Canada

PlayCT.com: Connecticut opening door to market that could draw more than $1.5B in sports bets annually

Published

4 years ago

May 31, 2021

Connecticut could evolve into a market that generates more than $1.5 billion in annual sports wagers and more than $100 million in operator revenue according to estimates by PlayCT, which analyzes and researches the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market. Meanwhile, online casinos could generate as much as $350 million in gross gaming revenues annually, becoming a huge tax generator for the state.

“Connecticut is a relatively small state, but the market has a handful of attributes that should help it punch a bit above its weight,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayCT.com. “Geographically, the state is in a good place, with the potential to draw significant out-of-state business from New York and Massachusetts. And Connecticut features one of the highest median household incomes in the U.S. Both factors should help the market reach maturity relatively quickly.”

Gov. Ned Lamont, who negotiated the agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to amend gaming compacts, signed the bill that would legalize retail and mobile sports betting, online casinos, online poker rooms and iLotteries. Now the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs will have to sign off on the compacts.

Once that happens, Connecticut will join more than two dozen states with legal sports betting in some form, and join New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia as the only states with full-scale legal online casino gambling.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

With a population of more than 3.5 million people, Connecticut could produce more than $1.5 billion in retail and online sports wagering by the market’s third year, according to PlayCT projections. Assuming a 7% “hold,” which is the percentage sportsbooks keep after paying out winning bets, those wagers could produce more than $100 million in operator revenue. With some significant variables still yet to be defined, tax revenue for the state is more difficult to project. But with a hypothetical effective tax rate of around 25%, more than $25 million could be injected into state coffers annually.

Iowa — which launched retail sports betting in 2019 and online sports betting in 2020 — may be Connecticut’s closest comparison in terms of population among current legal sports betting markets. With some 400,000 fewer residents but with a more open market that fosters more consumer choice than Connecticut, the Hawkeye state has produced $572.9 million in online and retail sports bets and $40.2 million in gross operator revenue through the first four months of 2021.

“Connecticut will be a successful market, and likely a significant revenue driver for the state for years to come,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayUSA.com. “The state’s high median income and proximity to New York should be significant contributors to the market’s growth, particularly early on as New York makes its own push into the online sports betting market.”

Online casinos should be even more lucrative, capable of generating close to $350 million in annual gross gaming revenue at maturity, according to PlayCT. If online casinos reach that mark, that would mean as much as $70 million in annual tax revenue for the state.

None of the five states that currently allow full-scale online casino gaming offer a close comparison to Connecticut in terms of market size. But the three largest iGaming markets — New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan — each generate close to $100 million in operator revenue each month.

“Sports betting grabs more headlines, but in states where it is legal, iGaming has proven to be the far more reliable revenue generator,” Ramsey said. “Plus, history shows that a thriving full-scale online casino gaming market helps spur interest in online sports betting, making it the tide that lifts all boats. And there is no obvious reason that Connecticut won’t follow a similar pattern.”

AGLC

AGLC Announces New Board Chair

Published

5 days ago

July 28, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Bonus Guardian

Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

Published

1 week ago

July 24, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

pinnacle-ontario-live-with-casinoengine-in-north-america-debut

EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America.

The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.

The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.

BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.

BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.

With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.

EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”

The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

AGCO

Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

prime-skill-games-inc.-official-response-to-agco-press-release

As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.

Let me be perfectly clear

Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.

We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.

To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.

Sincerely

Matt Zamroźniak

Chief Executive Officer

Prime Skill Games Inc.

The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.