Canada
US Bookies Starting to See Interest in Esports Rise Dramatically
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.”
Powered by WPeMatico
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.
Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.
A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.
AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.
The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America.
The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.
The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.
BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.
BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.
With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.
EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.
“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”
The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.
Let me be perfectly clear
Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.
Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.
We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.
We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.
To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.
Sincerely
Matt Zamroźniak
Chief Executive Officer
Prime Skill Games Inc.
The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
AGLC6 days agoAGLC Announces New Board Chair
-
Australia5 days ago
BetMakers Partners with The Bookie Group
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
Oddin.gg Officially Registered with LOTBA as a Supplier in the City of Buenos Aires
-
Africa6 days ago
SOFTSWISS Launches First South African Project with Mzansibet
-
Asia6 days ago
NODWIN Gaming Partners with Sony LIV for Streaming Rights of Esports World Cup 2025
-
BETesporte5 days ago
Sportradar Launches AI-Driven “Bettor Sense” to Support Responsible Gambling
-
Adam Packer6 days ago
PrizePicks Secures Gaming Licenses in Puerto Rico and Maine
-
188BET4 days agoCyberArena Officially Rebrands from 188BET to taptap
