Latest News
Sports Betting Related Requests for Help Headline 2023 Problem Gambling Awareness Month Annual Report

In the first month of legalized sports betting, calls to Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline increased 227% from January 2022 to January 2023, according to an Ohio for Responsible Gambling report released in tandem with Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March.
In 2022, the number of calls to Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline increased for the sixth consecutive year. The report also has initial data from the first month of legalized sports betting in January 2023. Key findings include:
- A 135% increase in helpline calls from December of 2022 (the last month prior to legalization) vs. January 2023, the first month of legalized sports betting.
- Warm transfer line calls connecting gamblers in need of additional support increased 66% from December 2022 to January 2023.
- Total chats increased 45% from December 2022 to January 2023.
“We knew the numbers were going to increase. While Ohio’s increase in calls for help matches other states that recently legalized sports betting, it’s still a wake-up call for people to take notice,” said Derek Longmeier, Executive Director, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio.
Longmeier said Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline received an average of about 48 calls per day in January 2023 compared to 20 calls per day the month before. Many who are seeking help have started gambling in the last year. He added that the age of callers is getting younger, with 18-34 being the fastest-growing age range of callers.
“Technology lets anyone bet anywhere with cell phone reception. The ability to place multiple bets in real-time with no safeguards can quickly lead to catastrophic losses,” said Amanda Blackford, Director of Operations and Problem Gambling Services, Ohio Casino Control Commission.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Blackford said that while most Ohioans gamble responsibly, she said a 2017 study found individuals wagering on sports had the highest rates of being at risk for developing a problem with gambling.
To educate Ohioans on safe sports betting, Ohio for Responsible Gambling launched Pause Before You Play in late 2022. A sub-set of Get Set Before You Bet, an award-winning problem gambling education effort from Ohio for Responsible Gambling, the Pause Before You Play campaign focuses on responsible play and the nuances of sports betting that can pose problems.
Canada
NetGaming Goes Live in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive via BetRivers Platform

NetGaming, a fast-growing online casino content supplier, is proud to announce its launch in Ontario with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a leading online casino and sports betting company in the United States, Canada and Latin America. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for NetGaming as it continues to expand its footprint across regulated North American markets.
As part of the launch, Ontario players on BetRivers can now enjoy a diverse portfolio of NetGaming titles, known for their high-quality graphics, immersive gameplay, and unique themes. Standout games such as Zeus’s Thunderbolt, Bison Gold, and Fireball Inferno are among the first to go live, with additional titles set to follow soon.
This partnership is just the beginning. NetGaming plans to extend its collaboration with Rush Street Interactive into Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Mexico over the coming months.
Pallavi Deshmukh, CEO of NetGaming, commented: “We are thrilled to go live with Rush Street Interactive, a powerhouse operator with a strong presence and loyal player base. This launch marks a significant milestone in our
North American expansion strategy and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences tailored to local player preferences across the region.”
Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, commented: “We are pleased to partner with NetGaming to bring innovative, premium games to our players in Ontario. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to offer world-class
entertainment through engaging, action-packed online casino games. We look forward to expanding this partnership into additional regulated markets in the months ahead.”
This strategic partnership highlights both companies’ dedication to providing high- quality, innovative, and responsible entertainment to players in regulated markets.
Compliance Updates
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) Selects New Board Chair

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) has announced Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, as its new Board Chair for SIGA’s Board of Directors.
SIGA is a non-profit First Nation gaming operator for seven land-based casinos and the online gaming platform PlayNow.com in Saskatchewan.
Chief Cook-Searson first joined SIGA’s Board of Directors in 2018 and has been a regular SIGA Board member as well as a member of SIGA’s Audit & Finance Committee.
She is serving in her 20th year as Chief of Lac La Ronge Indian Band and has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a graduate diploma in management from Athabasca University. She also holds honorary degrees from the University of Regina, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Chief Cook-Searson replaces outgoing Board Chair former Chief of Muskowekwan First Nation Reginald Bellerose, who has held the Board Chair position since February 4, 2015.
Latest News
SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Applift

SCCG Management has announced a strategic partnership with Applift, the world’s top performance App Store Optimization (ASO) agency. This partnership will introduce Applift’s proprietary ASO technology and advanced growth strategies to gaming companies worldwide, leveraging SCCG’s unmatched distribution capabilities and expansive gaming ecosystem of 120+ client partners.
Applift has earned a reputation as the gold standard in app growth by delivering data-driven ASO strategies powered by proprietary AI tools and the most comprehensive keyword intelligence system in the industry. Their work drives top keyword rankings, scalable user acquisition, and real business impact – increasing FTDs, improving retention, and maximizing LTV for some of the world’s most successful gaming, finance, utility, and AI apps.
Through this partnership, SCCG will activate its global network — with offices in every major gaming market across North America, LATAM, Europe, Africa, and Asia — to bring Applift’s breakthrough ASO technology to gambling companies seeking to scale user acquisition, boost visibility, and outperform the competition in app stores.
“At SCCG, we identify and scale the technologies that shape the future of gambling,” said Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management.
“Applift’s ASO platform is a game-changer. Our partnership gives gaming companies a proven solution to turn mobile visibility into performance at scale — and our global presence ensures the right operators and platforms benefit from this innovation.”
“At Applift, we’ve helped top gaming apps dominate the app stores, turning visibility into performance and installs into high-value users — all through our unmatched ASO technology and data-driven approach. Partnering with SCCG is a natural step forward. Their strategic footprint in the gaming world perfectly complements our ability to scale app growth at the highest level. Together, we’re not just optimizing – we’re redefining how gaming brands win in the app stores. I couldn’t be more confident in what we’ll achieve,” said Bar Nakash, CEO of Applift.
-
Latest News6 days ago
Betano Teams up with FIFA as Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ for South America
-
Canada6 days ago
Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario
-
Latest News6 days ago
PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE NAMES FANDUEL AS OFFICIAL U.S. SPORTS BETTING PARTNER
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
BETBY ACHIEVES GLI CERTIFICATION FOR PERU, EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT IN LATIN AMERICA’S REGULATED MARKETS
-
Canada5 days ago
SkillOnNet Unleashes Thunderkick Games with New Operators in Ontario Market
-
Latest News5 days ago
IGT PlaySports Continues Partnership with Boyd Gaming in Nevada via New Three-year Technology Agreement
-
Latest News5 days ago
EveryMatrix enters US content aggregation deal with Delaware North
-
Canada4 days ago
What’s next for online gambling in Canada?