Canada

WLA Honors “Founding Father” Guy Simonis Following Recent Passing

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2022

The World Lottery Association (WLA) has paid tribute to Guy Simonis, the organization’s “founding father”, who passed away on October 5 at the age of 91.

Simonis played an instrumental role in the lottery industry, particularly in Canada where he developed the country’s first sports lottery to help fund the activities of the Manitoba Amateur Sports Federation he founded in the 1960s.

The scope of his initiatives soon expanded to cover lotteries, and he played a key role in organizing the Western Canada Lottery Foundation, uniting three Prairie Provinces and British Columbia.

Simonis also became the first president of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), assuming the role for 18 years.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

He then helped to form the WLA in 1999 at the Oslo Relations convention, where he was chosen to be the new association’s first president.

Shortly thereafter, he retired from BCLC and stepped down as WLA President.

The WLA said on its website: “Those who knew Simonis, knew a true showman, who inspired everyone around him and loved to entertain audiences, large and small, on the piano. He was also a great family man.”

Rebecca Paul, President of the WLA, paid tribute to Simonis at the 2022 World Lottery Summit last month.

She said: “We all mourn his passing, and regret so much that he could not be with us, when the lottery world returned to Vancouver, but it is very fitting that we have an award that ensures his legacy will live on – The Guy Simonis Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Canada

ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

comeon-group-adds-sportsbook-to-its-offering-in-ontario

ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.

ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.

ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.

Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”

*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)

BCLC

INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

intralot-announces-new-project-with-the-british-columbia-lottery-corporation-for-online-lottery-platform

INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.

The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.

INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.

Canada

IAGR announces Toronto as host city for 2025 conference

Published

3 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

iagr-announces-toronto-as-host-city-for-2025-conference

Hot on the heels of its most attended conference in history, the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is excited to announce that its 2025 conference will take place in Toronto, Canada, from October 20 to 23, 2025.

The event will be held in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) at the Westin Harbour Castle, offering stunning waterfront views and a premier, downtown Toronto location.

‘Fresh off the success of our Rome conference, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum with next year’s event in Toronto,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.

‘The IAGR 2025 conference promises to be another unparalleled opportunity for our global community to come together, collaborate and shape the future of gaming regulation. We’re looking forward to working with AGCO to bring it all together.’

AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, added, ‘We’re excited to welcome IAGR and its members to Toronto. This partnership provides a great opportunity to share Ontario’s innovative regulatory practices and foster meaningful discussions that drive positive change in the industry.’

Stay tuned for registration details early next year.