Canada
Kahnawake challenging Ontario on iGaming
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has launched a constitutional challenge against iGaming Ontario and the Attorney General of Ontario over the provincial government’s unilateral changes to the way gaming is managed.
It says the changes are illegal and unconstitutional and is contesting Ontario’s re-interpretation of Section 207 (1) of the Criminal Code, which permits provinces to regulate single-event sports betting. MCK’s legal challenge asserts that iGaming Ontario is not “conducting or managing” the gaming that takes place on private operators’ sites. Instead, iGaming is allowing operators to conduct and manage themselves, subject to the payment of a portion of their revenues to Ontario.
MCK has facilitated, conducted, and safely regulated gaming activities on behalf of the Mohawks of Kahnawake for decades, and says this new regime ignores their expertise in the gaming sector, and will result in the loss of significant revenue to the community of Kahnawake.
The Notice of Application was filed in the Ontario Superior Court. Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP is representing MCK.
MCK was a vocal opponent of C-218, the bill that became the legislation that changed the iGaming/sports betting landscape to the detriment of Indigenous People. The bill became law in June 2021, and opened the door to Ontario re-interpreting the management of the gaming sector.
As a result, in April 2022, iGaming Ontario (a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) was able to launch its iGaming Framework, which includes single-event sports wagering and relies exclusively on private operators.
The MCK is concerned the Framework disregards the expertise and the rights of First Nations to operate and regulate safe and responsible gaming.
For the past 25 years, the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission has provided players with access to safe, well regulated, and responsible gaming. The MCK previously operated in Ontario through its wholly owned subsidiary, Mohawk Online Limited, but is not submitting to this new framework.
Consequently, it is being shut out of the Ontario market because of its unwillingness to participate.
“The plain facts are that Ontario’s actions are causing a significant loss of important revenues for our community. Until these actions were taken, we were operating legally, safely and successfully across Canada. To be shut out of Ontario – by far the largest province in Canada – will have devastating effects on a source of income that has supplemented programs and services in our community for the last two decades,” Ratsenhaienhs (elected Council Chief) Mike Delisle Jr.
Canada
Wazdan enters its next Canadian province with Loto‑Québec integration
Wazdan, the inventive developer of thrilling casino games, has introduced its portfolio to Loto-Québec through Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform, marking its premiere in the Canadian province.
This achievement underscores the provider’s dedication to the North American market, highlighting its ongoing expansion efforts in the region.
Players in Québec can now access Wazdan’s top-performing titles on the crown corporation’s online gaming platform, lotoquebec.com. Among these are beloved games like 9 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition, 9 Coins™ 1000 Edition, Hot Slot™: 777 Crown, Magic Spins™, and Hot Slot™: Mystery Jackpot Joker.
Through this integration, Wazdan brings its engagement-boosting features such as Hold the Jackpot™, Cash Infinity™, Collect to Infinity™, and customisable Volatility Levels™ to an even broader audience in Québec.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan said: “With our sights firmly set on North American expansion, our market entry in Québec is a momentous occasion for Wazdan as we continue to bring innovative experiences to more players than ever before.
“Wazdan and Loto-Québec have a shared vision for delivering fresh content that puts users at the heart and we have no doubt our games will be received with tremendous success by their players.”
François Hardy, Product and Innovation Director at Loto‑Québec added: “As the sole iGaming operator in Québec, we pride ourselves on offering titles that truly add value to our platform. We are happy to bring Wazdan’s games to our players.”
Canada
BMM Testlabs Promotes Jean Corriveau to Senior Vice President of Global Quality Assurance and BMM Canada Regional Executive
Longtime BMM QA leader named to oversee Companyߣs largest testlab.
BMM Testlabs (BMM or the Company), the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and certification services, today announced the promotion of Jean Corriveau to Senior Vice President of Global Quality Assurance and BMM Canada Regional Executive.
In this expanded role, Corriveau will oversee the Companyߣs global product quality assurance efforts, ensuring high standards of excellence across all BMM operations. Additionally, as the BMM Canada Regional Executive, Corriveau will spearhead BMMߣs global product QA strategic initiatives to drive growth, innovation, and excellence.
Corriveau’s 23-year trajectory in the gaming industry underscores his expertise and adaptability. His journey began as a software developer, from which he quickly advanced to Business Development Manager at BMM. He continued his upward trajectory when he became the Vice President of Quality Operations for BMM’s largest global lab based in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
BMM Innovation Group Chief Operations Officer Kara Matthew said, “With Jean at the helm, BMM Moncton transformed into a premier global QA center of excellence, showcasing his skill in driving growth and innovation. Weߣre thrilled to see Jean continue to advance and take ownership of our global QA services.”
Corriveau said, “I am excited to step into the role of Senior Vice President of Global QA and BMM Canada Regional Executive at BMM, especially with the opportunity to lead such an outstanding team. I am focused on surpassing client expectations through our quality, velocity, reliability, innovation, and customer-centricity.”
Canada
Ellipse Entertainment Enters Geolocation Partnership with GeoLocs
mkodo Limited (mkodo) is proud to announce that it has partnered with United Kingdom-based casino operator Ellipse Entertainment. Ellipse Entertainment has chosen mkodo’s advanced geolocation verification service, GeoLocs, to enhance its iGaming operations in Ontario, Canada.
Ellipse Entertainment has seamlessly integrated GeoLocs’ specialised iGaming geolocation platform into its High Flyer Casino brand. This integration will provide a safe, secure and fraud-free environment for its players across Ontario that meets and exceeds the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (AGCO) regulations and requirements.
GeoLocs is a leading geolocation verification service, one of the largest in the Ontario region, specialising in North America’s regulated sports betting and iGaming markets. The platform was built specifically to support iGaming operators, ensuring they are operating in licenced jurisdictions and guaranteeing that they are providing responsible gaming to their customers.
Through this partnership, GeoLocs will bring its cutting-edge solution to Ellipse Entertainment’s High Flyer Casino brand, addressing unique challenges faced by iGaming operators through a swift and smooth integration process. Ellipse Entertainment will benefit from GeoLocs’ support in enhancing compliance strategies, optimising revenue opportunities and meeting regulatory standards. Additionally, users will experience a seamless journey, eliminating the need for additional downloads or companion apps.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Ellipse Entertainment in Ontario introducing GeoLocs to enhance its iGaming operations,” the Managing Director for mkodo, Stuart Godfree, said. “Our partnership supports Ellipse Entertainment’s High Flyer Casino brand, ensuring a secure and seamless geolocation verification experience for players across Ontario.”
“GeoLocs has been the ideal solution for our geolocation verification needs in Ontario,” the Director for Ellipse Entertainment, Andy McDowall, said. “The platform’s advanced technology and expertise, tailored for iGaming operators, align perfectly with our commitment to responsible gaming. Teaming up with mkodo and its GeoLocs service allows Ellipse Entertainment to provide High Flyer Casino players with a compliant and enjoyable online gaming experience.”
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