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SBC unveils iGamingExpert.com – its new brand for iGaming coverage

SBC has shaken up its media portfolio with the launch of iGamingExpert.com as its new premier news source for international iGaming news. Replacing the CasinoBeats brand, iGaming Expert will provide more extensive coverage and deeper analysis than ever before.

The new brand also dovetails better with other media properties in the SBC stable, such as the industry’s only daily podcast iGaming Daily and the payment sector news portal Payment Expert.

The rebrand to iGamingExpert.com also provided SBC with an opportunity to overhaul the website, ensuring a more user-friendly design. Visitors can now enjoy improved navigation, faster loading times, and better access to the content they are most interested in.

“The switch to the iGamingExpert.com branding allows us to underline the service we provide to our customers – news and expertise on the iGaming market,” said SBC Managing Director Andrew McCarron.

“It also better aligns with our portfolio, as we already run paymentexpert.com in the payment sector. The new brand better reflects on our ambitions for the future of the site.”

Positioned as a central resource for the global iGaming sector, iGamingExpert.com will provide exclusive interviews with industry leaders, breaking news, thorough market insights and critical regulatory updates for a holistic view of the industry.

“I’m excited with the new name and look that we are bringing to our audience. After several years editing CasinoBeats, the team are planning to bring even more useful analysis to our readers,” added iGaming Expert Editor Joe Streeter.

SBC’s media division is powered by a team of dedicated journalists who report on industry developments in real time, delivering high-quality content that has earned SBC a reputation for trustworthiness, excellence and insightful commentary. SBC’s media outlets are widely regarded as the go-to source for industry news, with many of them considered the most-read in the sector.

The company operates several digital publications, including SBC News, SBC Americas, SBC Noticias, SBC Noticias Brasil, Canadian Gaming Business, SlotBeats, Payment Expert, Insider Sport, SBC Eurasia, GamblingTV, Lottery Daily and the Player Protection Hub. It also produces the daily industry podcast iGaming Daily, the player protection interview Safe Bet Show and the SBC Leaders podcast.

Also produced by SBC is the quarterly SBC Leaders magazine, biannual Affiliate Leaders magazine and biannual Canadian Gaming Business magazine which is produced for the Canadian gaming industry.

“As part of this strategic evolution, SBC has made the decision to sell the CasinoBeats.com domain. This change allows us to channel all our energy into shaping iGamingExpert.com as the definitive platform for comprehensive iGaming coverage,” added McCarron.

SG:certified and BetComply bring ComplyCheck to Ontario

The ComplyCheck audit self-assessment tool is now available to iGaming operators in Ontario’s regulated market.

ComplyCheck is a joint venture from SG:certified, a centralized regulatory platform for the gambling industry, and compliance specialists BetComply. Launched last year, the tool helps gambling license holders navigate regulatory requirements in their jurisdictions.

The tool is currently available in the Netherlands and the UK but is now being extended to North America for the first time in Ontario, as well as in the European markets of Malta, Curaçao and Estonia.

SG:certified provides a tried-and-tested centralized regulatory platform to gambling regulators, operators and B2B providers. The platform provides access to assessments, training and benchmarks and is supported by leading industry experts.

ComplyCheck combines that platform with Bet Comply’s regulatory nous to help operators achieve and streamline compliance in regulated markets, as well as manage their licensing requirements with greater efficiency.

“The combination of the SG:certified platform with BetComply’s regulatory expertise is a gamechanger for operators,” said Eric Hollreiser, an advisor at SG:certified. “Demand for the product continues to grow, and this extension to our partnership with BetComply will enable us to deliver it in even more markets.”

“Since we first partnered with SG:certified last year, we’ve had great success helping operators simplify and strengthen their compliance processes with ComplyCheck,” added BetComply Chief Compliance Officer Mike de Graaff. “Expanding it into new markets is a natural next step, and we couldn’t have a better partner than SG:certified to help us do just that.”

Caesars Entertainment expands iGaming partnership with Bragg Gaming

Bragg Gaming is expanding its collaboration with Caesars Entertainment in Canada and beyond.

The iGaming content and technology solutions company announced on Tuesday an enhanced partnership with Caesars to develop exclusive online casino games and provide access to its proprietary tech offerings. The deal, which covers licensed markets in the U.S. and Canada, build upon an existing content supplier agreement between Bragg and Caesars.

“Bragg’s technological expertise has consistently exceeded our expectations throughout our partnership,” said Caesars Digital SVP & Chief iGaming Officer Matt Sunderland. “This expansion marks an important step in our strategic growth plan to develop our own proprietary digital slots and table games content and to offer something truly exclusive for our players.”

Bragg and Caesars will work together to develop a portfolio of iGaming titles for Caesars’ digital casino platforms, which include Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. Bragg plans to work with Caesar’s new in-house games studio team to deliver the custom titles that will also include exclusive IP.

As part of the deal, Caesars will also leverage Bragg’s Remote Gaming Server with the ability to also use Bragg’s casino game aggregation and HUB product delivery platforms.

Bragg expects the deal to help it drive double-digit revenue growth in 2025, particularly in North America. Bragg also projects the pact to help it increase its profitability in 2025.

Bragg enters Brazil’s gaming market

Bragg has teamed up with Caesars following its debut in a new regulated market.

Earlier this month, the company solidified its footprint in Brazil as a supplier to licensed operators with the opening of Brazil’s sports betting and iGaming market on Jan. 1. Brazil opened its regulated market after issuing 67 wagering authorizations to gambling brands.

In 2025, Bragg expects Brazil to make up approximately 10% of its total revenue. As of Jan. 14, Bragg is providing its services to roughly one-third of the licensed iGaming operators in Brazil. By Q3 2025, Bragg expects to collaborate with half of Brazil’s operators.

Konami to reimagine BCLC’s BC Gold as video slot

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Konami Gaming have unveiled a province-wide agreement that will see the latter develop and deploy the next generation of BC Gold, BCLC’s signature wide area progressive (WAP) slot.

BC Gold has been played by BC customers for 25 years. Now, Konami has been awarded the exclusive opportunity to take the game forward into the future.

The Japanese company will supply the next generation of BC Gold to 27 casino destinations across B.C., including 245 new video slot machines, custom software and signage displays, by spring 2027.

BC Gold features a two-level wide area progressive, allowing guests in more than two dozen locations to simultaneously enjoy the chance at a $100,000+ Mystery Gold Jackpot and $500+ Mystery Silver Jackpot.

Konami will be the company to reimagine BC Gold as a video slot game after being selected following a months-long procurement process. The jackpots will remain linked across all BC Gold machines throughout the province.

BCLC said in a release that the video slot will expand upon both the game’s roots as a traditional mechanical reel stepper machine and B.C.’s rich mining history.

“Since 1999, BC Gold has represented positive community impact and big jackpot potential for millions of guests across British Columbia, as BCLC’s own custom-created wide area progressive,” said BCLC COO Dan Beebe. “Following an extensive, seven-month VRP review process, BCLC is excited to begin development on the next generation of BC Gold slots in partnership with the highest ranked provider for game design, win celebration feature, business/technical requirements, and overall fit: Konami Gaming.”

“This agreement is a significant milestone in many years of gaming entertainment partnership between BCLC and Konami Gaming, as we seek to introduce fresh technology improvements, new engagement, and contemporary appeal to the much-loved BC Gold brand,” said Konami President and CEO Steve Sutherland. “Our Konami team is focused on complete fulfillment on expectations as we work closely with BCLC to create the future of BC Gold.”

AGCO alters charitable gaming subscription policies

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has made several updates to its charitable lottery licensing policies in response to stakeholder requests.

Among the new measures is a provision to allow eligible charities to apply to offer subscriptions with automatic billing, as well as electronic raffles tickets that use a single number for multiple entries.

The AGCO said the updates further its commitment to encourage innovation and will reduce burden for the charitable gaming sector in 2025. The e-raffle subscription policies are meant to ensure safeguards for consumers and provide guidelines for Ontario charities that wish to operate such raffles.

To be eligible to offer the subscriptions, charities must provide clear, transparent billing policies. Subscriptions must be opt-in for players and not the default option for players to participate in the lottery scheme, and they must be notified in advance of automatic payment processing.

As of Jan. 8, all eligible charities can apply to the AGCO in order to begin offering services under the new updates. The AGCO also updated its lottery licensing policy manual and the minimum technical standards for electronic raffle systems.

Also, registered charities may use a technical solution feature called Single Number Multi-Chance to simplify the sale of multiple raffle entries to a player at a licensed raffle event. The number of times this single number is entered into the draw corresponds with the number of entries the player purchased.

The changes made in the BOT sector were said to provide flexibility and creative opportunities to the charitable gaming sector.

Bragg Gaming already boasts deep Brazil iGaming footprint

Bragg Gaming is alreasy reaping the benefits of a newly regulated online casino market.

The Toronto-based iGaming content and technology solutions provider has announced its presence in Brazil as a supplier to licensed operators in the recently opened market. On Jan. 1, Brazil officially launched regulated sports betting and iGaming after President Lula Inacio Da Silva approved the country’s regulatory framework for wagering twelve months prior.

According to data provided by H2 Gambling Capital, the online casino market in Brazil is expected to be valued at $1.4 billion in 2025. By 2029, the iGaming market in Brazil is projected to reach $3.7 billion.

Brazil is offering wagering with oversight from the Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA), an agency backed by the Ministry of Finance.

Bragg already has deep footoprint

Bragg is anticipating strong returns for its market position in Brazil. The company said it expects the market to make up approximately 10% of its total revenue in 2025.

“At Bragg, we have extensive experience of delivering highly localized iGaming content and technology solutions in regulated markets, and we now expect the Brazilian market to become a key territory for us and a significant driver of our growth in the wider LatAm region,” said CEO Matevz Mazij.

As of Jan. 10, Bragg is providing its services to roughly one-third of the licensed iGaming operators in Brazil. By Q3 2025, Bragg expects to collaborate with half of Brazil’s operators.

Ahead of last week’s launch, the SPA issued 67 wagering authorizations to gambling companies, of which 15 were definitive and 52 provisional. The companies, which each paid a roughly $4.8 million subsidy, include Betano, Novibet, Sportingbet and Superbet.

Bragg has also solidified its presence in Brazil with an office in São Paulo.

Bragg sets high expectations for 2025

The technology solutions provider is expanding its reach across the world as it anticipates double-digit revenue growth in 2025 following a strategic review last year.

The review allowed Bragg to identify key focus areas, which include cash generation, revenue diversification and proprietary content growth. In 2025, Bragg also anticipates expanded bottom-line profit margins and increased operational leverage.

Canadian Gaming Association supports stronger AML laws amid US pressure

Could pressure from inside and outside Canada lead to stronger anti-money laundering laws in Canadian gaming in 2025?

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has lent its voice to the conversation already by advising the federal government to take a firmer hand.

The CGA noted in its 2024 Advocacy Policies that one of its goals for last year was to “actively participate” in the parliamentary review of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTF Act) to ensure Canada’s AML laws and regulations better reflect the evolution of the gaming industry.

The PCMLTF Act came into effect in December 2001 as an amendment of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) Act and lays out Canada’s legislative framework around AML.

We may now be into 2025, but changes both north and south of the border could force the issue.

Canada has been facing pressure in recent years to upgrade its AML regulations and incoming U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies have been vocal about the supposed need for the country to do so. As part of wider conversations, including the notorious idea of introducing tariffs of up to 25% on Canadian imports, Trump has posited that Canada’s AML regulations need improvement as they are currently less stringent than the U.S.

Trump advisor and criminal finance expert David Asher told the CBC in December that Canada needs stronger AML legislation because, as he put it, “the money laundering that makes [U.S.] drug trafficking work is largely run out of Canada.”

It’s wort noting that the CGA has not commented on the U.S. stance. However, with an open regulated online gaming market in Alberta seemingly an inevitability and still targeted by the end of 2025, ensuring robust AML regulations will likely remain a priority for industry stakeholders.

Meanwhile, at home, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party are the runaway favourites to be the next leaders of Canada. As noted by Gaming News Canada, the Conservatives have vowed to pursue tougher AML rules, and a section of their policy on crime backs up Asher’s cross-border assertions and includes a list of proposed changes to tighten legislation.

It could all add up to action on the issue this year. It’s certainly a space worth watching.

Light & Wonder promotes Simon Johnson to iGaming CEO

Light & Wonder has promoted Simon Johnson to the role of CEO of iGaming.

Johnson will fill the position that was vacated by Dylan Slaney in November when he stepped down for personal reasons after roughly four years in the job. Johnson will report directly to Light & Wonder President and CEO Matt Wilson.

Light & Wonder told SBC Americas at the time of Slaney’s departure that the company’s leadership had “unwavering faith in our current team’s ability to unlock even greater opportunity moving forward.”

Now, its iGaming division will move forward under Johnson, who served as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa Division before transitioning in September 2022 into the position of SVP and International Managing Director.

In a post on LinkedIn, the company said that Johnson “has been instrumental in driving the international commercial efforts of the Gaming business.”

“As we embark on a new year, I am energized by the opportunities ahead and eager to work with our incredibly talented iGaming team across the world,” Johnson wrote on his LinkedIn profile.

Light & Wonder looks to build on 2024 progress

Under Slaney’s oversight, Light & Wonder’s iGaming division revenue grew 5.7% in Q3 2024 to exceed $74 million, which the company said reflected continued momentum and new launches in North America and beyond.

EVP and CFO Oliver Chow said on an earnings call in November that gross gaming revenue on its OGS aggregation platform continues to expand across the board. In Canada, such revenue was up 29% year over year.

Wilson added on the call that Light & Wonder iGaming is the U.S. market leader in GGR share.

The company’s recent expansion in Canada has included an international distribution deal with Bragg Gaming Group to roll out games from the Toronto-based company’s various studios. It also partnered with Loto-Québec to launch the lottery corporation’s first cross-platform mystery jackpot.

A recent report from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming found that Light & Wonder has grown its Canadian online casino GGR share from 11% to 15% in the last 18 months.

Great Canadian Casino Toronto becomes WSOP’s exclusive home in Ontario

Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto can now boast of being the exclusive destination for World Series of Poker (WSOP) events in Ontario.

Great Canadian Entertainment and GGPoker, the new owner of WSOP, have announced a new exclusive partnership that makes GGPoker the official sponsor of The Poker Room at Casino Resort Toronto.

The deal means the Great Canadian Casino will be the only host venue for WSOP tournaments, including circuit bracelet and ring events, in Ontario.

The companies added that The Poker Room will soon offer enhanced experiences and amenities, such as upgraded televisions, high-speed wifi and a new players’ lounge.

Great Canadian Entertainment and the Toronto casino hope that the exclusivity deal will help to cement the location as Ontario’s best poker and VIP destination.

“This collaboration ups the ante on Toronto’s poker offerings, giving players access to the top tournaments and rewards, and cements Great Canadian Toronto as the go-to destination for a world-class poker experience in the city,” said Great Canadian Entertainment EVP Michael Kim.

Sarne Lightman, managing director of GGPoker, added that the partnership “combines the best of live and online poker, offering players premier tournaments and rewards and solidifying Ontario as a hub for world-class poker.”

Deal cements WSOP partnership

Great Canadian’s $1 billion Toronto resort opened in June 2023 with 328,000 sq. ft. of gaming space as well as a 400-room hotel, a 5,000-seater events theatre and other amenities. Back in September, it opened new high-limit table games and slots rooms to augment its offerings.

The resort had already struck a deal with GGPoker over WSOP. Last spring, from March 22 to April 1, it hosted Toronto’s first-ever WSOP Circuit event. That was an 11-day tournament with a total a prize pool of $5.5 million, exceeding the initial estimate of $3.9 million in prize money.

Dates for 2025 WSOP events at the Toronto resort will be announced soon.

Nuvei partners with GiG on integrated payments

Canadian fintech company Nuvei has entered a new strategic partnership with B2B iGaming technology provider Gaming Innovation Group (GiG).

The collaboration enables iGaming operators to optimize their payments functionality through their existing integration with GiG’s CoreX solution.

CoreX is an AI-driven player account management (PAM) platform for online casino and sportsbook brands which provides flexibility to localize operations in any regulated jurisdiction, aiding operators’ ability to meet market demands and expand across international markets through a single, integrated platform.

In September, GiG chose a Nuvei competitor, Paysafe, as the preferred payment solution for all of its iGaming and online sports betting brands across North America, Latin America and Europe.

However, integration with Nuvei now provides GiG-supported operators in over 200 countries with connectivity to 720 alternative payment methods.

Nuvei said in a release that the new partnership delivers a comprehensive solution “that addresses the needs of modern online gaming businesses.”

“We’re excited to partner with a proven technology leader and industry expert like GiG,” Nuvei Chair and CEO Philip Fayer said. “This integration showcases our commitment to providing the most relevant and modern payment solutions that drive growth for our customers. By combining Nuvei’s robust modular payment technology with GiG’s innovative CoreX platform, we’re delivering unparalleled value to iGaming operators worldwide.”

James Coxon, COO at GiG, added that the direct integration will enable GiG’s clients to optimize their payment processes, ultimately improving player satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Nuvei goes private, looks to Brazil

Nuvei confirmed in November that it has obtained all necessary regulatory approvals to complete its acquisition by private equity firm Advent International.

First announced in April, the all-cash transaction gave Nuvei an enterprise value of around $8.5 billion CAD. Fayer rolled approximately 95% of his shares in Nuvei, whose investors include Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, and continues as one of the largest shareholders in the company, while also retaining his positions as chair and CEO.

The company has also taken other recent steps in the Americas, notably striking a deal to power payments for Delaware North’s online real-money casino and sports betting brand Betly.

It is also looking towards Brazil’s newly launched gaming market. In August, the Montreal-based firm announced it had agreed to buy licensed Brazilian payments provider Pay2All.