Canada
Payments crucial to ongoing growth of US online sports-betting market
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.
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CasinoCanada has partnered with Beef Casino, an online gaming platform operated by Royal Partners. The partnership will enhance Beef Casino’s brand visibility in Canada through editorial coverage and targeted digital promotion.
CasinoCanada will produce in-depth reviews, analytical comparisons, and SEO-focused content for Canadian audiences and also generate SEO-based traffic to Beef Casino. This content will offer players accurate, transparent insights into Beef Casino’s offerings and support its regional growth.
CasinoCanada is an online casino information portal run by SEOBROTHERS.
Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR at SEOBROTHERS, commented: “Our cooperation with Beef Casino reflects our strategy of working with established operators that prioritize compliance, security, and user experience. Backed by Royal Partners’ extensive portfolio and operational expertise, Beef Casino brings strong value to the Canadian market. Through CasinoCanada.com, we aim to deliver clear, research-based content and sustainable traffic growth, building a partnership grounded in consistency and measurable results.”
Beef Casino operates under a licence from the Curaçao Gaming Authority. Managed by Royal Partners, one of the leading direct advertisers in the gambling sector, the brand benefits from a network of 17 proprietary products and over 1 million active users worldwide, according to the Royal Partners website.
The platform features thousands of premium gaming titles, including popular slots and a comprehensive Live Casino experience. Beef Casino uses advanced encryption technologies and operates under a trusted international licence to protect personal and financial data. 24/7 support is available via Live Chat, email, and hotline.
Lena Patrubeika, Head of EU-department at Royal Partners, stated: “The collaboration between Beef Casino, managed by Royal Partners, and CasinoCanada.com is built on a professional and disciplined approach. We find their team to be responsive to our brand’s requirements and consistent in their communication. The primary benefit of this partnership is the transparency they maintain throughout the workflow. Looking ahead, we aim to maintain this steady cooperation and continue fulfilling our mutual objectives.”
The agreement highlights both parties’ commitment to transparency, operational efficiency, and long-term growth in the competitive Canadian iGaming market.
The post CasinoCanada enters partnership with Beef Casino appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Adjusted EBITDA
Bragg Gaming Announces Select Preliminary Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results, and Issues Full Year 2026 Guidance
Bragg Gaming Group has announced that its preliminary unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 are expected to come within its previously issued guidance ranges for both revenue and Adjusted EBITDA.
The Company anticipates the fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results to include the following highlights:
Fourth quarter 2025 revenues to be approximately EUR 27.7 million, an increase of 1.8% from EUR 27.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, and Adjusted EBITDA to be approximately EUR 6 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin2 of approximately 16.6%), compared to EUR 4.7 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of approximately 17.2%) in the fourth quarter of 2024. High-margin proprietary content revenue grew by 70% in Q4-2025 over Q4-2024, primarily driven by growth in the US.
Full year 2025 revenues to be approximately EUR 106.1 million, an increase of 4.0% from EUR 102.0 million in 2024, and Adjusted EBITDA to be approximately EUR 16.6 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of approximately 15.6%), compared to EUR 15.8 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of approximately 15.5%) in 2024. The Company notes that, excluding the Netherlands given its challenging regulatory environment, expected 2025 revenues would represent an 18% increase from 2024, driven by the Company’s performance in Brazil and the US.
These figures are preliminary and unaudited, and actual revenues, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin may differ.
Bragg is providing this information at this time because of planned investment community meetings to be held ahead of the release of its fourth and full year 2025 financial results and conference call in March 2026.
Anticipated Financial Highlights for 2026
Revenue Guidance: Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2026 is expected to be in the range of EUR 97.0 million to EUR 104.5 million, despite Bragg anticipating that it will have to continue navigating increasingly complex regulatory compliance requirements and recent tax changes in the Netherlands and other regions in which the Company operates.
Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2026 is forecasted to be in the range of EUR 16.0 million to EUR 19.0 million (representing an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of approximately 16.0% to 18.0%), supported by factors which include a continuing shift toward higher-margin product offerings and the structural cost savings expected from Bragg’s recently announced initiative to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to drive cost efficiencies and improve operational excellence.
Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer for Bragg, said: “Based on the preliminary results, we delivered another record year in 2025, as demonstrated by increased revenue and higher Adjusted EBITDA. Now in 2026, we remain confident in our ability to successfully navigate evolving international regulatory and taxation developments, continue to increase our overall content market share in Brazil and the United States, aggressively pursue emerging alternative markets, such as Historical and Live Racing and Prediction Markets, and move into new jurisdictions that offer opportunities for higher margin content business. At the same time, we plan on thoughtfully harnessing the power of the Bragg AI Brain to reduce our overall cost structure, drive EBITDA growth, and move toward sustained net profitability. We look forward to updating investors as we progress.”
The post Bragg Gaming Announces Select Preliminary Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results, and Issues Full Year 2026 Guidance appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Betty Casino has announced new sports partnerships with Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts, creating more opportunities for game-day fun in Ontario. These collaborations will bring new in-game interactive fan experiences, concourse activations and chances to win prizes.
As an official online casino partner, Betty will activate across key touchpoints throughout the season, including in-venue presence and fan-focused moments online. The Toronto FC partnership launched on February 21 with the start of the MLS season, while the Toronto Argonauts partnership begins May 23 with a pre-season game in Hamilton.
Betty’s partnerships bring Toronto together through moments of exhilaration. From matchday excitement at BMO Field to online celebrations, the game-day experience will extend beyond the final whistle.
“For fans, this partnership means more ways to engage with the teams they love and trust. We’re creating experiences that are exciting, rooted in the city, and most importantly, fun,” said Dikla Revach, Chief Growth Officer at Betty.
Betty’s growing lineup of Toronto sports collaborations highlights its commitment to responsible, entertaining, and community-driven experiences for Ontario players. Fans can follow Betty’s channels for updates, announcements, and chances to win throughout the season.
Throughout the partnership, responsible gaming practices will be prioritized in all programming. Engagement strategies will adhere to Ontario’s iGaming regulatory standards and emphasize safe, age-appropriate fan interactions.
The post Betty Casino Announces Partnerships with Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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