Canada

MICHIGAN’S ONLINE SPORTS BETTING VOLUME SLUMPS TO LOWEST LEVEL SINCE LAUNCH

Published

4 years ago

August 17, 2021

Michigan’s online sportsbooks fell to their lowest volume ever for a full month, dropping to less than $200 million for the first time since online sports betting launched in January. July’s wagering was still enough for sportsbooks to nearly reach $2 billion in lifetime online handle, while casino revenue ticked up and surpassed $500 million lifetime, according to PlayMichigan, which analyzes and researches the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.

“Pursuits other than gaming are priorities for many in July, whether that is a trip to the lake or a backyard barbecue,” said Matt Schoch, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “The good news for sportsbooks is that with the July dip now out of the way, operators can look forward to Michiganders returning from their summer vacations and for the excitement for the football season to build.”

Michigan’s online sportsbooks generated $188.0 million in bets in July, down 20% from $235.1 million in June, according to official data released Monday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Combined with $18.3 million in retail wagering in July, which was announced last week, Michigan’s online and retail sportsbooks accounted for $206.3 million in wagering. That total is down 20.5% from $259.4 million in bets in June.

That is the lowest volume recorded in a month since sportsbooks collected $150.8 million in January, when online betting first launched on Jan. 22. Still, Michigan’s online and retail sportsbooks have now accepted $1.99 billion in wagers since retail sportsbooks launched in March 2020.

Gross gaming revenue from online betting fell 21.6% to $19.6 million from $24.9 million in June, pushing the state’s combined win to $20.8 million for the month. After promotional credits, $12.4 million in taxable revenue remained from online bets, down from $16.8 million in June. July’s online revenue produced $1.1 million in state and local taxes.

Volume has remained low since April, part of an expected seasonal slowdown. But sportsbooks have countered the loss in wagering with a gain in hold percentage, which is the money the house keeps after paying out winning bets. The hold in July for online and retail sportsbooks was 10.1%, joining June as the only two full months with a percentage above 10% since online betting launched in Michigan in January.

“Bettors interact with summer sports like golf and even the Olympics differently by placing more futures and novelty bets, which win less frequently than a conventional single-game bet on football,” said Eric Ramsey, data analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayMichigan.com. “For this reason, sportsbooks can bridge the slower betting months.”

The race for the online market lead drew closer in July. FanDuel led all online operators in July with $54.5 million in wagers, down from $77.3 million in June. FanDuel also topped Michigan operators with $7.8 million in gross sports betting revenue, down from $10.3 million in June.

DraftKings was second in the state with $53.4 million in wagers, down from $56.5 million in June. Gross gaming revenue fell to $3.1 million from $5.0 million in June. BetMGM was third with $41.0 million in wagers, down from $52.1 million in June. That produced $5.0 million in gross receipts, down from $6.1 million in June.

The online market leaders were followed by:

Barstool ($13.6 million handle, down from $16.7 million in July; $1.4 million gross revenue, down from $1.8 million)
PointsBet ($7.8 million handle, down from $10.2 million; $849,524 GGR, down from $911,170)
William Hill/Caesars ($7.5 million handle, down from $7.9 million; $252,708 GGR, down from $598,641)
Fox Bet ($2.7 million handle, down from $3.7 million; $252,873 GGR, down from $332,639)
BetRivers ($2.6 million handle, up from $2.4 million; $224,089 GGR, up from $107,480)
WynnBet ($2.3 million handle, down from $5.5 million; $357,718 GGR, up from -$383,777)
TwinSpires ($1.0 million handle, down from $1.3 million; $138,911 GGR, down from $143,197)
Golden Nugget ($623,977 handle, down from $914,393; $98,615 GGR, up from $83,855)
FireKeepers ($367,354 handle, up from $656; $44,048 GGR, up from $299)
Four Winds ($318,987 handle, down from $607,100; $35,979 GGR, up from -$18,782)

“The Olympics were never going to drive enough volume for operators to overcome a typically slow summer month, especially with the time-zone difference between Michigan and Tokyo,” Schoch said. “But the Olympics did offer an opportunity for sportsbooks to reach a new segment of customers that they wouldn’t have otherwise. That could pay dividends down the road.”

Online casinos and poker

Michigan’s online casinos and poker rooms combined to produce $92.3 million in gross gaming revenue, up 3.5% from $89.2 million in June. Casinos took in $3.0 million per day in wagers over the 31 days of July, a rate consistent with the $3.0 million per day in June. That revenue was enough to yield $17.1 million in state taxes and $6.4 million in local taxes.

Live dealer online casino games launched July 22 in Michigan, likely driving additional wagering later in the month. Since launching in January, online casinos and poker rooms have generated $575.4 million in revenue and $141.8 million in state and local taxes.

“Many of the same forces that slow sports betting in the summer, including summer vacations, also affect online casinos,” Ramsey said. “Michigan is still a young market that hasn’t yet reached maturity. The addition of live dealer games will make a difference going forward. And as the summer turns to fall, we should once again see the revenue at online casinos grow.”

Other highlights from July:

BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit continued to dominate the online casino and poker market with $33.8 million in gross gaming revenue, which yielded $8.9 million in state and local taxes.
DraftKings/Bay Mills was second in the state with $15.2 million in gross receipts, producing $3.8 million in state and local taxes. FanDuel/Motor City was third with $14.4 million in gross receipts and $3.8 million in state and local taxes.

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Michigan, visit PlayMichigan.com/news

Canada

Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack

Published

2 weeks ago

November 12, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

group-from-ts’elxweyeqw-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 Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw 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 Ts’elxwéyeqw 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 Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.

Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s 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 Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.

“This 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. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.

“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw 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 Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s 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 Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.

McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.

The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

BetVictor

Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market

Published

2 months ago

October 9, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

canadian-igaming-growth-trends-2025:-data,-strategy,-and-the-brands-defining-the-market

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Canadian iGaming market has evolved from an emerging opportunity into one of the most competitive and innovative digital gaming arenas worldwide. Ontario’s 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 Meter—a proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analytics—analyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from January–June 2024 versus January–June 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 SmokAce—both at +74%—signals 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 market’s 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 satisfaction—prioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.

“Players are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,” says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovation—the ones achieving real, sustained growth.”

Puolakka adds: “Data doesn’t just tell us who’s growing—it 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.”

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 statistics—they reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canada’s 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.

Canada

Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players

Published

2 months ago

September 29, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

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 world’s largest online poker site.

Through this partnership, PokerStars’ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugi’s standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.

PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the world’s 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: “PokerStars’ 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 PokerStars’ players with our own innovative games.”

Ben-Ami continued: “The 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 – Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent – a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.”

Ben-Ami concluded: “We are confident that PokerStars’ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.”

The post Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.