Canada
Gaming Innovation Group awarded licences in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has been awarded an Online Sports Wagering Operator Licence in Maryland and a full Interactive Gaming Manufacturer License in Pennsylvania, ahead of launching new partner brands on its technology and further expanding the regulatory reach of its leading iGaming platform and sportsbook in North America.
The new licences complement GiG’s established five year presence in the US and existing licences in New Jersey and Iowa. Together with GiG’s multiple live and upcoming partners in regulated Ontario, GiG is cementing its position as a tier 1 platform and sportsbook provider in North America.
The licence issued by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) will initially see GiG power the launch of Crab Sports in the Old Line State this May. Positioned as a brand ‘backed by Maryland people’ and catered to the local market, Crab Sports will look to leverage GiG’s extensive experience at launching new brands in complex regulated markets, to help establish a firm, early foothold in the market.
With online gaming opening as recently as November 2022, there are currently 10 retail and eight mobile sportsbooks operating in Maryland together generating a total handle of $441.5mm (+1323% y/y) and GGR of $59.6mm (+659% y/y) for January alone according to data supplied by Eilers & Krejcik, highlighting the potential for growth opportunities in the state.
In addition, GiG has obtained a full licence from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) following the announcement of its interim authorisation in October, with a planned brand launch expected in due course expanding on a relationship with one of its existing partners in North America.
Following record financial results in 2022, GiG has established itself as a truly global provider, now offering access to over 30 markets with more in the pipe in some of the most complex regulatory environments available. Built around easy configuration and event driven architecture, its success is being fueled by agile technology that has been specifically developed to complement evolving operator needs, to enter new, more complex markets.
Claudio Caruana, General Counsel for GiG says; “Having placed a strong focus on expansion in regulated markets, we’re understandably pleased with the confirmation of our licences in two new US states. Regulation will continue to drive the industry in North America, as markets mature, allowing us to support and protect operators and their customers, establishing suitable, robust frameworks for sustainable growth.”
Marcel Elfersy, Chief Commercial Officer at GiG added; “With our plans to open our new US hub later this year and having recently been shortlisted with EGR North America in the full-service platform provider of the year category, our new licensed status in these very attractive online markets creates further opportunity for us to add value for new and established partners in the region. We’re excited about the possibilities these new states provide, starting with the launch of Crab Sports in Maryland in May on our PAM and sportsbook.”
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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.
Alex Malchenko Head of Sales at Evoplay
Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Caesars Entertainment to expand its footprint in the Canadian market, following its initial entry earlier this year. The partnership integrates 20 of the studio’s top-performing titles onto Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in Ontario, including fan-favourites such as Hot Triple Sevens, Triple Chili, and The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy.
Having announced its official entrance into Ontario in March, the collaboration with Caesars marks a significant step in Evoplay’s local strategy. Further standout releases, such as Inner Fire Bonus Buy and Hot Volcano, also launched as part of the initial package, with additional player favourites, including Fruit Nova and Ice Mania.
The collaboration underlines Evoplay’s commitment to working with leading operators to deliver high-quality content tailored to regional audiences.
Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, said: “Launching with Caesars in Ontario marks a key milestone in our North American strategy.
“It reflects both the strength of our portfolio and our commitment to providing innovative, high-performing content to operators of the highest caliber.”
Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital, said: “Evoplay brings a fresh and dynamic approach to online gaming, which we’re excited to offer to our players in Ontario. This portfolio of standout titles adds to our growing content library and furthering our ongoing goal of delivering top-tier entertainment experiences to our players.”
The post Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO

The iGaming Ontario Board of Directors has announced Joseph Hillier as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 8, 2025. Joseph’s depth in the Ontario igaming market combined with successful public and private sector careers make him the ideal President and CEO at this critical point in iGaming Ontario’s growth.
Joseph was most recently Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Secretary at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where he delivered significant strategic and regulatory initiatives across the province’s alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing sectors. Prior to the AGCO, he served as Chief of Staff to Ontario Attorney General Hon. Doug Downey and led the development, launch and implementation of Canada’s first private sector-driven igaming market and the creation of iGaming Ontario. Joseph also spent more than a decade working in the financial and legal services sectors.
The Board expressed its sincere thanks to David Smith for serving as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since Martha Otton’s retirement.
The post iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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