Canada
PlayIndiana.com: Sportsbooks reach $250 million plateau for first time
Indiana sportsbooks continued their torrid pace in November — surpassing $250 million in wagers in a month for the first time — as local bettors continued to put money on the state’s NFL and college football teams, according to analysts from PlayIndiana.
“Indiana has largely managed to shrug off increased competition from its neighbors, which is a good sign for the future of the state’s industry,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “A lot has gone right in recent months to get Indiana to this new high point, but considering the challenges, it has been an impressive string of months.”
Buoyed by continued interest in the Indianapolis Colts, as well as particular interest in Notre Dame and Indiana football, sportsbooks accepted $251.4 million in bets in November, according to official reporting released Thursday. That marks the third consecutive month Indiana sportsbooks have set a state record for monthly handle, topping $230.9 million hit in October.
Wagering in November produced a record $25.3 million in adjusted gross revenue for the state’s operators, up 20% from the record $21.1 million set in October, and yielded $2.4 million in state taxes. Year over year, Indiana’s handle grew 70.7% from $147.3 million in November 2019 while gross revenue jumped 172.4% from $9.3 million.
Indiana reclaimed its position in October as the fifth-largest market in the U.S., ahead of Colorado, but behind New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. And November’s results should be enough to stay in that position.
“I think some of the worries that Indiana would slip as its neighbors legalized sports betting are calming,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “The market in the Hoosier State is proving to be quite dynamic.”
One way the Hoosier State has been able to improve is a boost in local football interest. Notre Dame and Indiana University are both among college football’s elite, and the Colts continue their drive toward the NFL playoffs. The result is a swell of football bets, hitting $113.5 million in November, a rise of 33.9% from $84.7 million in October and up 96.5% from $57.7 million in November 2019. With only a sliver of college basketball season to drive interest, basketball was a distant second with $17.7 million in November bets.
“There really isn’t any substitute in sports betting for a local team doing well, and Indiana is enjoying three at once,” Gouker said. “And with both college and NBA basketball returning, a sport that enjoys particular interest in Indiana compared with most other legal jurisdictions, December really sets up to be another jump forward.”
Online betting generated 85%, or $213.7 million, of November’s handle, increasing the share of all bets from 83.6% in October. DraftKings/Ameristar Casino continued its dominance of the digital market, increasing its bets to $95.2 million in November from $90.5 million in October. Those bets produced $7 million in gross receipts, down from $8.6 million in October.
DraftKings was followed by:
- FanDuel/Blue Chip Casino ($64.2 million handle, up from $63.6 million; $7.7 million in gross receipts, up from $7.1 million.
- BetMGM/Belterra ($25.3 million handle, up from $20.1 million; $2.2 million win, up from $1.8 million)
- BetRivers/French Lick Resort ($10.3 million handle, up from $7.8 million; $660,365 win, up from $632,752)
- PointsBet/Hollywood Lawrenceburg ($9.9 million handle, up from $7.1 million; $794,517 win, down from $862,865)
- William Hill/Tropicana Evansville ($4 million handle, up from $149,897; $685,922 win, up from $65,406)
- TheScore/Ameristar ($2.2 million handle, up from $1.5 million; $45,530 win, down from $123,494)
- Unibet/Horseshoe Hammond ($1.8 million handle, even with October; -$7,008 win, down from $188,558)
- Caesars/Horseshoe Hammond ($564,046 handle, up from $403,136; $67,095 win, up from $31,182)
- BetAmerica/Rising Star Casino ($144,130 handle, down from $189,108; $11,005 win, up from -$10,016)
Retail sportsbooks took in $37.7 million in November wagers, down slightly from $37.9 million in October. The emergence of Illinois’ online sportsbooks has been felt most in Indiana’s retail market. Once dominated by sportsbooks nearest Chicago, retail sportsbooks were led in November by Hollywood Lawrenceburg, nearest Cincinnati. Hollywood Lawrenceburg’s $11.6 million handle in November was more than the combined handle of state No. 2 Ameristar Casino ($6.3 million) and No. 3 Horseshoe Hammond ($4.9 million).
“Chicago is still an important market for sportsbooks near the border, but the combination of Illinois’ sports-betting expansion and the pandemic has challenged the retail market,” Welman said. “As a whole, though, growth in online betting has more than made up for any slowdown in the retail market. And Indiana made last-minute protocol changes to keep casinos open while properties in surrounding states shut down, which has helped the industry.”
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
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Brooke Hilton Head of Casino at PointsBet Canada
Ezugi and PointsBet join forces to bring expanded live gaming to Ontario
Ezugi is excited to unveil a new collaboration with PointsBet, a leading iGaming operator in Canada.
As a division of Evolution since 2018, Ezugi keeps enhancing its foothold in the live gaming sector. This partnership will see Ezugi’s localized and unique live-dealer games incorporated into PointsBet’s online casino in Ontario through Evolution’s One Stop Shop (OSS) platform.
Established in Australia in 2015 and later branching into North America, PointsBet has quickly emerged as one of Ontario’s most rapidly expanding iGaming companies. Known for its cutting-edge sportsbook and growing casino offerings, PointsBet is committed to delivering an outstanding player experience, prioritizing Responsible Gaming to create a safe and secure space for every user.
Through this partnership, PointsBet Ontario customers will access Ezugi’s innovative live casino offerings, which include popular games like Canada Blackjack, EZ Baccarat, and Ultimate Roulette. These titles effortlessly integrate reliable, real-time live gaming with engaging digital elements that greatly attract North American players.
Brooke Hilton, Head of Casino at PointsBet Canada, said: “We’re excited to partner with Ezugi to bring their innovative live-dealer games to our Ontario players. This integration via Evolution’s platform enhances our casino offerings with dynamic, localised titles like Canada Blackjack and Ultimate Roulette, ensuring a premium, responsible gaming experience that aligns with our commitment to player safety and enjoyment.”
James Smith, Commercial Strategy Manager at Ezugi, said: “We are thrilled to team up with PointsBet in Ontario. We recognise Ontario as a key growth region and this partnership with a top tier operator marks an important step in our mission to bring Ezugi’s unique & exciting live casino content to the forefront for players in North America.”
The post Ezugi and PointsBet join forces to bring expanded live gaming to Ontario appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
Fennica Gaming Expands its Partnership with Loto-Québec by Launching eInstant Games
Building on the momentum of its successful market entry, Fennica Gaming announced the expansion of its partnership with Loto-Québec by launching also its portfolio of eInstant games. This second phase follows the recent successful launch of Fennica Gaming’s online casino games, making its full suite of innovative online games available to players on Loto-Québec’s digital platform, the only legal online gaming offer in the province of Québec.
The launch of the eInstant portfolio completes the initial offering, delivering a diverse and engaging gaming experience designed with Fennica Gaming’s signature player-first approach. The move solidifies Fennica Gaming’s commitment to the Canadian market and its strategy of building long-term, sustainable partnerships with regulated lotteries and operators.
“Launching our casino games was the first step; following it up swiftly with our eInstants is about delivering on our promise. Our partnership with Loto-Québec is built on shared values of responsibility and providing engaging, high-quality entertainment. This isn’t just a content drop; it’s a commitment to our partner’s long-term success and to bringing fresh, reliable gaming experiences to the players in Québec,” said Joni Hovi, SVP of Customers and Marketing at Fennica Gaming.
“Our eInstants are designed with a Nordic innovativeness; they are intuitive, visually engaging, and extremely entertaining – built for sustainable fun. We’ve added the best of mobile gaming expertise, seasoned it with a high-quality, player-centric experience. We are confident that this creative energy offers a distinct flavour that will stand out and connect with players in Québec,” said Kirsi Lagus, SVP of Portfolio and Product Development.
The post Fennica Gaming Expands its Partnership with Loto-Québec by Launching eInstant Games appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
CGA Announces Leadership Evolution and 2026 Board of Directors
Amanda Brewer becomes Senior Vice President of Policy & Communications and Brandon Aboultaif becomes Vice President of Western Canada; Salim Adatia (GLI) and Mike Maodus (Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP) join the CGA Board as Scott Vanderwel (PointsBet Canada) is appointed Chair.
Amanda Brewer has joined the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) as Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications, and Brandon Aboultaif has assumed the position of Vice President for Western Canada.
Amanda has served as a consultant to the Association for over 15 years, playing a pivotal role in achieving numerous CGA milestones. “I am confident she will apply her enthusiasm and expertise to this new position, which more precisely aligns with her ongoing contributions on behalf of our members,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO, CGA. Amanda remains actively engaged in AML and advertising bill initiatives in Ottawa, along with the Alberta consultation process, where the Association is collaborating with the Government of Alberta and AGLC to prepare the province for its iGaming market launch.
Brandon is the former Press Secretary to Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction and will be a great addition to the CGA. “With the Alberta market soon opening, it has been an important goal to expand our presence into the western part of the country,” added Mr. Burns. His key responsibilities include advancing industry research and education initiatives, supporting member engagement across Western Canada, and fostering collaboration on responsible gaming, innovation, and market development initiatives that strengthen Canada’s gaming ecosystem.
In addition, Salim Adatia, Managing Director, Canada for Gaming Laboratories International, LLC, and Mike Maodus, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, have joined the CGA’s Board of Directors, and Scott Vanderwel, CEO for PointsBet Canada, becomes the Association’s new Chair.
The full 2026 board is as follows:
- Salim Adatia, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC
- Bruce Caughill, Rush Street Interactive
- Peter Czegeldy, Aird & Berlis LLP
- Neil Erlick, Nuvei
- Kurt Gissane, Aristocrat
- Charmaine Hogan, Playtech
- Dale Hooper, FanDuel
- Chuck Keeling, Great Canadian Entertainment
- Mike Maodus, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- Terry McInally, Gateway Entertainment
- Niaz Nejad, Non-Member Director
- Derek Ramm, Kinectify
- Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
- Richard Taylor, Niagara Casinos
- Shane Thompson, Konami
- Scott Vanderwel, PointsBet Canada (Chair)
- Scott Woodgate, BetMGM
We are also pleased to welcome three past chairs as Emeritus members of the board:
- Ilkim Hincer, IC360
- Carrie Kormos, CK Consulting Inc
- Bob Parente, Light & Wonder
“Amanda and Brandon have joined the CGA as full-time members to oversee several important national campaigns,” stated Scott Vanderwel, Chair of the Board. “We are also pleased to welcome Salim and Mike to the Board. The Board has worked closely with Paul over recent years to advance the Association’s leadership and board structure. We have full confidence in Amanda and Brandon as they step into these key roles, as well as in the valuable contributions that Salim and Mike are expected to bring as we prepare for an active 2026 workload.”
Mr. Burns stated that the newly announced executive and Board appointments will strengthen CGA’s position and support its expansion into Western Canada. “Amanda brings extensive CGA experience, while Brandon contributes knowledge of government policy at both federal and provincial levels. Coupled with our enhanced Board, I am confident they will help drive CGA’s objectives and ongoing growth.”
Source: canadiangaming.ca
The post CGA Announces Leadership Evolution and 2026 Board of Directors appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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