Canada
The 2021 Numbers are in! The World Series of Poker is Back in a Big Way

Following over two years without live-action play, 6650 players from around the world flocked to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the return of the legendary 52nd annual World Series of Poker Main Event.
The Main Event brings about big winnings, with each player making the final table guaranteed at least $1,000,000 and the first-place world champion walking away with $8,000,000. With the return of in-person play and the easing of international travel restrictions, week six of the WSOP delivered on excitement with poker legend Doyle Brunson, a surprise appearance by Main Event champion alum Chris Moneymaker and major international player turnout.
“We could not be happier with the turnout to this year’s Main Event, from the big international crowd to the return of some of the greatest players of all time. Following a year of such uncertainty, it is amazing to have the poker community together again. The energy and excitement in the room is palpable as legends and amateurs from around the world gather together to try their chance at a world championship title, once again,” World Series of Poker Senior Vice President Ty Stewart said.
Week 6 Highlights:
Chris Moneymaker Makes Late Decision to Play WSOP Main Event
After announcing on Twitter earlier this year that he was unsure if he would make it out to this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, 2003 Main Event champion Chris Moneymaker surprised the poker world by enrolling in Day 1F of the Main Event.
Josh Arieh Wins Fourth Bracelet in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship
After overcoming a field of 208 entries, Josh Arieh claimed victory in Event #66: $10,000 Pot-Limit Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship, taking home his fourth WSOP gold bracelet and $484,791 in cash. Widely considered one of the best pot-limit Omaha players, Arieh has already claimed three six-figure scores at this year’s WSOP including two bracelet wins.
2021 WSOP Day 36: Main Event Underway, Brunson Up to Old Tricks
Poker hall of famer and 10-time WSOP champion Doyle Brunson returned to the WSOP, playing his first Main Event since 2013. At 88 years old, Brunson currently is tied with Phil Ivey and Johnny Chan at second place for most WSOP bracelets with Phil Hellmuth leading at 16.
Poker Community Buys Man Facing Terminal Cancer entry into WSOP Main Event
After recently being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Michael Graydon wanted to fulfill his dream of playing in the WSOP Main Event. The professional poker community stepped in to make his dreams come true with MJ Gonzales and Jonathan Depa both paying half of Graydon’s buy-in and Maria Ho offering to pay for his flight to Las Vegas.
Former NBA Star Tony Parker Takes on WSOP Main Event
Six-time NBA All-star and four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker stepped into the WSOP Main Event, playing on Day 1B. After spending 17 seasons in the NBA, Parker now has his eyes set on a WSOP gold bracelet. Unfortunately, he was unable to advance to the second day of competition, but will have plenty of opportunities going forward now that he is retired from professional basketball.
What to Look Forward to:
Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Event #67: MAIN EVENT No-Limit Hold’em World Championship
The final two players will compete in a Heads Up Championship to determine who will be crowned the 2021 WSOP Main Event Champion.
Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Poker Hall of Fame Induction
The 2021 Poker Hall of Fame inductee will be announced, cementing their place in poker history among 56 of the game’s greatest players.
Upcoming WSOP live action on PokerGO: PokerGO is the exclusive live streaming home of the 2021 WSOP. A new annual subscription can get you the remainder of the 2021 WSOP and the 2022 WSOP on PokerGO. Live coverage of the 2021 WSOP Main Event is running now. Daily coverage will run all the way through until a winner is crowned on Wednesday, November 17. Don’t miss any of the incredible WSOP action.
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Aaron LaBerge
PENN Entertainment Launches Stand-alone iCasino App, theScore Casino, in Ontario

PENN Entertainment announced that it has launched theScore Casino, a new stand-alone iCasino app in Ontario. The dedicated online casino experience leverages the popular theScore brand, which has been a mainstay in the Ontario market for decades. Now available on Android, iOS, and desktop, customers can login using their existing theScore Bet credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across online gaming platforms.
theScore Casino operates on the same cutting-edge proprietary technology platform as PENN’s online Hollywood Casino, which launched as a standalone product in the US in December. The product was recently ranked by Eilers & Krejcik as the #2 overall iCasino product in the US.
theScore Casino, also available within theScore Bet app, offers a variety of online slots, table games, and live dealer content, including original titles from PENN Game Studios, the company’s in-house game development studio. theScore Casino also includes bespoke live dealer tables and exclusive games such as Blue Jays Blackjack, an original title leveraging theScore Bet’s partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“We’re excited to introduce our dedicated iCasino product in Ontario under the well-known and trusted theScore brand. We’ve built a strong online gaming foothold in the Ontario market and are primed to deliver an even better casino experience with our proven stand-alone app. Our customer-friendly platform features more than 1200 games, dozens of original titles and intuitive game play that distinguishes our product and positions us for even greater success,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Interactive at PENN Entertainment.
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Canada
ELK Studios Expands Partnership with SkillOnNet to Ontario Market

PlayOJO, SlotsMagic and SpinGenie to carry ELK Studios’ games in Ontario
Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet and innovative Swedish game creator Elk Studios have cemented their longstanding partnership with the launch of ELK’s groundbreaking portfolio in the Ontario market.
ELK Studios is responsible for some of the industry’s most innovative and engaging online casino games. Now, players at SkillOnNet’s Ontario-licensed casinos, PlayOJO, SlotsMagic and SpinGenie, will be able to experience the feature-packed delights of hit titles like Nitropolis, Tinkerbot and Pirot, as well as new release Orbitfall, and the studio’s signature X-iter and CollectR mechanics.
The expansion marks a milestone for ELK Studios as it continues to grow its footprint in regulated markets worldwide. SkillOnNet recently successfully launched the studio’s portfolio in the Spanish and Mexican markets through its Spanish-language brands and expects the studio’s games to make a similarly immediate impact with Ontario players.
Ontario has become a hugely important growth market since the province launched regulated online gaming in 2022. It was worth $2.4 billion in 2024, with $63 billion in wagering, the lion’s share coming from online casinos.
Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “ELK Studios is known for its high-quality games that blend unique storytelling and humour with high levels of engagement and playability, which is why we’re delighted to introduce them to Ontario. We believe they will perform successfully, as they have in other markets around the world.”
Vaida Cirtautaite, CCO at ELK Studios said: “SkillOnNet has been an invaluable partner in our growth journey, and we are thrilled to expand our collaboration into Ontario. We’re excited to bring our innovative games to a new wave of players in this dynamic market.”
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AGCO
Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license

Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application
Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.
As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.
Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.
In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.
Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”
Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”
The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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