Canada
Q&A with Matthew Kelemen, Business Development Director for North America at Pariplay
As North America continues to embrace iGaming and more markets become regulated, there is clear appetite for content among leading operators.
While land-based games remain key, innovative, mobile-first content has emerged as a popular alternative, especially with high degrees of mobile penetration. How important a role do aggregators play as the US States open up and operators look to hit the ground running?
In short, aggregators play a massive role! We believe that everyone wins with great service and innovative content when it comes from the minds of thousands of talented members of the iGaming community, rather than just dozens.
This plethora of choice and creativity is exactly what Pariplay brings to the US and Canadian marketplace for both operators and players. It is no secret that the US in particular is an incredibly active market.
When everyone is on a speeding train of growth, operators unquestionably desire to streamline their time-to-market in an organized manner with trusted professional suppliers that really know how to deliver and support iGaming content.
Recent months have seen Pariplay enter Ontario, New Jersey, West Virginia and Michigan. Is the wealth of content that can be brought to market swiftly by aggregators a key selling point for operator partners?
It is a key selling point, but not just the only one. Beyond swift market entry, Pariplay is making substantial investments on behalf of partner studios. Our investments in terms of legal, talent, technical infrastructure and marketing is being done not only for our benefit, but for the that of the entire network that believe in us to grow their companies.
Additionally, making these investments displays an unfettered commitment to our operators that Pariplay will invest into each state/province that they do. This gives our operator partners the ability to forecast their content roadmap months to years in advance before they enter a new jurisdiction.
You are the new Business Development Director for North America. Does this regionalization highlight the importance of the continent for your global business plans?
Many view the US and Canada in comparable terms to the California gold rush of 1849, and we do as well. Hiring an experienced iGaming executive based in North America is our first step of many. Beyond growing our North American team and operational development, we strive to deliver games that fit local desires to our operators and players.
Whilst a ‘buffalo’ themed game appeals to players just about anywhere, players in New Jersey may not favor a UK-style pub fruit machine. Players in West Virginia might have little emotional connection for a branded game based on a soccer star. One of our biggest missions in North America is simple – Go Local and Know Their Customers.
Providing an entertainment experience that tells a story is one of Pariplay’s content values. Players love to be immersed into other worlds, lands and stories. We strongly believe working with data as well as partners to design and deliver games that fit regionally will be a key differentiator.
This is something that has been a major selling point for us in the Americas. As operators know, we have direct access to thousands of talented game makers within our portfolio of studios to deliver locally.
In markets throughout Europe, we’ve seen an increased focus on gamification tools. Is this something that is expected to be popular in North America, and do aggregators have an advantage in this with the ability to offer tools across thousands of games?
Pariplay’s aggregation platform offers a set of gamifications tools that can be implemented across thousands of games from multiple suppliers. These tools are essential to help our partners acquire and retain players, with products such as tournaments, free spins, bonuses, and raffles all requiring no extra integration work.
In addition, all third-party jackpots and in-game marketing tools are fully supported by our back office, ensuring operators can get maximum accessibility from all products in their portfolio.
For smaller studios, is partnering with an aggregator the only way to securely enter the regulated markets throughout the states?
It’s not the only way for smaller studios, but it is decidedly the most efficient and cost-effective road to market for all studios. As an example, it has taken Pariplay almost twelve months to complete our vendor licensing in Michigan. That’s a lot of time and labor hours and costs just to be approved. Then comes the technical set up, game certifications and integrations with our customers. It’s a tremendous undertaking for any company large or small.
For smaller studios, this arduous process could mean a lack of focus on producing content, or signing commercial deals, while we can offer a secure route to market.
In this way, we provide the dreamers of gaming innovation with a realistic way to achieve their visions at a mere fraction of what it takes to get in front of US gaming regulators and the likes of Rush Street Interactive, BetMGM, and Golden Nugget – just to name a few of our first customers.
What can we expect from Pariplay in the US and Canada for the rest of 2022?
There is a lot for us to do in North America for the rest of the year. As well as bringing out new products, we will continue to focus on gaining licenses in key targeted territories including Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Following that, we hope we will be announcing plenty of commercial deals in those states and provinces. It will be an exciting year to say the least!
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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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