Canada
Why blackjack is the most popular casino game in the world
Casino players have more options than ever when it comes to the amount of games to choose from. However, even with a growing volume of games, there is one that remains the most widely popular.
Different studies have been conducted to determine which casino games are responsible for all online players, and they all conclude that blackjack is king, attracting around 31 percent of all online casino table traffic.
Blackjack is followed by roulette (24%) and poker (21%), with all other games combined (including craps and baccarat) making up the remaining 24 percent.
So, what is it about blackjack – a game that first emerged in the 18th century – that has made it consistently the most popular game for so many players?
The rules are easy to understand
The rules for blackjack are simple enough for new players to quickly understand but layered enough to keep players engaged. After placing your stake for the upcoming hand, the dealer will deal you two cards and themselves two cards, with one facing down. Your aim is to reach as close to the value of 21 as possible.
After you have settled on your final hand, it is the dealer’s turn to reach 21. Whoever gets closer to 21, wins the hand. If one player goes bust by going over 21, the other player wins but if both go over 21 the round is void.
A player lands blackjack when their two original cards make up 21. This is only possible when dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, jack, queen, king). Usually blackjack earns the player an additional bonus on top of their original stake.
You can also make some mid-game bets that add extra dimensions to blackjack and make the game even more interesting. Splitting allows you to split your hand into two bets when you are dealt two identical cards. Doubling down means you can double your bet mid-game on the condition that you will only take one more card.
The basic rules and the mid-game betting are perfectly set up to make blackjack exciting and fun for players.
Mix of luck and decision-making
The biggest part of blackjack that contributes to its popularity is the fact that it allows players a level of control, even though the game is based primarily on luck. Of course, there is no control over which cards you get dealt, but players are able to decide when to hit (add more cards) and when to stick; when to double down and when to split.
Decision-making is almost as important as luck in blackjack. It allows players the opportunity to take advantage of hands that lean in their favor, while at the same time minimize risks and losses when the dealer is in a position of strength.
Compare that to the other most popular casino games. Roulette and slot games are based entirely on luck and give players no control, while poker is highly strategic to the point that players with terrible cards can still beat opponents with good cards.
Blackjack made a successful transition online
The evolution of online casino betting revolutionized the industry and saw casino games attract entirely new audiences and demographics.
As one of the most popular and established casino games, software developers knew of the importance of ensuring online versions of blackjack would prove just as popular.
The investment and effort to create dynamic and engaging digital versions of blackjack – particularly mobile versions in more recent years – has paid off and as revealed earlier, it is the most played online casino game in the world.
The beauty of blackjack is that the game is just as engaging whether played in a grand casino surrounded by people or on a mobile phone.
Blackjack is sociable and non-competitive
When playing at a live online casino or at a land-based casino, you will likely be joined at the blackjack table by other players. However, you all have the same goal and that is to beat the dealer. Despite sharing a table, blackjack players are not in competition with each other.
Whether playing with friends or strangers, blackjack’s setup makes it a sociable game as everyone wants to take down the house! And click here if you want to check online casino betting tips.
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Canada
Fennica Gaming Expands its Partnership with Loto-Québec by Launching eInstant Games
Building on the momentum of its successful market entry, Fennica Gaming announced the expansion of its partnership with Loto-Québec by launching also its portfolio of eInstant games. This second phase follows the recent successful launch of Fennica Gaming’s online casino games, making its full suite of innovative online games available to players on Loto-Québec’s digital platform, the only legal online gaming offer in the province of Québec.
The launch of the eInstant portfolio completes the initial offering, delivering a diverse and engaging gaming experience designed with Fennica Gaming’s signature player-first approach. The move solidifies Fennica Gaming’s commitment to the Canadian market and its strategy of building long-term, sustainable partnerships with regulated lotteries and operators.
“Launching our casino games was the first step; following it up swiftly with our eInstants is about delivering on our promise. Our partnership with Loto-Québec is built on shared values of responsibility and providing engaging, high-quality entertainment. This isn’t just a content drop; it’s a commitment to our partner’s long-term success and to bringing fresh, reliable gaming experiences to the players in Québec,” said Joni Hovi, SVP of Customers and Marketing at Fennica Gaming.
“Our eInstants are designed with a Nordic innovativeness; they are intuitive, visually engaging, and extremely entertaining – built for sustainable fun. We’ve added the best of mobile gaming expertise, seasoned it with a high-quality, player-centric experience. We are confident that this creative energy offers a distinct flavour that will stand out and connect with players in Québec,” said Kirsi Lagus, SVP of Portfolio and Product Development.
The post Fennica Gaming Expands its Partnership with Loto-Québec by Launching eInstant Games appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
CGA Announces Leadership Evolution and 2026 Board of Directors
Amanda Brewer becomes Senior Vice President of Policy & Communications and Brandon Aboultaif becomes Vice President of Western Canada; Salim Adatia (GLI) and Mike Maodus (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) join the CGA Board as Scott Vanderwel (PointsBet Canada) is appointed Chair.
Amanda Brewer has joined the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) as Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications, and Brandon Aboultaif has assumed the position of Vice President for Western Canada.
Amanda has served as a consultant to the Association for over 15 years, playing a pivotal role in achieving numerous CGA milestones. “I am confident she will apply her enthusiasm and expertise to this new position, which more precisely aligns with her ongoing contributions on behalf of our members,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO, CGA. Amanda remains actively engaged in AML and advertising bill initiatives in Ottawa, along with the Alberta consultation process, where the Association is collaborating with the Government of Alberta and AGLC to prepare the province for its iGaming market launch.
Brandon is the former Press Secretary to Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction and will be a great addition to the CGA. “With the Alberta market soon opening, it has been an important goal to expand our presence into the western part of the country,” added Mr. Burns. His key responsibilities include advancing industry research and education initiatives, supporting member engagement across Western Canada, and fostering collaboration on responsible gaming, innovation, and market development initiatives that strengthen Canada’s gaming ecosystem.
In addition, Salim Adatia, Managing Director, Canada for Gaming Laboratories International, LLC, and Mike Maodus, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, have joined the CGA’s Board of Directors, and Scott Vanderwel, CEO for PointsBet Canada, becomes the Association’s new Chair.
The full 2026 board is as follows:
- Salim Adatia, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC
- Bruce Caughill, Rush Street Interactive
- Peter Czegeldy, Aird & Berlis LLP
- Neil Erlick, Nuvei
- Kurt Gissane, Aristocrat
- Charmaine Hogan, Playtech
- Dale Hooper, FanDuel
- Chuck Keeling, Great Canadian Entertainment
- Mike Maodus, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- Terry McInally, Gateway Entertainment
- Niaz Nejad, Non-Member Director
- Derek Ramm, Kinectify
- Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
- Richard Taylor, Niagara Casinos
- Shane Thompson, Konami
- Scott Vanderwel, PointsBet Canada (Chair)
- Scott Woodgate, BetMGM
We are also pleased to welcome three past chairs as Emeritus members of the board:
- Ilkim Hincer, IC360
- Carrie Kormos, CK Consulting Inc
- Bob Parente, Light & Wonder
“Amanda and Brandon have joined the CGA as full-time members to oversee several important national campaigns,” stated Scott Vanderwel, Chair of the Board. “We are also pleased to welcome Salim and Mike to the Board. The Board has worked closely with Paul over recent years to advance the Association’s leadership and board structure. We have full confidence in Amanda and Brandon as they step into these key roles, as well as in the valuable contributions that Salim and Mike are expected to bring as we prepare for an active 2026 workload.”
Mr. Burns stated that the newly announced executive and Board appointments will strengthen CGA’s position and support its expansion into Western Canada. “Amanda brings extensive CGA experience, while Brandon contributes knowledge of government policy at both federal and provincial levels. Coupled with our enhanced Board, I am confident they will help drive CGA’s objectives and ongoing growth.”
Source: canadiangaming.ca
The post CGA Announces Leadership Evolution and 2026 Board of Directors appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Adam Pentecost Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps
Gaming Corps partners with BetMGM for exclusive Ontario launch
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, has announced a landmark content partnership with BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, marking BetMGM as the first partner to bring Gaming Corps’ full portfolio to players in Ontario. The exclusivity will run for an initial period before the portfolio is rolled out more widely in the market.
The agreement brings BetMGM players in Ontario the full force of Gaming Corps’ premium line-up, from blockbuster titles like 3 Pigs of Olympus and Gates of Hellfire to signature mechanics including the adrenaline-fuelled A-MAZE-CADES
and instant-win Smash4Cash
series.
Available at BetMGM Casino, the portfolio also features the innovative X-MY-WAY
challenge, as seen in Hoop Champion and Golf Champion, which introduces new layers of interactivity and personalised gameplay experiences.
Adam Pentecost, Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps, said: “Ontario has quickly become one of the most exciting regulated markets in North America, and we’re thrilled to be making our debut with BetMGM as our first operator partner in the province. The opportunity to launch with such a high-profile brand, on an exclusive basis, allows us to showcase our content to an engaged player base and demonstrate the unique experiences we can deliver. This is an important milestone in our North American expansion strategy, and we look forward to seeing how Ontario players respond to our portfolio.”
Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, said: “Exclusivity matters because it gives our players something they can’t find anywhere else and sets us apart in a competitive market. Gaming Corps’ engaging and interactive content portfolio is a fantastic addition to BetMGM Casino.”
The post Gaming Corps partners with BetMGM for exclusive Ontario launch appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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