Connect with us

Canada

Braingrid Limited Announces Proposed Change of Business to an Investment Company and Proposed Name Change

Published

on

TORONTO – Braingrid Limited (CSE: BGRD) (“Braingrid” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it will be pursuing a change of business to an investment company (the “Proposed COB”) under the rules of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”).

After an evaluation of the Company’s existing resources and a review of strategic options available to the Company, the Company determined to refocus its business operations from a “technology issuer” to an “investment issuer”. The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) believes that its network of business contacts, the depth of experience of its management team and its overall entrepreneurial approach will enable it to identify and capitalize upon investment opportunities as an investment issuer.

It is anticipated that the Company’s name will be changed to “Tony G Co-Investment Holdings Ltd.” in conjunction with the completion of the Proposed COB. Although Antanas Guoga (commonly known as “Tony G”) has consented to the use of the name “Tony G Co-Investment Holdings Ltd.” by the Company, Tony G is not currently part of the Board or management of the Company and will not be appointed to the Board or management following the completion of the Proposed COB. In contrast, the new name reflects the intention of the Company to direct its investments towards companies in which Tony G has a significant equity interest and/or in which Tony G played a material role in developing the business.

In accordance with the policies of the CSE, trading in the shares of Braingrid have been halted pending review and approval by the CSE of the Proposed COB. The Company plans to shut down or dispose of its current assets in connection with the Proposed COB.

The completion of the Proposed COB is subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including without limitation shareholder and CSE approval of the Proposed COB.

New Objective

In connection with the Proposed COB, the Company intends to adopt an investment policy (the “Investment Policy”) to govern its investment activities and investment strategy. A summary of the material terms of the Investment Policy will be disclosed in due course and, upon the completion of the Proposed COB, a copy of the Investment Policy will be posted on the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com.

As an investment issuer, the Company will look at multiple investment opportunities, with a particular focus on the blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, payment processing services, syndicated credit opportunities, online commerce and online gambling industries, as well as ancillary industries thereto. The Company will maintain a flexible position with respect to the form of investment taken and may employ a wide range of investment instruments. The Company may take an active role in management of its investee companies where its experience and contacts would be beneficial.

Cryptonews Investment

In connection with the Proposed COB, the Company has entered into a letter of intent on November 30, 2020 with all of the shareholders of News 3.0 Limited (“Cryptonews”), pursuant to which the Company shall purchase 51,000 shares of Cryptonews (representing a 51% interest) from existing shareholders for an aggregate purchase price of $3,600,000, payable by way of the issuance of a new class of preferred shares (the “Preferred Shares”) of the Company to be designated as Series “1” Preferred Shares (the “Cryptonews Investment”).

Cryptonews is a crypto-focused online media outlet that delivers original international news coverage on digital assets, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and related content, including, but not limited to, market information, research, educational guides, product reviews, expert opinions, videos, and events. The key addressable audience includes cryptocurrency investors, enthusiasts, traders, industry professionals, and the general public interested in learning more about blockchain, investing, trading, and digital asset technologies. Cryptonews delivers content in English, French, Russian, German, Italian, Dutch, Persian (Farsi), Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish languages with the aim to expand its coverage to more local markets. Cryptonews’ current main revenue streams include the sale of advertisements, affiliate deals, and sponsored content such as press releases, sponsored articles, guides, reviews, and community events.

The completion of the Cryptonews Investment is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to shareholder and CSE approval of the Proposed COB.

Tony G is contemplated to remain a substantial shareholder of Cryptonews following the completion of the Cryptonews Investment. Tony G is a founding shareholder of Cryptonews and has played an active role in the development of its business.

Sportsclothes Investment

The Company has also entered into a letter of intent with a shareholder of Sportsclothes UAB (“Sportsclothes”) on November 29, 2020, pursuant to which the Company shall purchase shares of Sportsclothes (the “Sportsclothes Shares”) representing 20% of the issued and outstanding Sportsclothes Shares, for an aggregate purchase price of EUR 1,400,000 (One Million, Four Hundred Thousand Euros) (the “Sportsclothes Investment”). The purchase price will be payable by way of the issuance of Preferred Shares.

Sportsclothes is a Lithuanian online retailer of high-end basketball, leisure, football and tennis shoes, clothing and accessories. Sportsclothes has one wholly-owned subsidiary, Krepsininkams, UAB, a private company incorporated under the laws of Lithuania. Sportsclothes’ sales are placed through Amazon and eBay to customers in the United States and the European Union, and through its websites use https://shop.lympo.com/ and https://www.sil.lt/. Sportsclothes also maintains one physical store location in Kaunas, Lithuania. Sportsclothes’ integrated and unique e-commerce platform allows Sportsclothes to manage real time large amounts of products between different sales platforms, including Amazon, Ebay, its own retail shop and other websites.

Key distributors of Sportsclothes include Nike/Jordan, Adidas, Reebok, Puma and New Balance. As Sportsclothes has a fully automated warehouse and excellent relationships with top international couriers, Sportsclothes has the ability to deliver parcels to customers in Europe and the United States within two to three days of purchase orders. Sportsclothes has integrated and intends to expand integration via Paypal solution cryptocurrency technology into its websites and other sales channels allowing its customers to pay for products using various forms of cryptocurrencies.

The completion of the Sportsclothes Investment is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to shareholder and CSE approval of the Proposed COB.

Tony G is contemplated to remain a substantial shareholder of Sportsclothes following the completion of the Sportsclothes Investment. Tony G is a founding shareholder of Sportsclothes and has played an active role in the development of its business.

Board and Management

In connection with the Proposed COB, it is anticipated that Andrew Parks will resign as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Gediminas Klepackas will be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and a director. Douglas Harris will remain as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Andrew Parks, Ronald McKenna and Gregory Pepin will continue to act as directors.

Gediminas Klepackas is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Cryptonews. Mr. Klepackas is a professional manager with over 10 years of experience in international affiliate marketing. Out of those, he spent 8 years at Pokernews, helping with the expansion of franchise partners and managing the entire Lithuanian operations company. Aside from that, he has two years of experience in active sales within the fintech sector. He became immersed in the crypto market in early 2018 when he became Chief Operating Officer at Blockchain Centre Vilnius. For the past 2.5 years, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of Cryptonews and has grown it into a top 10 cryptocurrency news website globally.

Canada

SCCG Management Signs Contract with British Columbia Lottery Corporation

Published

on

 

SCCG Management has signed a contract with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the B.C. Crown corporation which conducts and manages commercial gambling in the province, including lotteries, casinos, and online gaming. This partnership aims to undertake a comprehensive assessment and strategic enhancement of BCLC’s diverse operations.

The work between SCCG and BCLC will involve a thorough review of technological infrastructures, strategic market positioning, and the integration of various gaming modalities. SCCG’s extensive expertise will be pivotal in harmonizing BCLC’s online and physical gaming experiences.

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “Our collaboration with BCLC represents a remarkable opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation within the gaming industry. We are committed to deploying our resources and expertise to enhance BCLC’s operational efficiencies and customer engagement strategies. It’s an honor to partner with an organization that has a robust impact on the community through its support of public initiatives.”

Continue Reading

Canada

AGCO Requires Ontario Gaming Operators to Stop Offering WBA Bets Due to Integrity Concerns

Published

on

 

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has mandated all Ontario-registered sportsbook operators to halt offering and accepting wagers on World Boxing Association (WBA) events immediately. This measure is being taken to protect the Ontario betting public following concerns that WBA-sanctioned boxing matches are not adequately being safeguarded against match-fixing and insider betting.

Since December 2023, the AGCO has been conducting a comprehensive review of suspicious wagering activity on a WBA-sanctioned title fight between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro that was held in Orlando, Florida. Suspicious betting patterns on the bout lasting over 5.5 rounds were reported to the AGCO by two registered independent integrity monitors and detected in Ontario by a registered igaming operator. Media reports also alleged that Tellez’s Manager placed $110,000 on the match lasting longer than 5.5 rounds at a Florida casino. The bout ended with Tellez knocking out Navarro in the 10th round.

Following an intensive review that included outreach to the WBA, Ontario-registered gaming operators, independent integrity monitors, and regulators in other jurisdictions, the AGCO has concluded that bets related to WBA events do not currently meet the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

The AGCO requires all Ontario-registered gaming operators to ensure the sport betting products they offer are on events that are effectively supervised by a sport governing body. At a minimum, the sport governing body must have and enforce codes of conduct that prohibit betting by insiders.

Registered gaming operators were unable to demonstrate to the AGCO that the WBA prohibits betting from insiders, which could include an athlete’s coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, medical professionals, or others with access to non-public information. Further, registered gaming operators were unable to demonstrate that the WBA took any action to investigate or enforce the allegations of potential match-fixing and insider wagering.

The AGCO has indicated to registered operators that in order for WBA betting products to be reinstated in Ontario, operators must demonstrate that the WBA effectively supervises its events, thus bringing them into compliance with the Registrar’s Standards. In December 2022, the AGCO required gaming operators to stop offering bets on UFC events for similar issues related to insider betting safeguards. Within a month, UFC amended its policies and implemented new protocols that allowed the AGCO to reinstate betting on UFC events in the province.

“Ontarians who wish to bet on sporting events need to be confident that those events are fairly run, and that clear integrity safeguards are in place and enforced by an effective sport governing body. Knowing the popularity of boxing in Ontario, we look forward to reinstating betting on WBA events once appropriate safeguards against possible match-fixing and insider betting have been confirmed,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of AGCO, said.

Continue Reading

Canada

GiG increases Ontario market presence, powering the launch of Casino Time

Published

on

GiG increases Ontario market presence, powering the launch of Casino Time

 

Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG), has announced the launch of Casino Time, powered by its award winning iGaming platform and pioneering real-time rules engine LogicX, with revolutionary sportsbook, SportX soon to follow, to further extend its footprint in the regulated Canadian province of Ontario.

The launch of Casino Time carries extra significance, marking only the second time that on-demand, regulated online Bingo has been made available in Ontario. The new Bingo product vertical, launched alongside a strong Casino offering, will be boosted by GiG’s new sportsbook, SportX, as part of a planned release later this year.

GiG has focused its solutions on driving exponential growth in revenue for operators with its highly scalable iGaming platform, offering localised third party content and leading suppliers for the Ontarian market. GiGs peerless gamification layer creates an optimised and immersive casino experience tailored to regional preferences, swelling client retention and player engagement.

Canadian owned and operated, Casino Time is a joint venture amongst leading retail operators in Ontario’s Charitable Gaming sector, delivering Bingo, Slots and Live Dealer Casino Games. Promising a personalised service and community experience, Casino Time is continuing its long-standing partnership with local charities, introducing its joint fundraising model into the iGaming space for the first time.

Now coming towards the end of its second year of licensed operations, Ontario has emerged as one of the largest iGaming markets in North America, second only to New Jersey according to data supplied by Vixio. The first and as yet only Canadian province to launch a regulated market, Ontario boasts more than 1.6 million active player accounts spread over 40 plus operators, generating €1.3 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in its first year of trading, with this data supplied by iGaming Ontario.

Andrew Cochrane, Chief Business Officer of GiG, said: GiG continues to set the pace with a strong cadence of brand launches in 2024, and I’m pleased that when operators are seeking platform solutions in regulated markets, GiG is leading the pack. Our partnership with Casino Time, will help deliver something new and exciting to the Ontarian market, and further helps to demonstrate the flexibility of our solutions, adapting to match the regional aspirations of our partners to deliver growth.

D’Arcy Stuart, CEO of Casino Time, said: “We are thrilled to partner with GiG as the core technology provider of our iGaming platform. Their powerful suite of player engagement tools, as well as diverse content and regulatory integrations, underpin our ability to serve and delight our player community. Our hybrid online and offline customer network, as well as unique bingo offerings, will drive exciting opportunities as the platform and the marketplace continues to grow.”

Continue Reading

Trending

GamingAmericas.com (part of HIPTHER) is your one-stop portal for the latest news, insights, and analyses in the gaming industry across the Americas. From legislative updates and market trends to interviews with industry leaders, we provide a comprehensive look at the dynamic landscape of both online and land-based gaming. Whether you're a stakeholder looking to stay ahead of the curve or a gaming enthusiast eager for reliable updates, GamingAmericas.com has got you covered. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content. Make informed decisions and stay ahead in the game with GamingAmericas.com.

Disclaimer: All the information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always check your local laws before participating in any gaming activities.

Copyright © 2018 – 2024, HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved.