Canada

Exclusive Q&A with Chris Nikolopoulos, Commercial Director at BETBY

Published

4 years ago

June 22, 2020

Is Latin America a market that BETBY is interested in, and do you think that the bettors have different preferences to those in other regions across the globe?

Yes, Latin America is definitely a region we are paying close attention too and I believe that it will be one of the main territories for us over the next couple of years. Emerging markets are usually receptive to innovation and that’s one of the main reasons that make me think that our product is perfectly suited to Latin America. Bettors are always craving for better and more unique experiences and products and LatAm is no different. We closely monitor markets and listen to our partner’s requirements to accommodate their needs and with experience of operators within the region, we can create exciting betting opportunities.

After the explosion of sports betting in the US after the repeal of PASPA, do you expect any LatAm countries to be the next big thing?

Markets such as Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru which are already either regulated or on the cusp of being regulated look very exciting. Those countries have a combined GDP of approximately 4 trillion EUR and a huge appetite for sports betting. Whilst there are obviously a number of factors which can affect this, the appetite and market size is there, so these markets are poised to be incredible opportunities.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

How have Esports and Virtual sports taken off during the recent postponement of Live Sport, and do you expect this to continue?

With such a limited amount of live sport to sate public appetite over the last couple of months, it was inevitable that interest would turn to any other sporting products available, such as virtual sports, esports and fantasy sports, among others. While these verticals do not necessarily appeal to all sports fans, obviously the industry at large saw an uptick in revenue from these verticals, despite turnover dropping as a whole for sports betting. I think that those verticals were able to convert some traditional sportsbook traffic and it is very likely they will be able to keep the trend over the coming months, with only a gradual return of sport.

Has offering more products, such as virtuals, esports, and live games, allowed Betby to reach even more players than ever before in a region that traditionally is heavily sport-focused?

Our aim was to provide the widest possible coverage of sports, including a big selection of virtual sports and an enhanced esports experience and I am proud to say that we were able to move quickly and efficiently and accomplish that. I’m sure the whole industry would agree that the last couple of months have been tough, but we came out of the period stronger. The ace in our sleeve were our in-house Betby. Games products, a combination of esports and virtual sports titles, with unique, realistic mechanics and proven, ultra-high conversion and retention rates of traditional sportsbook players. We continue to expand the product and add more and more sports and leagues, with lots in the pipeline, so stay tuned!

Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation

Play Alberta, CSEC Extend Partnership

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

Teams under the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) banner have expanded their long-term partnership with Play Alberta, the province’s premier iGaming destination. As part of the agreement, the Flames will feature AGLC’s responsible gambling program, GameSense, on their home helmets and a Play Alberta insignia displayed on their home jerseys. The Stampeders, Wranglers, and Roughnecks will integrate the Play Alberta logo onto their uniforms.

“There’s significant importance now to showcase meaningful responsible gambling efforts in the iGaming industry. I’m proud of our initiatives to provide GameSense with such a visible platform. GameSense promotes healthy gambling habits online and in person and including AGLC’s responsible gambling platform over the course of this partnership is a huge accomplishment,” Kandice Machado, Chief Executive Officer at AGLC.

The agreement makes Play Alberta the exclusive sports betting and online gaming partner of the Flames, Wranglers, Stampeders, and Roughnecks. Through the partnership, Play Alberta and CSEC will develop unique partnerships and in-arena giveaways during the season.

“Through GameSense, our partnership with Play Alberta equips our fans with the knowledge required if they wish to participate in gaming while they support their home team. We are both proud and excited to extend our relationship with Play Alberta that makes cheering for our teams that much more fun while also generating revenue to support the quality of life for Albertans,” said CSEC President and CEO Robert Hayes.

Alberta is the first jurisdiction in North America to partner with professional sports franchises and integrate PlayAlberta.ca and social responsibility branding onto uniforms. It upholds AGLC’s commitment to responsible play, raising awareness of GameSense and Self-Exclusion, resources that give bettors the tools they need to make healthy gambling choices.

In addition, proceeds generated through the website go toward the province’s General Revenue Fund. In 2023–24, $235 million was generated for programs and services that Albertans rely on every day through Play Alberta, an increase of more than $42 million from the previous year.

BCLC

BCLC Partners with CFL as Official Sports Betting Partner in British Columbia

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

bclc-partners-with-cfl-as-official-sports-betting-partner-in-british-columbia

The Canadian Football League (CFL) and British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) have partnered to make BCLC’s online sportsbook – PlayNow Sports – the official sports betting partner of the 111th Grey Cup. BCLC, the only legal gaming operator in the province, is the newest Authorized Gaming Operator to partner with the league. The partnership builds upon BCLC’s commitment to football in the province – as both a longstanding supporter of the BC Lions and as an enthusiastic proponent of bringing the Grey Cup to Vancouver.

“BCLC is immensely proud to have PlayNow Sports as the official sports betting partner for the 111th Grey Cup. As a social-purpose company, BCLC works every day to generate win-wins for the greater good and serve in the best interests of the communities we call home. We’re thrilled to help bring together BC Lions and CFL fans from across the country in the spirit of celebration and community at this year’s Grey Cup Festival,” said Dan Beebe, BCLC’s Chief Operations Officer.

In celebration of Canada’s largest single-day sporting event returning to B.C. for the first time since 2014, the CFL and BCLC are holding a special contest for fans in B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Grand Prize consists of two tickets to the championship game, two Grey Cup Festival passes, travel, accommodation, $500 in PlayNow Sports free bets and more.

“Responsible sports wagering, and the entertainment it provides, is an important part of the future of CFL fandom. Our work with BCLC allows fans to deepen their connection to the league, but more importantly, it strengthens our efforts to support British Columbians and the community through the valued programs and services they rely on every day,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.

The CFL’s province-specific Authorized Gaming Operator program works with partners to authenticate and regulate the league’s sports betting landscape. In 2023, the league complemented its existing wagering policies and by-laws with an enhanced Match Manipulation Policy. It is highlighted by an annual education component for all full- and part-time CFL personnel, including players, regarding their individual roles and responsibilities in supporting the league’s high standards for integrity and responsible gaming practices. All CFL personnel are strictly prohibited from wagering on league activities.

Canada

Goldrush Expands to Ontario with Delasport’s Turnkey Solution

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

goldrush-expands-to-ontario-with-delasport’s-turnkey-solution

South Africa’s premium online gaming and entertainment provider, Goldrush Gaming, is expanding to Ontario, Canada, powered by Delasport’s full turnkey solution and managed services. The partnership is another key step in both Delasport’s steady positioning in the key Canadian jurisdiction and Goldrush’s streak of cross-vertical success in iGaming.

The award-winning supplier’s solution is designed to accommodate all Online Sportsbook and Casino needs, and Goldrush’s players in Ontario will soon enjoy the most innovative Casino and Sportsbook features in the industry. These features include player engagement tools such as SuperPot, missions and tournaments, unmatched personalization capabilities with My Sportsbook, My Casino, My Combo, and My Event Builder, Booster Panel for mobile devices, and Hot & Cold Casino game categories, and much more.

“Partnering with established brands such as Goldrush in Ontario is an honor and confirms that we’re on the right track with a third partner in this market, in turn validating our global expansion strategy”, comments Delasport’s Global Sales Director Reece Calderbank. “In the hands of partners like Goldrush, the quality and innovation our products provide to customers will enable Goldrush’s talented team to offer the best betting experience in the market to their players.”

Goldrush Online Director Dwain Powell shares this sentiment. “Goldrush’s legacy of premier gaming will offer Canadian players a diverse, rewarding entertainment experience. We are excited to extend our product and services to the Canadian market and believe that Delasport is the perfect partner to achieve our goals – all while bringing customers a unique and memorable gaming product’’.

Goldrush Group Canada is a branch of the esteemed Goldrush Gaming Group, which was established in South Africa over 25 years ago.