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Bet99 receives license to begin regulated operations in Ontario

Bet99, a brand which has long been operating in Ontario’s grey market, is set to join the province’s regulated online gaming and betting market in the near future.

Kings Entertainment Group and Sports Venture Holdings (SVH), which announced a merger in May 2022, are the combined parent company of Bet99. A condition of that merger was that Bet99 receive a license to operate fully and legally in Ontario.

That condition has now been satisfied, as the companies announced on September 6 that SVH subsidiary CanCo, which operates and markets BET99.ca to residents of Ontario, has been approved for registration as an internet gaming operator with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Jared Beber, CEO of SVH, said that “as the sports betting season heats up with summer sports peaking and the football, hockey, and basketball seasons [get] started shortly, this is perfect timing for us to hit the ground running.”

Even before this licensing, Bet99 already has a significant presence in Canada.

SVH is a holding company of subsidiaries that operate the BET99 brand. SVH’s Swiss subsidiary, BQC Consulting GmbH, operates website BET99.com, a “real-money” website, pursuant to a license issued by the Kahnawá:ke Gaming Commission, and BET99.net, a 100% pure free-play website, marketed throughout Canada.

While operating in the grey market, Bet99 also signed Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews to be a brand ambassador for its free-to-play site in Ontario. That is one of several Canadian brand partnerships it holds, also including UFC Hall-of-Famer Georges-St-Pierre, the Ottawa Senators, Live Nation, Postmedia, Major League Soccer franchise CF Montreal, and the Montreal Alouettes.

Now that Bet99, which became a member of the Canadian Gaming Association in the spring, has received a license, the merger of Kings and SVH is targeted for the first half of Q4 2022.

Caesars appoints BetMGM exec Matt Sunderland as SVP of iGaming

Caesars Entertainment has announced that it has appointed BetMGM Vice President of Gaming Matt Sunderland as its new Senior Vice President of iGaming.

Sunderland, who will begin in his new role on October 1, has more than 20 years of experience in the online gaming industry. In recent years, he oversaw BetMGM’s expansion into numerous new jurisdictions across North America and beyond.

Prior to working at BetMGM, he worked as an iGaming consultant for GVC and MGM Resorts and he has also held several senior-leadership roles at Probability PLC, GTECH/IGT, and CNN International.

“This is an exciting time to be in iGaming and at Caesars Entertainment,” said Sunderland. “As the industry continues to grow, I’m looking forward to identifying new potential for our iGaming business, while continuing to bring top-notch service to our customers.”

Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, added that Sunderland’s “deep experience and successful track record will be a tremendous asset” as the company continues to grow its iGaming and sports betting operations.

Caesars Entertainment launched Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in April 2021, operates more retail sportsbooks across the U.S. than any other company, and recently added regulated online gaming to its operations in the Ontario market, which have long included the Caesars Windsor bricks-and-mortar casino.

Fallsview, OLG partner up on new casino theatre

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has secured the naming rights for a new $130 million entertainment venue slated to open later this year at the Fallsview Casino Resort.

OLG and MGE Niagara Entertainment, a division of Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment which operates the casino on behalf of OLG, made the joint announcement on August 31. The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, the largest casino in Canada, will be a 5,000-seat theatre.

Both parties say they expect the OLG Stage to drive even more visitors to the casino and the Niagara Falls region. It’s expected to attract top musical acts, comedians, and other entertainers.

“The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino will increase visitation to Niagara, extend hotel stays and enhance our customer experience,” said Richard Taylor, president of Niagara Casinos. “We have a fabulous lineup of acts in store for Niagara Falls and look forward to announcing the official grand opening performance in the coming weeks.”

The OLG Stage will become Fallsview’s main theatre and will be directly connected to the casino through a glassed-in corridor. It will also offer food and beverage options for patrons. The resort also hosts the 1,500-capacity Avalon Theatre, which will remain as a more intimate on-site theatre.

The opening of the theatre, planned for the fall, is a long time in the making. Construction on the entertainment venue was completed more than two years ago, but the first shows planned for the venue were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Ontario government restrictions kept the casino closed until July 2021.

“The gaming and entertainment sector has a proud history in the Niagara region and plays an essential role in Ontario’s economy,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance. “I want to congratulate OLG and Mohegan on this exciting new partnership, and I look forward to continuing to work with the sector to bring a world-class entertainment experience to Niagara Falls that will benefit the city, help create jobs and generate growth for businesses across the region.”

Konami promotes R&D leader to SVP and chief games officer

Konami Gaming announced on August 31 that it has promoted Gerard Crosby to Senior Vice President and Chief Games Officer.

Crosby has nearly three decades of experience in games research and development, hardware and software engineering, product strategy, and business operations management. He previously worked for gaming companies including Bally Technologies, Shuffle Master, and Aristocrat and has led games R&D at Konami Australia since 2001.

As senior vice president and chief games product officer for both Konami Gaming and Konami Australia, Crosby will be responsible for leading the company’s global games R&D, including vision, conceptualization, strategy, and execution.

In addition to serving as senior vice president and chief games product officer, Crosby is Konami Australia’s general manager of product development, director, office holder, and secretary. He’s also on the board of directors for the Australia-based not-for-profit Gaming Technologies Association, where he chairs the association’s technical committee.

“Gerard Crosby has been with the Konami organization for 23 years, leading with demonstrated commitment to product quality and driving exceptional results for casinos across diverse market segments,” said Konami Gaming President and CEO Steve Sutherland in a statement. “Through Gerard’s expanded leadership and ongoing collaboration between Konami’s world-class R&D teams in the United States, Australia, and Japan, we anticipate expanding games product outcomes for our casino customers worldwide.”

More than half of Ontario sports bettors used grey-market apps pre-legalization

A new study has found that over half of current Ontario sports bettors used a grey-market mobile sportsbook before the province launched legal, regulated sports betting in April 2022.

The report by customer acquisition company Betting Hero, a FansUnite subsidiary, found that 51 per cent of Ontario bettors had taken advantage of the province’s large and longstanding grey market prior to the April 4 regulated launch date.

Betting Hero’s new sports betting study, conducted between May and June 2022, also found that one-quarter (25 per cent) of Ontario bettors said they would try a new sports betting app because of promotions. This is roughly half of the 51 per cent of New Jersey bettors and 49 per cent of New York bettors who said the same and is perhaps reflective of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s hard stance on prohibiting advertising of sign-up and inducement offers.

When it comes to the most popular sports betting platform in the province, nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) named longtime former grey-market operator and now regulated brand Bet365 as their platform of choice.

The study also revealed that payments have been the biggest customer headache for customers in the regulated Ontario market, with 31 per cent reporting that funding issues and slow withdrawal times have been the most frustrating obstacle they have faced.

“Betting Hero’s latest sports betting and iGaming assessment reveals that Ontario is understandably still grappling with its grey market past,” said Betting Hero President Jai Maw. “Sports bettors in Canada have noticeably different betting behaviours than their American counterparts. They’re less attracted to, and in many cases less aware of, available promotions and are seemingly more loyal to their preferred sportsbook.

“Unfortunately for new entrants to Ontario’s emerging legal sports betting market, that loyalty seems to be heavily weighted in favour of companies previously operating in Ontario’s grey market. Legacy U.S. and European sports betting companies entering Ontario could greatly benefit from tailoring their marketing and retention strategies to meet the unique needs of the Canadian consumer and regulatory environment.”

However, despite the differences, Canadian and U.S. consumers share an interest in betting on the same sports, with Ontario bettors expressing a preference for NFL football, NBA basketball, and NHL hockey.

Light & Wonder CEO Barry Cottle steps down

Light & Wonder is looking for a new chief executive after confirming the departure of Barry Cottle as president and CEO.

Cottle had served as CEO of the company formerly known as Scientific Games since June 2018. He will remain as a consultant to support a seamless transition, with Light & Wonder executive vice president and group chief executive of gaming Matt Wilson named interim CEO while the company hunts for a permanent replacement.

“As we enter the next chapter of our growth journey as the leading cross-platform global game company, we are confident that now is the right time to make this leadership transition,” said Light & Wonder executive chair Jamie Odell. “Our executive vice chair, Toni Korsanos, and I have worked closely with Matt for over 10 years, including most recently as he has successfully worked to turn around and reposition Light & Wonder’s Gaming business for long-term growth.

“We are confident that his strategic insights, deep industry knowledge, rich experience and impressive track record make him the ideal person to serve as interim CEO during this transition period.”

Wilson said he is “honoured” to take on the role of interim CEO.

“With a streamlined organization, sharpened strategic focus and strengthened balance sheet, we are now better positioned than ever to capitalize on the incredible opportunities ahead for the business,” he added. “I look forward to working closely with the rest of the leadership team in this new capacity as we continue to accelerate our progress as a sustainable growth company.”

Light & Wonder’s board’s search for a permanent CEO will include both internal and external candidates.

“We thank Barry for all of his contributions to the fundamental reshaping of the company that has positioned it for continued success,” continued Odell. “With our transformed balance sheet, continued strong business momentum and great progress executing on our capital allocation priorities, we see a tremendous opportunity to drive shareholder value.

“We look forward to working closely with Matt and the rest of the management team as we continue to execute on our strategic roadmap and deliver on our growth targets.”

Light & Wonder has been undertaking a major realignment of its business strategy. As well as its overall rebrand, it recently sold its lottery division to Canadian investment firm Brookfield Business Partners and is scheduled to divest its OpenBet sports betting business to IMG Arena-owner Endeavor in the next month in a deal worth US$800 million.

Sports Interaction goes live in Ontario, more suppliers licensed

Just days after receiving its license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Sports Interaction has secured an agreement with iGaming Ontario and completed its transition to the regulated market. iGaming Ontario announced on August 29 that the brand is now live in the province.

Sports Interaction has been taking bets in Ontario since its inception in 1997, operated by Mohawk Online, which is wholly owned by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke and is regulated and licensed by the Kahnawá:ke Gaming Commission in Quebec.

Ontario bettors have been wagering with the SI brand, which is now owned by Entain via Avid Gaming, for some time and it is estimated the operator already has significant market share.

Entain already has a large footprint in Ontario via the Party and bwin brands and its joint venture with MGM Resorts, BetMGM.

Sports Interaction joins other big names to have launched in the regulated Ontario market in recent weeks, including Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s PlayFallsview site and longtime Ontario grey-market operator Betway. In addition, brands including Novomatic digital brand Greentube and Gaming Innovation Group have secured licenses from the AGCO.

Other operators will likely soon join the crowd, including William Hill and Novibet, which both hope to enter the Ontario market in the coming months, as well as BetRegal and Pinnacle.

More suppliers join the fray

Meanwhile, more suppliers have also been licensed in recent days.

iGaming supplier Playson has broadened its North American presence by securing an AGCO online gaming licence that will see it provide licensed Ontario operators with its table, slot, and live casino titles.

Operators will also be able to integrate Playson’s promotional offerings including its network tournaments and the Cash Blast tool that delivers random cash prizes. Playson now operates in more than 20 regulated markets across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

Altenar has also received a supplier license to enter the regulated provincial market, which will allow it to bring its real-time official data for its Canada-facing sportsbook for sports such as MLB, NBA, NHL, CFL, NFL, and esports.

Alternar is already licensed in 14 markets, including the UK and Malta, but entry into Ontario will mark its first footprint in a North American jurisdiction. Its sportsbook is available via desktop and mobile app and offers wagering products such as bet builders and early payouts on multiple sports alongside player prop and enhanced parlay offerings.

SkillOnNet rolls out Wazdan content in Ontario

Online casino operator SkillOnNet has added popular games developer Wazdan to its expansive game portfolio in the Ontario market.

Wazdan’s content including popular games such as Sizzling Moon™, Dwarves Fortune™, and 9 Burning Dragons is now available at SkillOnNet’s brands which have been live in Ontario since June, including Slots Magic, SpinGenie, KnightSlots, and PlayOJO.

Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet, said: “We’ve worked with Wazdan across all our brands in multiple regulated markets for more than two years now and their games have proven extremely popular with players around the world. We are now very excited to introduce them to our Ontario audience and I’m very confident that they will be just as popular.”

Back in June, SkillOnNet partnered with data science firm Neccton to utilize the latter’s mentor software across its range of brands.

Meanwhile, Wazdan received a supplier license to operate in Ontario in May, which made Canada’s most-populous province the brand’s fourth licensed jurisdiction in North America.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, added: “We are passionate about designing and developing slots that capture the player’s imagination and that deliver a fun and thrilling experience with each spin. We are always looking to expand our international reach and have identified Ontario as being a market of great potential, therefore building our presence via our partnership with SkillOnNet is a significant moment for us.”

iGaming Ontario releases long-awaited Ontario market report

Updated September 6

Nearly five months after Ontario officially launched its regulated online gaming and sports betting market, iGaming Ontario has finally provided visibility over the progress of the market so far.

Operators, suppliers, regulators, and players alike have been awaiting an official report from iGO since the market opened on April 4. On August 30, iGO published its first report on market performance, covering the first full quarter of market operations ending on June 30, 2022.

Among the report’s conclusions was that more than $4 billion in online gaming wagers were placed during the period between April 4 and June 30, not including promotional wagers (bonuses). Total gaming revenue totalled $162 million, including rake fees, tournament fees, and other fees across all live operators, minus player winnings and not taking into account operating costs or other liabilities. 

As of June 30, there were 18 operators and 31 gaming websites live in the market, with nearly half a million (492,000) player accounts. This number of accounts does not represent unique players as individuals may have accounts with multiple operators, noted iGO. As of August 30, there were 26 live gaming operators in the province, with more expected on the way.

Players are spending an average of $113 per month per active player account on regulated online gaming and betting, report iGO.

A promising start, but not the full picture

Canadian Gaming Association President & CEO Paul Burns told Gaming News Canada that the figures show “a promising start”.

“From the initial 17 websites on Day One, the market now has 39 active websites with many more operators soon to enter,” Burns continued. “This also demonstrates the iGaming market is transitioning from a grey market to a fully regulated one. Leading brands in casino and sports betting have already chosen to become part of Ontario’s regulated market, and in the next two quarters we will see further results of that popularity.”

These figures are unaudited and subject to adjustment and they are also conspicuous in their absences.

The results do not include gaming activity hosted by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s iGaming and sports betting platforms, and also do not incorporate the former grey- and now black-market operators who have been in business in the province for years prior to April 4. That means that the likes of Sports Interaction, PokerStars, and Super Group’s slate of brands were not included, as they only received operational licenses in the province after June 30. Regulus has estimated that the absence of Super Group’s Betway, Spin Casino, Royal Vegas, Jackpot City, and Ruby Fortune brands before the June 30 cut-off means that around $30 million of revenue was likely “missing” from the first quarter’s total of $162 million.

Others, including Pinnacle, BetVictor, BetRegal, and Bet99 are expected to join the crowd soon enough.

Amanda Brewer, a senior advisor with the CGA and Canadian Country Manager with Kindred Group, which owns licensed operator Unibet, wrote on LinkedIn that, as a result of the lack of some big-name operators from the iGO reporting period, “Ontario’s market is not comparable to any” U.S. jurisdiction.

“Some of the biggest operators in the world only entered in the last 4-8 weeks and the AGCO is seeking to end the transition period on October 31,” Brewer added. “These early results are encouraging and should be celebrated, but they do not show the full picture. Patience. We’ll get there.”

iGaming Ontario said that, whether measured by revenue performance or by the number of active player accounts, these results suggest that people in Ontario are interested in the strong player and anti-money laundering protections that are being offered in the regulated market.

“Our aim is to be the best gaming jurisdiction in the world and these positive results are an early sign that we’re on our way,” says Dave Forestell, iGO’s Board Chair. “With a competitive revenue share rate and low barriers to entry, Ontario is an attractive iGaming market with a strong player base.”

iGO confirmed that, as part of its commitment to sharing aggregate revenue and market insight reports, it intends to release, at minimum, a market report on a quarterly basis. iGO says that in the future, it also intends to provide reports on metrics related to:

  • Gaming product segments
  • Player protections
  • Player demographics
  • Economic impact of the iGaming industry

Unibet fined by AGCO for alleged advertising breaches

Unibet is the latest operator to fall foul of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

The AGCO has issued the Kindred Group-owned brand with a $48,000 monetary penalty for alleged advertising and inducements infractions of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. The AGCO states that between May 19 and May 22, Unibet allegedly posted or aired multiple broad gambling inducements that promoted “generous welcome offers”, which is in contravention of Standard 2.05 of the commission’s iGaming regulatory framework.

Standard 2.05 restricts “advertising of inducements, bonuses, or credits, except when they are on an operator’s site, or through direct advertising and marketing issued after receiving active player consent” in the Canadian province of Ontario.

“We expect all registered operators to achieve and maintain the high standards of responsible gambling, player protection, and game integrity,” commented Tom Mungham, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the AGCO. “The AGCO will continue to monitor these gaming sites’ activities, and ensure they are meeting their obligations under Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the Standards.”

Unibet has the right to appeal the commission’s penalty to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the commission and part of Tribunals Ontario.

Amanda Brewer, Canadian country manager for Unibet owners Kindred Group, told Gaming News Canada that “Kindred erred in its interpretation of inducement language when it developed advertising to launch Unibet in the Ontario market. We regret we were non-compliant with an important AGCO standard, and we will strengthen our internal processes to ensure we stay compliant. Kindred always aims to operate with high standards of responsible gambling and player protection, which includes how we market our products to our customers.”

The brand is far from the first to be fined for alleged infractions of these new advertising rules.

In May, PointsBet Canada and BetMGM Canada were fined $30,000 and $48,000 respectively for violating Standard 2.05 and also, in BetMGM’s case, Standard 2.04.

Then, in July, DraftKings was hit with a significantly higher punishment of $100,000 for allegedly distributing multiple broad gambling inducements via television and social media channels.