OpenBet, a leading content, platform and service provider to the sports betting industry and part of the global Endeavor network, has facilitated the launch of Sports Illustrated Sportsbook’s first-ever retail sportsbook in partnership with 888. 

Sports Illustrated, through its parent company Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), partnered with 888 in 2021 to create a world-class sportsbook.

Following the success of the digital sportsbook branded by one of the world’s most iconic media brands, OpenBet was selected as the partner of choice to support its journey into the retail space.  

Situated within Michigan’s Island Resort & Casino, the operator’s suite is powered by OpenBet’s world-class retail solutions, including state-of-the-art betting counters and self-service kiosks. Customers are presented with a diverse range of betting options such as same-game parlays, in-game wagering, teasers, futures, and player props, all seamlessly integrated through OpenBet’s comprehensive Trading System. 

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This collaboration further solidifies OpenBet’s position as the trusted sports betting provider to operators across the U.S. 

Deb Krupinski, U.S. Vice-President at OpenBet, commented: “We are delighted to partner with 888 and Sports Illustrated Sportsbook to power their first-ever retail launch. Customers at the Island Resort & Casino in Michigan can now immerse themselves in the ultimate sports betting experience in a safe and secure environment. 

“Delivering this landmark retail platform for such an iconic brand is a significant milestone for OpenBet and underscores our commitment to ensuring our partners are equipped with cutting-edge technology and unrivalled content. We’re excited about the future and eager to see the successes this launch will bring.” 

Howard Mittman, US President at 888holdings, added: “Our alliance with OpenBet to power Sports Illustrated Sportsbook, celebrated with this launch, paints a promising future for the retail betting landscape in Michigan.  

“As we stand on the cusp of this exciting new chapter, our collective vision and expertise are set to redefine customer experiences.” 

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Big hits from Big Time Gaming to launch for Ontario players July 26

Two new Megaways slots from legendary Australian games studio Big Time Gaming (BTG) are about to hit the Ontario market. Max Megaways and Vegas Megaways will make their Canadian debuts together on July 26 via partners of Evolution. That includes major Ontario operators like 888, BetMGM, LeoVegas and Rush Street Interactive.

Max Megaways is a Bond-esque caper with a license to thrill while Vegas Megaways is a game writ large in neon, transplanting a slice of the Las Vegas Strip to your living room.

BTG changed the way we thought about slots when it developed the Megaways mechanic, a powerful random-reel-modifier that alters the number of winning paylines with every spin meaning there can be anything up to 117,649 ways to win. BTG has since licensed the mechanic to numerous game developers and Megaways has become and industry standard and player favourite.

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But BTG does not rest on its heels and these two games are packing all kinds of clever and exciting mechanics.

In Max Megaways, you play the titular debonair secret agent as he infiltrates an arch supervillain’s remote volcano-island lair and help avert a missile launch that could turn every city in the world into liquid hot magma.

With every base game spin and reaction, there is a chance to score a bonus in the form of Maximum Megaways, Vertical Wilds, Horizontal Wilds or Wild Bombs. There’s also a Megascatter Enhanced Free Spins feature where you can select three doors into the volcano lair to reveal your free spin bonuses.

Meanwhile, in glitzy Vegas Megaways, you have a chance of triggering one of four bonuses in the base game in Maximum Megaways, Vertical Wild, Horizontal Wild or Wild Bomb. You can also hit up the VIP Gamble if you’re feeling lucky for the chance to climb a ladder to win up to 50 free spins. Along the way you can collect special VIP Tips to help you make the right choices.

Both games include BTGs popular Bonus Buy and Win Exchange features for players who want to jump right into the action. Bonus Buy lets you buy in to the bonus round directly, while, with Win Exchange, you get the chance to gamble big wins for more spins.

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“Since we began releasing content in Ontario earlier this year, we’ve had some great feedback from players who really enjoy the new mechanics we drop into our games,” the Chief Executive Officer for BTG, Nik Robinson, said. “That’s why we’re really excited about Max Megaways and Vegas Megaways because these two titles really take things up a notch in terms of engagement and playability.”

“For years, BTG has been pushing the boundaries of how we think about casino gaming with each new release,” the Chief Commercial Officer North America for Evolution, Jeff Millar, said. “Max Megaways and Vegas Megaways were massive hits for Evolution when we launched them in other markets last year. The joy of these games is that there’s so much going on in terms of amazing features and bonuses but they’re still simple to play. We think they will be smash hits in Ontario.”

New BTG game challenges you to tame the Big Bad Bison for some epic wins

Do you have what it takes to tame Big Time Gaming’s Big Bad Bison? Already a big hit in Europe, this is a high-volatility slot where the North American wilderness takes center stage and it will be stampeding into Ontario on July 5. The game makes its Canadian debut via Evolution Network partners such as 888, BetMGM, LeoVegas and Rush Street Interactive.

Legendary Australian games developer Big Time Gaming (BTG) is the originator of the Megaways mechanic, which revolutionized the online gaming space. Now, thanks to BTG, Ontario players get to sample this powerful random-reel-modifier that changes the number of winning paylines with every spin. And paylines can reach anything up to 117,649 when the reels get hot.

Big Bad Bison marries the epic beauty of the North American landscape with a cool Spaghetti Western soundtrack and some innovative features that will delight and surprise in equal measure.

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As the American Eagle wheels and cries aloft, single symbol wilds run through the reels in the base game, adding random multipliers for magnificent wins. Meanwhile, each retrigger in the free spins round will reduce the minimum density by one to beef up your game for a rampage of wins to occur.

But you don’t have to wait to hit the bonus round. Press the Bonus Buy icon to purchase twelve free spins for 50 times stake and run straight into the action. Or use Win Exchange to gamble your big wins into free spins and hopefully some epic wins. It’s time to show that bison who’s boss.

“We wanted to build a game with awesome audio-visuals that’s also packed with exciting features, mechanics and explosive playability,” the Chief Executive Officer for BTG, Nik Robinson, said. “So, we did. Big Bad Bison has been making serious waves in Europe since we launched it there in early June and we’re thrilled that Ontario players will now get to enjoy it too.”