Canada
PlayMichigan.com: First full month a winner for online casinos, sportsbooks
Michigan’s online sportsbooks extended their record-breaking debut into February with more than $300 million in bets in their first full month after launch, becoming the sixth — and by far the earliest — state to surpass that milestone. This total comes while online casinos hit their own impressive milestone, with Michigan becoming just the third state to reach more than $75 million in gross receipts. It adds up to an online debut unlike any other in U.S. history, according to PlayMichigan, a leading source for news and analysis of the Michigan gaming market.
“Michigan’s gaming industry traveled a winding road before January’s launch of online sportsbooks and casinos, but it is difficult to imagine how an online debut could have gone any better,” said Matt Schoch, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “It took less than 40 days to transform Michigan into one of the largest U.S. gaming markets. Operators’ enthusiasm for the state before launch has proven prescient.”
Anchored by Super Bowl betting, February brought $301.9 million into Michigan’s online sportsbooks, according to official data released Tuesday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. That was up 162.1% from $115.2 million in bets taken during the final 10 days in January, though the per-day average dipped slightly to $10.8 million in February from $11.5 million in January.
February’s bets yielded $9.5 million in total gross sports betting receipts, down from $13.3 million in January. With the Super Bowl as a typical promotion-heavy event, taxable revenue fell to a $10.8 million loss after a combined loss of $5.2 million in January. The state still eked out a $142,240 injection into state coffers.
Michigan’s hot start has rocketed the state toward space only occupied by the largest U.S. sports betting markets. Combined with $23.7 million generated by retail casinos, Michigan sportsbooks took in $325.6 million in bets in February. That supplants Indiana, which tallied $273.9 million in online and retail bets in February, as the nation’s No. 5 market. The nation’s four largest markets, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Illinois have yet to report February data, but all four will likely top Michigan.
“Michigan has long had the potential to be a Top 5 market, but its rapid ascent shows just how much pent-up demand was unleashed,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “As exciting as the early returns are, though, we’re still in a period where enthusiasm is in part a product of legal betting still being novel. That said, there is no reason to believe that the market’s growth will stop after enthusiasm normalizes.”
Now with 12 operators, the race for market share is as intense in Michigan as anywhere in the country. FanDuel, which partners with MotorCity Casino in Michigan and is the nation’s largest online sportsbook operator, topped the market for the second consecutive month with $87.2 million in online handle, up from in the first month with $32.6 million in January. Those bets led to a loss of $78,889 in gross sports betting receipts, down from a $622,372 win in January. BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit’s $75.7 million handle was second, up from $22.8 million in January. But BetMGM topped gross receipts with $5.3 million, up from $5.1 million, which led to $2.4 million in taxable revenue, by far the most in the state.
DraftKings/Bay Mills Indian Community was just behind with a $72.9 million handle, up from $28.2 million in January, but lost $161,496 in gross receipts.
The market leaders were followed by:
- Barstool/Greektown Casino ($40.3 million handle, up from $27.5 million in January; $1.9 million in gross receipts, down from $3.3 million)
- PointsBet/Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians ($7 million handle, up from $1.5 million; $1.1 million in gross receipts, up from $388,381)
- Wynn/Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians ($7 million handle, up from $248,879; $1.1 million in gross receipts, up from $60,232)
- William Hill/Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians ($5.6 million handle, up from $692,319; $449,316 in gross receipts, up from $125,659)
- BetRivers/Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians ($3.6 million handle, up from $1.1 million; $120,306 in gross receipts, down from $191,261)
- FOX Bet/Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians ($3.6 million handle, up from $160,052; $120,307 in gross receipts, up from $70,737)
- Twin Spires/Hannahville Indian Community ($1.9 million handle, up from $327,661; -$277,365 in gross receipts, down from $39,792)
- Golden Nugget/Keweenaw Bay Indian Community ($497,693 handle, up from $106,904; $69,788 in gross receipts, up from $21,698)
- Four Winds Sportsbook/Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians (launched Feb. 15: $12,680 handle; $3,840 in gross receipt)
“The promotional spend by most operators sapped taxable revenue in the short-term but shows just how competitive the market in Michigan is right now,” Welman said. “The extended roster of online operators is perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of the Michigan market. Having so many quality operators has clearly paved the way for this early success, and fierce competition will continue to benefit bettors as the market matures.”
Online casinos and poker
Online casinos and poker enjoyed another month of record receipts, generating $79.7 million in February, up from $29.4 million in January. February’s results will likely put Michigan as the nation’s No. 2 or 3 market, behind only New Jersey ($103.8 million in January), but on par with the far more mature market in Pennsylvania ($80.4 million in January).
Michigan’s online casinos and poker rooms combined to win $2.8 million per day over the 28 days in February, down slightly from $2.9 million per day in January. Adjusted gross receipts of $75.2 million yielded $14 million in tax revenue for the state. BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit once again led the market with $26.9 million in gross receipts, which yielded $5.3 million in taxes.
To put Michigan’s growth into perspective, it took New Jersey until April 2020 — more than six years after launching in November 2013 — to surpass $79 million in online casino revenue in a single month.
“The interest in online casino games in Michigan has been off the charts for a new market, but expect the growth to settle a bit in the coming months,” Schoch said. “Regardless, there has never been a more impressive debut.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Michigan, visit PlayMichigan.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 PlayMichigan.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 affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
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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, 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.
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, 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:
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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
- Live Chat: https://casinos.cc/robocat-casino/support/
- Email: [email protected]
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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