Canada

PLAYMAKER ACQUIRES GAMING PRODUCT TWO-UP

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2021

Playmaker Capital Inc., the digital sports media company that lives at the intersection of sports, betting, media and technology, has broadened its range of core competencies with the acquisition of leading digital product agency Two-Up Agency Ltd. (“Two-Up”). Two-Up provides technical solutions to the online gaming industry’s biggest brands, bringing best-in-class technology tools and in-depth knowledge and expertise of the market to clients including News International, BetGenius, William Hill, AtTheRaces, SkyBet, and Sporting Solutions.

Two-Up was founded in 2016 by gaming technology expert Robbie Morris who now joins the Playmaker leadership team. Playmaker’s acquisition of Two-Up will add a team of 24 experienced sales and technology experts spread across two primary offices in London, UK and Krakow, Poland. This team includes 15 engineers with deep experience in the development of regulated betting products, monetization tools, free-to-play games, and APIs into major real money gaming operators.

Two-Up owns an unrivalled collective expertise of the complex market within which the business operates. Among the specialist skills Two-Up provides its clients are contextual ad widgets, including integrated betslips with conversion and tracking management; the creation, production and integration of scoreboard and data visualizations; product development, including native content, through sports, casino, bingo and esports; and free-to-play application builder services, all supported through a series of back-end engines and content management systems.

Within the Playmaker ecosystem, Two-Up’s core technology products will be integrated into Playmaker’s newly announced proprietary technology stack, Playmaker Bench. Playmaker Bench features a collection of best-in-class technology tools, integrated into a proprietary software platform that is designed to enhance user engagement and supercharge monetization. Two-Up’s myriad of products and areas of technical expertise will offer immediate value add to Playmaker Bench.

“Playmaker is a natural fit for Two-Up. We complement the existing strengths within Playmaker well, and, as part of the Playmaker Bench technology suite, we will enhance Playmaker’s monetization efforts across owned and operated properties,” commented Robbie Morris, Founder and CEO of Two-Up. “We’re excited and delighted to become a part of the Playmaker family. This opportunity will allow us to strengthen our core competencies, meaning existing and future clients will continue to benefit from what we set out to deliver in 2016, which is a first-class service.”

“I am pleased to welcome Two-Up into the Playmaker family, and am excited about how Robbie and his team will help bolster Playmaker’s technology offering,” added Jordan Gnat, Playmaker Founder and CEO. “Two-Up has deep relevance, credibility and unrivalled connections within the online gaming world globally. With this acquisition, we have added yet more value to our shareholders, and taken another step towards achieving our mission of building an ecosystem of assets that will provide sports fans and our clients with outsized value.”

TRANSACTION DETAILS
Pursuant to the terms of a purchase agreement dated August 31, 2021, Playmaker acquired 100% of Two-Up for aggregate consideration of up to US$5.75 million. The purchase price consideration consisted of a payment of US$750,000 in cash, the issuance of US$2.5 million of Playmaker common shares (the “Playmaker Shares”) at the Canadian dollar equivalent of CAD$0.60 per Playmaker Share and up to a maximum of US$2.5 million in the form of an earn-out, payable to the sellers upon Two-Up achieving certain EBITDA and revenue targets over the three-year period following closing. In addition, the sellers are eligible to receive a bonus earn-out in the event the EBITDA and revenue targets are exceeded.

Canada

Canadian Gaming Summit 2024: Innovation and Networking Converge in Toronto

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

canadian-gaming-summit-2024:-innovation-and-networking-converge-in-toronto

The Canadian Gaming Summit (CGS) is set to take place from June 18-20, 2024, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Organized by SBC Events in collaboration with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), this premier event promises to be an unparalleled gathering for gaming and sports betting professionals from Canada and beyond.

A Gathering of Industry Leaders

The 27th edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit is anticipated to draw over 3,000 delegates, including more than 1,000 operators, 200 affiliates, and 150 speakers. This year’s event is a must-attend for companies eager to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic gambling markets. The Summit will feature a rich conference agenda and a diverse array of exhibitors, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry.

Highlighting Key Features

Player Protection Symposium
A high-level session dedicated to preventing gambling harm, providing crucial insights and strategies for responsible gaming practices.

Electronic Gaming Academy Masterclass
An in-depth analysis of how Return to Player impacts different player categories, offering valuable knowledge for enhancing player experiences.

Global Gaming Women’s Breakfast
A networking event aimed at connecting women in the industry, promoting diversity and inclusion over coffee and croissants.

First Nations Gaming Breakfast Meetup
A unique opportunity for First Nations gaming delegates to network and share insights over a complimentary breakfast.

Networking and Learning Opportunities

CGS 2024 will offer an all-inclusive networking experience from the moment attendees step inside. Each day begins with dedicated networking areas on the show floor, featuring hot refreshments, breakfast, and lunch. Evening networking parties at some of Toronto’s most upscale venues will provide the perfect setting to build on relationships formed during the conference.

Evening Networking Events

Opening Party (June 18)
Held at RS Sports Bar, this pre-registration event includes complimentary drinks, canapés, and a live DJ, setting the stage for the conference days ahead.

Official Networking Party (June 19)
Taking place at Lavelle, one of Toronto’s premier locations, this party offers complimentary food and drinks, ensuring a relaxed environment for networking with industry professionals.

A Comprehensive Agenda

The Canadian Gaming Summit will cover a broad spectrum of topics across the gaming and sports betting sectors, including:

The latest compliance updates and insights into global regulatory trends.
The integration of fintech and blockchain technologies in the gaming industry.
The strategic use of gamification to enhance player retention and loyalty.
The impact of the Digital Services Act and AI EU Act on businesses.
The emergence of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) in gaming.

The Canadian Gaming Summit 2024 promises to be an event filled with learning, networking, and growth opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canada’s premier gaming and betting event. Secure your spot and be ready to explore the future of gaming in one of the most exciting markets in the world.

For more information and to register, visit the Canadian Gaming Summit website.

Canada

Titanplay Goes Live in Ontario, Powered by Delasport

Published

3 hours ago

June 18, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

titanplay-goes-live-in-ontario,-powered-by-delasport

Rising iGaming star Titanplay is now officially live in Ontario, powered by Delasport’s turnkey solution. The sports betting and casino operator received its Ontario license just days ago and is quickly launching with the help of Delasport’s one-stop-shop product.

This is just the latest of a series of successful deals in the Ontario market for Delasport, who obtained a license for the hot jurisdiction earlier this year.

The award-winning supplier’s solution is designed to accommodate all online sportsbook and casino needs.

Titanplay is taking full advantage of what Delasport has to offer, thus providing the best player betting experience possible. Their players will soon enjoy the richest casino and sportsbook products in the industry. This includes Player Engagement missions and tournaments, unmatched personalization capabilities with My Sportsbook, My Casino, My Combo, and My Event Builder, casino Booster Panel, Hot & Cold game categories, and much more.

“Our stride in Ontario is going full force and we’re proud to be able to announce such exciting deals like the partnership with Titanplay”, Delasport’s CEO Oren Cohen Shwartz comments. “Operators in the market chose Delasport’s solutions because it allows them to differentiate and take a market share right away. We’re confident in both our software offering and our Managed Services, so we can guarantee that Titanplay’s players will appreciate and enjoy the second-to-none betting experience.

Canada

Thunderkick launches in Ontario with industry heavyweights PokerStars and LeoVegas

Published

4 hours ago

June 18, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

thunderkick-launches-in-ontario-with-industry-heavyweights-pokerstars-and-leovegas

Latest move continues North American expansion for popular provider

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has gone live in Ontario for the first time with international operators PokerStars and LeoVegas.

The jurisdiction is a key focus for the provider alongside markets such as Italy, Portugal, and its homeland of Sweden.

Ontario also marks the latest step in Thunderkick’s long-term North American strategy, which will see the studio roll out game releases and commercial deals throughout the rest of 2024.

The licence allows the provider to partner with a range of operators in the region, which has proven to be buoyant since it came online in 2022.

As part of the move, a number of acclaimed titles will become available to PokerStars and LeoVegas players in Ontario. These include an initial offering of 12 Bolts of Thunder, Xterminate, Midas Golden Touch 2, Beat the Beast: Dragon’s Wrath, and Midas Golden Touch Reborn, which will be accessible within a month of the launch.

Thunderkick has positioned itself for major growth following this important milestone, especially in North America, where it has recently entered the US social casino industry.

Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick, said: “Ontario is one of the most significant strategic moves for us this year, and I think we’ll look back on it as an important marker in the company’s development.

“Partnering with two prominent brands in PokerStars and LeoVegas highlights our drive to deliver on our long-term strategic goals in the continent as we continue to work towards providing the ultimate player experience.”

“The market entry is the latest step in Thunderkick’s progressive worldwide expansion goals, proving that independent slots studios can operate on a global scale and develop a player base across continents by prioritising high-quality games.”

“There is a huge amount of unlocked potential in North America, and as more Canadian provinces and US states become regulated, there is a fantastic opportunity for Thunderkick to expand further.”