Canada
Pennsylvania Sportsbooks Take In Just $46 Million In Bets While Online Casinos Surge
April’s handle $300 million short of what would have been expected, according to PlayPennsylvania
LAS VEGAS — Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks generated just a fraction of the bets that they would have expected during a normal April, while online casinos and poker rooms smashed their revenue record with $43.1 million. That divergent path—which includes an estimated loss of more than $300 million in sports bets, according to PlayPennsylvania estimates—will continue as long as most major sports and the state’s land-based casinos remain closed.
“The growth in online gambling as well as betting on non-traditional sports are industry bright spots,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayPennsylvania.com. “But there just isn’t any way for Pennsylvania operators to compensate for such a dramatic loss of revenue, including at retail sportsbooks and land-based casinos, which can’t generate a single dollar right now.”
During a month in which PlayPennsylvania.com would have estimated a handle of nearly $350 million, Pennsylvania sportsbooks generated just $46 million in wagers, according to official data released Monday. That is down from $131.3 million in March, though up slightly from $36.8 million in April 2019, before online sports betting launched.
Sportsbooks yielded $3.2 million in gross revenue, up from $8.6 million in March. The win resulted in $988,255 in state taxes.
Before the COVID-19 shutdowns, Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks had grown from a 2019 low handle of $31.5 million to a record of $348.4 million in January 2020.
“The momentum that brought records month after month for Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks has been reversed almost instantly,” said Valerie Cross, an analyst for PlayPennsylvania.com. “Until sports leagues figure out a way to reopen, these dreary results will continue.”
With retail sportsbooks shuttered in April—potentially losing out on some $35 million of in-person bets—online sportsbooks generated Pennsylvania’s entire handle. FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino led the market in April with $19 million in April wagers, down from $53.7 million in March. That yielded $1.3 million in taxable revenue, down from $2.8 million in March. FanDuel was followed by:
- DraftKings at The Meadows ($12.6 million handle, down from $28.6 million; $706,589 taxable revenue, down from $1.5 million)
- Rivers-Philadelphia ($5.9 million handle, down from $12 million; $309,551 revenue, down from $601,984)
- Fox Bet at Mount Airy ($3.7 million handle, down from $6.1 million; $229,469 revenue, up from $159,013)
- Rivers-Pittsburgh ($2.4 million handle, down from $8.2 million; $190,013 revenue, down from $535,860)
- Parx Casino ($2.2 million handle, down from $7.9 million; $193,662 revenue, down from $618,159)
- Unibet at Mohegan Sun Pocono ($92,521 handle, down from $1.2 million; $14,362 revenue, down from $19,750)
- Presque Isle Downs ($97,107 handle, down from $483,429; -$4,066 revenue, down from $23,905)
- Harrah’s ($28,155 handle, down from $139,790; -$557 revenue, up from -$18,075)
Limited to futures betting and action on nontraditional sports, Pennsylvania’s online sportsbooks are arguably faring better than might have been predicted. And sportsbooks could be getting some help from more mainstream sports soon, with auto racing restarting, golf planning on teeing off in the coming weeks, and Major League Baseball inching closer.
“A $46 million handle with such limited options in terms of sports is a surprise,” Gouker said. “April could potentially be the statistical low point, but there is so much that can happen that the immediate future is impossible to predict. That is a bit disconcerting for operators.”
Online casinos and poker boom
Online casinos and poker rooms brought good news for the industry, combining to generate a whopping $43.1 million in April revenue. That was up 77.4% from the record $24.3 million in March and 121% over February’s $19.5 million. As many of Pennsylvania’s gamblers stayed home and land-based casinos remained closed, casinos and poker revenue hit $1.4 million per day in the 30 days of April, up from $782,768 per day in March.
Online table games and slots generated $1.4 billion in wagers, up from $871.6 million, producing $37.8 million in revenue. Mount Airy/PokerStars—the Keystone State’s only online poker room—generated a record $5.3 million in revenue, beating March’s $3.1 million and edging New Jersey for the online poker revenue record for any state.
As welcome as the rise in online gambling revenue has been, it can’t nearly make up for the lost revenue from land-based casinos. The $23.6 million revenue difference between April and February, represents just 8.5% of the $277.8 million on slot machines and table games revenue generated by land-based casinos in April 2019.
“There will likely be long-term implications from this surge in online gambling interest. A behavioral shift that makes online gambling permanently more popular is likely to continue even after casinos reopen,” Cross said. “But the reality is that despite the gains made at online casinos, the closing of land-based casinos left a revenue hole that can’t be made up.”
Rivers-Philadelphia led the online casino market with $13.7 million in revenue on $477 million in wagers, up from $6.8 million in revenue on $293.2 million in wagers in March. FanDuel/Valley Forge Casino was second with $7.9 million in online revenue on $320.8 million in wagers, up from $5 million in revenue on $250.6 million in wagers in March.
In addition, the number of online casinos in Pennsylvania grew to 10 with the launch of Caesars in April and DraftKings in early May, expanding the FanDuel-DraftKings rivalry beyond sports betting.
“The competition between FanDuel and DraftKings has been a force for innovation in sports betting markets across the country, and we expect that will transfer well to their online gambling products,” Gouker said.
For more information on the revenue generated by Pennsylvania, visit www.playpennsylvania.com/revenue.
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Canada
Group from TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the âTsâelxwĂ©yeqw Groupâ), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwackâs 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group for a period following closing.
âThis 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. Itâs a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,â said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
âWe are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Groupâs 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 TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group team during the transition period,â said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy TĂ©trault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the TsâelxwĂ©yeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from TsâelxwĂ©yeqw 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. Ontarioâs 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 Meterâa proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analyticsâanalyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from JanuaryâJune 2024 versus JanuaryâJune 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 SmokAceâboth at +74%âsignals 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 marketâs 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 satisfactionâprioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.
âPlayers are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,â says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. âWeâre seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovationâthe ones achieving real, sustained growth.â
Puolakka adds: âData doesnât just tell us whoâs growingâit 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.â
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 statisticsâthey reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canadaâs 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 worldâs largest online poker site.
Through this partnership, PokerStarsâ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugiâs standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.
PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the worldâs 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: âPokerStarsâ 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 PokerStarsâ players with our own innovative games.â
Ben-Ami continued: âThe 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 â Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent â a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.â
Ben-Ami concluded: âWe are confident that PokerStarsâ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.â
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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