Canada

Not making progress

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2023

Yordan Petkov, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming, talks about some of the unique challenges studios are facing when developing slots for the US market

Momentum is starting to build behind legal online casino in the US, with a growing number of states rolling out regulatory frameworks and awarding iGaming licences to operators. This is creating a significant market for studios to explore, with increasing demand among operators and players for new and exciting slot content.

This opportunity has not gone unnoticed by studios that have made their name in the European market, with many now turning their attention to North America. But those that think the slots that top the charts in the likes of the UK, Sweden and Italy will be as successful in the US are mistaken.

The US is a very different market when it comes to culture and player expectations. Added to this are the regulatory requirements that studios must ensure their games comply with. This means not being able to launch slots with certain mechanics and features, and this in turn makes for a challenging environment in which studios must produce games that hit the spot with players.

The classics are always the best:

At the moment, players seem to be drawn to the slots they recognise from the gaming floors of their favourite land-based casinos in Las Vegas and beyond. I’m talking about slots such as Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune. Online casinos stock these games as it is a great way to transition players online for the first time via titles they are familiar with and trust.

But as the market matures, player expectations will change with more complex games coming into favour. Of course, modern slots with gripping mechanics and engaging bonus features will also have greater appeal among the lucrative but hard-to-reach Millennial and Generation Z audiences, which operators will want to tap into via their online offerings.

However, the US presents a unique challenge for studios to overcome in that states have specific regulations that relate to the features that are and are not permitted in online slots. In particular, there is a ban on progressive features that are carried over several spins. In short, each spin is seen as an independent game round so all features must begin and end within that spin.

So, what does this mean? No progress bars, no collectables, no multipliers or free spins that build as the game plays out. Essentially, all the things that make modern slot games so exciting to play. This is leaving studios with a bit of a conundrum – how to hold the player’s attention for longer periods when any potential progression made in a single spin is lost on the next spin.

The clock is ticking:

This is forcing studios to think outside of the box, and that of course is a good thing. The key is to come up with concepts, mechanics and features that build high levels of anticipation into a single spin. This can include things like offering a second chance to win on every base game bet – this is something that we have done with our Clockways^TM mechanic.

The way it works is that the outer symbols rotate clockwise, changing the symbol positions to create more, bigger wins in a way that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Another tactic studios can look to explore is adding progression into multi-round bonus features such as free spins. With free spins usually lasting eight rounds or more, there is scope to bring in elements of progression here with any progress made reset once the bonus round comes to an end. This is easier said than done and requires super-smart mathematicians to create the models behind such mechanics while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

But it’s not just the gameplay where studios can try new things. There is plenty of room to be creative around themes, design, sound and even narratives and characters that run through the game. US players are drawn to a wide range of slot themes, from magic to the Wild West as well as dragons, farming, sports, Egypt and Norse.

There is so much that can be done here to take these classic themes and elevate them through stories, characters, striking artwork and immersive sound. While the gameplay is always crucial to engagement, so too is the look and feel of the game.

Of course, the ultimate success of a game requires all of these factors coming together – theme, design, sound, math and gameplay. The US does present some unique challenges for studios to overcome, but those with the right teams in place will be able to work together to create compelling slot games that are fully compliant with the rules in each state.

It’s a tough hurdle to clear, but it’s what makes the US market so interesting for studios.

Barbarossa Dragon Empire

Peter & Sons Expands Ontario Footprint with Major Casino Time Content Deal

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

peter-&-sons-expands-ontario-footprint-with-major-casino-time-content-deal

Peter & Sons, the innovative iGaming studio known for its signature artistic flair, has secured a landmark content agreement with Casino Time, a leading homegrown operator in Ontario.

Delivered through Light & Wonder’s premier aggregation platform, the partnership brings Peter & Sons’ library of indie-inspired titles to CasinoTime.ca. This move aligns with Casino Time’s strategy to consolidate its market-leading position as it expands its offerings from slots, live casino, and bingo into a soon-to-launch sportsbook.

Pushing Boundaries in the Ontario Market

Ontario has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic and regulated iGaming jurisdictions in North America. Through this deal, local players gain access to Peter & Sons’ most successful recent launches and seasonal hits:

Barbarossa Dragon Empire: The high-stakes third installment in the studio’s flagship franchise. This Asian-themed sequel features the “Multiplier Cannon” and a massive 40,000x win potential.
Zombie Road: A post-apocalyptic adventure on a 5×3 grid with 243 ways to win, featuring cascading reels and persistent multipliers that can reach 20,000x.
Bad Santa: A subversive, gothic-horror take on the holiday season, utilizing a Scatter Pays system and “Multiplier Jumps” for a high-volatility experience.

A Shared Vision for High-Art Gaming

Peter & Sons has carved out a unique niche in the industry by blending meticulous game mechanics with world-class art and storytelling. Partnering with Casino Time—an operator celebrated for its Canadian heritage and focus on premium player experiences—marks a significant milestone for the studio’s 2026 roadmap.

“Ontario has long been a major focus for us, and partnering with Casino Time marks an exciting milestone for our expansion,” said Yann Bautista, Founder and Commercial Director at Peter & Sons. “Their commitment to top-tier entertainment aligns perfectly with our bold vision.”

Jeffrey Holmes, COO of Casino Time, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Peter & Sons. Their distinctive artistic style and highly engaging gameplay represent a major step in expanding the premium entertainment we offer to our players.”

The post Peter & Sons Expands Ontario Footprint with Major Casino Time Content Deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Barbarossa Dragon Empire

Peter & Sons Bolsters Ontario Presence with Landmark Casino Time Content Agreement

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

peter-&-sons-bolsters-ontario-presence-with-landmark-casino-time-content-agreement

Innovative iGaming studio Peter & Sons is set to enhance its position in Ontario after signing a landmark content agreement with Casino Time, one of the region’s most respected operators.

The agreement, delivered in collaboration with Light & Wonder, represents a natural move for either party, with the operator’s flagship site CasinoTime.ca offering a broad selection of casino games including slots, live casino, and bingo. There are also plans afoot for a Casino Time-powered sportsbook as the site looks to consolidate its market-leading position and diversify its content offering.

Ontario has fast emerged as one of North America’s most dynamic, progressive iGaming regions. The state’s players can now enjoy a range of Peter & Sons fan favorites including the recent flagship launch Barbarossa Dragon Empire – the third installment in the popular series – along with seasonal offering Bad Santa and the undead antics of Zombie Road.

Renowned for its catalogue of indie-inspired creations, offbeat characters, and meticulously crafted game worlds, Peter & Sons continues to push boundaries in slot design and entertainment. By joining forces with Casino Time – a platform celebrated for its proud Canadian heritage and commitment to delivering superior experiences – the studio looks forward to building a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

Yann Bautista, Peter & Sons Founder and Commercial Director, said: “Ontario has long been a major focus for us, and partnering up with Casino Time marks an exciting milestone for our expansion in the region. Their commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment aligns perfectly with our bold vision, and we’re looking forward to sharing some of our most beloved titles with the Casino Time’s audience.”

Jeffrey Holmes, Chief Operating Officer of Casino Time added: “We are thrilled to partner with Peter & Sons, a studio renowned for its distinctive artistic style and highly engaging gameplay. As we continue to cement our leading position in the Ontario market, this agreement represents a major step in expanding the premium entertainment we offer to players.”

The post Peter & Sons Bolsters Ontario Presence with Landmark Casino Time Content Agreement appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack

Published

2 months ago

November 12, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

group-from-ts’elxweyeqw-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.