Pioneering iGaming technology company becomes the latest member of North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries trade group, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the lottery sector through innovative digital solutions

Bede Gaming, the data-driven iGaming technology provider known for its market leading software and full-service platform solutions, announced this month that it has officially joined the prestigious North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries trade group as an Associate Member.

NASPL is the largest trade association in the lottery space, representing 53 state and provincial lottery members throughout North America. The group plays a pivotal role in advocating for lottery organisations on matters of general policy and best practice, while also leveraging collaboration, communication, education, and information for the betterment of the industry.

“NASPL is pleased to have Bede Gaming as our newest Associate Member Partner; we look forward to collaborating this year and beyond with the goal of strengthening our industry.” Jake Coy, Director of Partner Relations, NASPL.

Reflecting on the company’s new NASPL membership, Colin Cole-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bede Gaming, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be joining NASPL as an Associate Member. As a company that’s passionate about supporting lottery customers in achieving their digital transformation goals, this membership provides an opportunity for us to further demonstrate our capabilities and do so in alignment with the highest industry standards.

“Bede is looking forward to working closely with NASPL members and partners to learn about the challenges that they face. Our goal is to explore how our pioneering platform technology can best support their needs, while also contributing to the broader advancement of the lottery industry.”

The NASPL ’25 Annual Conference and Tradeshow this month presents the first opportunity for Bede to do precisely that, with many NASPL members attending, including event host and current Bede partner, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

As existing members of both the World Lottery Association and European Lotteries, Bede holds a strong commitment to supporting the future of the industry through innovative digital solutions. In the North American market, this is exemplified by the company’s ongoing successful partnership with OLG, which was a key factor in the decision to pursue NASPL membership and a move that was wholeheartedly supported by the provincial lottery.

“Bede has been a trusted partner to OLG for five years, providing us with innovative products and technical solutions that continue to enhance the digital lottery experience for our players in Ontario,” confirmed Andrew Darley, VP of iCasino and iLottery at OLG. “We were happy to recommend them for this esteemed membership and believe that by joining NASPL, they’ll now have the perfect platform to showcase how their expertise can assist the industry going forward.”

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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.”

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The Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department” or “ADG”) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the United Kingdom, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the ‘Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,’ currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to ‘Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home.’

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”

Why This Operation Is Illegal

Arizona law prohibits gambling unless it is specifically authorized (A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 33). There is no exception for so-called “sweepstakes.” Raffles may only be conducted by Arizona charitable, tax-exempt organizations (A.R.S. § 13-3302(B) & (C)), and personal profit is prohibited. Only individuals 21 years of age or older may legally participate in gambling in Arizona.

Because this operation is accessible to users under the age of 21, is conducted for personal gain, and is not conducted by a qualified nonprofit, it violates Arizona law. Additional potential felony violations include:

• Promotion of Gambling – A.R.S. § 13-3303
• Illegal Control of an Enterprise – A.R.S. § 13-2312
• Money Laundering – A.R.S. § 13-2317

Furthermore, foreign-based platforms, such as Raffall, do not adhere to Arizona or U.S. gambling laws, leaving consumers without essential protections.

Consumer Protection Advisory

As illegal online gambling activity continues to rise, the Department urges all residents and visitors to be cautious when participating in gaming, whether online or in-person. Regulated gaming provides important consumer protections, ensuring fair play and fair drawings, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.

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If you purchased entries in this illegal gambling operation:

• Stop participating immediately and do not buy additional entries.
• Contactyourbank or credit card company to dispute the charges or request a chargeback. Your financial institution is the best avenue for seeking a refund.
• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
• IdentityTheft.gov (English)
• RobodeIdentidad.gov (Spanish)

Important: The Department cannot assist with refund requests or individual disputes against unlicensed platforms. Consumers must work through their financial institutions to protect themselves and/or retain legal counsel. They may also file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.