Canada
GAME PLAY NETWORK EXPANDS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH FOUR INDUSTRY INNOVATORS
Game Play Network, Inc. – which offers iGaming to 40% more of the population than any other provider – announced four additions to its leadership team: Aaron Fischer, CFO and Chief Strategy Officer; Sam Kiki, Chief Commercial Officer; Bryan Lindsey, SVP of Gaming Operations; and Tod Lower, Chief Operating Officer. This seasoned team of gambling industry veterans will help take GPN’s first-of-its-kind iGaming platform into its next stage of growth and accelerate the company’s footprint as it opens up unrivaled access to iGaming beyond the 22 states in which it operates today.
“We’re committed to investing in great talent to continue our long history of pioneering the iGaming marketplace,” said David Marshall, co-founder, and CEO of Game Play Network. “The additional expertise Aaron, Sam, Bryan, and Tod add to our team is second to none. Bryan has a long history of building and running entertainment and gambling venues. And the reunion of the Aaron and Sam duo, who together took MGM Resorts to the leading edge of digital wagering with BetMGM, will undoubtedly be a rocket booster to the company.”
Added Russell Fine, President and Chief Technology Officer, “Tod is a proven change management leader, with a track record of driving operational excellence and high growth on both the top and bottom lines.”
“I am excited to join a leading innovator in the gaming industry,” shared Aaron Fischer. “We are accelerating the strategic execution and implementation of our iGaming B2B business model, which expands the TAM and profitability for our strategic partners, while building substantial enterprise value for GPN stakeholders.”
Aaron Fischer joins Game Play Network as its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. He will be responsible for GPN’s corporate strategy, business development, investor relations and capital markets strategies. Before joining GPN, Aaron served as the Chief Strategy Officer for MGM Resorts International, where he led corporate strategy across the brand’s global portfolio, including online sports betting and iGaming. Previously, he spent twelve years at CLSA as the Head of Consumer and Gaming Research. Aaron also worked for five years at Goldman Sachs as an equity research analyst specializing in luxury goods. He started his career as an accountant at Arthur Andersen in Australia.
As the company’s new Chief Commercial Officer, Sam Kiki will be instrumental in driving the B2B growth engine and further commercializing the company’s unique platform. In his new role, Sam will oversee all B2B partnerships with online gaming companies, game developers, technology providers and social game companies. He will also co-direct capital market activities with Aaron Fischer. Sam currently sits on the Board of SuperDraft, Inc., Caesars Entertainments’ daily fantasy platform. Previously, he was the Head of Strategy at Caesars Entertainment where he orchestrated the brand’s online sportsbook and iGaming strategy, which led to the $4B acquisition of William Hill as well as the strategic investment into SuperDraft. Sam also co-led many other social gaming, live dealer and business development projects at Caesars including its unified wallet project. He was also instrumental in Caesars PR and media presence in the online wagering industry and assisted in separate transactions with ESPN and the NFL, deepening both partnerships in the process. Before Caesars, Sam advised a U.S.-based private equity firm and was responsible for due diligence on interactive investments for one of its publicly listed vehicles. He also held an operational role at MGM focusing on interactive gaming, sports betting, corporate strategy and investor relations. Sam graduated with a B.A. in neuroscience from Amherst.
Bryan Lindsey joins GPN as its Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations. With more than 25 years of experience building successful companies both domestically and internationally, Bryan will leverage his expertise in gaming operations, integrated resort strategy and casino marketing. With his depth of knowledge in brick and mortar gaming operations, he will lead GPN”s expansion into retail deployments nationwide. He began his career in food & beverage operations, joining Robert Earl running many of his international-themed restaurant brands. Bryan then joined Las Vegas-based billionaire brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta at the Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, which grew to become the largest brewery restaurant group in the U.S. He continued his successful run with the Fertitta brothers, making his way to Station Casinos in the early stages and was instrumental in their explosive local and national growth. Station Casinos / Red Rock Resorts, the publicly traded casino empire that dominates the Las Vegas locals market, is where he cut his teeth in gaming and resort operations. Bryan was President and General Manager of Red Rock Resort before he joined Wynn
Resorts as a Senior Level Consultant. He worked closely with CEO Matt Maddox and President & CFO Craig Billings on operations, gaming strategy, loyalty programs, marketing and data science.
As GPN’s new Chief Operating Officer, Tod Lower is responsible for its day-to-day business operations, such as supporting strategic initiatives and accelerating revenue growth and profitability. He brings over twenty years of operational experience across complex, competitive business environments. Early in his career, Tod served as a Vice President at Bank of America with responsibility for creating innovative analyses of business strategies, models and performance metrics. This led to Tod becoming the Chief Operating Officer of GC Aesthetics, an emerging company in the global medical industry, where he was responsible for building the operations of the company which led to its growth and success. Most recently, Tod spent seven years leading the LVNV Group, a highly specialized boutique firm focused on the strategic transformation of global organizations seeking demonstrative change and transformative results. While there, he worked with MGM Resorts to implement development, collaboration and cultural changes to increase synergies across a number of departments. As the company’s COO, Tod will leverage his extensive experience in the global gaming, entertainment, hospitality and banking industries.
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Canada
Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack
Great Canadian Entertainment and a consortium group of certain communities from the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group from Great Canadian Entertainment of Elements Casino Chilliwack, one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.
The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe constitute seven First Nation communities and are the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed. The transaction represents a transformational milestone for the communities within the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s top destination for gaming and entertainment, featuring over 300 slots, live and electronic table games, bingo, dining, live entertainment and more.
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transitional services and support to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.
“This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people. The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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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.
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