Canada
ODDS ON COMPLIANCE UNVEILS GAMBLING AND TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ALL-STAR ADVISORY BOARD
Odds On Compliance, the industry-leading technology and consultancy firm specializing in sports betting, iGaming, and gambling compliance and regulatory frameworks in the US and abroad, has unveiled Tom Auriemma, Michelle Chatigny, Robin Chhabra and Sanjay Chopra as the industry experts who comprise the company’s newly formed Advisory Board.
Tom Auriemma was a pioneer of the New Jersey gaming industry and spent 28 years as a casino regulator in that State culminating in his appointment as the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Auriemma now currently serves as the Chairman of the Compliance Committees for MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming and Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. Joining Auriemma on the Odds On Compliance advisory board is Michelle Chatigny, a 20-year veteran of IGT where she was Vice President, Global Regulatory and Product Compliance, before joining Wynn Resorts, Limited’s Compliance Committee, a position she has held since August 2018. Robin Chhabra is the third expert lending his experience and knowledge to Odds On Compliance. Chhabra is President of Tekkorp Digital Acquisition Corp., and has previous experience including being CEO and Special Advisor to FOXBet, Chief Corporate Development Officer of The Stars Group, and Group Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at William Hill. Sanjay Chopra completes the Advisory Board. Chopra is Co-Founder and CEO of Cognistx, the AI specialists with whom Odds On already has a previously announced partnership.
“I am extremely proud and honored to welcome such a distinguished group of experts to Odds On Compliance as our advisory board,” said Odds On Compliance CEO and Co-Founder Eric Frank. “In our initial group of four we have some of the smartest, most experienced people in their respective industries worldwide, and they will play a strong role in helping us shape the future of our business as we grow and expand in 2022 and beyond. At our core, Odds On Compliance is a technology business, so having the experience that Sanjay brings from Cognistx is invaluable for our whole team, but we are a tech business which specializes in regulatory compliance in the sports betting, iGaming, and gambling industries, in the US and abroad, so Michelle, Tom and Robin very neatly complement Sanjay, giving us the benefit of their combined knowledge, leadership, and experience. We are excited to welcome them all to our team and look forward to working with them in an exciting 2022 and beyond.”
Tom Auriemma is one of the casino industry’s leading gaming attorneys and consultants and is the 2019 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Gaming Advisors for his many contributions to the gaming industry. He is the Chairman of three Compliance Committees: Penn National Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts International, and Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment. Previously, he was Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer for Penn National Gaming, Inc. Auriemma was a pioneer of the New Jersey gaming industry, and spent 28 years as a casino regulator in that State before culminating in his appointment as the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Auriemma received his Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law where he graduated second in his class.
Michelle Chatigny was previously with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. After her departure she joined IGT, one of the world’s largest gaming suppliers that was licensed and conducting business in every jurisdiction in the world where gaming was legal. As acknowledged by regulators, IGT set the “gold standard” for compliance in the gaming industry. Michelle remained with IGT for just over 20 years and was responsible for its global compliance efforts, including but not limited to licensing, product approvals, suitability determinations, corporate security, the IGT Compliance Committee, as well as the Company’s Code of Conduct, and internal integrity reporting matters. Michelle previously served on The Stars Group Compliance and Political Activities Committees, and currently serves on the Wynn Resorts, Limited Compliance Committee, a position she has held since August 2018. She was also elected to the Wynn Resorts, Limited Special Litigation Committee in October 2018. Michelle is currently a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
Robin Chhabra is President of Tekkorp Digital Acquisition Corp and has been at the forefront of corporate acquisition activity within the digital gaming landscape for over a decade. His experience includes leading corporate strategy, M&A, and business development at two of the global leaders in the digital gaming industry, The Stars Group and William Hill, and a leading supplier, Inspired Gaming Group. At The Stars Group, Robin was Chief Corporate Development Officer, and served as the CEO of FOX Bet, the leading U.S. online gaming business which is the product of a landmark partnership between The Stars Group and FOX Sports, a transaction which he led. While with The Stars Group, Robin led several transactions which transformed The Stars Group into the largest publicly listed online gambling operator in the world with revenues of over $2.5 billion. Previously, he was Group Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at William Hill, where he led transactions which transformed the company from a land-based gambling operator in the United Kingdom to a leading online-led international business. This included William Hill’s entry into the U.S. sports betting and online lottery markets via the acquisition of four businesses.
Sanjay Chopra is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cognistx, a six-year-old applied AI company with several high impact AI applications for retail, cybersecurity, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing. Chopra is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Intellions, a pricing software company. He has over 28 years of expertise in AI, e-commerce strategy, business development and technology and is the winner of the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year 2000 award for OnlineChoice. He actively participates in promoting entrepreneurship in Pittsburgh and was the Founding Chair of Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners, and a founding charter member of the TiE Pittsburgh. He has also consulted for Goldman Sachs in various strategy and e-commerce projects, and has worked as a software engineer/manager at Federated Investors, Carnegie Group, and Allegheny Management Company. He is an Adjunct Professor of e-Commerce at Carnegie Mellon University and holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University (GSIA – Tepper Business School), a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Bachelors in Computer Technology from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT – REC), Bhopal, India.
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Canada
Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack
Great Canadian Entertainment and a consortium group of certain communities from the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group from Great Canadian Entertainment of Elements Casino Chilliwack, one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.
The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe constitute seven First Nation communities and are the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed. The transaction represents a transformational milestone for the communities within the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s top destination for gaming and entertainment, featuring over 300 slots, live and electronic table games, bingo, dining, live entertainment and more.
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transitional services and support to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.
“This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people. The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetVictor
Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Canadian iGaming market has evolved from an emerging opportunity into one of the most competitive and innovative digital gaming arenas worldwide. Ontario’s regulated framework has paved the way for rapid expansion, attracting established international operators alongside ambitious newcomers that are carving out share through brand differentiation and data-driven acquisition.
Methodology: How Growth Was Measured
To understand which casino brands are gaining momentum and why, the award-winning Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter—a proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analytics—analyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from January–June 2024 versus January–June 2025. The results point to a vibrant, fiercely competitive landscape where execution, trust, and experience are the real drivers of sustained growth.
Brands Showing Standout Growth in 2025
Strong outperformance highlights different paths to scale
Wild Tokyo posted an extraordinary +134% YoY, showing how bold branding, a distinctive identity, and targeted acquisition can resonate with players seeking unique experiences. Clean yet edgy design, paired with robust SEO execution and engagement programs, helped the brand cut through a crowded market.
LuckyDays delivered +110% YoY by striking a balance between simplicity and substance. A minimalistic UX, a vast game library, and strong affiliate relationships have positioned it as a trusted destination for Canadian players.
BetVictor, a legacy operator with deep roots, recorded +107% YoY. Its evolution from traditional bookmaker to diversified iGaming powerhouse underscores how credibility and adaptability can translate into modern growth.
Agile mid-tier brands are also accelerating: SlotsMagic at +94% and Betibet at +88% demonstrate how focused SEO, analytics-led decision making, and smart promotional strategy can punch above weight.
Crypto-forward momentum and broader market depth
The joint rise of BetFury and SmokAce—both at +74%—signals growing acceptance of crypto and blockchain-based gaming among Canadian users, driven by transparency, fast payments, and a tech-forward ethos.
Meanwhile, Paripesa, Mond, and ComeOn maintained robust double-digit YoY growth, underscoring the market’s depth and diversity beyond a handful of headline names.
Market Maturity: Compliance, Trust, and UX Win
As more provinces explore regulated frameworks modeled on Ontario, competition is intensifying. The brands pulling ahead are those investing in compliance, transparency, and player satisfaction—prioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.
“Players are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,” says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovation—the ones achieving real, sustained growth.”
Puolakka adds: “Data doesn’t just tell us who’s growing—it shows us why. The operators succeeding in Canada are those that deeply understand their audience, use insights effectively, and build long-term value instead of chasing short-term hype.”
Trends Shaping the Next Phase of iGaming in Canada
- Branding + data-led acquisition let emerging brands challenge incumbents more effectively than ever.
- Crypto-friendly casinos are moving from niche to mainstream consideration for Canadian users.
- SEO, content strategy, and affiliate partnerships remain reliable, capital-efficient growth levers.
- Compliance, transparency, and UX are central to sustainable market share gains.
Looking Ahead
The fastest-growing casino brands capture more than impressive statistics—they reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canada’s iGaming sector is entering a phase defined by intelligent growth, regulatory maturity, and player empowerment.
As the industry continues to evolve, the Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter remains a useful compass for players, affiliates, and operators navigating this fast-changing landscape.
The post Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Canada
Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ezugi, an innovative live dealer casino supplier known for pushing the boundaries of live gaming, retention, and distribution solutions, is proud to announce a new partnership with PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site.
Through this partnership, PokerStars’ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugi’s standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.
PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the world’s leading online poker and casino brands and operates as part of Flutter Entertainment. It has grown to become the largest poker site globally, offering the widest selection of online games and hosting prestigious live tournaments.
Formed in 2012, Ezugi is a global live casino provider with a focus on meeting operator and player needs with best-of-breed localised content. The Ezugi games portfolio includes a wide range of live dealer games, many of which are unique. Ezugi became part of Evolution in 2018 and continues to build on its reputation for providing unique and innovative games and solutions for online casino and retail betting shop operators.
Gilad Ben-Ami, Chief Executive Officer at Ezugi, said: “PokerStars’ players already enjoy a wide range of live casino and online slot games from Evolution brands such as Evolution, NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming. Now Ezugi is delighted and honoured to add even more choice for PokerStars’ players with our own innovative games.”
Ben-Ami continued: “The release of Ezugi games to PokerStars clearly demonstrates the rich variety and innovative features of the Ezugi games portfolio. Ultimate Roulette is a unique multiplier Roulette that blends circus-themed fun and TV game show excitement; Revolution Roulette puts a unique spin on classic Roulette by adding special multiplier pockets to the wheel; Unlimited Blackjack allows an unlimited number of players to play at the table, while also featuring Auto-Split functionality and a choice of four side bets – Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent – a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.”
Ben-Ami concluded: “We are confident that PokerStars’ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.”
The post Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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