Canada
Exclusive interview: Gaming1’s Chief Business Development Officer, Victor Araneda details the company’s US growth strategy
Following its joint venture with Delaware North, Gaming1 is moving its focus to the exciting US market, where it recently opened its latest office in Miami.
With plenty more developments in the pipeline, Gaming Americas spoke to the company’s Chief Business Development Officer, Victor Araneda, about its plans for the US market and what will differentiate them from the competition.
Talk us through GAMING1’s 2021 – what were your key successes and how has your entrance into the North American market performed so far?
Last year was extremely busy as we completed our US joint venture with Delaware North and set up our platform to debut in the first few states. We worked incredibly hard in putting together a state-of-the-art product and a very exciting collection of talent for our joint venture in the US, Gamewise, including our General Manager John Worthington.
On top of that, we recently opened our new offices in Miami, and I speak for all of us when I say we’re looking forward to launching operations with the new technology at our disposal. It was a fantastic year, but now it’s all about 2022 as the US opportunity opens up more and more and we will be on hand to help our partners take advantage.
With upcoming events on the calendar in the US, how do you plan to showcase what GAMING1 brings as a unique partner to the market?
It’s been so long since we’ve been able to have everyone under the same roof, so I think we are all looking forward to that in and of itself. Having spent the better part of the last 17 years travelling to events like these, I’m eager to get back on the road. Rest assured, I will be in attendance at all the upcoming events introducing prospective partners to our technology and unique business model.
Gamewise, as a turnkey operator with strong casino lineage, understands the need to strengthen the potential of our land-based partners and the bond they’ve created over time with their patrons. We bring the technology and know-how to expand that relationship into the interactive environment. Our platform was created with the earned secret of that lineage. It is flexible and modular because we believe that an effective interactive offering should have a multi-provider approach for both sports betting and iGaming, just like an operator would have on a casino floor.
Going into more detail on your Delaware North partnership – what has the deal entailed and what are your plans for growth together?
Delaware North and Gaming1 share so much of the same DNA and business philosophy. Two entities still owned by families that embody the spirit of true partnership in the United States and Europe. These are businesses built with a client-oriented approach which is reflected in our technology. We truly understand the strength of tradition and the power of brand and the value of land-based converging into the interactive environment.
Gamewise will be looking to not just operate in jurisdictions where we have direct access but to also share our technology with partners that share the same vision and want to bring their businesses into the digital world in other states.
Looking at the US market as a whole – which states has GAMING1 got its eye on for future plans?
It’s no big secret that we’re planning to deploy our technology in all states where Delaware North currently operates. We’re also putting together an ambitious plan that includes market access and B2B partnerships. Our parent companies were built through partnerships, and we look for Gamewise to continue that tradition and bring that experience to the online arena through partnerships. The exciting thing about the US market is how new it is and how fast it is evolving. We are certainly looking forward to assessing the landscape as it regulates further throughout 2022.
How key do you believe the likes of New York and Florida are going to be in terms of new states fueling a further surge in US betting handles?
It’s somewhat disappointing to see that two of the largest and most influential states in the union have taken so long to come on board and produce competitive legislation. In terms of fuel for the industry, our eyes and praise have long been for states that have embraced online casino side by side with sports betting, with the most recent examples being West Virginia and Michigan.
We believe that legislation that allows for all verticals and robust products should be the norm as they offer the most value for players and all stakeholders. There are hopeful signs of moving in this direction in a number of states.
Moving further North to Canada, what potential do you see the market holding?
Gaming1, together with Delaware North, are looking forward to the continued rollout of legislation across Canada. It’s a market we feel will do very well and that is taking a conscientious approach to regulation.
Several jurisdictions in the country have been predicted to be some of the most attractive in North America. One very reliable recipe for success for any state is a high population, highly competitive market, sizable player volumes and high bonus offers. The combination of these elements makes Canada one to keep an eye on.
And last but not least, looking at LatAm, where you’ve already achieved plenty of success – how do you see the LatAm market shaping up for 2022?
We feel there’s still so much to do in Latin America in terms of specific regulation and market development. On top of that, weakening economic prospects in some of these major countries, including Brazil, continues to make this difficult to predict. The region’s economy still seems to be sluggish and trying to bounce back from the pandemic. Some signs indicate a potential rebound, however, particularly in countries with high vaccination rates.
It feels like only yesterday, but it’s been over four years since Colombia passed their clearly successful regulation model and yet so many of their neighbors have failed to follow that example. Gaming1 still feels bullish about the prospects of the region and will be waiting with bated breath for new openings.
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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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