Canada
Canadian Gaming Summit 2023 Announces ‘Sports Betting’ Conference Track
The 26th edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit, the country’s premier gaming and betting event, is swiftly approaching and alongside coveted speakers, panels and a lively exhibition floor, attendees will be given the opportunity to discuss the state of sports betting in the stimulating ‘Sports Betting’ conference track.
The ‘Sports Betting’ conference track will be taking place on Wednesday, June 14th, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto. Across the day attendees will have access to a variety of thought-provoking and informative panels on topics such as how operators’ relationship with regulatory bodies can ensure integrity in sports betting, the place of operator-led media organizations in the Canadian market and how operators can leverage content, creative and influencers to build brand equity.
Opening the conference track is the panel ‘Sports betting across Canada: navigating the patchwork of a provincial rollout’, which will analyze the impact of legalized single-event sports betting in Canada.
The panelists include Doug Hood (Project Director Gaming Modernization, AGCO), Bruce Caughill (Managing Director Canada, Rush Street Interactive) and Mike Maodus (Associate, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP). The panel will be moderated by Salim Adatia (Vice-President, Gaming Labs International) and will comment on the variety of models provinces can adopt, such as attracting third-party operators and optimizing current offerings.
The eagerly awaited panel ‘Partner and play: collaboration between Canadian teams, leagues and sportsbooks’, will study how open major sports leagues and teams are to collaborating with operators.
The panel will include expert analysis from Owen Welsh (Associate Vice-President Sports Betting, Gaming and Innovation, Canadian Football League), Andrew Stokes (Senior Director Global Partnership Group, Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment), Aubrey Levy (Senior Vice-President Content and Marketing, TheScore) and Kuljeet Sindhar (Associate Vice-President, International Gaming and Data Ventures, NBA). The panel will examine the successful partnerships already established between teams and sportsbooks, the potential regulatory roadblocks that they can present and sports leagues yet to be explored.
The final panel of the conference track is the ‘eSports betting in Canada: investing, reducing friction and opening up a new audience’, which will explore the potentially huge untapped source of fans and revenue that is the burgeoning world of eSports.
The panel will consist of industry experts Melanie Penner (Founder, Manitoba Esports Association), Alex Igelman (Chief Executive Officer, Esports Entertainment), Daniel Sanders (Director of Marketing, Luckbox) and Alex Kozachenko (Chief Product Officer, Data Be) and will be moderated by Ng Hai (Integrity Ambassador, ESIC). The panel will discuss the number of successful Canadian eSports teams and analyze the challenges of entering the currently unrecognized market, how companies can invest in eSports teams and how operators can reduce friction between the converging worlds.
Alongside the ‘Sports Betting’ track, attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to attend specialist-led panels from a further nine tracks including leaders, landscape, iGaming and many more across the three-day event.
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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