Canada
Exclusive Relax Gaming interview: Getting ready for the US
With plenty of talk ongoing about Relax Gaming’s exciting plans for the US, we thought it would be the perfect time to get a few minutes in with Relax Gaming’s CEO, Simon Hammon.
In his latest exclusive interview with Gaming Americas, we were delighted to talk about the brand’s exciting plans for what will no doubt one day be one of the world’s biggest iGaming markets – as well as when we should expect Relax’s first debut. Read on to find out more!
Word on the street is that Relax Gaming has ambitious plans for the US market this year! Can you tell us more to give our readers some exclusive insight?
Truthfully, Relax has ambitious plans not only for the US but the world over. We’re planning our entry into America in the coming months and have lots of new ideas for the market. Following our recent advent across Ontario and LatAm soil, we feel ready to take on the US while expanding our foothold across all these new territories. Audiences can expect to see our top-performing games, varied content from our partner studios and games tailored specifically to the market based on in-depth demographic research.
Talk us through the potential for the US – how big an iGaming market do you believe it can be?
The shift from traditional, physical casinos to online was sped up amongst American players during the pandemic, and it’s safe to say that this will continue at pace well into 2023. I believe the US market has the potential to surpass many current landmark territories and take its place as a key jurisdiction for all serious game providers in the industry.
With Relax’s extensive European legacy – what differences do you see when it comes to US player preferences and are you planning on tailoring any upcoming releases to better suit the market?
From our research, we can see numerous differences between EU-based and US-based players, mainly with respect to themes and playing styles. That said, America is a vast and dynamic market that has numerous pockets of unique demographics within it, many of which possess contrasting qualities. On a general level, however, we can say that Americans are widely into land-based slots, which trickles into their approach to digital games. This is evident in their enjoyment of classic themes and lower bet sizes with patterns that result in prolonged play.
Looking at the heritage of slots in the US – one can argue that it’s all about the likes of Las Vegas, Atlantic City and machine-based slots – is that something your team will be taking inspiration from?
Our inspiration is drawn from within the industry as well as externally; from pop culture, film, art and even new fields of technology. Machine-based slots offer a theme of their own that can appear in our titles to some degree, as we like the challenge of giving classics our own spin.
Onto jackpots – Relax is certainly well known for Dream Drop! Are you planning on rolling out Dream Drop in the US?
While the Dream Drop Jackpots mechanic is performing exceptionally well in Europe and we’re confident that it would prove popular in the American market as well, our initial rollout plans solely involve our slots portfolio for the time being. As things gradually develop across the US, we’ll be in a better position to introduce new products and mechanics.
Last but not least, can you share any initial states that you expect to go live in first?
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are high on our list for initial execution while all other regulated markets in the content will form part of our long-term growth strategy. Each state has it’s own enticing qualities and we’re excited to see our titles break through the market across the continent.
Powered by WPeMatico
BetVictor
BetVictor Canada launches Tracy McGrady Safer Gambling campaign

BetVictor Canada has launched its new out-of-home advertising campaign across the streets of Toronto to promote NBA legend Tracy McGrady as its Safer Gambling Ambassador.
Two mobile digital trucks strategically targeting high-traffic areas near Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and major sporting events will provide prime audience exposure for the campaign, scheduled around Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays home games.
To further enhance the campaign’s reach, BetVictor Canada has partnered with Clear Media Group to leverage digital taxi tops across Toronto, providing city-wide exposure with 100 taxis displaying key brand messaging. These digital taxi tops will run during peak evening hours (5:00pm – 9:00pm) on select dates until April 5th, 2025.
The campaign coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide grassroots campaign held each March that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
BetVictor Canada offers an array of tools and services to help its Canadian customers bet and play safely and responsibly, across a host of sports betting markets and online casino games.
Mark Harper, Head of Emerging Markets at BV Group, said: “BetVictor is delighted to be participating in the National Council of Problem Gambling campaign in March, to help increase public awareness of problem gambling and the need to promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“In using our Safer Gambling Ambassador, Tracy McGrady, to raise awareness about BetVictor’s safer gambling tools such as loss limits, time alerts and product restrictions we are dedicated to ensuring all players have a safe gambling experience. #PGAM2025.”
The post BetVictor Canada launches Tracy McGrady Safer Gambling campaign appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
The post AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BCLC
BCLC Launches “What’s played here stays here” Campaign

BCLC’s new “What’s played here stays here” campaign is issuing an important reminder to British Columbians who choose to gamble – specifically that all net profit its operations generate stays in B.C. to help fund critical services like education, health care and community programs.
The campaign also reinforces that all other gambling websites operating in B.C. are illegal and take away funds from critical community programs and services.
“Across B.C. and Canada, we’ve seen incredible groundswell around the importance of buying and supporting local, and that’s no different for British Columbians who choose gambling for their entertainment. We want our B.C. players to know they can find a world-class gambling experience in their own backyard, whether it’s at one of our 33 casinos, 3,400 lottery retailers, or online at PlayNow.com, and that the proceeds from their play with BCLC make a positive impact at home in their community,” Pat Davis, President and CEO of BCLC, said.
Along with illegal online gambling websites, BCLC also competes with Washington State and Las Vegas casinos, all of which aggressively market to B.C. residents.
“BCLC continues to raise awareness that these gambling options do not support B.C.’s economy and take away funds from vital provincial and community-based programs and services. In a time when British Columbians are standing united, we want to reinforce that playing together with BCLC helps make B.C. even better,” Pat Davis added.
The post BCLC Launches “What’s played here stays here” Campaign appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
AGCO5 days ago
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
-
BetVictor5 days ago
BetVictor Canada launches Tracy McGrady Safer Gambling campaign
-
Central Europe5 days ago
Digitain Partners with Gamingtec to Expand Presence in Europe
-
Asia5 days ago
Asian Poker Tour Announces Cancellation of APT Manila 2025
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
EPIC Global Solutions highlighted as a key element in PrizePicks’ iCAP Accreditation
-
Latest News3 days ago
BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SHOWCASE ITS WORLD-LEADING TESTING SERVICES FOR BRAZIL’S FAST-GROWING GAMING MARKET AT BIS SIGMA AMERICAS SUMMIT APRIL 7–10
-
Asia5 days ago
Birmingham City Forms Alliance with GOD55 as Their Official Asian Betting Partner
-
Brazil4 days ago
Interview w/ Renato Almeida, Director at FBM