Canada

Payments crucial to ongoing growth of US online sports-betting market

Published

5 years ago

January 14, 2021

Paysafe research reveals that streamlined payouts and alternative payment methods are critical to the market’s success in 2021

Quickly and easily receiving payouts of winnings is the most important factor for U.S. sports bettors when selecting an online sportsbook, and prioritized by 37% of players, according to research released today by Paysafe, a leading integrated payments platform. The latest All the Ways Players Pay report also suggests that offering digital wallets and other alternative payment methods allows sportsbooks to overcome the challenge of card declines.

Based on a consumer survey commissioned by Paysafe in December 2020 in eight regulated iGaming markets – Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia –the research reveals the paramount importance of streamlined frictionless payments to the market’s future success. When choosing an online brand, players are prioritizing fast payouts, and considering this more important than: brand reputation (32%), promotions (28%), competitive odds (27%), and sports markets offered (11%).

Getting payouts right also appears fundamental to customer retention, with 79% of sports bettors left with a negative impression of an online sportsbook if they wait longer than expected to receive funds after making a withdrawal.

Players’ focus on payouts comes amidst a broader online shift in the U.S. gaming space galvanized by COVID-19. Over two thirds of sports bettors (68%) agree that the pandemic has made them more comfortable with wagering online. Their experience appears very positive, with 61% planning to bet online more frequently in 2021.

Despite strong expected market growth, significant challenges remain in the sector such as customers’ credit and debit cards transactions being declined when they attempt deposits. And this number seems to be growing, with 14% of sports bettors consistently incurring card declines compared to the 10% reported in the inaugural All the Ways Players Pay report of January 2019, suggesting the issue is arguably getting worse.

Card declines inevitably impact a brand’s customer retention and, ultimately, acquisition. Close to half of players (47%) would blame the sportsbook directly for a decline, 45% would leave the brand due to persistent card declines, and 65% would not recommend the sportsbook to peers.

Players’ immediate behavior when faced with a card decline, however, indicates the value of alternative payment methods in helping a sportsbook overcome this challenge. While a card decline would drive 19% of players to leave the sportsbook, 73% would continue to attempt a transaction, with a digital wallet the preferred payment method of choice (35%). One out of ten (8%) would use eCash.

The broader value to operators of alternative payments, and digital wallets especially, is indicated by analyzing high-volume bettors (those who bet more than 7 times a week). While a credit or debit card is the preferred payment method of all players (29%), when focusing exclusively on high-volume bettors, this shifts to digital wallets (favored by 35%).

The ability of digital wallets to move funds quickly and easily between multiple sportsbook accounts appears to be the rationale for this preference, with 84% of such players considering this important when wagering.

eCash is the other major alternative payment method helping operators to meet player needs. Confidence in the security of online transactions is improving, with 64% of sports bettors saying they are more confident in making a deposit than they were a year ago, though concerns remain. And operators may be able to reassure such concerns with a payment offering that includes an eCash solution, which negates the need to share bank account or card details online, with 54% considering this the most secure payment method.

Philip McHugh, Paysafe’s CEO, commented: “Since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court repeal of the federal ban on sports betting, the market has shown incredible growth, most recently in the online and mobile space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Against the backdrop of additional states regulating iGaming, our research indicates that the online market will continue to expand in 2021 and beyond – and payments will play a critical role in helping operators drive that growth.

He added: “Payments is a fundamental consideration when players choose and stay with a sportsbook, so it’s vital that operators and the wider market streamline how players deposit, wager, and receive winnings as a result. Card declines remain a significant issue, and as industry stakeholders work to address this, operators can leverage digital wallets and eCash to provide players with alternatives that complete their payment offerings.”

Visit Paysafe’s iGaming page for more information on how the company serves the industry.

Canada

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

Published

3 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

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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.