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Massachusetts Senate Passes Sports Betting Bill

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The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill that would allow legal sports betting – but with a prohibition on many forms of marketing – in the state.

The chamber reviewed Senate Bill 2844, which added a clause to the Massachusetts General Laws clarifying that sports betting, whether online or land-based, was not a form of illegal gaming.

The bill would also prohibit “advertising, marketing, and branding through certain identified promotional items that, as determined by the commission, tend to increase the likelihood of problem gambling, which may include giveaways, coupons or promotional gaming credits”.

In addition, the bill would ban marketing during a live sporting event and would only allow online marketing if 85% of the audience “is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older”.

Online sports betting would be taxed at 35% of revenue and retail sports betting at 20%.

A Category 1 sports betting license may go to any existing gaming licensee, provided they pay a $5m application fee. The three current gaming licensees in the state are Wynn’s Encore Boston Harbor, MGM’s Springfield casino, and Plainridge Park Casino from Penn National Gaming. Each of these operators may offer not only retail betting but also one online betting skin.

The state Lottery Commission may issue up to six Category 2 licenses for online-only sports betting, chosen through a “competitive application process”. These licensees must also pay a $5m application fee.

In addition, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker is instructed to negotiate with the state’s Native American tribes for a new Class III gaming compact that would also allow for sports betting.

Bettors will also not be permitted to place wagers on college sports.

After considering amendments, senators voted to replace Senate Bill 2844 with House Bill 933, which had already passed the House in 2021, and to replace all of HB933’s text with that of SB2844. The Senators then voted to approve this new version of HB933.

As the House had already passed a version of House Bill 933, a joint conference committee of both houses will now meet to create a bill that both chambers can approve.

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Brooke Hilton Head of Casino at PointsBet Canada

Ezugi and PointsBet join forces to bring expanded live gaming to Ontario

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Ezugi is excited to unveil a new collaboration with PointsBet, a leading iGaming operator in Canada.

As a division of Evolution since 2018, Ezugi keeps enhancing its foothold in the live gaming sector. This partnership will see Ezugi’s localized and unique live-dealer games incorporated into PointsBet’s online casino in Ontario through Evolution’s One Stop Shop (OSS) platform.

Established in Australia in 2015 and later branching into North America, PointsBet has quickly emerged as one of Ontario’s most rapidly expanding iGaming companies. Known for its cutting-edge sportsbook and growing casino offerings, PointsBet is committed to delivering an outstanding player experience, prioritizing Responsible Gaming to create a safe and secure space for every user.

Through this partnership, PointsBet Ontario customers will access Ezugi’s innovative live casino offerings, which include popular games like Canada Blackjack, EZ Baccarat, and Ultimate Roulette. These titles effortlessly integrate reliable, real-time live gaming with engaging digital elements that greatly attract North American players.

Brooke Hilton, Head of Casino at PointsBet Canada, said: “We’re excited to partner with Ezugi to bring their innovative live-dealer games to our Ontario players. This integration via Evolution’s platform enhances our casino offerings with dynamic, localised titles like Canada Blackjack and Ultimate Roulette, ensuring a premium, responsible gaming experience that aligns with our commitment to player safety and enjoyment.”

James Smith, Commercial Strategy Manager at Ezugi, said: “We are thrilled to team up with PointsBet in Ontario. We recognise Ontario as a key growth region and this partnership with a top tier operator marks an important step in our mission to bring Ezugi’s unique & exciting live casino content to the forefront for players in North America.”

The post Ezugi and PointsBet join forces to bring expanded live gaming to Ontario appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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Fennica Gaming Expands its Partnership with Loto-Québec by Launching eInstant Games

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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.

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CGA Announces Leadership Evolution and 2026 Board of Directors

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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.

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