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Prime Skill Games challenges AGCO after Toronto-area machines removed

After Ontario’s gambling regulator revoked the lottery seller registrations of several retailers in the Greater Toronto Area that were found to be offering electronic gambling machines it said were unapproved, the provider of the machines has contested the regulator’s stance.

In a notice dated July 17, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) alleged that multiple convenience stores in the GTA had been offering unauthorized electronic gaming under the Prime Slot brand.

Similar cases in the U.S. have been contested with regulators arguing that the machines are games of chance, which equate to gambling, while in some cases the operators or vendors argue that they are games of skill.

“Over the past decade, unregulated gaming machines have increasingly proliferated across North America,” said the AGCO. “While they largely rely on chance like traditional slot machines, manufacturers have claimed they are games of skill and have installed terminals in convenience stores and other locations where gaming machines would otherwise be prohibited.”

“Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth,” said AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr. The AGCO said it will continue to take every action within its authority to protect the public against the risks posed by unregulated machines, particularly in locations easily accessible to children and youth.

AGCO regulations require anyone selling lottery products on behalf of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to apply for a licence from the regulator. However, the Gaming Control Act allows the AGCO registrar to suspend or revoke a supplier registration for any reason that would disentitle the registrant to registration, such as “if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant will not act as a supplier in accordance with law, or with integrity, honesty, or in the public interest.”

Prime ‘categorically reject’ characterization, hint at legal action

In a statement provided to Canadian Gaming Business on July 21, the CEO of Prime Skill Games disputed the AGCO’s characterization of the company’s machines and suggested that the company could pursue legal action against the regulator.

“The information published overlooks the fundamental legal difference between skill-based and chance-based machines,” wrote Matt Zamrozniak.

“Let me be perfectly clear: Our machines are not gambling devices,” added Zamrozniak. “They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

“We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.”

Asked for comment on Prime Skill Games’ statement, the AGCO told CGB that its position is clear: “Unapproved electronic gambling machines like Prime Slot machines have no business being in convenience stores or other licensed locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth.”

The AGCO noted that registrants “who believe that such machines should not be regulated consistently with slot machines and other gambling machines” can appeal the regulator’s decision to the independent adjudicative Licence Appeal Tribunal.

Prime Skill Games told CGB that it intends to prove the legality of its machines and the integrity of its operations “through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis or, if necessary, before the courts.”

Ontario regulator warns casinos that ‘free play’ must mean free play

Meanwhile, in a separate notice, the AGCO warned all licensed land-based casinos and charitable gaming operators in Ontario that they must be careful when using the term “free play” in any promotions or advertising.

Offers advertised as “free play” must not require players to risk or spend their own money to access any bonus, inducement or credit described as “free.”

“If you promote something as ‘free,’ it must genuinely be free,” wrote the commission.

Ontario regulator lifts Rivalry’s management cease trade order

Rivalry executives and management can trade the company’s shares again.

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has revoked the management cease trade order that it granted to the online gaming operator in May, after the company successfully published its FY24 and Q125 earnings statements.

Effective July 17, members of the company’s management were able to resume trading company shares.

The SEC granted the management cease trade order at the start of May 2 while the Ontario-licensed gaming operator was in the process of filing several reports for the 2024 fiscal year and for the first quarter of 2025, including its audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis. It lifted the order after the company completed the filings for the entire year of 2024, as well as Q1 2025.

Rivalry shares are traded through the TSX Venture Exchange, as well as the OTCQX market and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Rivalry posts friendly numbers after overhaul

Rivalry filed its FY 24 financials on July 2 and followed up with its Q1 2025 results on July 14.  In both releases, it noted it is now seeing the benefits of a year of sweeping changes to how it does business amid what CEO Steven Salz called “hard decisions.”

In its FY 2024 filing on July 2, the Toronto-headquartered esports and sports betting operator posted net revenue of $13.6 million, a decrease of nearly $3 million (16.0%) year-over-year. However, it trimmed its net loss by 6% from $23.8 million in 2023 to $22.4 million in 2024 and cut operating expenses by 17% to $32.2 million.

In the latter half of 2024 and early 2025, Rivalry overhauled its product, player strategy and operational structure. It expanded its casino output, revamped its sportsbook, implemented a comprehensive VIP rewards program and increased its focus on crypto-native gaming and catering to high-value players.

As it conducted those changes, it implemented several rounds of layoffs and executives took pay cuts.

“We made hard decisions last year — rebuilding the product, cutting costs, and refining our approach to players — and those changes are beginning to show signs of positive impact,” said Salz. “The latter half of 2024 set the stage, and we’re encouraged by the progress seen so far in 2025.”

In the later Q1 2025 filing for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Rivalry detailed net revenue of $1.3 million and noted that operating expenses decreased 58% year over year to $4 million. Net loss fell by 43% from $5.2 million to $3 million.

Salz also noted that preliminary results for Q2 2025 suggest that net revenue per player surged 49% compared to the previous quarter and average monthly deposits per player are sitting around triple the historical average. Net revenue per active user and wagers per user are at record levels.

“This quarter marks the full emergence of Rivalry 2.0 – leaner, sharper, and structurally stronger,” added Salz. “We’ve rebuilt the foundation of the business around high-efficiency acquisition, high-value users, and a proprietary product – and we’re already seeing the impact. Rivalry today is not just a leaner version of itself – it’s a fundamentally different company built for scalability.”

Rivalry still considering next steps

In its latest release, Rivalry said that it is still actively exploring strategic alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value. As part of this process, it is evaluating “non-dilutive capital options” as part of broader strategic initiatives to accelerate growth.

Some confirmed upcoming developments including the deployment of a new promo engine and casino-led engagement mechanics, geographic reactivations and enhanced customer relationship management focused on high-value player segmentation and deeper lifecycle engagement, and further operating cost reductions in Q3 2025, aimed at lowering the breakeven point and increasing flexibility.

“Rivalry today is a high-performance engine – structurally rebuilt, road-tested, and positioned to scale,” said Salz. “We’re focused on unlocking the next chapter of growth, and the strategic review process is designed to support that path.”

Ontario regulator warns casinos that ‘free play’ must mean free play

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has warned all licensed land-based casinos and charitable gaming operators in Ontario that they must be careful when using the term “free play” in any promotions or advertising.

The province’s market regulator issued a statement this week reminding operators that offers advertised as “free play” must comply with Standard 2.2.2 of the Registrar’s Standards for Gaming, which requires that players should not need to risk or spend their own money to access any bonus, inducement or credit described as “free.”

“If you promote something as ‘free,’ it must genuinely be free,” wrote the commission.

The AGCO stressed that promotions that fail to meet this condition are considered misleading and may be subject to regulatory action such as financial penalties. The statement adds that, whether intentionally misleading or not, “free play” advertising could undermine responsible gambling efforts by encouraging players to overspend.

As an example of a non-compliant offer, the AGCO posed a hypothetical scenario in which an operator offers new reward members the chance to earn $100 in free play by signing up for the casino’s rewards program, playing using their rewards card before Aug. 1, 2025 and receiving any losses before Aug. 31 back in the form of free play credits of up to $100.

In that example, players would have to spend and lose their own money before receiving the “free” credits. Because a financial risk is required, the offer cannot truthfully be called “free” and would therefore violate regulations, stressed the AGCO.

The regulator strongly encouraged all registrants to review current and planned marketing materials to ensure they fully comply with the Standards. Future non-compliance may result in regulatory action, including monetary penalties or other sanctions.

AGCO shuts down unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores

Also this week, the AGCO has revoked the lottery seller registrations of a number of retailers in the Greater Toronto Area that were found to be offering unapproved electronic gambling machines under the Prime Slot brand.

“Over the past decade, unregulated gaming machines have increasingly proliferated across North America,” said the regulator. “While they largely rely on chance like traditional slot machines, manufacturers have claimed they are games of skill and have installed terminals in convenience stores and other locations where gaming machines would otherwise be prohibited.”

“Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth,” said AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr.

Alberta now allowing some casinos to serve liquor at all hours

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has launched a new pilot program at several casinos in the province that in some cases allows casino guests to order alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The AGLC shared the opportunity to extend liquor service directly with facility operators. An AGLC spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business that an aim of the change is to allow casinos to extend their liquor service hours to match the hours of their slot operations, giving casino and racing entertainment centres increased flexibility to provide players with the chance to enjoy continued hospitality service as they play.

So, some facilities may be able to offer 24-hour liquor service if they also offer 24-hour slot machine gaming.

The trial began on July 1 and will run for six months at 13 casinos:

  • Ace Casinos Airport Calgary
  • Ace Casino Blackfoot Calgary
  • Cash Casino Red Deer
  • Century Casino Edmonton
  • Deerfoot Inn & Casino Calgary
  • Great Northern Casino Grande Prairie
  • Grey Eagle Casino Calgary area
  • PURE Casino Calgary
  • PURE Casino Edmonton
  • PURE Casino Lethbridge
  • PURE Casino Yellowhead Edmonton
  • River Cree Edmonton area
  • Rivers Casino Fort McMurray

AGLC will assess the results of the pilot program once it ends and decide whether or not to further implement 24/7 alcohol service in casinos on an extended basis.

The casinos involved must take measures to help ensure patron safety, including limiting liquor service only to areas where gaming activity is taking place, keeping incident logs between midnight and 9 a.m and prohibiting off-sales during the extended hours.

Operators are required to uphold strong responsible consumption and gambling policies, with ProServe, ProTect and DealUsIn staff all on site during hours of service.

“Extended liquor service hours is not new in Alberta,” the spokesperson added to CGB. “AGLC regularly considers extended service hours for major international sporting events or for major community events. Alberta also allows 24-hour liquor service in licensed airport restaurants and lounges.”

Alberta allows casinos to buy American again

In other recent Alberta casino news, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally announced on June 6 that the provincial government was ending the prohibition on purchasing U.S. gaming equipment, as well as alcohol.

Alberta and other provinces halted the purchase of some American-made casino equipment in March amid the tariff war between the U.S. and Canada.

AGLC lifted the suspension on the purchase of all gaming terminals, including both VLTs and slot machines, from U.S.-based suppliers. However, the Alberta government is still encouraging residents and businesses in the province to support local producers.

“The decision sets the stage for more constructive negotiations ahead of a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement renewal, potentially leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth for Alberta,” Nally told reporters at the time.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a clear effort to reset the relationship with the U.S. administration, and Alberta’s government supports this approach. We are focused on highlighting Alberta’s role as a responsible and collaborative trading partner and will continue working alongside other provinces to advocate for a tariff-free relationship.”

Legends Charity Game in Lisbon to raise millions for charity

International soccer stars are coming together in Lisbon this September for the Legends Charity Game in order to raise funds for communities suffering from the effects of war and local tensions around the world.

Timed to coincide with the SBC Summit in Lisbon, the Legends Charity Game on Sept. 15 pits a team of Portugal Legends against a squad of World Legends, featuring some of the biggest names in the history of soccer. The legends will compete in front of 60,000 fans, and in front of millions of people who will watch the game online or on TV.

With strong support from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), the match will pit Portuguese legends against footballing royalty from the rest of the world in an event that aims to raise over $1 million for selected charities in the support of communities and families experiencing extreme hardship.

Luis Figo, who won trophies across Europe as well as the Ballon d’Or in 2000, will be captaining the Portugal Legends side.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back to my country and play football, especially when wearing the national team colours!” said Figo. “Hope to see a full stadium in my hometown Lisbon for this amazing Legends Charity Game and raise funds for important charity causes.”

Joining Figo from the triumphant Euro 2016 winning squad are Ricardo Quaresma, Eliseu and Ricardo Carvalho. Champions League winners Fábio Coentrão, Maniche, Hugo Almeida, Vitor Baia, José Bosingwa and Deco will also play on the night as well as other famous Portuguese legends include Beto, Jorge Andrade, Dani, Tiago Mendes, Hélder Postiga, Nuno Gomes and Simão. They will be managed by another Champions League winner, Costinha.

They will be facing stiff competition from the World Legends squad that includes legends such as Peter Schmeichel (Denmark), Cafu (Brazil), Javier Zanetti (Argentina), Diego Lugano (Uruguay), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Gaizka Mendieta (Spain), Youri Djorkaeff (France), Christian Karambeu (France), Marek Hamsik (Slovakia), Giorgos Karagounis (Greece), Krassimir Balakov (Bulgaria), Gheorghe Hagi (Romania), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands) Henrik Larsson (Sweden), Shota Arveladze (Georgia), Javier Saviola (Argentina) and Ronaldinho (Brazil).

The match will be played in front of 60,000 fans at either Estádio da Luz (Benfica Stadium) or José Alvalade Stadium (Sporting Lisbon Stadium), which will be part of a big and exciting reveal in August when the Champions League schedule is released.

The Legends Charity Game aims to raise over $1 million for a number of good causes based both abroad and in Portugal as the soccer family aims to give back to the families of the world. Funds will be raised for both international and national charities that help families and communities in need.

One of the international organisations that The Legends Charity Game will be raising funds for is the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS). Every day, the Ukrainian Red Cross teams provide evacuation support, psychosocial and first aid, provide essential humanitarian relief, support temporary shelters, help with housing restoration and spread awareness about unexploded ordnance risks. Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers and staff work in all regions of the country to support those who need it most.

“The war in Ukraine continues, and unfortunately, millions of people still need support every day. We have no right to stop,” said URCK Director General Maksym Dotsenko. “Initiatives like the Legends Charity Game are not just about the funds raised. They are about compassion, and the understanding that the world stands by us. They are about solidarity that transforms into real help for those going through the toughest times. We are grateful to everyone who takes part.”

The Lisbon-based Cáritas Portuguesa, which offers critical support to marginalized communities fighting issues such as poverty and inadequate emergency relief, is also a charitable partner for the Legends Charity Game.

“We are taking our charitable endeavours up a notch this year with the spectacular football match in order to raise a lot of money for some very worthy causes,” explained SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark. “By tying the match in with the SBC Summit in Lisbon the same week, we have found a way for the communities around football and business to help other communities that are facing unimaginable hardships.”

Tickets are available to purchase via the official website www.legendscharitygame.com. See Tickets will handle ticket management of the event.

Sponsorships and hospitality are still available in support of the event and the charities. Some of the sponsors already confirmed include iGP, Soft2Bet, Sportingtech, Vegas Legends, Spribe, SmartSoft and Alea.

Sport Global Charitable Foundation is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (UK registered charity with charity number 1099682). All of the profits from the Legends Charity Game will support the Sport Global Charitable Foundation’s beneficiary charities across a range of causes including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and Caritas Portugal.

For more information:

Marketing – Thomas Rasmussen, [email protected]

Sponsorship – Rasmus Sojmark, [email protected]

CFL reinstates 3-time Grey Cup winner Shawn Lemon after gambling ban

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has reinstated three-time Grey Cup winner Shawn Lemon after he was banned last year for gambling on league games while playing for the Calgary Stampeders.

The CFL suspended Lemon in April 2024 after an investigation found that he bet on CFL games in 2021, including one in which he played while a Stampeder.

While the league definitively stated that it found no evidence that Lemon’s wagering had influenced any game outcomes, his actions violated the league’s longstanding CFL Match Manipulation Policy. CFL players are banned from gambling either themselves or by proxy on league games, as well as from providing insider information that could be used to wager on games or props. Unlike the NFL, CFL players are allowed to bet on other sports.

The revelation of the defensive lineman’s gambling violations came just two weeks after he surprisingly announced his retirement from Canadian football despite having recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Montreal Alouettes. Lemon, who also spent time with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers, appealed the ban and was supported by the CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA). However, an independent arbitrator upheld the indefinite suspension.

As a suspended player, Lemon has been unable to participate in regular-season or postseason games, but clubs were allowed to invite him to take part in training camp, preseason games, practices or meetings.

Reinstatement requires Lemon aid

Now that he has been reinstated, he is now eligible to sign with any team. However, the league was clear that he can only return under certain conditions.

Should he sign with a team, he first would have to serve a two-game suspension he was handed this February for violating the CFL and CFL Players’ Association’s joint drug policy, due to a positive test for the banned substance Phentermine. While he is suspended, he would not be able to participate in games, but could be invited by a potential new club to take part in other activities such as training camp, practices or meetings.

He must also complete all mandatory league education and continue to participate in the counselling sessions he has been attending.

“Protecting the integrity of the play on the field is of the utmost importance and we will not tolerate players violating the CFL’s Match Manipulation Policy. Mr. Lemon’s suspension, which was the longest in league history, was necessary and appropriate,” said CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston. “He has taken full responsibility for his actions. He understands how wagering negatively impacts sports and has re-educated himself on league policy. He is now committed to helping other players learn from his mistake.”

At the time Lemon’s alleged betting offences took place, the CFL did not have a mandatory education course for players on gambling. It has since undertaken an extensive internal review of its gambling rules, updating language and protocols.

The CFL stressed that this leniency will not be applied to any other players who are found to have violated the gambling policy. Any future violations will result in a lifetime ban.

Betr back with another bid for PointsBet, details planned Canadian sale

Someone is going to buy online sports betting and online casino operator PointsBet. Who that will be remains the question.

While the company’s board has unanimously recommended that shareholders approve a tabled offer from Japanese technology and entertainment firm MIXI, PointsBet’s fellow Australian sportsbook (and largest individual shareholder) Betr has returned with a new proposal.

On Wednesday, July 16, Betr tabled an all-share, off-market offer it says is worth up to $1.89 AUD per share and which it claims is “superior” to MIXI’s all-cash bid.

The bid is $1.22 AUD per PointsBet share, plus up to $0.67 AUD in addition per share in potential cost synergies. Betr stated on Wednesday that this would far exceed the proposal put forward by MIXI, which is $1.20 AUD per share, albeit all in cash.

Betr has pledged 3.81 of its own shares in exchange for every PointsBet share that it does not already own. Betr holds a 19.6% stake in PointsBet.

“PointsBet shareholders can benefit from additional, longer-term value upside and potential re-rating from the Betr management team’s unparalleled record of success, and the advantages of scale in a fast-consolidating market, as Australia’s only ASX-listed, pure-play digital wagering operator, with increased institutional investment appeal and pathway for ASX 300 index inclusion,” noted Betr’s updated offer.

However, in a statement on Thursday, July 17, PointsBet contended that the Betr offer is actually only worth $1.03 AUD per share based on trading prices, and urged shareholders to take no action on the new offer.

MIXI files again after failing shareholder majority test

Betr’s new all-share offer comes weeks after MIXI ‘s on-market bid failed to gain a shareholder majority amid chaos in late June.

Initially, the vote appeared to have approved the takeover, but it quickly became apparent that Betr had not voted. PointsBet first suggested that Betr had not filed its proxy, but Betr contested that claim and demanded a recount. Ultimately, PointsBet confirmed that Betr’s vote was unintentionally excluded due to a system error by share registry company Computershare.

A recount showed that the MIXI bid received 70% backing, below the 75% required to pass decisions at the shareholder level.

In a statement after PointsBet had confirmed the error, Betr accused the company it wants to buy of “unprofessional and irresponsible” conduct, adding that it is concerned that the PointsBet board is seeking to transfer control to MIXI “without allowing a genuine contest to take place.”

MIXI subsequently submitted an alternative off-market all-cash takeover offer of $1.20 AUD per PointsBet share, which amounts to the same $402 million AUD total valuation of its on-market offer. That bid would require a 50.1% minimum acceptance from PointsBet shareholders. MIXI has already secured 17.2% acceptance via shares held by PointsBet directors and pre-bid agreements with management firms.

MIXI filed its bidder’s statement on Thursday, July 17, and PointsBet’s board unanimously recommends that shareholders accept it.

So, what about PointsBet Canada?

MIXI’s attempt to buy PointsBet has also already satisfied all gaming regulatory approvals, getting the thumbs-up from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board and, this month, from Ontario’s market regulator the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

PointsBet is purely a sportsbook in its home country. In its only other market, Ontario, it offers both online sports betting and online casino gaming. It intends to seek a licence in Alberta when that province opens up to commercial iGaming next year.

However, Betr’s offer for PointsBet in late April included a note that it had struck a non-binding proposal for Hard Rock Digital to acquire “certain assets which relate to PointsBet’s Canadian operations.”

Betr’s latest bidder’s statement, dated July 16, confirmed the Hard Rock agreement remains in place, valued at around $29.6 million USD ($40.5 million CAD). It also detailed that Betr “intends to divest PointsBet’s Canadian operations to focus the PointsBet business on the Australian market.”

Noting that PointsBet Canada’s operations are “loss-making,” Betr said it would sell:

  • PointsBet’s Ontario iGaming licence and operations
  • All Canadian customer databases and intellectual property
  • Any other Canadian provincial licences or applications
  • Canadian-specific technology assets and platforms.

The proceeds from this divestment would be used to strengthen PointsBet’s position in the Australian market and reduce debt. The offer is not binding, but Betr and Hard Rock have agreed to a period of exclusivity to pursue the sale.

Betr noted that, based on advice from its own Canadian legal counsel, it expects that PointsBet Canada’s existing operator agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO) would carry over to Betr were the company’s takeover approved.

Titanplay relaunches in Ontario market

Licensed operator Titanplay has relaunched in Ontario’s regulated market with a focus on better catering to the province’s online casino players and sports bettors.

The brand, operated by Malta-based Shark77 Ltd., first went live in the market in summer 2024 after receiving its licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in March 2024.

Now, Titanplay said in a release that its strategic re-entry introduces a gaming experience that is more tailored to Ontario’s dynamic audience. It has upgraded its platform to provide a faster experience and improved mobile access.

In addition, the operator has expanded its library of certified casino games, including popular slots, live dealer tables and exclusive titles from leading industry providers. Its integrated sportsbook provides real-time odds and wide-ranging markets – from NHL and NBA to international soccer, tennis and more.

The company said its platform, designed for Ontario residents, delivers a secure and compliant online gaming environment to casual players, strategic bettors and high rollers alike.

Titanplay management said earlier this year, in announcing a content deal with Playson via Relax Gaming’s aggregation platform, that the operator aims to become “a household name in Ontario and across Canada.”

Titanplay’s offering is powered by Delasport, which also works with the likes of South African operator Goldrush Gaming Group and Green Brick Labs’ Maverick Games. It utilizes Delasport’s tools such as My Sportsbook, My Casino, My Combo and My Event Builder, and its mobile offering also incorporates Delasport’s proprietary Booster Panel for casino games and Combo of the Day for sports.

The Delasport sports betting solutions provided to Titanplay also include gamification and customization tools such as cross-product tournaments, missions, badges and Spin & Win.

 

Maverick Games locks in GeoLocs as compliance partner

Recently launched online casino and sportsbook Maverick Games has enlisted GeoLocs as its geolocation compliance provider in Ontario.

The Green Brick Labs-owned operator will utilize the mkodo product to ensure reliable and secure geolocation services both online and via mobile as it rolls out in regulated iGaming markets. GeoLocs said in a release that its platform will ensure that the operator remains in compliance with varying jurisdictional requirements in regulated markets.

GeoLocs is designed specifically for the iGaming industry and benefits from over 13 years of experience in supporting operators and platform providers across regulated markets in North America, Latin America and beyond. Its platform is certified by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) and holds ISO 27001 accreditation.

It processes more than 18 million location checks every day and supports compliance with complex regulatory frameworks including those in Canada and the U.S.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Maverick Games,” said Will Whitehead, commercial director at mkodo. “They bring an exciting and fresh perspective to the iGaming space, and we’re proud to support their expansion with a solution that not only meets regulatory demands but also puts the player experience front and centre.”

Maverick Games launches sportsbook in Ontario using Delasport

The GeoLocs announcement comes a month after Maverick launched its online sports betting platform in Ontario using Delasport’s sports betting technology.

Maverick Games is the trading name of Shelgeyr Ontario Ltd., which is registered in the Isle of Man. Its Canadian headquarters are in Waterloo, Ont. It was the first sportsbook to launch in Ontario since British brand Fitzdares left the market in March.

Maverick said that as it continues to grow and enter new regulated markets, having a trusted geolocation partner was critical.

“Our goal is to build a product and brand that players love and trust,” said Matt Rathbun, Green Brick Labs CEO. “To do that, we need partners who share our values of innovation, integrity and great UX. GeoLocs stood out for its reputation, proven track record in regulated markets, and the ease of integration. We’re excited about what we can achieve together.”

Pollard Banknote expands iLottery with Instant Win Gaming deal

Pollard Banknote has signed a deal with Instant Win Gaming (IWG) to offer the supplier’s extensive portfolio of eInstant games to Pollard Banknote’s iLottery clients.

IWG is a leading supplier of eInstant games, delivering more than 300 every year to World Lottery Association and North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries-member lotteries.

Last year, it rolled out a first-of-its-kind multi-province progressive jackpot, the Turbo Jackpots linked program, across Canadian lottery corporations in nine provinces.

Now, its InstantRGS remote gaming server, which delivers a library of games that can be developed for a partner’s eInstant program, has now been integrated with the Pollard Catalyst gaming platform, the software that powers the online lottery solution that Pollard Banknote offers to various clients in Canada and beyond.

The Winnipeg-based lottery experts noted that the integration was completed in just a few weeks, made possible by Catalyst’s cloud-native, modular and API-first architecture, along with the two companies’ deep knowledge and expertise of lottery technology. This launch comes after Catalyst went live with a U.S. lottery earlier this year just 10 months after initial scoping, the fastest full iLottery program implementation in American history.

“We’re excited for this new partnership, which will allow even more lotteries to benefit from IWG’s highly successful game portfolio,” said Shannon DeHaven, VP of digital engagement at Pollard Banknote. “IWG’s library of proven, lottery-focused eInstant games make an excellent complement to our own offerings from the Pollard Digital Games Studio.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Pollard Banknote to offer our portfolio of eInstant games to clients of their state-of-the-art Catalyst platform,” added Jason Lisiecki, EVP at IWG. “Our games always generate high player engagement, which in turn creates significant transaction volume.

“Through our many years of experience, we’ve found that direct-to-wallet integrations—just like the one enabled by Catalyst—consistently deliver the lowest operational latency, resulting in a much smoother and more responsive player experience. Catalyst’s cloud-native, modular, and API-first architecture, combined with the professionalism and technical expertise of the Pollard Banknote team, made the integration process seamless.”

Long-running deal with Canadian lotteries

Pollard Banknote is a leading lottery partner to more than 60 lotteries worldwide, including numerous Canadian crown corporation lottery platforms.

Last summer, it signed a five-year extension to its Instant Ticket Printing Services Agreement with the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC), ensuring that it will continue to provide products and services to the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Loto-Québec, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) until Dec. 31, 2028.

Pollard Banknote and the ILC have worked together for 35 years already. The contract has an option to renew for an additional five years.

The firm supplies instant ticket products, licensed games, in-lane ticket options, merchandising, and a full suite of digital offerings including game apps and player engagement and iLottery solutions.

Pollard Banknote acquires charity bingo specialists Pacific Gaming

Pollard Banknote also provides pull-tab tickets, bingo paper, ticket vending machines and its Diamond Game and Compliant Gaming electronic games and devices to charitable and other gaming markets in North America.

This spring, it strengthened its charitable gaming operations by acquiring 100% of Pacific Gaming, a company that specializes in electronic bingo products, services and management systems.

Pacific is now part of the Pollard Charitable Games Group, joining other companies such as American Games, International Gamco, Diamond Game and CJ Venne.

The total acquisition purchase price was set to be $10 million U.S. dollars (approximately $14.4 million CAD).