Canada
PLAYMAKER REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2021 RESULTS HIGHLIGHTED BY STRONG ORGANIC GROWTH
Playmaker Capital Inc. (TSX-V: PMKR) (“Playmaker” or the “Company”), the Toronto-based digital sports media company, today reports its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.
“We are excited to share our results from the third quarter and the continuation of the progress that we have made since our Q2 earnings release in August. In Q3 we have begun to see the results of the execution of our roll up strategy with the acquisitions of Yardbarker and Two-Up. We acquired two companies but at the same time focused on the organic growth of our existing portfolio of companies and on the realizable synergies between them. We are seeing strong momentum from all three levers of our growth engine – organic, acquisition, and synergies – and we will continue our efforts to maximize each one. We continue to build our pipeline, as evidenced by the recently announced acquisitions of VarksySports, SuperPoker and The Nation Network. The integration of these companies is well underway, and we are thrilled with the level of collaboration between our companies and the shared vision of building a market-leading sports media business.” said Jordan Gnat, Founder and CEO of Playmaker.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Figures in USD)
- Revenue – Revenue was $4.8 million in Q3 2021, compared to $nil in Q3 2020.
- Operating Income – Operating income was $1.0 million in Q3 2021, compared to $nil in Q3 2020.
- Pro Forma Revenue (including acquisitions through the end of Q3) – Including the results of Futbol Sites LLC (“Futbol Sites”), YB Media LLC (“Yardbarker”) and Two-Up Agency Ltd. (“Two-Up”) on a pro forma basis, revenue was $5.6M in Q3 2021, an increase of 109% from $2.7M in Q3 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma revenue was $13.8M, an increase of 130% from $6.0M in the prior year.
- Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA (including acquisitions through the end of Q3) – Including the results of Futbol Sites, Yardbarker and Two-Up on a pro forma basis, adjusted EBITDA was $2.5M in Q3 2021, an increase of 153% from $1.0M in Q3 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $5.3M, an increase of 294% from $1.3M in the prior year.
- Pro Forma Revenue (including all acquisitions to date) – Including the results of Futbol Sites, Yardbarker, Two-Up, The Nation Network (“TNN”) and Grupo SuperPoker (“SuperPoker”) on a pro forma basis, revenue was $6.3 million in Q3 2021, an increase of 104% from $3.1 million in Q3 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma revenue increased by 118% to $15.7 million from $7.2 million in the same period of 2020.
- Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA (including all acquisitions to date) – Including the results of Futbol Sites, Yardbarker, Two-Up, TNN and SuperPoker on a pro forma basis, adjusted EBITDA was $2.6 million in Q3 2021, an increase of 125% from $1.2M in Q3 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.8 million from $1.7 million in the same period of 2020, an increase of 251%.
- Trailing 12-Month Metrics – Including all acquisitions to date, for the 12 months ended September 30, 2021, pro forma revenue was $20.6 million, representing 85% organic growth over the previous 12-month period, and pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $8.2 million.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents were $13.4 million as at September 30, 2021 compared to $6.6 million at December 31, 2020.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- On July 26, 2021, the Company acquired Yardbarker, a premier U.S. sports and entertainment media company, and the Morning Bark, Yardbarker’s daily email newsletter.
- On August 31, 2021, the Company acquired Two-Up Agency, a leading provider of technical solutions to the online gaming industry’s strongest brands.
- On November 2, 2021, the Company significantly strengthened its presence in Canada by acquiring TNN and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Daily Faceoff (“DFO”). TNN is an Edmonton-based, hockey-first digital media group that attracts millions of sports fans annually to its network of fan community sites, podcasts, and rapidly growing hockey reference property, DFO.
- On November 3, 2021, Playmaker acquired leading Brazilian media company SuperPoker.
- On November 1, 2021, the Company announced that it had acquired the domain name, license rights and the rights to the social accounts @VarskySports on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, which have a cumulative global audience of more than two million followers. The purchase price consisted of closing cash payment of $175,000 and the issuance of $25,000 of Playmaker common shares on closing, priced at CAD$0.6819 per share.
- On a pro forma basis, Playmaker achieved record engagement metrics in the quarter across the Futbol Sites, Yardbarker and TNN owned and operated properties. Playmaker reaches more than 75 million unique users monthly and in Q3 2021, the user base generated more than 442 million sessions across its properties, representing a 70%+ increase over Q3 2020. Playmaker also reaches more than 365,000 users via the Morning Bark.
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
The Company will host a management conference call to discuss its third quarter 2021 financial results on November 15, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time). Hosting the call will be Jordan Gnat, Chief Executive Officer; Jake Cassaday, Chief Operating Officer; and Mike Cooke, Chief Financial Officer.
To participate in the Conference Call, please dial the following number(s) approximately five minutes prior to commencement and ask to join the Playmaker call:
Dial-In Number (Toll Free): 1-866-807-9684
Dial-In Number (International): 1-412-317-5415
A replay of the Conference Call will be available between November 15, 2021, and December 31, 2021, and can be accessed at playmaker.fans/investors.
A Q3 2021 Company Overview presentation can also be accessed at playmaker.fans/investors.
To sign up for Playmaker Investor Alerts, follow this link: PMKR Investor Alerts
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Canada
Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw 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.
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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. 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.
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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 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.
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