mike Delisle, Jr. emphasized the courts were a final course of action after repeated attempts by MCK to speak with the Attorney General, AGCO, and other representatives.

MCK is seeking some sort of carveout or exemption for First Nations entities to allow them to continue to operate throughout the state.

“The plain facts are that Ontario’s actions are causing a significant loss of important revenues for our community,” said Delisle. “Until these actions were taken, we were operating legally, safely, and successfully across Canada. To be shut out of Ontario – by far the largest province in Canada – will have devastating effects on a source of income that has supplemented programs and services in our community for the last two decades.”

During his conference, Delisle also noted that the actions that led to MCK’s exclusion from Ontario flew in the face of prior communication from several government leaders, including Attorney General David Lametti. Delisle stated Lametti wrote to MCK in June 2021 seeking their involvment in a forum discussion about gambling in Canada, only for no substantial discussions to materialise.

The Kahnawa:ke Gaming Commission (KGC) has been in operation for over 20 years regulating online gambling sites. To be clear, the legal action is not being taken by KGC, rather the tribe is the one who filed the application.

When asked for comment, the AGCO responded with this statement:

“The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.”

“As for the AGCO, we are proud to have a long history working respectfully and collaboratively with First Nations in the sectors we regulate. We will continue to approach our work with First Nations communities in a spirit of respect, transparency, and collaboration for the benefit of Ontarians.”

The Ministry of the Attorney General also responded to CGB noting that, as a pending legal matter, it was unable to comment on the case.

 

 

 

Pariplay brings Konami Gaming content to its Fusion platform

Pariplay, a NeoGames SA subsidiary, has sealed a deal to add Konami Gaming’s content portfolio to its Fusion platform. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Konami’s online casino portfolio will be added to the Fusion platform, supplying Pariplay operating partners with classic games and modern titles, while also increasing the supplier’s global reach.

Steve Sutherland, President & CEO at Konami Gaming Inc, stated: “Pariplay’s Fusion platform has a great reach for us in terms of connecting with new customers globally, so this deal represents a great way to get our content in front of broader player audiences.

“Our portfolio of classic and modern titles has stood the test of time and this agreement with Pariplay will help us to continue to excel in both established and emerging markets.”

Pariplay is licensed by several regulators and lotteries across Canada including Ontario’s AGCO, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, and Alberta’s AGLC.

Its Fusion platform features over 14,000 games from 80+ suppliers, alongside a back-office conversion and retention tool suite to help “enhance player value”.

“Konami Gaming has built a deserved reputation for producing online titles that are of the utmost quality. Its history of success in the land-based world has translated equally well to the digital landscape and its portfolio is very impressive,” noted Callum Harris, Director of Partnerships at Pariplay.

“It is a major boost to be able to add Konami’s games to the Fusion platform, and we are sure that they will perform very well in markets right across the world.”

Gateway Casinos opens Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has opened the new Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach to the general public, with a gala grand opening planned for a future date.

At 25,000 square feet in size, the new $34.3m Ontario-based casino will create 140 new jobs and will feature Gateway’s signature restaurant ‘Match Eatery & Public House’, a large outdoor patio, and an arcade bar on the gaming floor. All areas are fully licensed.

Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach’s gaming floor will have 250 slots and electronic table games and will be regularly open throughout the year.

“Gateway is very excited and pleased to be opening the new Playtime Casino here in Wasaga Beach,” commented Grant Darling, Senior Vice President of Operations at Gateway Casinos Ontario.

“The new casino represents a significant investment in the future of Wasaga Beach creating 140 new jobs, operating a year-round entertainment attraction for both visitors and local residents of the Wasaga Beach community.” ​

Gateway Casino’s Match Eatery & Public House offers a neighbourhood pub vibe with a sports bar’s “high energy and excitement” alongside live entertainment”. 

Meanwhile, the casino’s outdoor patio area features amenities for every season, such as an outdoor heating system and outdoor air conditioning.

Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach is also committed to promoting responsible gambling and related initiatives as part of OLG’s PlaySmart program. The property also holds an RG Check accreditation.

GAN looking for new CFO following resignation

GAN has announced a search for a new Chief Financial Officer following the resignation of Karen E Flores from the position.

GAN, who is operational in the Canadian market with Coolbet, has stated that Flores’ resignation as CFO and from its board of directors is effective from today, with Brian Chang, current SVP and Corporate Controller, assuming CFO duties in an interim position.

The sports betting operator’s CEO Dermot Smurfit reflected on Flores’ time with the company, noting that she was “critical” in the acquisition of Coolbet in the early part of last year.

“Karen’s leadership and financial acumen have been critical parts of GAN’s evolution to a US-listed public company as well as our, at times, complex acquisition of Coolbet in early 2021,” commented Smurfit.

“I am deeply appreciative of Karen’s dedication to GAN and wish her all the best for the future.”

GAN added that its search for its next CFO is underway and that it hopes to provide an update on the process soon.

Super Group: Canada regulated market transition was successful

Super Group has stated in its recent earnings call that it has seen early positive signs in Canada following its switch to the regulated market in the province of Ontario.

CEO Neal Menashe highlighted the operator’s performance in Canada during Super Group’s Q3 earnings call, noting that its online sportsbook Betway and casino Spin operations have been “in line with expectations” so far.

He added that Ontario remains profitable for the group following the transition to the regulated market.

Menashe said on the call: “In Canada, we successfully transitioned Betway to Ontario’s regulated environment. 

“Our performance there has been in line with our expectations, including the excavation and engagement of historic Ontario customers with the new Ontario-specific platform. Overall, Canada continues to perform and remains profitable for us.”

The positive Canada indications come despite Super Group reporting a 2% loss in overall Q3 revenue year-over-year to US$315.81m (Q3 2021: $320.74m) due to “a decline in online casino net revenue and brand license fee income” that was “partially offset by an increase in sports betting net revenue”.

BET99 signs Sebastian Giovinco as brand ambassador

BET99 has agreed to a partnership with Toronto FC icon Sebastian Giovinco, adding the MLS star to its brand ambassador roster.

The partnership between the online sports betting and casino platform and Giovinco will be launched on Instagram with several celebratory fan giveaways, including signed soccer balls and merchandise, and an Instagram Live event where the soccer player will give picks and predictions for upcoming World Cup games.

On November 27, Giovinco will also take part in the BET99 Soccer House watch party at The Firkin on Bay Street in Toronto, cheering Team Canada as it competes in its second World Cup match.

Here, Giovinco will also contribute pre-game and halftime hits with OneSoccer writer and sportscaster James Sharman, which will be shared on BET99’s channels including BET99TV.

Giovinco joins the operator’s brand ambassador roster which includes UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre, NHL All-Star Auston Matthews and two-time Olympian Alysha Newman.

Commenting on the partnership, Giovinco said: “Partnering with BET99 is a great opportunity and this is perfect timing. 

“As the World Cup heats up and Canada makes a run for the first time in 36 years, I’m really excited to join a truly Canadian online sports betting company in rooting for the team. And joining this top-notch roster of BET99 ambassadors is an incredible honour.”

The agreement allows BET99 to use Giovinco’s name, image, and likeness for marketing and advertising purposes both during and after the World Cup.

Through the development of an active partnership, Giovinco will provide BET99 with Canadian and international soccer knowledge, as well as his interests in Canada and Toronto and his soccer future.

“We’re thrilled to have drafted Sebastian to the BET99 team,” added Jared Beber, CEO of BET99.

“His stature and record in the Canadian and international soccer community is unparalleled, and the insights and excitement that he’ll bring to Team Canada, our players and our platform is a game-changer.”

Earlier this week, BET99 also penned a ‘Watch & Bet’ deal with Genius Sports and the NFL to livestream content from the league.

bet365, Bet99, & Rivalry pen ‘Watch & Bet’ deals with Genius Sports

Three sportsbooks – bet365, Bet99, and Rivalry – have agreed to new licensing deals with Genius Sports and the NFL regarding the distribution of the league’s livestreams.

Through Genius Sports’ fully integrated Watch & Bet solution, the agreements give the three sportsbooks the right to distribute low-latency video streams of all NFL regular and post-season matches to their customers in Canada.

For each sportsbook, the new deal promises “the highest quality NFL betting experience” by combining the live video feeds with the league’s official data and access to exclusive data-driven advertising inventory.

The Watch & Bet solution utilizes machine learning and livestreaming technologies to offer sportsbook users new ways to follow the games and track their bets.

“We are delighted that the NFL has broadened its partnership with Genius Sports to become the exclusive provider of official data and livestreaming content for sportsbooks across Canada,” commented Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. 

“We connect the global sports ecosystem through cutting-edge data technology, and our official solutions will help Bet365, Bet99 and Rivalry to thrive in the newly legalized Canadian market.”

In April last year, Genius Sports was appointed as the NFL’s exclusive distributor of real-time official play-by-play statistics, proprietary Next Gen Stats (NGS) data, and the league’s official sports betting data feed to media companies and sportsbooks in regulated international markets, including low latency video feed distribution rights.

Matthew Anfinson Named New Great Canadian CEO

Great Canadian Entertainment is bringing new leadership to the fore with the appointment of Matthew Anfinson as new CEO and Jordan Banks as the company’s first executive chairperson.

Anfinson previously served as the COO for Great Canadian. Prior to that, he spent several years in the US working for Caesars Entertainment.

The previous CEO, Tony Rodio, accepted the post in September 2021. During his tenure, the company went through quite a bit of growth as well as a rebrand from Great Canadian Gaming to Great Canadian Entertainment. He announced his plans to retire.

“We are also pleased to name Matthew as CEO, whom we are excited to have lead Great Canadian in its next chapter,” said Great Canadian Chairperson of the Board Alex van Hoek. “Matthew is a North American leader in our industry with a deep understanding of the business. He has been responsible for driving top-line growth across all 25 of our properties and has held leadership roles in operations, marketing and analytics.”

While at Caesars, Anfinson served as the SVP of Operations and helped develop revenue growth strategies for every property in the Caesars portfolio.

“It is an enormous privilege to lead Great Canadian Entertainment, especially at this defining juncture of the Company as we set a new industry standard for gaming and entertainment in Canada,” said Anfinson. “We are incredibly excited to bring to market what will be among the premier casino resorts in North America in 2023 with the projects currently underway at Pickering Casino Resort and Casino Woodbine, as well as new innovative programs and initiatives that will drive growth at our other properties and in local communities across the country. We remain focused on continuously enhancing the overall experience for our guests, delivering long-term growth and value creation for our stakeholders, and doing so in a socially responsible way.”

Banks comes to the company from Rogers Sports & Media, where he served as President from 2019 to January of this year. Prior to that, he worked as the Managing Director of Facebook Canada.

Banks will be particularly involved in the company’s sports betting expansion across Ontario.

“I am excited to join the Great Canadian team at such an exciting time for the Company, and as the expectations of our guests and stakeholders continue to evolve across the gaming and entertainment landscapes. I look forward to being part of the team that will meet and exceed those expectations in new and innovative ways,” said Banks.