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Bragg launches with BetMGM in Pennsylvania

Bragg Gaming Group is continuing its push for a greater foothold in the U.S. by launching a slate of games and its Remote Game Server (RGS) technology with BetMGM in Pennsylvania.

The two companies’ partnership now spans three states following launches with BetMGM in Michigan in 2022 and New Jersey in 2023.

BetMGM players in Pennsylvania can play titles such as Egyptian Magic and Fairy Dust from Bragg’s Atomic Slot Lab studio. More games will follow, such as content from Bragg’s Las Vegas-based studio Wild Streak Gaming and offerings from multiple exclusive content partners under the Powered By Bragg program including King Show Games and Sega Sammy Creation.

All online casino games on Bragg’s RGS technology come with the Toronto-based company’s Fuze promotional tools, which offer player engagement features on games such as free rounds, tournaments and quests.

“We’re delighted to strengthen our existing collaboration with BetMGM to a third U.S. state, as part of our ongoing drive to provide the highest quality content to players in the U.S. iGaming market,” said Bragg SVP, Commercial for the U.S. and Canada, Garrick Morris. “In developing high-quality engaging content, we want to contribute to the long-term success of our partners, and importantly provide a gaming experience which is exceptional for players.”

“Bragg has been a great partner for BetMGM in Michigan and New Jersey, and it’s exciting to now be able to expand that relationship to Pennsylvania,” added Oliver Bartlett, VP of gaming, product and casino at BetMGM. “We’re confident that players in Pennsylvania will embrace this new online casino content which has proven to be popular in other regulated markets, with players already familiar with these titles from the land-based sector.”

A time of change for Bragg

The new deal with BetMGM in a third state follows other notable partnerships for Bragg in recent times, including an international online casino content distribution agreement with industry giant Light & Wonder that spans Canada, the U.S., and several European regulated markets.

The moves come at a time of change for the Canadian company.

Over the last two months, the firm has appointed a new chief commercial officer, Neill Whyte, and a new interim chief financial officer, Robbie Bressler.

The company is also undergoing a big-picture strategic review after its Q4 2023 results showed dips in both revenue and profit. Bragg has formed a special committee, to be utilized when the company deems it required or necessary to undertake a review of its strategic alternatives. Potential actions include the sale of the company or its assets, a merger, financing or further acquisitions.

Minister Dale Nally discusses Alberta’s gaming path

One of the most eagerly awaited speakers at the Canadian Gaming Summit last week was Alberta’s Minister for Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally.

Nally has been mandated by Premier Danielle Smith to assess the feasibility of opening up Alberta’s regulated online gaming and betting market to commercial operators. After months of swirling talk about what this review might throw up, Nally confirmed in an address at CGS that the province will pursue an Ontario-style open licensed model. Just like in Ontario, the market will not be regulated by the provincial crown corporation responsible for gaming, in Alberta’s case Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, but by a separate entity.

Nally spoke with Canadian Gaming Business in a little more depth about the plans for the province, why Alberta should be such an appealing market for operators and why First Nations considerations must be front and centre of all that happens next.

CGB: When it comes to evaluating what kind of model works best in Alberta for gaming, what have you been considering? What kinds of stakeholders have you spoken with and what are you looking to address?

Nally: As always, a key priority for any expanded iGaming model in Alberta is that it continues to prioritise the best interests of all Albertans. This includes generating the revenue that helps fund Alberta’s programs and services, as well as generating revenue for our First Nation partners. It’s also about maintaining our commitment to social responsibility. As part of our policy development process, we continue to examine best practices from other jurisdictions, including Ontario. We will be meeting with traditional casino operators, Racing Entertainment Centre operators and First Nations in Alberta to hear their perspectives on the potential implications and opportunities presented by an expanded iGaming model in Alberta. Our meetings with First Nations began in June, and we will continue to assess what kind of model works best for our province throughout this process.

CGB: While you’ve cited Ontario’s model as a direct influence, it could be difficult to cut and paste to Alberta. What are some of the distinct differences and local elements that make Alberta unique as a province and a gaming market?

Nally: Alberta’s gaming market is unique because our province is unique. We have the youngest population, the highest incomes and the best taxation system in Canada. We also have passionate sports fans who put their enthusiasm into supporting their favourite teams through the purchase of game tickets, merchandise and 50/50 draws.

Moreover, Alberta’s land-based charitable gaming model is unique.  In 2022-23, Alberta’s eligible charitable and religious organizations earned $383 million through their participation in this model, with First Nations charities receiving $73.3 million of these revenues. A portion of slot revenues earned at Alberta’s First Nation casinos also goes directly to fund initiatives in First Nations communities in Alberta, this revenue totalled $137.9 million in 2022-23. We need to ensure that any steps taken forward on online gaming complement the successes of our existing land-based gaming model.

CGB: Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns has reiterated that Alberta has some of the highest per-capita spending on gaming in Canada. Can you speak to the size of the opportunity, financial or otherwise, that you and other advocates see in regulated gaming within the province?

Nally: Right now, if you’re someone who likes to place a wager on a game in Alberta, the only way you can do it is through AGLC’s Play Alberta, the only regulated gaming and sportsbook platform in our province. PlayAlberta is a good platform with a wide variety of gaming options on it, but current estimates suggest that only captures about 45% of Alberta’s online gaming market. The rest is held by unregulated operators, many of which may not offer robust social responsibility tools that meet Alberta’s standards. We want to open our market to reduce the size and scope of the unregulated market, ensure that more of the money played in Alberta stays in Alberta and provide Albertans with more consumer choice.

CGB: Responsible gambling is crucial to a healthy gaming market. But recent cases such as Shawn Lemon’s ban from the CFL for betting while playing in Alberta have shone a spotlight on the interactions between sports and betting. How important is the issue of sporting integrity in Alberta and what work can be done in that regard?

Nally: Ensuring the integrity of online gambling in the province is one of the key reasons we’re looking to expand Alberta’s markets. About 55% of Alberta’s iGaming market is still estimated to be held by unregulated online gaming sites. These unregulated gaming providers are not subject to Alberta’s social responsibility policies, which are an important tool for promoting and supporting responsible gaming behaviors among Albertans who choose to gamble. The point is to have the tools and information available to help keep gaming as a game – something that is fun. In July 2023, I was mandated by Premier Smith to work with our Indigenous partners to finish developing and implementing Alberta’s online gaming strategy, with a focus on responsible gaming, and that’s just what we intend to do.

Incidents like the Shawn Lemon case are something that the government and the industry will continue to have to watch for both in Canada and elsewhere, as you are right that we also want to see integrity in how sports are played and the related outcomes of the sporting events individuals are betting on.

CGB: Alberta has a sizeable population, a popular lottery system, and a hefty number of keen sports fans. You have said that operators will like Alberta and will stay for the low taxes. What in particular do you think will appeal to operators about the province?

Nally: Albertans and Alberta businesses currently pay the lowest overall taxes in the country. Our general corporate income tax rate is 8%, some 30% lower than the next lowest province. We also continue to be a business-friendly province, as highlighted by our strong focus on Red Tape Reduction and eliminating the unnecessary processes and requirements that impede businesses, innovation and investment. Since 2019, we have successfully eliminated 33% of all our regulatory requirements, and we continue to have a strong focus on finding more ways to get out of the way of Albertans and Alberta businesses. Our higher incomes in Alberta, lower personal taxes and no provincial sales tax also mean that Albertans have more disposable income.

But sports are also very much a part of our culture and Albertans show it through their support of our professional teams, as well as their respective community foundations. The 50/50 draws from the Edmonton Oilers, for example, often generate more than $2 million per game, and have raised millions for local charities and community groups during the regular seasons and playoffs.

CGB: Your office told us last month that Alberta will engage with numerous stakeholders this year. There have been suggestions that early 2025 could be a likely timeline for a regulated online gaming market to launch. Can you tell us any more on this projected timeline?

Nally: Our conversations with the First Nations began in June and we expect the first round of these to wrap up in July. We will also engage with traditional casino operators and Racing Entertainment Centre operators this summer to hear their perspectives on the potential implications and opportunities presented by an expanded gaming model in Alberta. These conversations will be crucial in shaping our iGaming strategy and developing the final model for the province.

In terms of timelines, we expect we will have more details to share this fall, following these initial engagements.

Delasport powers Titanplay’s launch in Ontario market

Ontario has officially hit 80 licensed online gambling sites as the Titanplay brand launched in the market last week.

iGaming Ontario (iGO) confirmed on social media that the online casino and sportsbook, operated by Malta-based Shark77 Ltd. under the Titanplay name, is now live in the jurisdiction. It received its license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) back in March.

iGO’s site now shows 50 operators and 80 websites approved for play in the province, including 30 sportsbooks.

Titanplay offers both sports betting and online casino, with over 100 casino games including Sweet Bonanza, Sugar Rush, 777 Strike and more. The operator’s platform will be powered by Delasport’s turnkey iGaming solution.

Delasport already has a footprint in the province after securing a licence from the AGCO earlier this year and integrating its Plug & Play Sportsbook iFrame solution with Canadian platform provider Green Brick Labs (GBL) earlier this month.

“Our stride in Ontario is going full force and we’re proud to be able to announce such exciting deals like the partnership with Titanplay,” said Delasport CEO Oren Cohen Shwartz. “Operators in the market chose Delasport’s solutions because it allows them to differentiate and take a market share right away.

“We’re confident in both our software offering and our managed services, so we can guarantee that Titanplay’s players will appreciate and enjoy the second-to-none betting experience.”

Delasport also has partnerships with operators like Ocean88.

Deloitte shines light on Ontario market impact

As Ontario’s commercial online gaming market keeps expanding, Deloitte released a report last week showing that gaming regulation has generated more than $4 billion in economic value for the province in two years and is “outpacing initial expectations.”

Year two of the market yielded $2.7 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), 70% more than the $1.6 billion reported in year one. After just two years, the province’s online gaming industry is already closing in on the year-10 GDP projection of $4.7 billion published in last year’s Deloitte report. Across two years, the market has raised $2 billion in revenue for the government and sustained more than 15,000 jobs.

The Ontario iGaming market has hit or nearly reached many of Deloitte’s year-five projections in just its second year, with government revenues (94% of the five-year projection in two years), direct jobs sustained (120%), total full-time jobs sustained (92%) and GDP contributions (93%).

The report came two months after iGO reported that Ontario online gambling sites generated $2.4 billion in revenue from $63 billion in wagers in the market’s second year, year-over-year jumps of 71.4% and 78%, respectively.

Casino game studio Quickspin extends partnership with SkillOnNet

SkillOnNet has secured a deal to continue working with a major gambling software and casino game developer in Ontario.

The Malta-based online gaming provider has announced the extension of its content partnership deal with Swedish casino game studio Quickspin. As part of the extension, SkillOnNet and Quickspin will continue to deliver iGaming content in Ontario, including QuickSpin’s new casino titles Reel Nightmare, Temple of Paw, and Shields of Lambda.

“We’re thrilled we can finally bring the Quickspin universe to our Ontario players,” said SkillOnNet Head of Games Jani Kontturi. “The company has proved to be a valuable partner in other jurisdictions. It’s a prolific producer of top content that will help reinforce our position as a leading force in this exciting new market.”

Quickspin and SkillOnNet secured initial licensing in Ontario in 2022 when Canada’s most populous province emerged as a new regulated sports betting and iGaming market.

Ontario players will now have full access to QuickSpin’s catalog of online slot games. The Playtech-owned company has more than 100 titles with a new release each month.

SkillOnNet lands another partnership

Earlier this month, the gaming provider landed a deal with IGT PlayDigital to offer the operator’s portfolio of games in Ontario. IGT PlayDigital has a catalog of more than 3,5000 slot and table games provided by some of the largest suppliers in gaming.

Its suppliers include Games Global, Yggdrasil Gaming, Evolution, and Big Time Gaming.

SkillOnNet also has a strong presence outside of Ontario. The company holds European licenses in Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the UK, and Spain. It also has market access in Mexico.

Responsible Gambling Council CEO Shelley White retiring

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has announced that CEO Shelley White will retire in December after eight years in the position.

The RGC is actively seeking a replacement for White and has posted a full job listing for the role, which she had occupied since joining the organisation in early 2017. She joined from the United Way of Peel Region, a social services organisation located in the Peel Region of the Greater Toronto Area, where she had been CEO for 14 years.

“Shelley’s commitment to RGC and the people, organizations, and communities we serve globally is unparalleled,” the RGC posted in a statement on LinkedIn. “We will celebrate Shelley and the remarkable contribution she has made to RGC as her retirement date approaches.”

“It has been an honour to serve as CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council,” White said in her own statement. “I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such an outstanding board of directors, staff team, and stakeholders, over the years. Together we have advanced RGC’s vital mission, vision, and values. Today, RGC is a global leader that is having a profound impact on creating a responsible gambling ecosystem. I feel so fortunate to have been involved in this worthwhile, exciting, and fulfilling journey.

“There is so much more to do to advance safer gambling, prevention education, player health and well-being, within Canada and internationally. RGC is well-positioned to continue to be a global leader in responsible gambling. I highly recommend this important CEO role to humanitarian and entrepreneurial leaders, who want to lead a dynamic, fast-paced social enterprise, as well as collaborate with a phenomenal team, and group of stakeholders.”

The RGC was founded in 1983 as an independent non-profit with a focus 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.

RGC looks for ‘visionary’ leader

In its job listing for the role of CEO, the RGC says it is looking for a new leader who can not only lead and execute the organisation’s strategic plan for the remainder of the decade but who can also lead it with conviction in the rapidly evolving digital-first gambling industry. The new chief executive also needs to be adept at working with stakeholders from every corner, including politicians, operators, regulators, manufacturers, sports leagues, community partners and treatment providers.

“This role requires a creative leader capable of navigating a rapidly evolving industry, strategically advancing partnerships, collaborations, commercialisation, and innovation to keep pace with the changing gambling landscape,” said the job summary.

“The CEO will be a passionate, visionary, and courageous business leader with a highly successful leadership track record in a diverse, multi-stakeholder environment with proven experience in strategic planning, public policy, government relations/advocacy, change management, business development, education and research, and partnership development.”

Snuneymuxw First Nation acquires Great Canadian’s Casino Nanaimo

The Snuneymuxw First Nation will acquire B.C.’s Casio Nanaimo from Great Canadian Entertainment through its wholly owned Petroglyph Development Group Ltd.

Great Canadian announced on Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the landmark Vancouver Island property, which it has solely owned since it opened in 1986.

The gaming and entertainment company’s board of directors unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Great Canadian will provide transition services to Petroglyph for up to two years post-closing.

As part of the deal, the land on which the casino stands, a part of the Snuneymuxw xwsol’lexwel village, will be returned to the First Nation upon closing. Petroglyph already has the majority ownership stake in the adjacent Courtyard by Marriott hotel on the site.

Great Canadian CEO Matt Anfinson told Canadian Gaming Business that there is “no better entity” to build on the casino’s legacy than Petroglyph and the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

“As the owner and operator of Casino Nanaimo since its inception in 1986, we have prided ourselves on playing an important role in the Nanaimo community by generating meaningful revenue for the City, employing local residents, and creating substantial economic impact. With the pending sale to Petroglyph, we can think of no better entity to build on Casino Nanaimo’s 38-year legacy, and we look forward to working with them on a successful closing and to ensure the transition is seamless for the Casino Nanaimo team, the property’s guests, and the community itself.”

Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matt Anfinson

Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse said the First Nation is, “committed to bringing Snuneymuxw’s local expertise to an established tradition of outstanding guest service and meaningful community contributions.

“Honouring the decades of work by past Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils, we look forward to closing the definitive agreement and realizing our collective vision with the Great Canadian team,” added Wyse. “This collaboration promises to bring significant benefits and substantial economic growth to our Nation and the local community.”

Ian Simpson, CEO of Petroglyph, said the acquisition will, “unlock unprecedented economic potential for Snuneymuxw and PDG, paving the way for transformative growth in Snuneymuxw’s economy and the profits that PDG returns to our Nation.”

Casino Nanaimo has over 400 slot machines, six live table games, electronic table games and a restaurant, according to Great Canadian.

The deal is the first major transaction since Pauline Alimchandani began work as Great Canadian’s new chief financial officer on March 31.

Great Canadian could benefit from Vancouver casino expansion

Great Canadian owns or operates two dozen casinos across Canada, spanning B.C., Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

In B.C., it also has Great Canadian Casino Vancouver (formerly under Hard Rock’s branding) and Hastings Racecourse and Casino in Vancouver under its umbrella, as well as three Elements Casino properties in Chilliwack, Surrey, and Victoria, a Chances Casino in each of Dawson Creek and Maple Ridge, and Richmond’s River Rock Casino Resort.

The casino at Hastings, along with Parq Casino Vancouver, could benefit from expansion before too long after Vancouver City Council voted to amend the moratorium on casino expansion to allow more gambling at the land-based gaming venues. Great Canadian Casino Vancouver is not included in that as it is actually located in nearby Coquitlam.

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) had requested that the policy be changed to allow more table games and slot machines to be added, emphasizing that the facilities have the capacity for increased operations and stressing that doing so would bring in more revenue for the city and local communities.

BCLC estimated in the report that expanding one or both of Parq or Hastings could increase the government’s annual slice by somewhere between $2.6 million to $5 million. It will work with the City of Vancouver and partners, including government and public health, on any potential proposals for gambling expansion at the venues.

The casino at Hastings currently has 446 slot machines from an allowance of 600 on a casino floor beneath the horse racing grandstands. It is uncertain how many more table games or slot machines any subsequent proposal would include.

Evolution subsidiary Ezugi launches in Ontario with theScore, Bet99

Evolution subsidiary Ezugi has launched its live casino offering in Ontario.

Ezugi content includes casino table games such as baccarat, blackjack and roulette, as well as live game shows and a wide range of regional titles, all streamed from Ezugi’s studios in Europe.

Those products, including games such as Ultimate Roulette, Andar Bahar, Ultimate Andar Bahar and Lucky 7, will now be available on the platforms of Toronto-headquartered brands theScore Bet and Bet99 throughout the province. Bet99 launched its new sportsbook and casino app last September.

The launch in Ontario comes eight years after Ezugi made its North American debut in the U.S. market. Additional rollouts in Ontario are expected to be announced in the next few months.

“After an exciting few years of consolidating our market position and extending our games portfolio, this is a very significant step for Ezugi and its growth,” said Ezugi Chief Commercial Officer Pang Wee Goh. “Ontario has long been on our radar, representing the ideal progression in Ezugi’s ongoing expansion throughout North America. I am confident that operators in Ontario will benefit from our large and innovative games portfolio, which truly offers something different for players.”

The North American Evolution continues

Evolution has been taking further steps to expand its North American operations in recent months.

In February, the group confirmed it is acquiring Livespins for around $7.3 million CAD. Livespins is now another brand under the Evolution Group umbrella, including Ezugi and others such as NetEnt, Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger and others.

The same month, it announced a new strategic agreement with Caesars Digital to establish dedicated live casino studios in multiple states across the U.S., including one inside Caesars’ New Jersey-based Tropicana Casino.

The following month, it unveiled a deal with Rush Street Interactive to launch its online slots in Delaware via the BetRivers platform.

And earlier in June, it launched slot games from another of its gaming studios, Nolimit City, across six U.S. states.

BetMGM taps slots influencer Brian Christopher for brand ambassador deal

One of the top online streamers is bring his brand and his loyal audience to BetMGM. The operator announced this week that it is partnering with Brian Christopher, who will now serve as a BetMGM brand ambassador.

“BetMGM is the ultimate real money gaming destination for us true slots lovers. Partnering with the King of Casinos means I get to bring the top platform with the newest and greatest games to the BCSlots universe. I cannot wait for our fans and players to see what we are building together,” said Christopher.

As part of the deal, Christopher will stream his play on BetMGM on his real-money online casino channel. He will also do in-person events at select BetMGM properties, promotions on social media and virtual play events.

While Christopher will appear at some BetMGM properties, the streamer is an ardent advocate for smoke-free casinos. Accordingly, he will only stream at MGM properties that are smoke-free or have only limited smoking areas.

“Brian Christopher Slots’ influence extends far beyond captivating videos,” said BetMGM Vice President of Gaming Product & Content Oliver Bartlett. “This partnership allows Brian to showcase his personality and enthusiasm for our industry while engaging interested players into BetMGM’s wide variety of casino games.”

Christopher’s audience is a substantial one. The Canadian has nearly 2 million subscribers to his streaming channels and his content on social media reaches nearly 8 million people each month. Speaking at the Canadian Gaming Summit about his partnership with Carnival Cruises, Christopher said he regularly brings 500-750 people on Carnival Cruises to play along with him in the ship’s casino.

Christopher’s empire extends beyond real money gambling and he also streams his play on sweepstakes casinos and social occasions. He also has a website, FlipTheSwitch.com, where he provides written content and a site where his community of fans can come together and interact.

Alberta Minister confirms province will follow Ontario iGaming model

Alberta’s continued journey towards a regulated online gaming market was a hot topic of discussion throughout the 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit. On Thursday, we got an update straight from the horse’s mouth.

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally told attendees at a crowded address to begin the final day of the Summit that the province will seek to replicate Ontario’s open free-market model with numerous operators welcomed into the fold.

“Let me tell you a little bit about what our gaming site is going to look like,” Nally told attendees in a crowded conference room. “It’s going to be very similar to Ontario, because we’re following their model. As far as I’m concerned, they build the roadmap. We’ll massage it a little bit but it’s been inspired by the experience in Ontario. It’s going to be an open and free market.”

A self-described “bullish” advocate of Alberta’s business prospects, Nally spoke at length about how the province’s low corporate taxes, the lowest in Canada and lower than 44 U.S. states, have precipitated huge investment in the province. He cited a recent study that predicted that the Alberta economy will grow at twice the pace of the national average. That, he stressed, is a golden opportunity for the gaming industry.

AGLC will not be regulators for the Alberta open market

The Alberta legislature recently cleared the legal runway to opening up a multi-operator commercial online gaming market in Wild Rose Country by passing Bill 16. That legislation recognises that the provincial government has the authority to conduct and manage gaming in the province separately and distinctly from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), thereby allowing the potential for private online gaming operators to enter the market to compete with the lottery corporation.

Nally said told attendees that “we heard loud and clear” that commercial operators would not want to come to Alberta in a market in which the right to conduct and manage was held by AGLC. After Bill 16’s passage, that responsibility for iGaming will be the Justice Minister’s, not the commission’s. “So, anyone who comes to Alberta and invests in our products doesn’t have to share their data with the AGLC or Play Alberta,” Nally added.

Nally has been consulting with First Nations communities including Treaty 6, 7, and 8 First Nations in recent weeks and will continue to meet other reps as well as traditional casino operators and Racing Entertainment Centre operators throughout the summer. He emphasised that Alberta’s gaming market will hold “economic reconciliation” with First Nations close to its heart.

More than half of Alberta iGaming market is unregulated

Recent estimates from market data firm H2 Gambling Capital showed that while AGLC’s Play Alberta site has captured over 45% of the digital gambling market, close to 55% of the market is still held by unregulated sites. That means that more than half of online gaming activity is taking place without AGLC or governmental oversight without privacy and player protection protocols and on sites that do not return any process to the province.

“Numerous gaming providers have existed in Alberta for decades,” acknowledged AGLC VP of Gaming Dan Keene . “The goal has always been to bring safe and regulated options and capture that market share… We fully embrace what the minister is doing. Albertans are already participating, the market is already mature. Let’s regulate and provide those safe tools and put measures and compliance in place to get some rigour behind it and capture those revenues for the province.”

Alberta’s goals similar to Ontario’s

In Ontario, numerous reasons were cited for opening a regulated commercial online gaming market before it ultimately launched in April 2022. The core goal was channelisation; converting as many grey-market players as possible into users of regulated and monitored sites.

Multiple panelists at the Summit concluded that Alberta’s goals are similar, and Nally emphasised that the ultimate goal is an open, competitive, responsibly gambling industry.

Looking at the reports about the Ontario market, it’s clear why Alberta is looking to Ontario. Not only has iGaming Ontario (iGO) reported $2.4 billion in revenue from online gambling in the market’s second year, up 71% from year one, but a Deloitte report released on Wednesday found that Ontario’s regulated iGaming industry has so far generated more than $4 billion in economic value for the province, including raising $2 billion in tax revenue and sustaining nearly 15,000 jobs across gaming and a variety of related industries. iGO Executive Director Martha Otton noted at the Summit on Wednesday that while the gross gaming revenue growth is a big win for the province, “the bigger and better story is what gaming is doing for the broader economy.”

Ostensibly, a similar opportunity awaits for Alberta.

What’s the timeline?

Nally gave no indication of a timeline for Alberta’s regulated iGaming market opening, other than to say he would continue talking with stakeholders this summer.

Various panelists at this week’s Canadian Gaming Summit hinted that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who mandated Nally with the task of reviewing the province’s gaming opportunity, wants to open a regulated iGaming market sooner rather than later. Panelists suggested that a launch before the end of this calendar year is not out of the question, although they preached caution over banking on that timeline.

Svante Sahlström: Ontario launch a real statement of intent for Thunderkick

Ontario has proven to be a real hotbed of activity for quite some time, with Thunderkick the latest studio planting its flag in a Canadian province that represents a maiden North American real money gaming market for the group.

LeoVegas alongside Flutter Entertainment’s PokerStars are the destinations of choice for an initial move that it hoped will both lead to further Ontarian success, in addition to wider expansion across the much larger gaming ecosystem that the continent has to offer.

Speaking to Canadian Gaming Business, Chief Commercial Officer Svante Sahlström plots the course for a series of Thunderkick triumphs within North American, touching on what the launch means, the message sent regarding the ability of independent studios to compete against their larger counterparts, if this opens the door for additional growth and much more. 

Canadian Gaming Business: After gaining a licence to enter the Ontario online gaming space earlier in the year, Thunderkick has now officially kicked off its Canadian experience. What major opportunities does it present? And how do you plan to take advantage of those?

Svante Sahlström: Ontario is a vibrant, well-regulated market and home to some major operators. As such, it presents us with a great opportunity to get our games in front of a whole new audience. 

We’re confident Ontarian slots players will enjoy them and that they will prove to be great additions to the portfolios of our operating partners. 

Furthermore, I think going live in North America is a real statement of intent for a studio like us and shows we have the product and the ambition to take our games to new continents. 

CGB: The company has elected to go live alongside PokerStars and LeoVegas, why was this the case? Why do this pair represent the perfect foundation from which to build?

SS: They don’t come much bigger than PokerStars and LeoVegas, so we’re delighted that they will be our first operator partners. They are known around the world and have established successful operations in Ontario. 

Between them, they give us a great platform to showcase our slots to lots of new players. I think they’ll also put us in the shop window for other operators too. We’re already in conversation with other well-known brands, both large and small, and I’d like to think our presence will open the door to a few more. 

CGB: Are there any specific titles from the Thunderkick back catalogue that you believe could have an impact on the market? Or will you look to deliver more bespoke games in order to make significant headway?

SS: We have a roadmap in place to release the majority of our games portfolio to our Ontario operators, which includes an initial offering of the popular titles 12 Bolts of Thunder, Xterminate, Midas Golden Touch 2, Beat the Beast: Dragon’s Wrath, and Midas Golden Touch Reborn.

These will all be made available to Canadian players within a month of launch. We will then roll out the remainder of our collection month by month, including any new releases. 

It is important that we monitor and analyse individual game data early on, as this will give us an indication of what themes, features, and mechanics resonate with Ontarian players, allowing us to tailor our future approach accordingly.

CGB: What does your entry into the Ontario market say about the ability for independent studios to compete and thrive in newly regulated markets?

SS: I’d like to think it says that we can compete with the big guys. It isn’t always easy maintaining our independent status and we have to be realistic about how far we can push ourselves. New market entries come with a significant financial cost. 

Many studios mitigate that cost with aggregator deals, or by partnering with bigger studios. While there is nothing wrong with that, we like having the ability to control our own destiny. I think it’s also healthy that players don’t always get the same, homogenized content and can experience something different. 

CGB: Do you believe that through opening the door into Ontario, the province could prove to be a gateway for further moves across the country in the years to come? If so, how will you capitalise on this when the time comes?

SS: We aren’t using Ontario as just a stepping stone, as it is a really important market in its own right. But it is the case that it’s our first real money market in North America, and in the longer term, assuming it’s a success, we would like to branch out when we get the opportunity. 

There is talk that other Canadian provinces may legalise soon, and obviously there are states across the border in the US that have issued online casino licences. A few of the operators we’ve partnered with in Ontario hold some of those licences, so there may be some synergies there. 

We’ve also just launched social versions of our games in the US, which will give us the opportunity to do some proper market research. We won’t run before we can walk, but let’s just say we have forward momentum!