Canada
Engine Media’s esports live streaming data expert wins Digital Executive of the Year Award

The co-founder of Engine Media’s esports live streaming and data analytics experts Stream Hatchet – Eduard Montserrat – has scored the Digital Executive of the Year Award at the 2020 Esports Business Summit.
The Tempest Esports Business Awards were revealed virtually this week with Montserrat in the digital executive category with executives from NFL Gaming and Esports, iRacing, Wizards of the Coast, and Super League Gaming.
Montserrat and the team from Stream Hatchet have established the Engine Media company as the industry leader in the measurement of gaming live streaming data across all platforms and provides valuable data insight for esports teams, gaming studios, and major brands invested in gaming.
Montserrat’s nomination was one of three nominations for the Engine Media group. UMG – Engine’s tournament and broadcasting experts – collaborated with FAZE Clan for the Fight2Fund COVID-19 fundraising event earlier this year and was nominated in the Best Amateur/Semi-Pro event while Engine Media’s groundbreaking World’s Fastest Gamer competition and documentary series was nominated in the Esports-themed Program/Documentary (Non-competitive).
“We are extremely proud of Eduard for receiving this prestigious award. It is great recognition for what he and his team have achieved,” Engine Media Executive Chairman Tom Rogers said.
“The data analysis and analytics expertise provided by Stream Hatchet has been invaluable for all our Engine Media brands. The company is now renowned as the industry experts in providing esports teams, game studios, and brands investing in esports with the data and intelligence they need for important business decisioning,” said Co-CEO Lou Schwartz.
Held virtually this year, the Esports Business Summit brings together esports executive management, streaming companies, teams and leagues, venues, sponsorship managers, game publishers and more over a three-day virtual conference.
Prominent industry leaders presented at the conference included the gaming studios behind Valorant, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and NBA 2K, plus key industry leaders Twitch, PepsiCo, Electronic Arts, Turner Sports, NASCAR, Norton and Stream Hatchet.
Director of Strategic Partnerships Bobby Baird and Chief Revenue Officer Jake Phillips showcased Stream Hatchet’s expertise with a presentation at the Esports Business Summit entitled “Measuring the global esports footprint through COVID with Stream Hatchet.”
SOURCE Engine Media Holdings, Inc.
Canada
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
Canada
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
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