Canada
Virtual Live Racing: Massive growth in virtual racing boosts revenue for tracks and racinos

The market for the latest virtual racing products is booming as horse and greyhound racetracks – and racinos – look to extend their digital brand to reach new audiences and develop new revenue streams.
That’s the view of Virtual Software which, under its Virtual Live Racing (VLR) brand, has pioneered unique tote-betting enabled, ultra-realistic products based on real life race data and is now a major player driving this trend. Until VLR’s products were launched in 2020 no tote platform had a virtual live racing product on which to accept wagers in a market worth a $100billion per year. That’s why VLR is a real game-changer in the industry.
They already have five major US tracks using their products – the latest being Parx (based just 20 minutes north of Philadelphia) which is Pennsylvania’s number 1 casino and racetrack and the biggest so far to go live with VLR. Parx Casino offers state of the art gaming, thoroughbred racing, and exciting entertainment events. The 260,000 square foot Parx Casino and the 280,000 square foot Parx East (home to Parx Racing). Since Pennsylvania launched sports betting in November 2018, Parx has grown rapidly and now handles around $30million per month with around 67% of that total being online (for example, the November 2020 total handle was $28.59million, with $19.3million online).
Joe Wilson, COO, Parx Racing, commented: “Parx Racing is happy to be participating with Virtual Software Limited [the business behind the Virtual Live Racing brand] in this new and groundbreaking wagering product. VSL’s impeccable attention to detail in creating Parx Virtual, coupled with our race data, guarantee the customer a truly unique and exciting entertainment experience.”
VLR Chairman Vincent Caldwell commented: “Partnering with Parx is a major milestone for us, and the iGaming and racing industries. We’re offering tracks all over the world a no cost, risk free, revenue stream which would be a fantastic opportunity at any time, but especially right now when there is so much disruption to real racing.”
VLR has grown fast since it was launched in May 2020 but, adds Caldwell, they have even bigger ambitions for 2021: “Our next goal is to put 12 products up which would enable us to run 87,600 races a year. The goal after that is to get the wagering on each race to $3,500 per race. If we succeed in that, over $306million will be handled in wagers on our products in a full year.”
In addition to Parx, VLR products are also live at Hawthorne in Chicago, plus Florida tracks Derby Lane, Tampa Bay Downs and Palm Beach Kennel Club. VLR has also partnered with the world famous Ascot Racecourse in England – when that product is launched it will signal the company’s entry into the UK market.
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Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Alex Malchenko Head of Sales at Evoplay
Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Caesars Entertainment to expand its footprint in the Canadian market, following its initial entry earlier this year. The partnership integrates 20 of the studio’s top-performing titles onto Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in Ontario, including fan-favourites such as Hot Triple Sevens, Triple Chili, and The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy.
Having announced its official entrance into Ontario in March, the collaboration with Caesars marks a significant step in Evoplay’s local strategy. Further standout releases, such as Inner Fire Bonus Buy and Hot Volcano, also launched as part of the initial package, with additional player favourites, including Fruit Nova and Ice Mania.
The collaboration underlines Evoplay’s commitment to working with leading operators to deliver high-quality content tailored to regional audiences.
Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, said: “Launching with Caesars in Ontario marks a key milestone in our North American strategy.
“It reflects both the strength of our portfolio and our commitment to providing innovative, high-performing content to operators of the highest caliber.”
Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital, said: “Evoplay brings a fresh and dynamic approach to online gaming, which we’re excited to offer to our players in Ontario. This portfolio of standout titles adds to our growing content library and furthering our ongoing goal of delivering top-tier entertainment experiences to our players.”
The post Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO

The iGaming Ontario Board of Directors has announced Joseph Hillier as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 8, 2025. Joseph’s depth in the Ontario igaming market combined with successful public and private sector careers make him the ideal President and CEO at this critical point in iGaming Ontario’s growth.
Joseph was most recently Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Secretary at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where he delivered significant strategic and regulatory initiatives across the province’s alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing sectors. Prior to the AGCO, he served as Chief of Staff to Ontario Attorney General Hon. Doug Downey and led the development, launch and implementation of Canada’s first private sector-driven igaming market and the creation of iGaming Ontario. Joseph also spent more than a decade working in the financial and legal services sectors.
The Board expressed its sincere thanks to David Smith for serving as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since Martha Otton’s retirement.
The post iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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