Canada
“Some of our games have registered performance increases of up to 300%” Exclusive LatAm interview with BetGames.TV’s Eddie Morales
While live casino has already been a strong performer in LatAm this year given the cancellation of sport – BetGames.TV has netted some of the industry’s highest surges in bet counts this year to make it one of the region’s standout suppliers.
Keen to find out more about the keys to their success, we had a virtual chat with BetGames.TV’s LatAm Sales Director to get the latest on the company’s expansion – as well as his insights on how we should expect the market to play out in the coming months.
It’s clear that certain verticals have taken a hit in recent months. How have live dealer games performed from BetGames.TV experience?
From our understanding, our live dealer titles have outperformed the average comparative title of late. We believe this is down to their unique fixed odds nature, which brings them closer to the sports betting audience which has been prime for cross-selling into casino this year.
Some of our games have registered performance increases of up to 300% in the first half of 2020, and this correlates with the same period that the global sporting calendar was limited and players were locked down and looking for new, vibrant content on digital and mobile channels.
Is the online gaming space catching up with the region’s long-held land-based focus in recent months?
Pre-pandemic, it had showed signs that the trend was changing in favour of online, but the sudden shock of lockdown has given many operators a reality-check that the transition needs to be prioritised.
Saying that, online gaming laws remain an important factor in this shift, and these too need to progress sustainably to develop a safer, regulated, and balanced marketplace. I personally don’t see the move to digital occurring as fast as some have predicted, but I expect it to play out with a form of natural selection where only the strongest, best prepared suppliers and operators will survive.
How has your experience with regulators been in terms of the roll-out of live dealer games?
If you look at the LatAm region, there has tended to be a lag in Live Casino product regulation. It tends to come after teething problems have been ironed out in the likes of casino and sportsbook, which almost always become the first to be regulated in newly opened markets.
There’s a lot to learn from various European markets, like the UK or Italy, where the variety of product offerings and certification processes protect both business and players in a more controllable, transparent online setting.
Is there a certain demographic uptake that explains your recent success? Is this a new audience your products have targeted, or do you think you’ve attracted players from other verticals?
Our games’ characteristics, namely being fast-paced, simple to pick-up, visual, and low-risk with regular reward, appeal to both sports and casino players from both player feedback and data analysis.
The key to our success is arguably a combination of both appealing to the expected base, but also not creating game environments that rule out gambler interaction from other verticals. We know we still have a long way to go, and we’ll continue to hone this wider market strategy, working with partners to build further product knowledge and make improvements that work across multiple borders.
With many players in the region relatively new to online gambling, let alone live dealer games, how do you go about building that initial trust?
Building trust with a new player in the digital space relies heavily on their local environment and the interaction with the operators that first serve them. A regulated country gives that first ‘plus’ mark to the player, but this can also be achieved by a strong, respected brand, or via associated partners and sponsors.
As a game supplier, we can assist by providing games that are recognisable to the local user, while also making them easy to play, entertaining and low risk, which is key to driving long term gaming longevity. We can also work with operators on tutorials, promotional and marketing tools, and offer our local expertise wherever we can to partners, so they can deliver a safe gaming environment that players will feel comfortable in.
Are there learnings from other geographies that you can take to LatAm or do you need a wholly localized approach?
Of course. There is always general learning that can be introduced to the region, particularly from Europe. It has instilled country-by-country localisation successfully, and I believe the “think global and act locally” mantra can be perfectly applied here. Although there is no reason why we cannot go further and add some local ‘spice’ and knowhow, especially on aspects affecting player lifecycle behaviour, marketing and in operations.
How do you see the wider market performing as it comes out of this pandemic? Are there certain territories or verticals that could significantly benefit or struggle?
I see the retail channel as the clear ‘loser’ from this pandemic. This applies to territories and companies where their online evolution has not been sufficient, or where they maintain high dependencies on a small number of territories with overly concentrated retail cashflow.
In terms of who might come out of this better, I have to say we are looking good at BetGames.TV, while virtual sports suppliers look to be the most improved of late. On a macro level, it’s also clear that online and mobile are those who have won big from bricks-and-mortar casino’s recent hiatus.
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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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