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.
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Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app
Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.
This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.
Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.
“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.
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