Canada
CGA: Optimism and Opportunity in 2021
We all agree that 2020 was a year that we want to put firmly behind us. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extraordinary impact on our business, communities and families. In these early months of 2021, the impacts of the pandemic continue be present and real for those still impacted by closures, but there is a sense of optimism and hope for the year ahead.
2021 will be a pivotal year for the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) as we continue to work with both federal and provincial governments to ensure the best outcome possible for our industry as it recovers from COVID-19.
The association’s advocacy efforts will be primarily focused on sports betting and the development of iGaming regulatory model in Ontario. The CGA will continue to support Bill C-13, the federal single-event sports wagering bill, as it moves through the House to the Senate, and will provide assistance as provincial regulators decide how to best to develop their sports wagering regulatory models. Coinciding with these efforts will be the CGA’s involvement in the consultations on Ontario’s iGaming model, the CGA continue to work with the AGCO and the government of Ontario as they move ahead with a licensing model to make iGaming a reality in the province.
CGA Academy
We have launched a new training and development program called the CGA Academy in partnership with iGaming Academy. Member and industry offers are coming soon and in the meantime, you can find more information on the CGA Academy microsite.
New Members
Our membership is growing! We are thrilled to welcome Bet Regal and Kambi to the Canadian Gaming Association. If you are interested in joining the CGA, information and application forms are available here.
Sports Betting Update
Sports betting will be a key priority for the CGA throughout 2021 as it will be a powerful tool to help the industry emerge from the impacts of COVID-19. Bill C-218, the Private Member’s Bill brought forward by Kevin Waugh, MP for Saskatoon-Grasswood, had its second reading and debate on February 5 and again benefited from all-party support. The second reading vote will be held on February 17, which will approve the bill’s referral to the House of Commons Justice Committee for hearings.
Bill C-13, the government bill, is due to have its second reading and debate on February 19.
Paul Burns, President & CEO, CGA, and Mr. Waugh were quoted in an article in the Financial Post on how Canada has never been closer to legalizing single-event sports betting.
We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the two bills.
Regulatory Innovation Committee Moving On to Sport and Event Wagering Standards
The CGA’s Regulatory Innovation Committee developed regulatory standards for cashless wagering (Standards for Cashless Systems) in land-based Canadian casinos in 2020, which are now available for implementation across Canada. A copy of the standards can be dowloaded on our website. The committee has moved on to sport and event wagering standards in anticipation of the legalization of single-event sports wagering.
Given that only parlay-style wagers are legal in Canada, there is a need to address issues that will be specific to the implementation of sport and event wagering standards such as match fixing/integrity of data, sharing data across jurisdictional lines, and marketing and the offering of odds. The committee will be working to develop statements to append to GLI-33, which most provinces will be adopting in the months to come.
The committee includes a cross section of gaming industry representatives working with provincial gaming regulators and subject matter experts.
Congratulations!
CGA board member Dean Ehrlich, Executive Vice President and Games Business Leader, Everi, was named one of Global Gaming Business magazine’s 25 People to Watch.
Claire Copeland, former Chair of the CGA’s Board of Directors and former CEO of Falls Management, was awarded the Order of Ontario for his business leadership contributions to Ontario.
Canada
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
Canada
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. announced that PDG has closed the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria from Great Canadian, in historic transactions for both parties. PDG is a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (the “Nation”) and is dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.
The transactions, originally announced on June 24, 2024, for Casino Nanaimo and September 10, 2024, for Elements Casino Victoria, have received all required approvals from the regulatory authorities.
“We are thrilled to have completed these transactions. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our corporate team, our on-site teams at both properties, and PDG to achieve this successful closing. I am grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone at the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, who were thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in facilitating these closings,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
“We look forward to working closely with PDG during the transition period to support the continued successful operation of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria,” Anfinson added.
“We celebrate the closing of our two casino acquisitions and our continued progress toward building a strong Snuneymuxw economy. For decades, Snuneymuxw leadership has worked tirelessly toward this moment, recognizing the connection between a strong economy, self-determination, and the foundation of nationhood. Today, we honour the achievements of those who came before us by securing businesses that will strengthen our Nation for generations to come. Thank you to the PDG and Great Canadian teams for your exceptional work. We look forward to a rewarding partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation, driving economic growth for the Nation and Province,” said Chief Mike Wyse.
Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG, said: “This measured acquisition marks an important milestone for PDG as we continue growing a corporate enterprise that reinvests directly into the prosperity of our Nation. With a strong operating plan focused on risk mitigation and yielding sizable returns, PDG continues to generate sustainable wealth for Snuneymuxw. With every step we are realizing our socio-economic potential and influence at a local, national, and global level. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing economic growth in support of all residents connected to Snuneymuxw territory.”
“Acquiring these assets marks a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw and Vancouver Island. This transition will fuel the Island’s economy, strengthening the Snuneymuxw Nation and ensuring the benefits stay local,” said Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
Canada
Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay
The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys.
In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring, and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are thrilled to have PowerPlay on board for our inaugural season with such a comprehensive partnership agreement. Their investment with the Black Bears represents a foundational agreement for our lacrosse club. And we’re proud to wear their logo alongside ours as we launch our franchise,” said Chelsea McDermott, Vice President of Business Operations for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are excited to bring PowerPlay’s bold, community-driven spirit to Ottawa-Gatineau, partnering with the Black Bears as they establish themselves as a force in lacrosse. This partnership celebrates a sport deeply tied to Canada’s heritage and competitive energy. Together, we’ll ignite passion, energize fans, and deliver excitement all season long,” said Thomas Vermeulen, Marketing Director for PowerPlay.
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