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OLG expands online payment methods with Direct Pay

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has launched Direct Pay, a new payment option its customers can use when buying online lottery products.

Through Direct Pay, OLG.ca customers can now use Visa and Mastercard directly to purchase single tickets and lottery subscriptions, without having to first deposit funds into an e-wallet or pay cash advance fees.

OLG Direct Pay purchases are processed by the payments platform PaySafe, and accept Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit, and qualified prepaid cards that are issued by Canadian banks. Players can also use the balance in their e-wallet.

Amanda Marshall, OLG’s Vice President of Digital Product Integration, commented: “As the first gaming provider in Canada to offer Direct Pay for online lottery purchases, OLG is ahead of the pack when it comes to providing customers with convenient and flexible payment options.

“Investing in our payment capabilities supports our plan to put the customer at the centre of everything we do while delivering an unmatched and integrated digital gaming experience to players in Ontario.”

Lottery products which can be purchased via Direct Pay include LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 6/49, Daily Grand, Ontario 49, Daily Keno, Pick-2, Pick-3, Pick-4, and Encore on OLG’s website and single tickets on the OLG app.

Direct Pay is part of the OLG’s PlaySmart program, its online responsible gambling player tools and educational materials, as it uses a purchase limits tool.

OLG confirmed earlier this month that legendary musician Billy Joel will play at the grand opening of the OLG Stage at the Fallsview Casino at Niagara Falls.

Atlantic Lottery seals Scientific Games WAVE POS deal for retail network

Atlantic Lottery has agreed to a deal with Scientific Games (SG) which will see the lottery supplier provide its WAVE point-of-sale technology to the lottery’s retail network.

Under the terms of the agreement, SG will supply its WAVE terminals to 3,000 of the lottery’s retail locations in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The new WAVE terminals follow a rollout of SG’s PlayCentral HD full-player self-service kiosks for Atlantic Lottery. The supplier’s relationship with the lottery dates back to 1983.

“Atlantic Lottery is excited to support our plans for retail evolution over the next five years with advanced technology at point-of-sale,” commented Joey Cormier, Vice President of Channels for Atlantic Lottery.

“We are delighted to have advanced terminals for our retailers, and we are aligning with rapidly moving modernization trends taking place at retail.”

SG calls its WAVE tech a “high-performance clerk-operated terminal designed for ease of use and speed of service in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of different retail environments”.

“As retailers adapt to workforce challenges and consumer convenience, advanced retail point-of-sale technology is crucial,” added John Schulz, President of Americas & Global Instant Products for Scientific Games.

“We will see retail technology, including self-service, have an increasingly important role in driving lottery performance. The Atlantic Lottery’s new systems infrastructure implemented with Scientific Games supports the Lottery’s ability to adapt swiftly to ensure relevance, growth and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.”

theScore Bet beefs up sportsbook and casino with Parlay+, live dealer

If you’re planning on getting in some wagers on either the World Cup, the Grey Cup, or hey, even both, new rollouts at theScore Bet online casino and sportsbook might be just what you are looking for.

The operator rolled out several new features this week on both the casino and sportsbook side.A

At the sportsbook, bettors can now take advantage of the new Parlay+ feature. Essentially, this is a multi-sport same game parlay. Customers can combine game lines or props from multiple different sports into a single parlay bet.

Right now, the feature is available for most major leagues, but the site plans to add more sports in the coming months.

Over on the casino side of the app, theScore has added a new progressive jackpot powered by Evoloution’s Red Tiger group. This daily jackpot will commence every day at 11 pm ET. The Grand Jackpot begins at $25,000, but rolls over each day the top prize is not hit.

Finally, theScore is announcing another Evolution collaboration with the launch of the Score Bet Live Casino Studio. The studio launched with Blackjack and Roulette, which are now available 24/7. Exclusive theScore Bet tables will feature branding from theScore so players know when they are alongside other theScore Bet players.

This is not the first time theScore Bet has upgraded its offering since launching in Ontario. Back in July, the app moved its risk and trading platform in-house and onto a native tech stack

 

 

 

IGT Canada Solutions signs multi-year Loto-Québec contract extension

IGT has confirmed its subsidiary IGT Canada Solutions has agreed a new, five-year deal with Loto-Québec to deliver an upgraded version of its Intelligen video lottery central system.

IGT provides Loto-Québec with VLTs and market leading games, commercial casino cabinets and games, as well as IGT PlayDigital games.

Under the terms of this latest agreement, which extends a partnership that has existed since 1978 through to September 2027, Loto-Québec will benefit from improved network diagnostics and data analytics.

IGT will be providing operational support of its Intelligen system from its European Operational Centre.

“IGT’s Intelligen system will offer Loto-Québec progressive tools and functionality that will help position them for future success,” commented Nick Khin, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Gaming.

“Loto-Québec will receive the most advanced updates Intelligen has to offer, allowing them access to quick insight into the status of their entire VLT network.”

IGT struck a similar agreement with the Oregon Lottery last month to enhance player security in the state.

That deal saw IGT agree to provide the Oregon Lottery with its video lottery account-based cashless solution via its Intelligen central system.

1×2 Network goes live in Ontario via 888casino deal

1×2 Network has joined forces with 888casino to launch its portfolio of casino games in Ontario.

Under the terms of the deal, 1×2 Network’s sister brand Iron Dog Studio will also be providing its content to players in the region.

This will see a fresh selection of titles become accessible to Ontarians, including Wolf Strike, Megaways Jack and Pirate Kingdom Megaways.

Rory Kimber, Account Management and Marketing Director at 1X2 Network, commented: “We are committed to expanding our footprint in key newly regulated markets and to working with regulators to ensure our games are compliant, while providing a best-in-class, localised gaming experience.

“There is so much potential in this market, and it is very exciting that our games are reaching a new audience in Ontario, thanks to our partnership with 888casino.”

1×2 Network secured approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a full launch in the Canadian province in May.

In doing so, Ontario became the second Canadian province in which 1X2 has launched, adding to its longtime supply agreement with Loto-Québec for its full gaming suite.

But the casino game developer had not, until now, officially gone live with its portfolio of games in the province.

888casino, meanwhile, became one of the first operators to go live on a locally regulated basis in Ontario, following the opening of the regulated market in April.

Talya Benyamini, VP B2C Casino at 888casino, said: “Partnering with leading games suppliers such as 1X2 Network and Iron Dog Studio, which are creating some of the most interesting and engaging content in the casino space, is a key part of our product and content leadership strategy. This will enhance our offer allowing us to continue providing unique and exciting experiences to our players in Ontario.

“We look forward to working with the 1X2 Network team, and introducing its portfolio to our players, over the coming months.”

Billy Joel set to open up OLG stage at Fallsview Casino

Billy Joel will perform at the grand opening of the new OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino next February, as the legendary singer continues his relationship with Mohegan. 

Taking place on Feb. 23, 2023, the grand opening will see Joel play hits from his illustrious career such as ‘Big Shot’, ‘Piano Man’ and ‘It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me’ to celebrate OLG’s updated stage at Fallsview. 

Back in August, OLG and Mohegan unveiled their partnership to name the entertainment centre after the lottery and it first opened back in October 2022. 

“OLG is very excited to showcase the spectacular new OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino with an incredible award-winning performer like Billy Joel for the grand opening celebration,” said Duncan Hannay, OLG’s President and CEO. 

“This state-of-the-art 5000-seat entertainment centre will draw world-class entertainment that will enhance the experience for residents and the growing number of visitors to the Niagara region for years to come. 

“The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino is yet another great demonstration of OLG’s purpose to ‘Play for Ontario’.”

The six-time Grammy winner has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and has had a broadway musical based on his life and music.

Mohegan has long strived to provide “top notch” entertainment at its venues. The company previously hosted a Billy Joel concert, when he performed at Mohegan Sun Arena in a 10-show residency, which attracted over 100,000 people. 

“From the time we opened the conversation about bringing a world-class venue to Niagara we knew the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino was going enhance the entertainment landscape of Niagara,” noted Richard Taylor, President of Casinos Niagara. 

“Today, with this announcement of a true Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and cultural icon as our grand opening act, we are achieving that goal. Niagara Casinos has always had amazing performances and in partnership with Mohegan will continue to raise the bar in entertainment.”

Since the OLG stage opened in October, it has hosted acts such as Canada’s Got Talent, +LIVE+, and The Lumineers. Upcoming shows include Blue Rodeo, Michael Bolton, Larry the Cable Guy, Don Felder and the Impractical Jokers.

“At Mohegan, we are no stranger to securing world-class performers and providing bucket-list calibre entertainment for our guests,” stated Ray Pineault, Mohegan CEO and President. 

“The grand opening performance at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino will be no exception. We look forward to watching our old friend grace the stage at this show, and to the many inspiring, exhilarating, unforgettable performances that will undoubtedly follow.”

PointsBet Canada to offer over 130 live World Cup markets

With both the Grey Cup and the World Cup on the horizon, sportsbooks in Ontario are gearing up for the inevitable uptick in betting action.

PointsBet Canada announced plans to utilise its OddsFactory proprietary technology to offer over 130 different live markets when the World Cup kicks off on Nov. 20. The sportsbook claims it will be the most markets available in Ontario.

“Our continued investment in our proprietary, in-house technology has positioned PointsBet to offer the many soccer fans of Canada that eagerly await the start of the World Cup with more live betting options on more matches than anywhere else,” said Dale Fallon, VP of Product at PointsBet Canada.

The technology will include several one-minute and five-minute Lightning Bet markets, where users can bet on a particular event happening in a given period of time, such as a penalty kick or a goal scored. There will also be pre-game and in-game same game parlays available.

The company plans to expand the use of its Soccer OddsFactory tech to other leagues in the coming months, including La Liga, MLS, and UEFA Champions League.

“PointsBet Canada has long stated our mission of delivering an authentically Canadian gaming experience to Ontario’s great sports fans,” said Scott Vanderwel, CEO at PointsBet Canada. “An important part of fulfilling that mission comes from realizing the uniquely global landscape that is Canadian sport, and the incredible breadth of influence our sports fans hold. Soccer is full of live betting opportunities, and is also a language that is almost universally understood while capable of bringing folks together. We look forward to making PointsBet Canada the go-to sportsbook for World Cup betting, with more live wagering options than the competition, and therefore more opportunities to amplify fan engagement.”

SUZOHAPP agrees to sports betting partnership with Mohegan in Ontario

SUZOHAPP has installed more of its sports betting terminals at casinos across Ontario via a partnership with Mohegan and RBY Gaming.

Following approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), SUZOHAPP’s sports betting terminals will be in place at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara when the two properties launch sports wagering.

“We are very excited to partner with SUZOHAPP as we prepare to launch sports betting at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara” commented Richard Taylor, President of Niagara Casinos.

“With the changing landscape in gaming, we have been working collaboratively with the OLG, AGCO and the Province and are excited to launch sports betting in Ontario. Our partnership with SUZOHAPP will continue to elevate our offerings at Niagara Casinos.”

SUZOHAPP’s complete sports betting product ecosystem allows venues to customize and automate the entire wagering cycle – from cashier, to bet, to payout. 

Under the deal, the SBT-1000 will be installed at the Mohegan properties, “an elite podium-style terminal with a sleek design and minimal footprint and the SBT-OTC, an over-the-counter unit allowing for easy transactions” for all on the same hardware base.

“Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are premier locations in the Ontario gaming and sports betting industries and we are honoured to partner with Fallsview Casino Resort, Casino Niagara and RBY on this project,” stated Todd Sims, Vice President of Sales for SUZOHAPP.

Ray Pineault, CEO and President of Mohegan, added: “As a leading global entertainment operator, it is imperative that we align strategically with brands who are innovative and provide our guests with state-of-the-art technology to enhance their experience.

“We are pleased to partner with SUZOHAPP and to introduce their sports betting products to our properties in Niagara.” 

Last month, Great Canadian Entertainment also installed SUZOHAPP’s sports betting terminals at 10 of its Ontario-based casinos.

Wyzia Financial unveils ‘FastPlay’ payment solution for Ontario market

Private payment processing firm Wyzia Financial has debuted its new payment solution ‘FastPlay’ to supply the Ontario sports betting and igaming market.

Offering a ‘first-of-its-kind’ product in Canada, FastPlay aims to improve the gaming experience by delivering fast registration and quick deposit solution’ for sports betting and igaming apps within the province. 

“FastPlay is a brand launched on the market promising to revolutionise the way Canadian consumers play, making it easy and accessible while fully adhering to regulatory standards of such an industry, noted Wyzia CEO Guy Fietz.

“The roll-out of this solution is part of a wider exercise to ensure that the solution brings a faster gaming experience, wider coverage in terms of operators, and the latest innovative technology for Canadian consumers. The new milestone is part of value investment in new infrastructure which Wyzia’s team has worked tirelessly on”.

Aiming to make the payment process ‘as frictionless as possible’, FastPlay uses the end-user’s method of payment to identify them while verifying their personal details. 

Wyzia is also offering its WyziaSecure platform to Ontario operators to ensure clients have KYC coverage. 

Further seeking to simplify the payment process, FastPlay will help operators by not asking end-users to provide sensitive information, which the firm states will help to increase customer retention rates.

Fietz continued: “Today, as we celebrate the first end-user of FastPlay in Canada, we are once again delivering on our brand promise to Great Value to our partners. 

“Whilst launching this solution, we are committed to continue innovating in a market environment that dictates not only innovation but quality standards, sensitivity to player requirements and, more importantly, responsibility in one’s operations.”

GeoComply expands Canadian footprint with Toronto office

Vancouver-based GeoComply is expanding its Canadian footprint with a new office in downtown Toronto.

“This is a landmark moment for our company as we approach 600 staff members globally. We proudly support digital industries, but we cannot do that without boots on the ground,” stated GeoComply CEO and co-founder Anna Sainsbury. “Our company seeks top-level talent to fill every role, and we are so impressed with our growing Toronto team. They will drive our mission to instill confidence in every online interaction and deliver leading solutions and services to our customers.”

While the company has Canadian roots, its impact expands far beyond its country of origin. In 2021, the company’s valuation exceeds $1 billion. The company is truly an international one now, as indicated by the staffers relocating to the Toronto office.

The company also has an office in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Several employees from that office have moved to Toronto with the help of the Canadian government. The visas were fast-tracked to allow quick immigration as well as clearance to work.

In addition to the national government support, GeoComply also received support from the city in the venture. The province’s Attorney General, Doug Downey, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week.

“I am pleased to welcome GeoComply into Ontario’s business community. Innovative cyber-security companies like GeoComply are essential to creating a safe and compliant online gaming market. Establishing legal iGaming has been a pivotal milestone for our government as we work to ensure that Ontario is a world leader in building a secure online gaming environment that meets consumer expectations. As this digital industry continues to thrive, it is exciting to see high-tech companies bringing tangible jobs and benefits to our province,” said Downey.