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GeoComply loses appeal against Xpoint patent infringement decision

The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled in favour of Xpoint by upholding the dismissal of GeoComply’s patent infringement claims against its geolocation competitor.

Vancouver-based GeoComply filed a lawsuit in October 2022 in which it alleged that Xpoint had infringed upon the patent of a geolocation engine invented by GeoComply CEO and co-Founder Anna Sainsbury.

However, in February 2023, a Delaware judge approved Xpoint’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, opining that GeoComply’s patent was too broad and general to be applicable. Judge William Bryson’s decision stated that “the idea of using multiple sources of information to verify a person’s locations is a longstanding business practice.”

He determined GeoComply’s patent failed the Alice test, which was established by a prior court case to determine whether a patent is considered an abstract idea or an actual application.

GeoComply appealed the decision, arguing that the patent had merit because the technology did more than determine location by also measuring reliability of locations.

However, the Court of Appeals has now ratified the Delaware decision.

Xpoint: Decision ‘shows no company can monopolize’ geolocation services

In a statement, Xpoint said that the decision “shows that no company can monopolize vital geolocation technology services and force their clients to work with them.”

“We are pleased the court has ruled in our favor, affirming what we have maintained from the start: Xpoint has conducted its business legally and appropriately, and GeoComply has attempted to restrict competition through a patent that is invalid under U.S. law,” added the statement. “The decision means that Xpoint can continue to operate and innovate freely in the geolocation technology space… Xpoint will vigorously pursue opportunities to create choice for gaming operators and improve the health of the industry.

“Xpoint’s victory demonstrates its commitment to an open, competitive market that drives forward the capabilities of geolocation technology for the entire gaming industry. With this ruling, Xpoint is excited to continue our momentum and deliver leading-edge solutions across the sector.”

GeoComply ‘stands firm in belief that specific innovation deserves protection

GeoComply told Canadian Gaming Business in a statement that it is disappointed by the decision as the company felt it had to defend its innovation.

“Our cutting-edge suite of solutions have never been about a single patent; they are the result of our decade-plus experience, the expertise of our team, and our unrelenting focus on customer success,” said a spokesperson. “This innovation is demonstrated through GeoComply’s proven track record of service delivery, reliability, and scalability. Our industry-leading platform processes over 1.2 billion transactions per month in a dynamic, context-aware system logic, all while consistently maintaining over 99.99% uptime and achieving over 99% pass rates. Our focus on creating and delivering industry-leading geolocation compliance and anti-fraud technology continues to drive us forward.

“We are disappointed by the court decisions related to patent law technicalities, and while we respect the judicial process, we stand firm in our belief that this specific innovation within our groundbreaking technology deserves protection from improper infringement. GeoComply takes pride in championing fair competition in the marketplace and promoting start-up innovators who challenge incumbents and strengthen the industry. However, when we believed our proprietary technology rights were being violated, we could not stand by without defending our innovation.

“GeoComply remains committed to promoting competition while still protecting our broad intellectual property rights.”

Endeavor CEO backing managed buyout of OpenBet and IMG Arena

Endeavor has agreed to sell its sports betting assets OpenBet and IMG Arena to OB Global Holdings LLC in a management buyout that is backed by the comapny’s CEO Ari Emanuel.

The company announced on Monday that OB Global Holdings will acquire the businesses for approximately $627 million CAD, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction will be financed through a mix of cash and debt.

The buyout is backed by Endeavor chief Emanuel and OpenBet executives including CEO Jordan Levin, said an Endeavor release.

Endeavor acquired OpenBet, which now powers responsible betting and gaming entertainment for more than 200 operators around the globe, from Light & Wonder in September 2022 for $800 million USD ($1.1 billion CAD at today’s rate).

A strong first half of 2024 saw OpenBet’s global customer base increase by more than 40% year-on-year. It also launched a regulatory technology vertical following the acquisition of Neccton and launched a geolocation technology service OpenBet Locator. Endeavor formally merged OpenBet and IMG Arena under one banner under the OpenBet name earlier this year.

Led by Levin, OpenBet will continue to operate as normal post-transaction.

“This management buyout allows us to continue executing our vision for increased market expansion and product innovation,” Levin said. “Our group is extremely confident in OpenBet’s future considering the premium product offering, superior talent, and solid foundation we already have in place following a strong period of business growth.”

OpenBet operates in the majority of Canadian provinces.

A step towards Silver Lake deal

OpenBet said the transaction is a necessary step for the closing of the proposed $18 billion CAD sale of Endeavor to private equity firm Silver Lake, which was first announced in April. Silver Lake is the biggest investor in Endeavor, holding around 31% of outstanding shares as of the end of 2023.

If all remains on track, the take-private deal is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

In an August earnings call, Endeavor revealed it had begun the formal process to sell OpenBet and IMG Arena to prospective buyers. On Monday, as part of the buyout announcement, the company confirmed it will continue to market IMG Arena for sale to a third-party purchaser before and after closing.

PointsBet denies holding talks over potential takeover

Amid reports in its home nation of Australia that PointsBet could sell up, the company categorically denied rumours of a potential takeover on Monday.

Over the weekend, a report from The Australian suggested that the online gaming and betting operators could be the subject of an “imminent” AU$300 million ($275 million CAD) takeover from an overseas party. The report claimed that PointsBet had held discussions with multiple potential suitors, including at least one company in Asia.

However, referencing the article in a public statement, PointsBet dismissed the talk.

“PointsBet refers to recent media speculation, first published in The Australian on Friday, 8 November 2024, regarding a potential transaction,” read the statement. “Generally, PointsBet does not comment on rumour or speculation. However, the company confirms that it is not in discussions as suggested in the article.

“The company will keep the market updated in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligation under ASX Listing Rule 3.1.”

PointsBet focusing on growth at home and in Canada after US sale

After PointsBet sold its U.S. operations to Fanatics last June, the company has narrowed its focus to Canada, as well as its home market of Australia.

In a quarterly update on Oct. 31, the operator said its Canadian concentration is paying off as it reported big jumps in online sports betting handle and net win in Q3.

In the first quarter of the Australian fiscal year (FYQ2 2024 in Canada) from June 1 to Sept. 30, PointsBet Canada reported its sports betting handle rose 57% year over year to reach $63.5 million CAD. Sports betting net win grew even more, up 77% to $3.8 million. iGaming net win climbed 50% to $4.2 million.

Overall, total net win across both verticals in Canada grew 62% to just below $8 million. PointsBet noted that was above both the general level of Ontario market growth and above the company’s business-wide net win growth of 12%.

The company is also expanding its casino platform in Canada, having increased game content by 50% and adding offerings from Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming and PlayAGS in recent months.

ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to Ontario offering

ComeOn Group will begin providing its sportsbook in Ontario after receiving approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO).

The company is already one of 51 operators doing business in Ontario’s regulated market. It has been live in the province since 2022 as a licensed online casino gaming supplier. The iGO website now lists the brand as both a casino and sports betting provider.

A press release from ComeOn said the addition of sports betting in Ontario represents a strategic advancement in its sportsbook growth trajectory. The company said it is set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.

ComeOn’s sports betting business is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team.

“We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us,” said CEO Juergen Reutter. “As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”

ComeOn owner mulls sale

Meanwhile, ComeOn’s parent company is reporting considering the sale of its online gambling subsidiary.

Cherry AB is mulling the move as a key part of its wider reorganization strategy as it looks to evolve its offering. The gambling group has appointed Moelis and Jefferies to explore sale options for ComeOn.

Reutter has previously voiced lofty ambitions for the company, noting that it’s strategy is to become a tier one operator in the sports market.

“For us, it’s a key goal because we are very dominant in the casino market, where we have significant market shares in our territories. But when it comes to sports betting, we are underrepresented,” he said.

Responsible Gambling Council names Sarah McCarthy as new CEO

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has settled on its replacement for retiring CEO Shelley White.

After an extensive search process, the RGC has appointed Sarah McCarthy, the former Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Rick Hansen Foundation. McCarthy will start work officially on Jan. 5, 2025.

In a memo to stakeholders, the RGC described McCarthy as “a collaborative executive leader with 15 years of experience in leading teams to build and deliver social impact through the development of innovative solutions to complex challenges.”

At the Rick Hansen Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness, changing attitudes, helping create accessible spaces, and liberating the amazing potential of people with disabilities, McCarthy’s responsibilities encompassed strategic and operational planning, program implementation, and the stewardship of impactful business development strategies.

Under her leadership, the organization successfully launched and implemented the RHF Accessibility Certification, an innovative program that has rated almost 2,000 buildings and trained over 2,600 professionals, promoting inclusivity across various sectors.

Her strategic direction also facilitated the development of Accessibility Advisory Services, a social enterprise that advises on accessibility improvements, reflecting her commitment to building inclusive communities. She also spearheaded the expansion of the RHF School Program, which has reached over 270,000 children since 2016, educating young people about diversity and accessibility.

The RGC noted that her ability to lead her team in securing and executing on over $20 million in government funding for Accessibility Certification “exemplifies her prowess in forging substantial government and corporate partnerships, further enhancing outreach and impact.”

McCarthy is also the former Executive Director at the International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care and other notable non-profits. She is a member of the Strategy Committee for the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition at Urban Land Institute Toronto and was previously a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She has also been on committees at the Canadian Standards Association and People for Education.

White retiring after 8 years

The RGC had announced in June that White would retire in December after eight years in the position.

In its job listing for her successor, the RGC said it was looking for a new leader who could not only lead and execute the organization’s strategic plan for the remainder of the decade but lead with conviction in the rapidly evolving digital-first gambling industry.

“Shelley’s leadership has been transformative, steering the RGC through significant initiatives that have expanded our reach and deepened our impact,” said the memo announcing McCarthy’s appointment. “Her strategic foresight was instrumental in launching groundbreaking programs that have set industry standards in responsible gambling. Her passion for advocacy and her commitment to our cause have not only enriched our organization but also the broader community we serve.

“As Shelley embarks on her well-earned retirement, we reflect on her legacy of innovation and leadership, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her years of dedicated service.”

The Responsible Gambling Council was founded in 1983 as an independent non-profit focusing on helping to prevent problem gambling and protect players by reducing risks through education and information. It provides its own accreditation, RG Check, for operators that meet its criteria.

Super Group pleased with Canada status amid grey market leadership

Super Group CEO Neal Menashe said on an earnings call on Wednesday that an increased focus on Canada is paying off, something that appears to be particularly true in the cross-Canada grey market.

The company operates five brands in Ontario’s commercial regulated online market, the sportsbook-first Betway and the Spin, Jackpot City, Royal Vegas and Ruby Fortune online casinos. It also has significant brand recognition in other provinces, where the government-run lottery corporations’ platforms are the only regulated online gaming offerings.

In a release, Super Group said that while the shutdown of its U.S. sports betting operations had partially caused a drop in profits, success in Canada and growth in Europe and Africa drove it to a 13% year-on-year increase in Q3 revenue. Africa is now the business’ largest region in terms of revenue, while Canada is second.

“Canada, compared to year-on-year growth overall, has been very good,” Menashe said. “We are experiencing strong growth across both sports and casino…

“Ontario’s better, it’s not where we need it to be but we are still in a good position there and we still have a decent share of the market. We are probably relatively under-indexing marketing-wise, relative to some of the bigger competitors, but we are now looking at fixing that.”

Super Group did not provide any details on what that Ontario market share may be, and iGaming Ontario (iGO) does not break down revenue data by operator. But October 2024 data shown to Canadian Gaming Business by H2 Gambling Capital suggests that the company has captured around 7% of the total regulated market, including Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s slice. Per H2, Super Group’s share has grown from around 4% last year.

As a result of its performance through the year to date, Super Group has raised its ex-U.S. adjusted EBITDA full-year 2024 guidance.

“I think the distraction of too many countries means that when we go all-in on these countries, we can focus and get it right, which is what we’re doing,” added Menashe.

Super Group reaps reward of nationwide profile

As well as the regulated Ontario market, Super Group brands have significant visibility in other provinces.

Data from Wells Fargo released in the early weeks of Ontario’s regulated market in 2022 showed that Betway had the second-highest number of daily active users in the province. Morgan Stanley estimated around the same time that Betway accounted for the highest percentage of iGaming and sports betting smartphone app downloads in Ontario on a monthly basis for the whole of 2021.

In Alberta, the brand has been prominently advertising for years. Thanks to a partnership with the NHL, ads for the brand’s “non-gambling global website” betway.net have been displayed on boards at Rogers Place during Edmonton Oilers games, including during this year’s Stanley Cup Final.

Back in August, Menashe vowed that Super Group is “reading and waiting” to enter Alberta whenever it opens a regulated market. That timeline has been pushed back, but Menashe reiterated his stance on Wednesday.

“Obviously, we learned the lessons in Ontario from going to the regulated regime, all the lessons we learned there will come into Alberta,” he added. “Alberta is looking to move to the end of 2025, maybe 2026. So we are all ready for that. Our brands resonate there. Remember, we’ve got Betway, we’ve got Jackpot City, Spin. We’ve learned, we know what we need to do.

“And I think the rest of Canada, we’ve really dug deep and we’ve really sorted out where we were losing traffic… and I think it’s showing in our numbers.”

Menashe was referring to the solid Canadian financials, but it could also be applied to their apparent market share.

According to the H2 data, Super Group is by some distance the leading operator in Canada’s unregulated market with a huge 35% share. H2 did not provide an estimated brand-by-brand breakdown, but Super Group recognized Spin as its biggest revenue-generator and Menashe also noted on the call that “Jackpot City continues to be a leading brand across [Canada].”

Jackpot City will also be one of two Spin portfolio brands soon added to Super Group’s footprint in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where Betway is live with online casino.

Senate passes National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act

Bill S-269, the proposed legislation that would establish a national framework for regulating sports betting adverts across Canada, was adopted in the Senate on Tuesday.

After the Transport and Communications Committee held initial debates in June and six hours of hearings in late September and early October, the committee advanced the National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act to the full Senate for further debate.

Sen. Marty Deacon posited that when approving Bill C-218 in 2021 to expand sports betting and iGaming, lawmakers had not appropriately considered “the flood of advertising that would go along with it,” noting how online gaming and betting in Ontario (and, by extension, its effects on the rest of Canada) had proliferated in the years since.

After three third-reading chamber sittings in the full Senate in recent weeks, Deacon’s Bill S-269 was approved on Nov. 5. It will now head to the House of Commons.

What would Bill S-269 do?

“Let’s start with what this legislation won’t do,” Deacon told the chamber at the first sitting. “It will not ban gambling ads completely… What this bill would do instead is require the Minister of Canadian Heritage to develop a national framework on the advertising of sports betting.”

That would include identifying measures to regulate ads.  That includes restricting the number, scope and location of advertising as well as potentially further limiting or banning the use of celebrities and athletes. It would also identify measures to promote research and information-sharing related to the potential and actual effects of advertising on minors and would set out national standards for the prevention and diagnosis of harmful gambling and related support measures.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission would also be required to review its regulations and policies relating to sports betting ads.

“I can’t say for sure what this framework will look like if it passes, but with the case history we see, I trust we will see more reasonable limits placed on these ads, informed by existing research and best practices,” added Deacon.

“It doesn’t address all the problems that we’re facing, but I think it’s a step forward.”

Sen. Leo Housakos

“The bill proposed by Senator Marty Deacon is, I think, a reasonable bill,” said Sen. Leo Housakos, the chair of the Transport Committee, at Tuesday’s final sitting. “It doesn’t address all the problems that we’re facing, but I think it’s a step forward… I think we should go forward with it. I think we should be vigilant and keep our eyes open going forward on what else we need to do as parliamentarians to address the problem.”

Hearings included mental health and gaming experts

At the lengthy committee hearings earlier this fall, senators had heard from a variety of witnesses, ranging from Canadian gaming industry leaders and broadcasters to UK gambling experts and Canadian mental health and youth support groups, and more.

A focus of the first hearing in late September was the potential effect of gambling advertising on minors and other vulnerable demographics, with topics such as the danger of social media and the gamification of non-gambling mobile games discussed.

Another focus was broadcasters’ role. Kevin Desjardins, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), and Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) CEO Shelley White both noted that broadcasters have already begun taking measures to limit the quantity of sports betting ads, and that betting operators are not asking for as much ad time as they were in the earliest days of Ontario’s commercial online gaming market.

That point was echoed at the second hearing a few days later by Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns and ThinkTV CEO Catherine MacLeod. Other topics discussed at that second hearing included cross-border advertising, the effects of streaming, and the need for broader and deeper research.

While these committee hearings were going on, the NFL and the NHL both wrote to lawmakers to advise them against heavy-handed measures and calling for caution in considering national legislation.

House of Commons to evaluate betting ads next

After being approved in the Senate on Tuesday, Bill S-269 will now be discussed in the House of Commons.

When a bill is sent from one chamber to the other, the bill is read again for the first time and goes through the same steps, so it must proceed through first and second readings, then go under consideration in committee, before reaching the report stage and the final third reading. The timeline for Bill S-269 undergoing this process in the House is unclear.

If the House were to make any amendments, the bill would be sent back to the Senate for further review. If a final version of the bill gets approval from both chambers, it would be sent for royal assent.

BCLC and Intralot expand partnership with iLottery solution

British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Intralot are extending their lottery collaboration.

Intralot announced on Nov. 4 that its U.S. subsidiary is working with BCLC for the provision of an online lottery platform. The new iLottery solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem.

The joint project also includes the digitalization of BCLC and Intralot’s existing land-based network.

Earlier in 2024, Intralot and BCLC undertook a project to migrate the lottery corporation’s retail lottery system to Intralot’s Lotos X Omni ecosystem, delivered through cloud technology. The transition was completed in May. A BCLC spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business this week that this work is part of that existing project and is an update for iLottery and the crown corporation’s lottery mobile app.

The new lottery project with BCLC this year expanded Intralot’s reach in North America, providing the company with access to lottery terminals throughout BCLC’s retail network and at select hospitality establishments in the province. Intralot has installed its lottery-focused technology in roughly 8,000 terminals across 3,400 retail locations in B.C., offering advanced features and improved technology as well as an upgraded user interface.

It also made BCLC one of the first lotteries in the world to integrate a fully cloud-based system.

Meanwhile, the overarching partnership between BCLC and Intralot has been extended until 2028. Intralot also delivers its sports betting platform, Intralot Orion, to enable the crown corporation to offer retail wagering.

Year of change for BCLC

BCLC has embarked upon a comprehensive modernization drive in 2024, part of what its president and CEO Pat Davis calls “a journey of digital convergence.” Davis told SBC earlier this year that the crown corp. aims to “revolutionize gambling entertainment” with its five-year strategy that stretches from retail to online.

Working with advisory firm SCCG Management, that journey has encompassed some big operational shifts; not only the Intralot projects but also the launch of a new AI and Data Innovation Hub in collaboration with tech firm Future Anthem that aims to facilitate greater technological advancement and personalization of its offerings.

BCLC has also overhauled its retail sports betting product to tie it more closely with its online operations. The new PROLINE sportsbook digitizes the retail betting experience by allowing in-person bettors to generate bet slips on their phone or other device, similar to most commercial online sportsbooks. BCLC’s Brett Hanson told CGB in September that BCLC will soon be the first Canadian lottery to offer in-play retail betting, and that the crown corp. also plans to ultimately combine the Play Now online casino gaming app and the PROLINE sportsbook “all in one shop.”

 

Bojoko: Ville Saari shares how to appeal to Canadian roulette players

Roulette remains one of the most popular table games in online casinos, attracting a dedicated player base from casual players to high rollers. However, do Canadian casinos struggle to fully cater to this audience, especially when it comes to meeting their unique preferences and expectations? 

To discuss how Canadian casinos can attract and retain roulette players, we spoke with Ville Saari, a casino expert at affiliate site Bojoko.ca, where he serves as the Lead Content Manager. Saari shares insights into how his team ranks the top online roulette casinos in Canada, what operators can stand out in this market, and why catering to different player segments can boost engagement.

CGB: How does Bojoko rank Canadian roulette casinos, and what factors do you consider to ensure players find the best options?

At Bojoko, we have a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure players find the best roulette experiences available in Canada. When ranking roulette casinos, we look beyond just the number of games; we consider quality, variety, and the overall experience the casino provides for roulette players.

Our ranking process starts by assessing the variety of roulette games offered. We prioritize casinos that offer the basics, like European, French, and American roulette, as well as unique variants like Lightning Roulette or Double Ball Roulette, which keep the experience fresh and engaging for players. We also note the different styles and visuals from various game providers, as these add personality and appeal to each game.

Live dealer options also play a big role in our rankings. Many players seek a more immersive experience, so we give higher scores to casinos that offer multiple live roulette tables, including tables from reputable providers like Evolution or Pragmatic Play. 

Of course, there is also the question of their bonuses and to what extent they can be used in roulette games. Casinos with specific roulette bonuses or other roulette initiatives will get a boost.

Finally, we consider the casinos more generally, from bonuses to trustworthiness, customer support, payment methods, etc. We test the casinos meticulously and consider the user experience, including the design and interface, to ensure our readers have an as well-rounded overview as possible.

CGB: How should Canadian casinos create a strong roulette offering to capture more players?

Variety and accessibility are a decent start. Passionate roulette players are often looking for more than the basics. Sure, many will stay with the same live dealers or a specific version of European or American roulette, but others will at least want to change up the graphics and faces. 

Casinos that partner with multiple providers and offer a variety of roulette types are far more appealing to players because they create a richer experience. High-quality live dealer roulette is also crucial, and make sure there are a number of individual croupiers to bounce between. 

Casinos that offer a wider selection of roulette games, such as Lightning Roulette or Double Ball Roulette, provide a different experience that can make a player choose one casino over another. These variations aren’t just about gameplay—they also offer a fresh visual and immersive appeal that can capture players’ attention.

CGB: What should Canadian casinos keep in mind to cater to high-stakes roulette players?

High rollers are a specific audience within the roulette market and have different needs than casual players. For these players, the availability of exclusive high-stakes tables is essential. They won’t settle for low betting limits, so it’s important for casinos to offer tables that cater to this segment.

High-stakes options are often best provided within live dealer settings. Casinos should consider adding dedicated high-stakes live roulette tables, where the limits are set significantly higher, and the atmosphere is tailored to serious players. This is not a difficult step, as the big live dealer providers, like Evolution, already have this premium experience readily available. 

CGB: Bonuses often don’t cover roulette. How can casinos still attract roulette-focused players?

It’s true that bonuses present a challenge for attracting roulette players. Most casino bonuses focus on slots and don’t contribute to wagering requirements for table games, which can deter players who prefer roulette. 

If you do not, under any circumstances, want to offer roulette bonuses, you can look at starting roulette tournaments with winning pools. This is a great way to boost attention. There’s also the workaround of cashback offers.

However, I would recommend that casinos look into offering specific roulette and table bonus offers. These bonuses do not need to come with your usual terms and conditions; you can tweak them to become more sustainable. Offering roulette bonuses means that you show that you actually see, respect and want roulette players, which goes a long way.

CGB: What final recommendations would you give Canadian casinos wanting to enhance their roulette offering?

If you want to attract and retain roulette players, you need to show that this is a casino they can consider their home. To do this, you need to put a little more time and effort into how your roulette offering is and how you communicate with your roulette players than your competitors. 

There are no big secrets here, and I have already covered the core tips already. 

First, focus on variety. A strong roulette selection that includes multiple versions, from the old-school staples to newer, flashier variations, will appeal to a wide range of players. Partnering with different providers is a great way to achieve this.

Second, don’t overlook high rollers. High-stakes roulette players are out there, and by offering exclusive high-limit tables—especially in the live dealer section—casinos can cater to this valuable segment. High-stakes tables not only attract these players but create an environment that feels tailored to their needs.

Lastly, casinos should consider incorporating some form of roulette-specific promotion or focus, even if it’s not a traditional bonus. Tournaments and other competitions can be a great pull in and of itself, though actual roulette bonuses are such an easy way to grab players.

By combining these strategies, Canadian casinos can create a well-rounded roulette offering that will appeal to players who love the game, and as mentioned, there are quite a few of them. There are many things you can do to increase FTDs overall, many of which will probably also bring in roulette players, but focusing specifically on them works. 

Do not underestimate the number of Canadians actively looking for great roulette casinos. We see tens of thousands of people across Canada looking for places where they can play online roulette every month. These are players you want to reach.

Kahnawà:ke and Entain officially call time on Sports Interaction partnership

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) no longer works with Entain Group on the operation of the Sports Interaction online gaming platform in Canada.

The MCK said in a statement that effective Oct. 28,  its wholly-owned Mohawk Online Limited (MOL) has ended its longstanding exclusive partnership with Entain subsidiary Avid International Ltd.

Sports Interaction was one of the first brands licensed by the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission (KGC) back in the 1990s, while Avid has been a B2B supplier to Mohawk Online. Under former CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen, Entain purchased Avid for $300 million in 2022, the same year Ontario launched its commercial, regulated market. Since 2022, Mohawk Online has operated Sports Interaction in Canada outside Ontario as Avid’s only Canadian client.

“MOL’s operation of Sports Interaction generated important revenues for the community for some time,” said the MCK in a statement. Per The Eastern Door, MOL has paid $23 million in gaming dividends to Kahnawàke since 2015.

MCK Chief Cody Diabo said in the statement that the Council decided to end its Sports Interaction partnership with Entain “due to the change in the regulatory landscape for gaming in Canada and economic reasons.” He added that the Council looks forward to maintaining a cordial relationship with Entain. The commercial company will maintain its back office from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke and will also keep hold of its licenses with the KGC, said the MCK.

Entain takes full ownership of Sports Interaction brand

An Entain spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business that the licence used to operate the Sports Interaction is now held by Entain directly and Entain has taken full ownership of the brand and its customer database.

“As such, there is no change to Entain’s offering in Canada and no write-down is necessary following the ending of the partnership,” said the spokesperson.

Sports Interaction has some fairly high-profile partnerships in Canada, including a deal with Hockey Night in Canada that is now in its second year and a new sponsorship partnership with Amazon Prime Video’s new NHL Coast to Coast show. It is licensed in Ontario by the ACGO and H2 Gambling Capital data shown to CGB suggests it holds around a 6% share of the grey market elsewhere in Canada.

Kahnawàke mulling other gaming opportunities

Diabo added in the statement that the MCK sees the end of the exclusivity deal as a potential launchpad for future development as it releases the Council from its obligations of exclusivity and allows the MCK “to pursue other opportunities in online gaming, under a new brand.” However, he told The Eastern Door that there is currently no clear strategy in place to pursue online gaming revenues in the current legislative landscape.

“Essentially, right now, [MOL] is just on hiatus. Whether or not we plan to cancel the name or just keep it on the books for another opportunity, we’ve yet to have that conversation.”

Move follows failed MCK legal challenge in Ontario

The official announcement of the end of the Sports Interaction partnership comes amid a backdrop of the MCK launching an unsuccessful legal challenge against Ontario’s regulated commercial online gaming model. MCK argued that iGaming Ontario’s gaming framework was “illegal and unconstitutional.”

“The Council considers that Ontario has taken actions to actively undermine Kahnawà:ke as a legitimate gaming jurisdiction while failing to recognize Kahnawà:ke’s right to conduct, facilitate, and regulate gaming and contravenes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said the MCK. As a result of its opposition to Ontario’s market, the MCK stopped operating Mohawk Online in the province.

However, a Superior Court judge ruled against the MCK’s challenge in May, when Justice Lisa Brownstone found that iGO’s gaming framework and management of the industry were consistent with what is allowed within the Criminal Code.

Diabo reiterated to The Eastern Door that the MCK hopes to see Bill S-268 make progress in 2025. Sen. Scott Tannas‘ proposed legislation, introduced last June, would amend the Criminal Code to affirm that the governing body of a First Nation has “exclusive authority to conduct and manage a lottery scheme on its reserve.” Diabo hopes that legislation will pass, thereby creating further opportunities for Kahnawà:ke to expand online gaming without compromising its sovereignty.