Canada
GAMBLESS H1 UPDATE

Below a brief overview of the most significant updates during the first half of 2022.
Summary:
- App Downloads: Growth of American Userbase
- Resources: Gambless – Mindspa Health integration
- Validation: Research and Studies
- Trends: Digital Health Attitude
Growth of American Userbase
Gambless continues to be problem gamblers’ go-to mobile app for support also in 2022. The app ranks #1 for “gambling addiction” and related searches on Google Play in most countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, and many others. Hence, it is able to capture most of the user-led organic demand for help – even without referrals from other organizations.
In recent months, Gambless has seen an increase of downloads from the United States. Last year, U.S. based problem gamblers registered on the app were 28% of all English speakers, however, their share jumped to 35% in 2022. The main cause for this growth might be the increased popularity and continued legalization of online gambling in the States; those who gamble online are more prone to searching for digital support tools.
Gambless continued to ask its users where they gamble or used to gamble most frequently, and the operators that make the top the lists in 2022 so far are: DraftKings (US), Ladbrokes Coral (UK), and Snai (Italy).
Mindspa Health Integration
Taking a mental health test is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether someone is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. This is particularly relevant for a condition characterized by low awareness and a strong stigma attached to it, such as gambling addiction.
Striving to further increase its reach, Gambless has now achieved higher integration with Mindspa Health. That means that from now on, Mindspa users will be able to take – among other tests – also a ‘Problem Gambling’ self-assessment, after which they will be redirected to Gambless resources if deemed at risk. With over 1 million registered users and hundreds of thousands monthly readers on its blogs and social media, Mindspa has been ranked among the top 5 mental health apps in Europe by Apple in 2021.
This integration will ensure greater awareness on the topic, while contributing to our mission of tackling gambling addiction with a holistic mental health approach.
Health Care Trends & Research
It is paramount that digital support tools are built to the highest standards. Thanks to the appreciative emails and messages we receive regularly from users, here at Gambless we are cognizant of the tremendous impact these resources can have on the most vulnerable individuals.
Digital health is particularly important for highly stigmatized conditions, such as addictive disorders and pathological gambling, and it will play an even greater role in the future. In the UK, 62% of people surveyed by independent organisation ORCHA agreed that it’s vital to consider new ways to manage our health, including using high-quality health apps. Moreover, 83% of people who have used a health app said they found it helpful in improving their health and wellbeing.
In the past months, Gambless and Mindspa have been the subjects of several studies and research papers. A review of Gambless was included in the paper: “Gambling digital tools: Promising practices & future opportunities” by the Canadian Responsible Gambling Council. While the chatbot feature from Mindspa (available also on Gambless) was reviewed in two research papers: “A review of mobile chatbot apps for anxiety and depression and their self-care features” and “Health-focused conversational agents in person-centered care: a review of apps”. Both papers highlighted promising results regarding the acceptability of healthbots for mental health, with Mindspa receiving the highest rating (4.9/5) among the studied apps.
Final Notes
Lastly, as of July 2022 Gambless therapeutic courses are no longer free (all the other app features remain free). This decision was not taken lightly, and those who take a self-assessment test and are deemed at risk of gambling addiction will still be able to access our ‘Problem Gambling’ programs at a discount price, now set at a symbolic $9.99 –which is 1¢ lower than the minimum deposit amount on the average gambling site.
The change comes after 2 years during which access codes to our therapeutic courses were distributed for free to thousands of individuals in need, despite a lack of interest in our efforts shown by regulators, operators and grant-making organisations.
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Betty
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
The post Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BCLC
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
The post Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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