Canada
NBA 2K League Season 3 Week 2 Preview
KENNY’S KNOCKOUT WEEK: Raptors Uprising GC point guard Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey was named NBA 2K League Player of the Week for week 1 of the 2020 NBA 2K League season. Highlighted by a 51-point game against 2019 runner-up 76ers GC, the Memphis-native averaged 35 points and connected on 24 three-pointers over the two matches to lead his team to a 2-0 record. Hailey and Raptors Uprising GC will visit Grizz Gaming on Tuesday, May 12 and Hornets Venom GT on Thursday, May 14. Both series begin at 7 p.m. ET.
FINALS REMATCH: On Friday, May 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET, 76ers GC will host T-Wolves Gaming in a rematch of the 2019 NBA 2K League Finals. Led by Finals MVP Michael “BearDaBeast” Key, Minnesota won the 2019 NBA 2K League championship in a dramatic 5-game series. The team was presented official NBA 2K League championship rings from Jostens last Thursday before tipping off their Season 3 campaign.
G LEAGUE ROOTS: Week 2 will also feature the matchup of two head coaches with NBA G League roots. Austin Peterson, the head coach of Cavs Legion GC, is also an assistant coach for the Canton Charge, while Warriors Gaming Squad head coach Mike Newton spent last season on the basketball operations team with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Warriors Gaming Squad will host Cavs Legion GC on Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. ET.
DYNAMIC DEBUTS: Led by the dynamic duo of Nidal “Mama Im Dat Man” Nasser (2019 NBA 2K League MVP) and Dayne “OneWildWalnut” Downey (2018 NBA 2K League MVP), Blazer5 Gaming, the winningest team by regular-season record in NBA 2K League history, will make its 2020 season debut in Week 2. During the offseason, the team hired Andrew Maxie as its head coach and selected Brandon “Hood” Caicedo and Georgio “OOC Slim” Bonte in the 2020 NBA 2K League Draft delivered by Panera Bread. Caicedo led the NBA 2K League in scoring (29.2 PPG) in the 2018 season with Cavs Legion GC. Blazer5 Gaming will visit Pacers Gaming on Tuesday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET and host Lakers Gaming on Thursday, May 14 at 9 p.m. ET.
THIS IS NOT A GAME: Drafted in the first-ever NBA 2K League Draft, Jomar “Jomar” Varela-Escapa had a remarkable journey to the NBA 2K League. Varela-Escapa was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and when Hurricane Maria left his home without power, he used his family’s diesel generator to play during the qualification windows for the league. The power forward played seasons 1 and 2 with Blazer5 Gaming and is in his first season with Pacers Gaming. On Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. ET, Varela-Escapa will face fellow Puerto Rico native Michael “BP” Diaz-Cruz when Pacers Gaming visits Hawks Talon GC. Diaz-Cruz was born in Puerto Rico but moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut at the age of one. BP was acquired by Hawks Talon GC from Kings Guard Gaming this past offseason in arguably the biggest trade in NBA 2K League history according to The Action Network’s Darren Rovell.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
*All games are simulcast on ESPN’s platforms, Twitch and YouTube*
Tuesday, May 12
Raptors Uprising GC vs. Grizz Gaming – 7 PM ET
Blazer5 Gaming vs. Pacers Gaming – 9 PM ET
Wednesday, May 13
Warriors Gaming Squad vs. 76ers GC – 9 PM ET
Mavs Gaming vs. Lakers Gaming – 9 PM ET
Thursday, May 14
Raptors Uprising GC vs. Hornets Venom GT – 7 PM ET
Kings Guard Gaming vs. Gen.G Tigers – 9 PM ET
Friday, May 15
Cavs Legion GC vs. Warriors Gaming Squad – 7 PM ET
76ers GC vs. T-Wolves Gaming – 9:30 PM ET
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Canada
Group from TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the âTsâelxwĂ©yeqw Groupâ), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwackâs 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group for a period following closing.
âThis 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. Itâs a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,â said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
âWe are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Groupâs 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group team during the transition period,â said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy TĂ©trault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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. Ontarioâs 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 Meterâa proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analyticsâanalyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from JanuaryâJune 2024 versus JanuaryâJune 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 SmokAceâboth at +74%âsignals 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 marketâs 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 satisfactionâprioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.
âPlayers are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,â says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. âWeâre seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovationâthe ones achieving real, sustained growth.â
Puolakka adds: âData doesnât just tell us whoâs growingâit 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.â
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 statisticsâthey reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canadaâs 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 worldâs largest online poker site.
Through this partnership, PokerStarsâ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugiâs standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.
PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the worldâs 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: âPokerStarsâ 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 PokerStarsâ players with our own innovative games.â
Ben-Ami continued: âThe 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 â Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent â a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.â
Ben-Ami concluded: âWe are confident that PokerStarsâ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.â
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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