Canada
Sports Betting Continues to Gain Traction in the United States
After the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018, in which the court struck down the ban on sports betting, any state got the option to pursue legalization. The state of New Jersey was the first to make sports betting legal. Yet, the legal infrastructure of sports betting still remains complex. For example, in each state, online betting companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings have to apply for supplier licenses, and the licensing process varies depending on the state. In addition, after the licensed is granted, these companies must reach agreements with existing land-based casinos for what is called “skins,” which is what eventually gives them the right to operate in each state. For instance, DraftKings made a deal with Caesars last year, which gave it market access in 12 states outside New Jersey, and in the meantime, Caesars received DraftKings equity for the skins access. FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (CSE: FANS), DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG), GAN Limited (NASDAQ: GAN), MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR)
The complexity of the legal infrastructure means that states may have different companies competing for market share. According to an article by CNBC, Richard Carter, CEO of SBTech, explained that “there is no doubt both FanDuel and DraftKings will have large market share… But different states will have different market leaders. You need market access. Some states will be lottery-only. Some states will be limited to tribal gaming. Some states won’t allow FanDuel and DraftKings to use their brands. They’ll have to use the casino brand. There are lots of nuances. You have to take each state as it comes.” More recently, sports betting also started to get traction in California, an enormous potential market for this segment. MarketWatch reported that two California lawmakers recently pitched legalized sports betting as a way to help increase the state budget, which is currently devastated by the economic shutdown designed to slow the spread of the pandemic. California trails 22 other states that have already authorized sports betting.
FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (CSE: FANS) just announced breaking news that it is, “pleased to introduce Mr. Saxon Shadforth, a leading gaming executive.
Mr. Shadforth has over 25 years of global leadership expertise and 15 years experience as an online gambling executive. With a background in commercialization, consumer hardware/software, enterprise software, product strategy and delivery; Saxon has extensive experience managing complex ecosystems required to operate and scale gaming brands in many categories and jurisdictions. Saxon has previously worked at Activo in Montevideo, Uruguay, Yew Tree Services in Manila, Philippines, Riplife Gaming Technologies in Barcelona, Spain and Gateway Inc. in both Sydney, Australia and Denver, Colorado.
‘We are extremely excited to have an individual of Saxon’s caliber join our board of directors,’ said Darius Eghdami, Chairman and CEO of FansUnite Entertainment. ‘As a fast growing company in the gaming sector, Mr. Shadforth is perfectly equipped to provide us with oversight in a number of growth areas. Having spent the majority of his career working abroad in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, Saxon will be integral in expanding our footprint and entering international gaming jurisdictions by leveraging his established network.’
As a veteran in the gaming industry, he has structured and advised on the launch of new platforms across the globe, numerous M&A transactions in both start ups and later stage growth companies, and has managed teams of over 300 people in the gaming industry.
‘I am thrilled to be joining such a great team where I will be able to apply my skill set in helping FansUnite build and grow their platform,” said Saxon. “As a online gambling company, FansUnite is uniquely positioned to consolidate gaming assets globally with a key focus on M&A integration and brand awareness. I am eager to provide my insights and I look forward to assisting FansUnite become a leader in the fast growing gaming market.’
FansUnite expects Mr. Shadforth to add expertise in various areas including: product development, acquisition strategy, and commercialization of brands into global markets to support its continued growth as an emerging gaming leader.”
SOURCE FinancialBuzz.com
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Canada
St8 cements Ontario content offering through latest partnership with RubyPlay
Casino games aggregator and full-service technology provider St8 has partnered with RubyPlay to further expand its Ontario offering, adding the studio’s popular slot portfolio to its growing aggregation platform across the Canadian province.
As part of the agreement, operators in Ontario will gain access to a range of titles from across RubyPlay’s studio ecosystem, including content from RubyPlay Studio, Koala Games, Mad Hat Games and Firerose, through St8, with upcoming releases from Xslots also expected to go live through the platform. Standout games include J Mania® Lucky Pyggs, Mad Hit® Mr. Coin and Diamond Explosion® 7s SE. The integration strengthens St8’s content portfolio with a range of proven, high-performing slot titles tailored to the region.
RubyPlay has continued to grow its footprint across regulated jurisdictions through its studio-based ecosystem and tailored content strategy, earning key tier one recognition for developing high-performing games that resonate with players in key markets worldwide. The supplier’s games offering has proven appeal in Ontario, resonating well with local players in the region.
The partnership strengthens St8’s proposition in Ontario, a market that has quickly become a key part of the company’s growth strategy as it continues to establish itself as a leading technology provider around the globe.
David Fall, Business Development Manager at St8, said: “Partnering with RubyPlay in Ontario is an exciting addition to our growing content offering in North America.
“The supplier has built strong momentum across regulated markets through its engaging portfolio and player-focused approach, and we are delighted to bring its high-performing content from across its studio ecosystem to operators in Ontario through the St8 platform.”
Dima Reiderman, Chief Commercial Officer at RubyPlay, said: “Ontario is a market we have been focused on for some time, so teaming up with St8 feels like a natural step in our North American expansion.
“St8’s aggregation platform provides an excellent route for our diverse portfolio of content to reach more operators in Ontario. Through our studio ecosystem, we are able to deliver a broad range of experiences tailored to different audiences and market needs, making this partnership a strong fit for both companies”
The post St8 cements Ontario content offering through latest partnership with RubyPlay appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
XSOLLA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO ATLANTIC CANADA’S GROWING GAME INDUSTRY WITH EXPANDED EVENT PRESENCE
Global Video Game Commerce Company To Support Industry Growth Through Panels, Workshops, And Community Engagement Across Atlantic Canada
Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, today announced its participation in two major gaming industry events taking place across Atlantic Canada from June 3-5, 2026, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting regional game development ecosystems and fostering industry collaboration.
Xsolla will participate in both Game Invest East and XP Game Connect Atlantic, joining developers, publishers, investors, and industry leaders for discussions centered on the future of game development, investment, and innovation in the local area.
At Game Invest East, held in partnership with Scaffold, Xsolla will contribute to conversations around funding, growth opportunities, and the evolving business landscape for game studios.
Featured on the panel titled “If You Can Make It Here,” Xsolla’s Manny Hachey, Senior Director of Developer Success, joins Kate Edwards, CEO and Principal Consultant of Geogrify, and Amir Satvat, Business Development Director at Tencent Games, founder of Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), and a 2026 GamesBeat Visionary Award honoree, to explore how new regions and new entrants can survive and thrive in disruptive times.
Hachey, a native of Atlantic Canada, was personally requested by Scaffold to represent Xsolla at the event — a homecoming that adds a personal dimension to the panel’s central thesis. Having built her career and made her mark in Germany’s games industry, she returns with a firsthand perspective on what it takes to leave, build something meaningful abroad, and come back with proof of concept.
Xsolla will continue its Atlantic Canada engagement at XP Game Connect Atlantic in Halifax on June 5. John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada at Xsolla, and Ted DiNola, Developer Evangelist at Xsolla, will host a workshop titled ‘Full Picture to Fast Lane: Xsolla Ecosystem Overview & Live SDK 3 Integration’, providing practical insights and actionable strategies for developers navigating today’s rapidly evolving gaming market.
Nguyen will also host a panel titled, ‘What Does the Future of Game Development Look Like in Atlantic Canada?’ where he will be joined by industry experts, including Ryan Filsinger from Iron Fox; Shawn Woods, CEO at Alpha Dog and VP of Interactive Society of Nova Scotia; George Greer, Founder of Besszong; and Jade Yhap, President of Interactive NB. The panel will explore the region’s growing role in the global games industry and the opportunities ahead for studios, talent, and ecosystem partners.
“Atlantic Canada continues to emerge as an exciting hub for game development talent and innovation,” said John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada, at Xsolla. “Xsolla is proud to support these events and contribute to conversations that help empower developers, build ecosystems, strengthen industry connections, and accelerate growth across the region.”
“Events like Game Invest East and XP Game Connect Atlantic are critical for building stronger connections across the games industry,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla. “Atlantic Canada has a growing community of talented developers, creators, and industry leaders, and we’re excited to be part of conversations that help to shape the future of gaming in the region while supporting studios at every stage of growth.”
Through its participation in these events, Xsolla aims to deepen relationships within the Atlantic Canadian game development community while supporting knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and long-term ecosystem growth.
For more information about Xsolla’s participation in these events across Atlantic Canada, visit: xsolla.pro/Atlantic-Canada
The post XSOLLA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO ATLANTIC CANADA’S GROWING GAME INDUSTRY WITH EXPANDED EVENT PRESENCE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Ben Scobie-Trumper Head of Sales at mkodo
GGPoker selects GeoLocs geolocation service for regulated Ontario market
mkodo’s GeoLocs will handle in-platform location checks for GGPoker players in Ontario, removing the need for a separate verification app.
GGPoker has selected GeoLocs by mkodo as its geolocation service provider for the operator’s regulated Ontario offering.
Under the partnership, GeoLocs will provide in-platform location verification for GGPoker players across Ontario, with the aim of supporting regulatory compliance without requiring an additional app download or separate approval process.
“Our priority is to ensure players have a seamless experience on GGPoker whilst staying fully compliant with regulations. We chose GeoLocs because of their proven expertise, industry and regulatory knowledge and the fact that players don’t need to verify location through a separate app or download.” – Sarne Lightman, Managing Director of GGPoker.
“The partnership with GGPoker is very exciting. We’re proud to support a globally recognised operator in delivering a seamless, compliant player experience in Ontario. With Alberta opening in July, the partnership with GGPoker in Ontario further reinforces GeoLocs’ expansion across the Canadian gaming market.” – Ben Scobie-Trumper, Head of Sales at mkodo.
GeoLocs is a geolocation product built by mkodo for regulated markets, supporting web and mobile location checks for gaming, sports betting, poker and lottery operators, according to the company.
The post GGPoker selects GeoLocs geolocation service for regulated Ontario market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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