Canada

RAPTORS UPRISING CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF THE TIPOFF TOURNAMENT POWERED BY AT&T

Published

5 years ago

June 22, 2020

“Kenny Got Work” named Most Valuable Player of NBA 2K League’s first in-season tournament

Raptors Uprising GC, NBA 2K League affiliate of the 2019 NBA champion Toronto Raptors, defeated Kings Guard Gaming in a 2-0 series (76-57 and 79-49) to win the NBA 2K League’s THE TIPOFF Tournament powered by AT&T. Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey, the franchise’s first-ever draft pick, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, tallying 364 points, 102 assists and 46 successful three-pointers made in 11 games through the tournament. Kenny averaged 28.0 points and 9.5 assists per game in THE TIPOFF Finals 2-0 series against Kings Guard Gaming, NBA 2K League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings.

Undefeated in regular season action, Raptors Uprising entered the first in-season tournament placed in Group 6 alongside Blazer5 Gaming (affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers), Lakers Gaming (affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers) and Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai, one of the league’s two expansion teams for the 2020 season. On Wednesday, Raptors Uprising emerged top of the group after beating Blazer5 Gaming and Lakers Gaming twice each, with a combined +127-point differential after four games.

On Thursday, Raptors Uprising swept Bucks Gaming 2-0 in a quarterfinal series (84-64 and 90-65), led by standout performances from veterans “Kenny Got Work” (59 points and 19 assists), Jerry “Sick One” Knapp (30 points, 28 rebounds and 12 assists) and Eric “Timelycook” Donald (35 points and 10 assists). Raptors Uprising then defeated Gen. G Tigers of Shanghai 2-1 in a semifinal series (70-66, 67-70 and 72-65) on Friday, with efforts from “Kenny Got Work” (90 points, 24 assists and 11 steals) and “Sick One” (32 points, 43 rebounds and 16 assists) leading the team to its first Finals appearance in franchise history.

In light of the global pandemic, THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T took place remotely with all 23 participating teams playing from their respective local markets. All five RUGC players that featured in THE TIPOFF competed from the team’s residence and state-of-the-art training facility known as the Bell Fibe House, located in Toronto. Upon winning 10 of the team’s 11 games in THE TIPOFF, Raptors Uprising take home $70,000 USD in prize money, with losing finalist Kings Guard Gaming receiving $50,000 USD while Gen.G Tigers and Jazz Gaming each receive $20,000 USD after finishing third and fourth in the tournament. Raptors Uprising will also receive THE TIPOFF championship plaque, one of three plaques awarded to the three in-season tournament champions that altogether form THE BANNER CHAIN powered by AT&T.

With the conclusion of THE TIPOFF, the NBA 2K League’s regular season will resume on Tuesday, June 23. League teams will continue participating in regular season gameplay remotely for at least the next four weeks through Week 11 (July 14-17). Games will continue to be broadcasted live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels starting 7 p.m. ET every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with four distinct matchups each night.

THE TURN, the league’s second in-season tournament, will take place during the week of July 20 with THE TICKET, the final tournament of the season, taking place during the week of August 10. The NBA 2K League Playoffs will run between August 19 and 22 before the NBA 2K League Finals on August 29.

Currently atop the NBA 2K League standings, Raptors Uprising GC (9-0) return to regular season action against Magic Gaming, NBA 2K League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, on Tuesday, June 23. Fresh from winning THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T, Raptors Uprising GC will play a total of seven more matches that will count towards its regular season record. Every remote matchup will continue to be played in a best-of-three format with one series victory representing one win in the standings. Raptors Uprising GC will have a bye during the week of July 7.

RAPTORS UPRISING GC 2020 SCHEDULE

Game	Week	Day	Date	Home	Away	Time (E.T.)	Location
10	8	Tuesday	June 23	Raptors Uprising GC	Magic Gaming	9:00 p.m.	Remote
11	9	Monday	June 29	Heat Check Gaming	Raptors Uprising GC	9:00 p.m.	Remote
12	9	Thursday	July 2	Raptors Uprising GC	Gen. G Tigers	9:00 p.m.	Remote
	10	Tues. – Fri.	July 7 – 10	BYE WEEK
13	11	Thursday	July 16	Raptors Uprising GC	Pacers Gaming	7:00 p.m.	Remote
	12	Thurs. – Sat.	July 23 – 25	THE TURN TOURNAMENT			TBD
14	13	Wednesday	July 29	Kings Guard Gaming	Raptors Uprising GC	9:00 p.m.	TBD
15	13	Thursday	July 30	Lakers Gaming	Raptors Uprising GC	7:00 p.m.	TBD
16	14	Friday	August 7	Raptors Uprising GC	Cavs Legion GC	9:00 p.m.	TBD

For more information on the NBA 2K League, visit NBA2KLeague.com.

Canada

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

Published

2 days 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.

BetVictor

Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

canadian-igaming-growth-trends-2025:-data,-strategy,-and-the-brands-defining-the-market

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Canadian iGaming market has evolved from an emerging opportunity into one of the most competitive and innovative digital gaming arenas worldwide. Ontario’s regulated framework has paved the way for rapid expansion, attracting established international operators alongside ambitious newcomers that are carving out share through brand differentiation and data-driven acquisition.

Methodology: How Growth Was Measured

To understand which casino brands are gaining momentum and why, the award-winning Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter—a proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analytics—analyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from January–June 2024 versus January–June 2025. The results point to a vibrant, fiercely competitive landscape where execution, trust, and experience are the real drivers of sustained growth.

Brands Showing Standout Growth in 2025

Strong outperformance highlights different paths to scale

Wild Tokyo posted an extraordinary +134% YoY, showing how bold branding, a distinctive identity, and targeted acquisition can resonate with players seeking unique experiences. Clean yet edgy design, paired with robust SEO execution and engagement programs, helped the brand cut through a crowded market.

LuckyDays delivered +110% YoY by striking a balance between simplicity and substance. A minimalistic UX, a vast game library, and strong affiliate relationships have positioned it as a trusted destination for Canadian players.

BetVictor, a legacy operator with deep roots, recorded +107% YoY. Its evolution from traditional bookmaker to diversified iGaming powerhouse underscores how credibility and adaptability can translate into modern growth.

Agile mid-tier brands are also accelerating: SlotsMagic at +94% and Betibet at +88% demonstrate how focused SEO, analytics-led decision making, and smart promotional strategy can punch above weight.

Crypto-forward momentum and broader market depth

The joint rise of BetFury and SmokAce—both at +74%—signals growing acceptance of crypto and blockchain-based gaming among Canadian users, driven by transparency, fast payments, and a tech-forward ethos.

Meanwhile, Paripesa, Mond, and ComeOn maintained robust double-digit YoY growth, underscoring the market’s depth and diversity beyond a handful of headline names.

Market Maturity: Compliance, Trust, and UX Win

As more provinces explore regulated frameworks modeled on Ontario, competition is intensifying. The brands pulling ahead are those investing in compliance, transparency, and player satisfaction—prioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.

“Players are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,” says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovation—the ones achieving real, sustained growth.”

Puolakka adds: “Data doesn’t just tell us who’s growing—it shows us why. The operators succeeding in Canada are those that deeply understand their audience, use insights effectively, and build long-term value instead of chasing short-term hype.”

Trends Shaping the Next Phase of iGaming in Canada

Branding + data-led acquisition let emerging brands challenge incumbents more effectively than ever.
Crypto-friendly casinos are moving from niche to mainstream consideration for Canadian users.
SEO, content strategy, and affiliate partnerships remain reliable, capital-efficient growth levers.
Compliance, transparency, and UX are central to sustainable market share gains.

Looking Ahead

The fastest-growing casino brands capture more than impressive statistics—they reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canada’s iGaming sector is entering a phase defined by intelligent growth, regulatory maturity, and player empowerment.

As the industry continues to evolve, the Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter remains a useful compass for players, affiliates, and operators navigating this fast-changing landscape.

The post Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Canada

Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players

Published

2 months ago

September 29, 2025

George Miller

ezugi-partners-with-pokerstars-to-further-extend-live-casino-game-choice-for-players

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ezugi, an innovative live dealer casino supplier known for pushing the boundaries of live gaming, retention, and distribution solutions, is proud to announce a new partnership with PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site.

Through this partnership, PokerStars’ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugi’s standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.

PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the world’s leading online poker and casino brands and operates as part of Flutter Entertainment. It has grown to become the largest poker site globally, offering the widest selection of online games and hosting prestigious live tournaments.

Formed in 2012, Ezugi is a global live casino provider with a focus on meeting operator and player needs with best-of-breed localised content. The Ezugi games portfolio includes a wide range of live dealer games, many of which are unique. Ezugi became part of Evolution in 2018 and continues to build on its reputation for providing unique and innovative games and solutions for online casino and retail betting shop operators.

Gilad Ben-Ami, Chief Executive Officer at Ezugi, said: “PokerStars’ players already enjoy a wide range of live casino and online slot games from Evolution brands such as Evolution, NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming. Now Ezugi is delighted and honoured to add even more choice for PokerStars’ players with our own innovative games.”

Ben-Ami continued: “The release of Ezugi games to PokerStars clearly demonstrates the rich variety and innovative features of the Ezugi games portfolio. Ultimate Roulette is a unique multiplier Roulette that blends circus-themed fun and TV game show excitement; Revolution Roulette puts a unique spin on classic Roulette by adding special multiplier pockets to the wheel; Unlimited Blackjack allows an unlimited number of players to play at the table, while also featuring Auto-Split functionality and a choice of four side bets – Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent – a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.”

Ben-Ami concluded: “We are confident that PokerStars’ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.”

The post Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.