Canada
Exclusive Q&A with Sebastian Damian, Commercial Director at Booongo
Slots developer Booongo is gathering momentum across Latin America following a flurry of commercial deals, with its games now live with multiple operators across one of the industry’s fast expanding regions. We sat down with the company’s Commercial Director, Sebastian Damian, where he outlines Booongo’s ambitions in Latin America and why the market is ripe for further growth.
Gaming Americas: Booongo recently announced a commercial agreement in Latin America with Rivalo. Is the region a key focus of growth for you?
Sebastian Damian (SD): Latin America is one of the most exciting regions in the igaming industry at present, with many countries embracing legalised gambling and attracting an influx of new players. While some European countries are facing further challenges with regulatory tightening and uncertainty, Latin America is just beginning its ascent into becoming one of the most important regions in the world for online gaming.
We have a strategy which targets markets which ally to our attitudes towards innovation and growth, something which Latin America offers us now, and we’ll continue to expand our presence within the jurisdiction over the coming months.
Gaming Americas: Following the shutdown of live sports, many operators expanded their casino offering to provide players with alternative betting opportunities. How can they look to retain converted sports bettors going forward?
SD: While it’s natural to expect some sports bettors to return to their preferred betting experiences, there’s no doubt that some will have enjoyed the alternative products that have been presented to them during this uncertain period. Plays in slots have certainly increased for all suppliers and we’re hopeful the quality of our games will have converted a few into becoming active users beyond the return of live sports.
There are classic cross-sell options aimed at retaining sports bettors, such as sport themed slots or instant-win variants that can be played in lull periods of live sport. Operators and suppliers are becoming increasingly more creative in finding ways to keep players engaged and providing fun features to ensure they have a reason to stay connected to other igaming verticals.
Supporting engagement tools are really key from a retention perspective. From network promotions, prize drops and advantageous rates, suppliers can work with operators to provide their customer base with a more immersive gaming experience. Not all acquired customers will stay as casino players, but inventive approaches can significantly improve the likelihood of retention.
Gaming Americas: One of the more recent Booongo titles is Aztec Sun. Is creating market-themed content vital for entering certain regions? How are your games performing in the LatAm market?
SD: It’s about finding the right balance when entering new markets. Operators want to work with you because of the quality of content you have at your disposal. Market-specific games are really important in grabbing the initial interest of local players, but it’s also favourable to offer them a mix of games too.
The most important thing when creating content is sticking to what makes your brand unique and exciting, and blending those qualities with themes or ideas which work will in the targeted markets.
In general, we have found our titles have performed well in Latin America and it’s a region we are very excited to continue to explore and grow in.
Gaming Americas: More and more countries in LatAm are considering or in the process of regulating. Is Latin America poised to be the next big igaming focal point?
SD: Latin America’s trajectory has caught the attention of many executives and are inevitably very excited about the market’s future. While Colombia is leading the regulatory charge, there are plenty of other nations looking to follow suit. Brazil has begun preliminary discussions about sports betting, so hopefully casino isn’t too far behind. Other nations have started the regulatory journey, so yes, there is significant potential in Latin America.
There is a long way to go for it to become as established as some of the major European regions or as hyped as the opening up of the United States, but it is definitely well-positioned to be the next big growth area over the next few years.
Gaming Americas: Coljuegos has widely been lauded as an example for how regulation should be approached. Do you agree and how has the framework allowed the market to thrive?
SD: Getting the regulatory approach right can be difficult and across the world on an almost daily basis we hear arguments as to whether regulatory frameworks should be stricter or more lenient. For us, it is about getting the right blend that ensures the market can grow while also benefiting the government through a sensible tax rate. Colombia’s model is a very positive example in a region where regulation isn’t widespread at the moment, so it offers hope for Latin America, and a guidepost for how to approach creating a framework.
Each nation will require a slightly unique approach, but Colombia can be the example to follow.
Gaming Americas: Booongo has launched a tournament series, Money Chase. How important are promotional tournaments in retaining and acquiring new customers?
SD: Promotional tournaments offer an exciting change of pace for players, while giving operators a tool they can use specifically for acquisition and retention. It allows players to be competitive with their friends, reward those who have impressive wins, and keep players engaged long after a traditional session may have ended.
Our new tournament series, which is part of our HYPE promo tools range, differs slightly to usual tournaments, which can often favour serious players willing to stake significant amounts in return for tournament wins. It’s currently being used in our network campaign Money Chase to great effect by offering prizes for a single biggest win, rather than a cumulative amount, which provides casual players with an opportunity to win and also more of an incentive to participate in the tournament.
For us it is rewarding to give something back to players and fans through exciting promotions, while also giving our operator partners a useful resource where they can continue to keep players immersed in thrilling game session. Tournaments can be fantastic tools as all stakeholders have a positive experience at the end of it.
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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.
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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.
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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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