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AGCO to ban athletes in Ontario’s igaming advertising to protect minors

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has updated the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming to prohibit the use of athletes in internet gaming (igaming) advertising and marketing in Ontario. The standards have also been strengthened to restrict the use of celebrities who would likely be expected to appeal to minors. These new restrictions will come into effect on February 28, 2024.

Following the first year of Ontario’s open, regulated igaming market, the AGCO identified advertising and marketing approaches that use athletes, as well as celebrities with an appeal to minors, as a potential harm to those under the legal gaming age and is taking this step to reduce the risk. In April 2023, the AGCO held consultations on its proposal to ban such ads and received submissions from a broad range of stakeholders including mental health and public health organizations, responsible gambling experts, gaming operators, broadcast and marketing groups, and the public.

Following these consultations, the AGCO has determined that prohibiting the use of athletes and restricting celebrity endorsements would help safeguard children and youth who can be particularly susceptible to such advertising content.

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The amended standards will prohibit registered Ontario igaming operators from using athletes, whether active or retired, in igaming marketing and advertising, except for the exclusive purpose of advocating for responsible gambling practices. These amended standards also restrict the use of celebrities, role models, social media influencers, entertainers, cartoon figures, and symbols that “would likely be expected to appeal to minors”. This broadens and strengthens the existing standard that, prior to this change, prohibited the use of advertising and marketing content with a “primary appeal to minors”.

“Children and youth are heavily influenced by the athletes and celebrities they look up to,” said Tom Mungham, Registrar and CEO, AGCO. “We’re therefore increasing measures to protect Ontario’s youth by disallowing the use of these influential figures to promote online betting in Ontario.”

Additional Information

As part of its mandate, the AGCO monitors and identifies emerging risks in the sectors it regulates and updates its standards to address them.

The additions to the AGCO Standards for Internet Gaming, which come into effect February 28, 2024, are bolded and underlined below.

2.03 – Advertising, marketing materials and communications shall not target high-risk, underage or self-excluded persons to participate in lottery schemes, shall not include underage individuals, and shall not knowingly be communicated or sent to high-risk players. (Also applicable to Gaming-Related Suppliers)

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Requirements – At a minimum, materials and communications shall not:

  1. Be based on themes, or use language, intended to appeal primarily to minors.
  2. Appear on billboards or other outdoor displays that are directly adjacent to schools or other primarily youth-oriented locations.
  3. Use or contain cartoon figures, symbols, role models, social media influencers, celebrities, or entertainers who would likely be expected to appeal to minors. [This requirement has been changed]
  4. Use active or retired athletes, who have an agreement or arrangement made directly or indirectly between an athlete and an operator or gaming-related supplier, in advertising and marketing except for the exclusive purpose of advocating for responsible gambling practices. [This requirement is new]
  5. Use individuals who are, or appear to be, minors to promote gaming.
  6. Appear in media and venues, including on websites, and in digital or online media, directed primarily to minors, or where most of the audience is reasonably expected to be minors.
  7. Exploit the susceptibilities, aspirations, credulity, inexperience or lack of knowledge of all potentially high-risk persons, or otherwise extoll the virtues of gaming.
  8. Entice or attract potentially high-risk players. Instead, measures shall be in place to limit marketing communications to all known high-risk players. [This requirement has been changed]

Additional Information

AGCO plans to issue additional brief guidance in the coming weeks.

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Groove Technologies and BetOnGames Forge Strategic Partnership

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In a landmark move, platform and aggregator Groove Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with BetOnGames, the RNG game provider arm of BETCORE. This collaboration brings together Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, boasting over 15,000 games from 150+ top-tier providers, and BetOnGames’ lightweight, high-performing content, optimised for real-world conditions.

The alliance promises to deliver unparalleled scalability, engagement, and profitability for operators worldwide.

Groove’s cutting-edge platform is renowned for its precision, scalability, and advanced player engagement tools, making it a powerhouse for operators who demand excellence. By integrating BetOnGames’ portfolio featuring 100+ fast-loading, low-data titles across slots, crash, and instant-win formats, Groove further solidifies its position as the go-to solution for diverse markets, including regions with limited internet coverage.

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Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, emphasised the strategic value of the partnership: “BetOnGames’ adaptability and high-converting content perfectly complement Groove’s mission to deliver unmatched performance for operators. Their lightweight design, multilingual UI, and seamless payment integrations, including UPI, QR-wallets, and crypto, make them an ideal partner for both emerging and mature markets. Together, we’re setting a new standard for player engagement and operational efficiency.”

BetOnGames has built a reputation for reliability, offering RNG-certified titles with competitive RTPs (96–97%) and 24/7 technical support. Popular titles like Aerobet (crash-style, 97% RTP), 100 Mega Hot (classic slot, 97.12% RTP), and Bicho da Sorte 25 (lottery-style, 92.26% RTP) cater to a broad spectrum of player preferences, ensuring high retention and conversion rates.

Peter Korpusenko, CEO of BETCORE, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Partnering with Groove allows us to expand our reach exponentially while maintaining the speed, fairness, and lightweight efficiency that define BetOnGames. Groove’s robust backend and analytics tools empower operators to maximise our content’s potential, driving growth in even the most competitive markets.”

With full licensing under the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, integrated responsible gaming tools, and AML compliance, BetOnGames provides a secure and scalable foundation for operators. Combined with Groove’s industry-leading platform, the partnership ensures seamless onboarding via Groove’s single-API, optimised cash flow, and data-driven decision-making.

As iGaming continues to evolve, Groove and BetOnGames are poised to lead the charge, delivering a dynamic, player-centric experience that transcends borders and technical barriers. For operators seeking a competitive edge, this collaboration represents the future of iGaming today.

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Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, underscored the long-term vision: “This partnership isn’t just about adding games, it’s about enhancing ecosystems. BetOnGames’ performance in low-bandwidth environments and localised payment options align perfectly with our commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Together, we’re not just meeting operator needs; we’re anticipating them.”

The post Groove Technologies and BetOnGames Forge Strategic Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 37/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Leroy wakes up every day with a smile on his face! Why you may ask? Well executing is a dirty job but Leroy just loves to swing his axe in Nolimit City’s latest release, Dead Men Walking. The chopping block features a 3-3-3-3-3reel setup with three Fire Pits above the reels each linked to a unique base game feature.

Nolimit City preps the chopping block in its latest release, Dead Men Walking

Amusnet has released 100 Art of Gold. This new online casino release brings together the elegance of art and the dynamic feel of modern slot design. Built on a 5-reel layout with 100 fixed paylines, the game stands out with its refined aesthetic and carefully crafted details.

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Play’n GO heads skyward with Rosy Orbit Treasure Turn™, a radiant slot where gravity is optional and innovation is key. A mysterious princess, a faithful fox, and a cherished rose – Play’n GO blends character-driven charm and fresh mechanics in Rosy Orbit Treasure Turn™.

Play’n GO introduces innovative new mechanic in Rosy Orbit Treasure Turn™

Burning Classics 2 is here to ignite your winnings with all the fiery thrills of the original, plus even hotter rewards. The sequel to Booming Games’ most popular game, Burning Classics, keeps the classic 5×3 grid and 20 variable paylines, along with the iconic stacked symbols, including stacked wilds.

Turn Up the Heat with Burning Classics 2

Blueprint Gaming™ takes one of its strongest internationally performing series to new heights in Cash Strike Hotstepper 2, with Super Strike and mystery symbols among the new additions designed to elevate the gameplay experience on offer.

Blueprint Gaming strengthens world-renowned series in Cash Strike Hotstepper 2

BGaming is excited to announce the launch of Bonanza Trillion, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit slot, Bonanza Billion. The game builds on the success of its predecessor while also upping the ante with a range of captivating features, enhanced visuals, and higher volatility. Bonanza Trillion upgrades the classic fruit and crystal theme that players loved from the original title.

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Win a Fruity Fortune in BGaming’s Bonanza Trillion

Step into the heart of the untamed frontier in Bison Moon – Power Combo, a slot from Northern Lights Gaming that captures the rugged beauty and boundless thrill of the Great Plains with plenty of big wins in store. This action-packed slot introduces the provider’s latest mechanic, Power Combo, where three unique Scatters unlock incredible bonus features via its proprietary Link&Win feature.

Saddle up for big wins under the Bison Moon with the latest slot from Northern Lights Gaming

The vast plains are alive with the sound of rampant hooves, the roar of predators, and helpful animals along the way. ELA Games proudly presents its latest release, Buffalo Force, an energetic game that celebrates the sheer power of nature.

Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force”

 

Spinomenal is welcoming players to ascend to Valhalla with its latest mythology-inspired slot, Majestic Odin. The game joins Spinomenal’s hugely popular Demi Gods series. Majestic Odin is set against a breathtaking Nordic landscape of towering mountains, deep fjords, and glowing torches that frame the game with mythic grandeur.

Spinomenal reigns supreme with Majestic Odin

 

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GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership

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GR8 Tech’s drive-time podcast Bet It Drives closes out its debut season in the fast lane with Stephen Crystal, Founder of SCCG Management and a 30+ year veteran of the gaming world. From reshaping tribal and riverboat gaming to owning iconic Las Vegas casinos and driving more than $3 billion in finance, M&A, and technology projects, Stephen has spent his career at the center of the industry’s biggest moves.

In the passenger seat with host Yevhen Krazhan, GR8 Tech’s CSO, Stephen takes listeners from the glitter of Vegas to the global stage—where he has advised 120+ client-partners across 100 countries, built US operations for the UK’s largest bookmaker, and cut high-profile sports betting deals with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Vegas Golden Knights.

On this ride, Stephen opens up about:

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  • Whether industry events really bring the business
  • Why he believes in connecting people to people above everything else
  • How he’d reshape iGaming conferences (hint: more case studies, less fluff)
  • The single-sentence keynote he’d deliver if given the mic
  • The people and principles that shaped his journey
  • The art of closing deals and the mindset behind his business approach
  • Which song he cues up when it’s deal-done time
  • His take on when it’s “network” and when it’s definitely “not work”

“Stephen brought the kind of wisdom you only get from decades at the very top of gaming and a career spent building, betting, and believing in people,” said Krazhan. “It was a very inspirational, motivational talk—and Stephen officially earned a Bet It Drives seatbelt of honor.”

As always, Bet It Drives trades the studio for the streets of London, filming each episode entirely on the move with a multi-camera crew capturing both the ride and the real talk. The result is a podcast that has blended insider insights with unscripted, human moments all season long—from Alex Pratt and Helen Walton to Rohini Sardana, and now Stephen Crystal in the finale.

Watch Episode 4 with Stephen Crystal now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

That’s a wrap for Season 1. But don’t unbuckle just yet—Bet It Drives will be back soon. Follow GR8 Tech and stay tuned: Season 2 is already on the horizon, promising more bold voices, more candid conversations, and more reasons to hit play.

The post GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Wraps Season 1 with Stephen Crystal—From Las Vegas Legends to Global Gaming Leadership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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