Canada

US Bookies Starting to See Interest in Esports Rise Dramatically

Published

5 years ago

March 11, 2021

In the past, professional bookmakers in the United States didn’t think much about esports. Most considered it to be on par with horse racing and even though bookies offered it, but it wasn’t one of the more essential options. But, since mid-2020, though, the bookie viewpoint regarding esports has shifted significantly. Once a novelty, pay per head agents, bookies who use sportsbook software, have signed on more and more esports betting players. The increase in action can be traced and part of the reason to the fact that most online sportsbooks offer betting on Counter-strike (CS:GO), League of Legends (LoL), and Dota 2 matches.

CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2 are the three most organized esports globally. Dota 2 is so popular that later this month, on March 25, Netflix will release an anime show starring Valve Dota, one of the game’s main characters. Twitch, the online streaming service, also broadcasts the most important and most essential esports matches. What’s interesting is that all three are older games. Dota 2 came out in 2013. League of Legends calls 2009 its birth year, and Counter-Strike began on Microsoft Windows in 1999.

Similar to what happens with the NFL, NBA, and MLB, esports enthusiasts latch onto specific teams and players. The two most popular games, Counter-strike and League of Legends, are attractive to different regions worldwide. The top four ranked CS:GO teams are from Russia and European nations. The best League of Legends teams call South Korea and China their homes.

Riot Games, which developed League of Legends, runs all regional tournaments and the LoL World Championships. Valve, Counter-Strike’s creator, runs major Counter-strike tournaments throughout the world. Valve also created Dota 2. The main Dota 2 event is The International. Valve shelved The International in 2020 due to the coronavirus. Although Valve has not released the dates for The International in 2021, most believe it will happen in Stockholm, Sweden, sometime in August.

When asked about esports, PayPerHead product manager Nate Johnson said, “Any time you’ve got a tournament with a $34 to $40 million prize pool, like The International, our agents will see action on those matches.” Johnson also added that players have helped esports popularity rise. Astralis Counter-Strike player Dev1ce, Nicholas Reedtz is his real name, has earned over $1.29 million. “Every CS:GO fan on the planet knows who Dev1ce is,” Johnson said, “which is why whenever Astralis plays, you can be sure Twitch is streaming it.”

Asked specifically about esports in the US, Johnson said, “U.S. bettors, to a large degree, have yet to catch on, which is why many of our agents haven’t seen a rise in esports betting action.” Johnson said that could soon change. “The Overwatch League is based in the United States and Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots owner, has a stake in Boston Uprising. Other major sports league figures are getting involved. As more football, baseball, and basketball figures get involved, esports should gain in popularity here in the states.”

“The 2021 Overwatch League starts play on April 16. So our agents could see a rise in esports action around that time,” Johnson added. “But agents mustn’t wait until April 16. Almost every week, there are multiple CS:GO, LoL, and Dota 2 tournaments. Now’s the time for agents to start telling their players about esports betting with all the exciting options now available.”

Bet Rite

Spintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite

Published

18 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

spintec-expands-into-canada-with-bet-rite

Spintec is expanding its footprint in North America by partnering with Bet Rite in the Canadian gambling sector. As a prominent developer of electronic table games, Spintec invested significant effort into locating a partner who comprehends the distinctiveness of the Canadian casino industry. Bet Rite is taking on the position of Spintec’s distributor in Canada, leveraging its established reputation and substantial industry knowledge. This collaboration combines global innovation with local expertise in a partnership that is helping Spintec advance its expansion objectives in North America.

Bet Rite’s establishment is rooted in years of industry expertise. The firm focuses on providing top-notch gaming solutions designed specifically for Canadian operators. They aim to provide a sole vendor connection that grants access to numerous top-tier product lines, establishing them as a reliable partner nationwide.

For Spintec, collaborating with a company that prioritizes service, product excellence, and enduring relationships is vital, and Bet Rite is dedicated to prioritizing customer needs. With a solid sales network and a reputation for dependability, their market stance is highly strong.

Through this collaboration, Spintec is guaranteeing that their creative products receive backing from an attentive, community-focused service. The initial product line to be launched in the Canadian market will be Spintec’s premier Charisma line. Charisma’s design, flexibility, innovation, and wide range of product customizations will undoubtedly make it a top seller in Canada as well.

Billy Maclellan, Bet Rite President, says: “Our company has grown by offering best-in-class suppliers the local support that they need. Spintec fits the mold perfectly and together we are well placed to make this partnership a glowing success”

Goran Sovilj, Spintec’s Chief Commercial Officer, agrees: “Bet Rite’s deep understanding of the Canadian market makes this alliance very promising. We are always excited to introduce innovative and exciting products to new markets, especially when our distributors are as experienced and knowledgeable as Bet Rite.”

The post Spintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

Gaming Corps takes flight in Ontario with High Flyer Casino partnership

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-corps-takes-flight-in-ontario-with-high-flyer-casino-partnership

Gaming Corps, the Sweden-based publicly listed game development studio, has secured a new content partnership with High Flyer Casino, an AGCO-licensed online gaming operator in Ontario, Canada. The agreement marks another strategic step forward for Gaming Corps as it continues to grow its footprint in one of North America’s most competitive regulated iGaming markets.

As part of the deal, a curated selection of Gaming Corps’ slot titles will be made available to High Flyer Casino players across Ontario. The initial launch includes 3 Pigs of the Caribbean, a swashbuckling instalment from the well-known 3 Pigs franchise, alongside Savannah Stacks, a high-volatility slot inspired by the thrills of a safari adventure.

High Flyer Casino has established itself as a slots-focused operator with a strong reputation for value-driven, mobile-first gaming experiences tailored to Canadian players. Operated by Ellipse Entertainment Limited, the company draws on more than 25 years of industry expertise and offers a diverse portfolio that features over 100 exclusive games. Its offering is further enhanced by the proprietary Reel Jackpot brand, popular Money Spinner titles, and a wide range of progressive slots.

Commenting on the partnership, Adam Pentecost, Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps, said:
“High Flyer Casino has carved out a clear position in Ontario with a focused slots strategy and a strong understanding of what local players are looking for. Bringing our most recognisable titles to their platform allows us to reach a highly engaged audience in a market that continues to set the pace in North America. This agreement represents another meaningful step in expanding our distribution with operators who value distinctive content and long-term portfolio growth.”

Man Mac, Head of Marketing at High Flyer Casino, added:
“At High Flyer Casino, we are building a slot lineup that blends proven player appeal with unique and memorable gaming experiences. Gaming Corps’ portfolio fits perfectly with that approach, delivering polished, entertaining games that are full of personality.”

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Canada

CasinoCanada and GG.BET Forge Strategic Alliance

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

casinocanada-and-gg.bet-forge-strategic-alliance

CasinoCanada is delighted to reveal a collaboration with GG.BET, a prominent global platform for esports and sports betting. This partnership will broaden GG.BET’s footprint in important regional markets and deliver focused, captivating content for fans of esports and sports wagering.

In this partnership, CasinoCanada will team up with GG.BET to create tailored reviews and SEO-focused content for local audiences. This initiative will enhance GG.BET’s exposure and provide players with trustworthy information and a smooth user experience.

CasinoCanada is an online gaming guide run by SEOBROTHERS.

Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR at SEOBROTHERS, commented: “GG.BET is a pioneering force in the esports betting space, combining innovation with deep industry knowledge. Partnering with CasinoCanada aligns perfectly with our goal to support platforms that prioritise player engagement and responsible growth. Together, we look forward to delivering valuable content that resonates with esports and sports fans alike and contributes to the sustained success of GG.BET.”

GG.BET is a global wagering platform created by esports specialists to provide an exceptional esports betting experience along with a variety of conventional sports betting choices. The platform provides over 30 esports categories, featuring both console and mobile games, along with more than 40 conventional sports.

GG.BET additionally offers AI-driven virtual sports, including virtual leagues for football, basketball, and tennis. The platform improves user interaction with a tailored feed and a customizable gaming avatar that develops as players progress through GG.Leagues stages. GG.BET emphasizes player safety and client support, upholding strict standards in data security and user assistance.

GG.BET fosters esports growth through collaborations with teams and sponsorships of prominent tournaments, such as BLAST Premier (CS2), PGL Major, and Dota 2’s The International. Since 2020, GG.BET has partnered with NAVI and Team Vitality’s CS2 lineup.

The brand has gained international acclaim, securing the Best Esports Operator title at the EGR Operator Awards 2023 as well as the SiGMA Europe Awards 2023. This achievement persisted with the Esports Operator of the Year accolade at the EGR Global Operator Awards 2024, succeeded by Operator of the Year for Central and Eastern Europe at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025.

Serhii, Head of Affiliates at GG.BET, added: “We’re pleased to launch our partnership with CasinoCanada. Their strong regional expertise and engaged audience make them a valuable partner for us. We see great potential in this cooperation to strengthen GG.BET’s presence in the region and build long-term growth together.”

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