Canada
CGA Advocates for Our Industry
The CGA is actively communicating with governments at the provincial and federal levels to advocate for our industry and ensure that support for employees and business is available.
We continue to cooperate with our industry partners and are building alliances with other national and provincial associations in the hospitality industry to ensure that the gaming industry is part of the support and recovery assistance for the broader hospitality sector.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
Details on the recently announced $962 million in new capital to Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and the Community Futures Network were revealed by the federal government this week.
RDAs are federal agencies under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The six RDAs across Canada span Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Western Canada, and the northern regions. Community Futures Network is a group of federal agencies placed across Canada that provide small business services in rural communities.
The almost $1 billion in new capital is meant to support regional and rural businesses that may not have existing relationships with financial institutions, or don’t qualify for other federal relief programs.
The RRRF is meant to help these businesses and organizations continue operations as well as pay their employees. It is also available for projects by businesses, organizations, and communities to help prepare for a successful recovery. The fund is open to businesses in sectors that include manufacturing, technology, tourism, and “others that are key to the regions and local economies.”
More information on the RRRF and how to apply is located here.
Government of Canada information on credit facilities and support for businesses is available here.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
The federal government announced the large employer emergency financing facility (LEEFF), which will provide support to employers with annual revenues of more than $300 million whose credit needs aren’t being met through conventional financing.
The program is open to large commercial businesses in all sectors (except those in the financial sector) and certain not-for-profit businesses, like airports. To qualify, businesses must be looking for financing of $60 million or more and have significant operations or large numbers of employees in Canada, and must not be involved in any ongoing insolvency proceedings.
Among the conditions are making sure that there are no share buybacks or dividends or excessive executive pay, but also that companies have financial disclosures on their climate situation.
Program details are still being worked out and information on the application process is expected shortly.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended to End of August 2020
The federal government is extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) beyond its original June 6 expiry date to the end of August 2020.
CEWS gives employers funds to cover 75% of wage costs up to a maximum benefit of $847 a week per employee.
It is currently available for up to 12 weeks, covering the period between March 15 to June 6. Further details will be available in the next few days.
The CGA is communicating with the federal government to ask it to make the CEWS available to organizations for at least 120 days from their re-opening date to provide support as they bring back employees and work to restore their businesses.
CGA Assists Operators Prepare for Reopening
As gaming operators look to reopen, the CGA is aware that you are exploring tools and products that can assist in providing clean and safe environments for employees and customers. The CGA recently hosted a series of webinars to provide access to suppliers and we have a few links to share.
More webinars on a range of topics will be available in the coming weeks.
Zoono – A New Era in Antimicrobial Solutions
Zoono offers an innovative active disinfecting technology that addresses a broad range of pathogens. Zoono eliminates pathogens when applied via an initial kill, but then through the drying process, sets up an invisible barrier to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae on an ongoing basis.
Prescientx – The Future of Disinfection
Prescientx is one of Canada’s top companies focusing on patient safety innovation. It has co-developed and markets technologies focused on engineered infection prevention, which include a variety of automated UVC disinfection systems using smart sensor technology. Prescientx technology can help casinos and hotels tackle these new pandemic challenges, from room sterilization to rapid casino chip and equipment cleaning.
For more information: RBY Gaming – Ron Baryoseph
In addition, Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of industries related to COVID-19.
For operators in the hospitality industry looking for information on how to prepare to safely re-open their retail stores and food service/restaurants in the coming months, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual fact sheets available to download.
The CGA is here to assist our members and industry colleagues during these difficult times. Pease contact us at [email protected] if we can be of help. We hope everyone is healthy and safe. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and practice physical distancing.
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Blanka Homor Sales Director at Playson
Playson strengthens Canadian footprint with Titanplay partnership
Playson, the established digital entertainment supplier, has secured its latest partnership in Canada after launching its games portfolio with rising iGaming operator Titanplay.
After obtaining its Ontario licence and going live in June earlier last year, Titanplay has made impressive strides in a short space of time with its online casino offering resonating with players across the province.
The agreement sees Playson support Titanplay’s ongoing expansion across Ontario with the supplier’s industry-renowned Hold and Win portfolio now available on the operator’s website, integrated via Relax Gaming’s aggregation platform.
Titles including Coin Strike: Hold and Win, Diamonds Power: Hold and Win and Pink Joker: Hold and Win will enable players to enjoy a feature-led, captivating gameplay experience and expand Titanplay’s rapidly expanding portfolio.
Playson’s latest tie-up underlines its intent of further establishing its brand within Ontario after successfully entering the Canadian province back in 2022. The provider’s industry-renowned portfolio continues to drive long-term value for operators worldwide.
Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “We are proud of the footprint we have established in Ontario with local players truly appreciating the Playson experience. Partnering with an exciting name in the region like Titanplay allows us to accelerate our progress and bring our premium offering to an increased pool of players.
“We look forward to gauging the response from Titanplay enthusiasts and watching this partnership grow from strength to strength.”
Titanplay management commented: “At Titanplay, we pride ourselves with working with industry-renowned names and partnering with Playson seamlessly fits into our plans of becoming a household name in Ontario and across Canada.
“Our portfolio will undoubtedly be elevated by Playson’s Hold and Win collection, offering players a dynamic offering of feature-filled, graphically advanced titles.”
The post Playson strengthens Canadian footprint with Titanplay partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Anna Isaacson
NFL Partners with Responsible Gambling Council to Launch Student-Athlete Training Program in Canada
The National Football League announced a partnership with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to develop and implement a comprehensive responsible gambling training program specifically designed for university and college student-athletes. The RGC and NFL have identified student athletes as an important audience for targeted responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention initiatives, as previous research has shown their susceptibility to risky gambling behavior.
The program will launch with a pilot phase at eight universities and colleges across Canada in the upcoming 2025 spring semester. Insights and feedback from this phase will be used to refine and improve the program before its broader rollout to 30 university and college institutions in the 2025 – 2026 school year. The initiative will include a robust evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness and impact of the training. The NFL and RGC will explore opportunities to share the results and key learnings from this initiative with broader audiences to maximize its impact.
“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviours. Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions. Early responsible gambling education helps student-athletes build capacities to succeed both on and off the field,” said Sarah McCarthy, chief executive officer, Responsible Gambling Council.
“We are proud to support the Responsible Gambling Council in this important initiative. Our shared goal is to equip these student-athletes with the tools and knowledge to navigate gambling risks, fostering a safer and more responsible environment. We also hope to gain insights that will be invaluable in shaping future responsible gambling efforts to benefit all those who play and engage with our game as fans,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.
The program aims to equip student-athletes across Canada with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about gambling. RGC will design and develop a course that is tailored to the specific student-athlete audience, and support in “training the trainer” at participating campuses, which is a key component in ensuring those delivering the training have the right tools and information to support the learning goals of the program.
The training program will include a specialized, interactive session featuring engaging videos, interactive components, and best practices for responsible gambling. After participating in the training, student-athletes will:
• Understand the dangers, risks, and odds of gambling and how players are likely to lose over time.
• Recognize their unique susceptibility to risky gambling behavior.
• Identify the signs of gambling-related harms and their potential impact on players and loved ones.
• Learn about resources available for those experiencing gambling-related harms.
This collaboration with the RGC is part of the NFL’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and addressing the critical need for resources devoted to both responsible and problem gambling initiatives. It builds on the NFL’s existing efforts in the space, including its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, which focuses on bolstering problem gambling prevention services and promoting responsible gambling initiatives in the US.
The post NFL Partners with Responsible Gambling Council to Launch Student-Athlete Training Program in Canada appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BetConstruct
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
The post BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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