Canada
New Holiday Consumer Research From MobileVoice™ by Tapjoy
Here is the new holiday consumer research from MobileVoice
“It’s been quite a year for the mobile industry! Between the COVID-19 pandemic permanently changing people’s relationships with their smartphones, Apple’s iOS 14.5 release, and the continued revenue growth of mobile gaming, staying up on mobile trends and advertising opportunities has been a challenge — and we’re only just hitting the hectic holiday season.
“Here at Tapjoy, we’ve chronicled the ongoing evolution of the mobile landscape in a series of comprehensive Modern Mobile Gamer
“In this post, we’ll cover why mobile should be at the forefront of your holiday advertising plans. With the majority of mobile users on the Tapjoy network reporting that they’ll be using their smartphones and tablets for holiday shopping this year, it’s the perfect environment to reach holiday shoppers.”
Holiday purchasing power of mobile gamers
“In total, we surveyed 14,000+ US consumers on Tapjoy’s network to understand their holiday preferences and behaviors. One of the most striking findings was that 80% say they plan to make holiday purchases this year. Nearly half of consumers (42%) also say they plan to spend even more this holiday season compared to 2020. Together these statistics illustrate that as a group, mobile gamers are high-intent shoppers.
“Beyond intent, mobile gamers also indicate strong purchasing power. Among the mobile gamers we surveyed, 15% said they plan to spend over $1,000 on holiday gifts this year. An additional 52% say they’ll spend over $250, while 22% plan to purchase more than $500 in holiday gifts.
“And what types of retailers will be at the receiving end of this projected spending? Consumers plan to shop across a diverse array of retail establishments. 82% said they’ll purchase from general merchandise retailers, 43% say they plan to buy directly from a brand, and 40% said they will patronize small, local businesses. Majority of consumers (73%) also say they’ll take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales — but the window to reach this audience is open throughout December. 73% say they continue shopping till the last minute, between one to three weeks before the holidays.
“In sum: Mobile gamers are an incredibly valuable target audience for advertisers in the 2021 holiday season. Brands who reach this audience in November and December will tap into its purchasing power — and position themselves for impactful holiday returns.”
‘Tis the season (for mobile shopping)
“After a challenging 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, the holiday spirit is back in a big way. According to our data, 76% of respondents are looking forward to the holidays, and the vast majority have shopping in mind. Just as importantly, 69% of consumers will use their mobile devices to do that holiday shopping. With mobile shifting to the forefront of shopping experiences, it’s not surprising that consumers say this medium will be a focal environment for holiday purchasing.
“Consumers are relying on retail apps (64%) and the mobile web (58%) as their primary holiday shopping methods this upcoming season. So what does this all mean? It’s simple: Advertisers who scale up mobile advertising campaigns will reach highly engaged consumers. And since shopping apps play such a big role in mobile holiday shopping, retailers need to ensure that the experience is smooth and intuitive from start to finish.
Holiday time is gaming time
“Aside from shopping, mobile users plan on doing a lot of gaming this holiday season. While enjoying time off from work or traveling to visit family, mobile gaming provides a welcome respite from the chaos. With 66% of mobile users reporting that they open mobile games three or more times every day during the holiday season, this channel is integral for brands looking to increase awareness and connect consumers to products and services.
“Our data shows that certain types of mobile ads are particularly influential with holiday shoppers. Half of those surveyed said they use rewarded ad offers to get holiday gift ideas, and 59% of parents engage with playable ads during the holidays. Mobile gamers are most likely to engage with retail and shopping ads, but food, beverage, and restaurant ads are also popular.
“There’s no doubt about it: Mobile games continue to represent a huge growth opportunity for advertisers, especially during the holidays.”
Black Friday still reigns supreme
“The nature of Black Friday has changed over the years, but it remains one of the most popular shopping days of the entire year. Rather than force their way through thick crowds at brick-and-mortar stores, however, many consumers prefer the more relaxed online environment for Black Friday deals. On the Tapjoy network, 69% of users said that they plan to shop on Black Friday this year, though Cyber Monday isn’t far behind with 62% planning to participate. Overall, 56% of users reported that Black Friday and “Cyber Monday are their preferred times to get their holiday shopping done. In other words, mobile advertisers should be ready for an influx of consumer attention in the days following Thanksgiving.
“Parents are a particularly attentive demographic during this time: 76% plan to shop on Black Friday, and a whopping 84% are ready to drop some cash on Cyber Monday. Clothes and footwear are the top gifting categories in almost every demographic, though toys and games come in a close second.
“It’s not exactly breaking news that the holiday season drives consumer spending, but what’s changing is how much consumers are relying on their smartphones to make their lists and check them twice. The 2021 holiday period will be a time of significant mobile usage, and — if you play your cards right — significant growth.”
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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.
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.
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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