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PlayIllinois.com: Sportsbooks hit $450 million for first time

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Illinois online and retail sportsbooks collected more than $450 million in wagers in November, setting a fresh record for monthly handle to place fourth among legal sports betting markets in the U.S. It’s a remarkable ascent for a fledgling market that has become the fourth state in history to enjoy a month with more than $450 million in bets, according to PlayIllinois, which offers news and analysis of the state’s gaming industry.

“Illinois’ success is more than just a large population fueling impressive numbers that dwarf smaller states,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “Illinois is rivaling markets such as Pennsylvania that are far more mature and just as large, and it’s doing it because the top online sportsbooks in the country are investing heavily in the market and Illinois bettors are responding with an unprecedented fervor.”

Illinois bettors placed a record $451 million in wagers in November, according to “approximate” data released Wednesday by the Illinois Gaming Board. That is up nearly 4% from $434.6 million in October. Only New Jersey ($931.6 million) and Nevada ($609.4 million) — the two oldest legal sports betting markets in the U.S. — and Pennsylvania ($491.9 million) generated more in bets during November 2020.

November’s bets produced $41 million in adjusted gross revenue for the operators, down slightly from the state record $42.2 million in revenue generated in October. Those gains yielded $6 million in state taxes.

Despite a relative leveling from October to November, Illinois’ ascent remains unprecedented. New Jersey did not surpass $450 million in monthly handle until its 17th month after launch. It took Pennsylvania even longer, reaching the mark with $462.8 million in September 2020, 23 months after launch.

Aside from the suspension of the state’s in-person registration requirements, much of what has fueled the market is interest in regional sports, particularly the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame. But the Bears went 0-4 in the month, and without baseball and the NBA Finals, November offered less to bet on than in October. In addition, retail sportsbooks were shuttered in mid-November because of Covid-related restrictions.

That did not slow bettors, though, as the Illinois market showed resilience in the face of obstacles.

“At this point, it makes sense to adjust our expectations up for the market,” said Joe Boozell, analyst for PlayIllinois.com. “The retail market was shut down in November, and this was the first month since the market really heated up in July that the sports schedule was slower than the month before, and yet sportsbooks still made gains. Such resilience shows that Illinois is maturing more quickly than anyone imagined.”

With retail sportsbooks shuttered for the second half of the month, online sports betting accounted for the vast majority of all bets. Specific operator data was not immediately released.

With only five online operators, Illinois is still home to a relatively short roster of sportsbooks. But Penn National’s Barstool-branded app, BetMGM, and Unibet are among those that are expected to launch in Illinois in the coming months, which should give the state a boost.

“Remarkably, Illinois has done all this with just a handful of operators and without some of the best-known brands in the industry,” Boozell said. “The gains will continue to attract operators, and could have Illinois poised to challenge even the largest market in the U.S., so long as the state’s in-person registration requirement remains suspended.”

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Illinois, visit PlayIllinois.com/news.

 

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 (including PlayIndiana.com, PlayIllinois.com, PlayNJ.com and PlayPennsylvania.com) 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 affiliation to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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New Online Casinos Canada 2025: RoboCat Casino Best in Canada

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After A Review Of Canada’s Gambling Landscape, RoboCat Casino Was Awarded The “Best Online Casino In Canada 2025” Based On 8,000+ Games, Responsible Gambling and Fast Payouts

Vancouver, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RoboCat Casino

RoboCat Casino, an award-winning online casino with presence on Europe, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and LATAM, was recently awarded the title of “Best Online Casino in Canada 2025” after a comprehensive review of the online gambling industry in the country, performed by experienced iGaming specialists.

New players can take advantage of RoboCat Casino’s welcome bonus by joining their platform today:

CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUS AND PLAY 8,000+ GAMES AT ROBOCAT CASINO

RoboCat currently offers the biggest welcome bonus, because new players can get 100% extra on their first deposit + 200 Free Spins + a surprise bonus (more free spins, free money, cashback, amongst other possible rewards).

In addition, the Canadian online casino also offers over 8,000 real money games from the best providers in the world, putting the best online slots, blackjack, poker, baccarat, craps, crash, plinko, live dealer, lotto and bingo games at the disposal of online players and bettors in Canada.

“The mission of our team is to help players find the best sites for gambling online so they can enjoy an exciting, rewarding and safe online gaming experience” “… and we found that RoboCat is on top of all the other online casinos in Canada, because it delivers more value in all the areas that matter for online players and bettors”.

A Comprehensive Review Focused on the Player

The team that performed the review and research revealed that they focused it on the player, hence they targeted the following areas:

  • License
  • Fairness
  • Quality of Games
  • Quality of Bonuses and Promotions
  • Payment Methods and Banking Experience
  • Online Security
  • Mobile Experience
  • Quality of Sportsbook
  • KYC
  • Limits for Deposits and Withdrawals
  • Customer Support Service

The team used these key elements to develop the criteria for selecting, reviewing, and comparing the top online casinos in Canada, ultimately choosing RoboCat Casino as the best real money gambling platform for 2025.

The team explained that RoboCat was named ‘Best Online Casino in Canada 2025’ due to its outstanding performance across all evaluated criteria.

“RoboCat offers over 8,000 games from nearly 100 top-class providers, which is the largest library of real money games in Canada nowadays” – “offering such an outstanding number of high-quality games allows RoboCat to bring its customers a significantly better online gaming experience, especially for online slots players”.

“Regarding bonuses, RoboCat Casino is the most generous platform in Canada because it offers a big welcome bonus, plenty of weekly and weekend reload bonuses which reward players with free money and free spins, extra rewards of free spins, cashback, rakeback, amongst other benefits that other Canadian online casinos fail to deliver”.

The team shared their comments for all the evaluated criteria regarding RoboCat, offering a complete overview on why they elected this brand as the best platform for real money gambling in Canada:

  • License: License issued by the Offshore Finance Authority of The State of Anjouan
  • Fairness: Audited by independent third-party auditing firms
  • Quality of Games: 8,000+ real money games from industry-leading providers such as NetEnt, Evolution, Microgaming, Habanero and Jumpman
  • Quality of Bonuses and Promotions: 100% extra on first deposit + 200 Free Spins; reload bonuses, cashback, free bets, rakeback and free spins rewards. Featuring low wagering requirements
  • Payment Methods and Banking Experience: Instant deposits, fast payouts, plenty of payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, trending digital wallet currencies, FundID and Interac
  • Online Security: Uses military-grade encryption, has a dedicated online security team, secured servers, no history of data leaks or breaches
  • Mobile Experience: Offers an HTML5-powered mobile website available on all browsers, runs on Android and iOS flawlessly
  • Quality of Sportsbook: Offers over 35 sports and esports with high odds and exclusive bonuses such as free bets, deposit bonuses, reload bonuses and cashback
  • KYC: Easy to fulfill KYC procedures, no requirement to complete KYC as a new user or to get first withdrawal approved
  • Limits for Deposits and Withdrawals: Unlimited limit for deposits and withdrawals up to $10,000 per day. The casino can increase the limits for high rollers
  • Customer Support Service: Available via live chat, email and phone. Fast answer time and professional customer support team

The team expressed their happiness in finding an online casino which can offer Canadian players and bettors the online betting and gambling experience they deserved: “RoboCat scores high in all the areas that matter, offering an outstanding, exciting, safe and fair experience”.

All players interested in joining RoboCat to play 8,000+ real money games can sign up today and claim an exclusive welcome bonus offer:

CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUS AND PLAY 8,000+ GAMES AT ROBOCAT CASINO

RoboCat Casino Actively Promotes and Enforces Responsible Gambling

The team explained that they considered the commitment to responsible gambling as an important factor in their comprehensive review of the industry: “A platform can deliver everything players want, but if they fail to protect players and promote responsible gambling, we take it out of our ranking… because gambling must be fun but also safe”.

RoboCat Casino is equipped with technology and a dedicated team which can detect problematic gambling patterns, providing affected players with prompt solutions and assistance.

The online casino also offers tools and features to limit the spending on their platform, granting players the possibility to control their online gambling activities.

The specialists also confirmed that RoboCat Casino provides a self-exclusion feature, with 24/7 customer support available to assist players in closing their accounts if needed.

“The era of unregulated online gambling is over. Today, safety comes first—one of the key reasons we chose RoboCat as Canada’s top online casino for 2025. They prioritise player protection and take responsible gambling seriously.”

“RoboCat Is The Best Brand in 2025, But Let’s See If They Retain Their Place in 2026”

“After making this in-depth review, analysis and research, we found out RoboCat is the best online casino brand for Canadian players in 2025” – “… but you know, the online gambling industry is extremely fast-paced. You have new brands every single month, and they’re competing fiercely against each other. Therefore, we are going to revisit our research and perform a new analysis in 2026, to see if RoboCat remains the best online casino in Canada or if another brand is going to take its place”concluded Angel K.

To celebrate this award, RoboCat has released a new welcome bonus of 100% extra on the first deposit + 200 Free Spins + 1 surprise bonus, which new players can redeem below:

CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUS AND PLAY 8,000+ GAMES AT ROBOCAT CASINO

Disclaimer

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, a commission may be earned at no additional cost to you. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not investment, financial, medical, or legal advice. Readers should verify details independently and consult qualified professionals before making any purchasing or financial decisions

CONTACT: Live Chat: https://casinos.cc/robocat-casino/support/
Email: [email protected]

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