Canada

Seminole-Backed Group Claims Fraud in Fla. Casino Initiative

Published

4 years ago

January 13, 2022

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has gone on the offensive in litigation over a Las Vegas Sands Corp.-backed ballot initiative aimed at opening the Sunshine State to additional casinos, accusing the sponsor of “brazenly violating” Florida election law in its efforts to gather needed voter signatures.

The battle in a Leon County circuit court started with Florida Voters in Charge, the political committee behind the proposal, claiming that parties acting on behalf of the Seminoles, who have held exclusive rights to offer certain casino gaming in the state, improperly interfered with its petitioning. But on Monday, the tribe-backed political committee Standing Up for Florida Inc. and its president, political consultant Pradeep “Rick” Asnani, filed a counter-claim accusing the plaintiffs of illegally paying petition gatherers on a per-signature basis, shredding certain petitions or forging information on incomplete petitions.

“The Constitution of Florida is under attack,” Standing Up for Florida cautioned, adding, “The counter-defendants’ illicit conduct is an attack on Florida’s election integrity.”

State law requires sponsors of citizen initiatives to gather valid signatures from at least 8% of the state electorate, or 891,000 registered voters, by Feb. 1 to qualify for the November 2022 general election ballot, but the Seminole-backed parties argue that the alleged violations render any signatures gathered by Florida Voters in Charge under such contracts to be null and void.

Standing Up for Florida, which said it has spent “exorbitant resources” to voice its opposition to the initiative and fight the allegedly fraudulent petition gathering, asserted that the per-signature payments are “flatly illegal” under a 2019 law that banned such payments.

It also cited affidavits from an employee and a former subcontractor of Grassfire LLC, a firm that coordinated some of the petition gathering, who testified that in addition to the allegedly illegal contracts, the company also illegally shredded and discarded some petitions that it thought would be rejected by state officials in order to reduce its submission fees, filled in omitted information, such as dates and addresses, and even forged state officials’ signatures.

The counter-claim names Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee and Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark S. Earley as third-party defendants in connection with its request for a declaratory judgment voiding the submitted signatures. Standing Up for Florida also named the officials in an accompanying emergency motion for a temporary injunction to stop them from counting the disputed petitions.

The ballot initiative, titled “Limited Authorization of Casino Gaming,” would authorize state officials to permit casino-style games, including blackjack, roulette and slot machines, at up to three new casinos, with the restriction that they be located at least 130 miles from existing tribal casinos.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. has poured nearly $50 million into Florida Voters in Charge, according to election finance records, and news reports have suggested that, based on the proposal’s geographic limitations, the global gaming giant is aiming to open a casino in Jacksonville, in the northeast corner of the state.

Florida Voters in Charge sued Standing Up for Florida, another Seminole-backed entity known as Let the Voters Decide LLC and several other parties on Dec. 1. In an amended complaint, it alleged that the defendants have engaged in increasingly aggressive efforts to harass and intimidate its signature collectors. The suit also accuses them of “paying off” these workers by either hiring them away to gather signatures for an unnecessary “sham” petition purportedly related to a new Seminoles gaming compact or simply paying them to stop working on the new casino initiative and, in some cases, leave the state during the process.

A Leon County circuit judge denied Standing Up for Florida’s motion to dismiss, in which it argued that it acted within the state’s open labor market to compete for these workers’ services. But she ordered the plaintiffs to submit contracts that the defendants pointed out were missing to support the interference claims.

In its filings Monday, Standing Up for Florida pointed out that Grassfire produced a redacted copy of its petition gatherer contract form, but publicly available copies of the form showed Grassfire had blocked out portions detailing “bonus” payments based on the number of signatures collected.

Standing Up for Florida acknowledged that elements of the arguments in its counter-claim were rejected when it previously raised them in a separate action it filed in Palm Beach County, where it is based. But the group said that it believes that court erred by finding that the 2019 law’s authorization for the state attorney general to seek injunctions for election fraud preempted private litigants, such as itself, from bringing election integrity actions. The law, it pointed out, said nothing about ending more than 100 years of private litigants bringing such cases in Florida.

With state elections officials allowed 60 days to verify submitted signatures, Dec. 30 marked an effective deadline to guarantee that signatures will be counted by the Feb. 1 deadline, so a ruling in favor of the Seminole parties’ claims would end the initiative’s chances for appearing on the November 2022 general election ballot.

According to the latest Department of Elections records, Florida Voters in Charge had obtained verification of about 426,000 signatures. On Tuesday, the Florida Supreme Court — as part of the usual elections process — tentatively scheduled oral arguments for March 8 on whether the proposed ballot question and title is clear and not misleading and satisfies a single-subject requirement.

Counsel for Standing Up for Florida and the other defendants declined on Tuesday to comment beyond their latest filings. Counsel for the Florida Voters in Charge and other plaintiffs did not respond to a request for comment.

Standing Up for Florida and the other defendants are represented by William N. Shepherd, Jeffrey M. Schacknow and Henry A. Moreno of Holland & Knight LLP.

Florida Voters in Charge and signature gathering companies The Human Connection and I & R Campaign Management Services are represented by James McKee, Benjamin J. Grossman and W. Bradley Russell of Foley & Lardner LLP.

Grassfire LLC is represented by Eduardo S. Lombard and Angela D. Miles of Radey Law Firm.

Bet Rite

Spintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite

Published

10 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

spintec-expands-into-canada-with-bet-rite

Spintec is expanding its footprint in North America by partnering with Bet Rite in the Canadian gambling sector. As a prominent developer of electronic table games, Spintec invested significant effort into locating a partner who comprehends the distinctiveness of the Canadian casino industry. Bet Rite is taking on the position of Spintec’s distributor in Canada, leveraging its established reputation and substantial industry knowledge. This collaboration combines global innovation with local expertise in a partnership that is helping Spintec advance its expansion objectives in North America.

Bet Rite’s establishment is rooted in years of industry expertise. The firm focuses on providing top-notch gaming solutions designed specifically for Canadian operators. They aim to provide a sole vendor connection that grants access to numerous top-tier product lines, establishing them as a reliable partner nationwide.

For Spintec, collaborating with a company that prioritizes service, product excellence, and enduring relationships is vital, and Bet Rite is dedicated to prioritizing customer needs. With a solid sales network and a reputation for dependability, their market stance is highly strong.

Through this collaboration, Spintec is guaranteeing that their creative products receive backing from an attentive, community-focused service. The initial product line to be launched in the Canadian market will be Spintec’s premier Charisma line. Charisma’s design, flexibility, innovation, and wide range of product customizations will undoubtedly make it a top seller in Canada as well.

Billy Maclellan, Bet Rite President, says: “Our company has grown by offering best-in-class suppliers the local support that they need. Spintec fits the mold perfectly and together we are well placed to make this partnership a glowing success”

Goran Sovilj, Spintec’s Chief Commercial Officer, agrees: “Bet Rite’s deep understanding of the Canadian market makes this alliance very promising. We are always excited to introduce innovative and exciting products to new markets, especially when our distributors are as experienced and knowledgeable as Bet Rite.”

The post Spintec Expands into Canada with Bet Rite appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

Gaming Corps takes flight in Ontario with High Flyer Casino partnership

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-corps-takes-flight-in-ontario-with-high-flyer-casino-partnership

Gaming Corps, the Sweden-based publicly listed game development studio, has secured a new content partnership with High Flyer Casino, an AGCO-licensed online gaming operator in Ontario, Canada. The agreement marks another strategic step forward for Gaming Corps as it continues to grow its footprint in one of North America’s most competitive regulated iGaming markets.

As part of the deal, a curated selection of Gaming Corps’ slot titles will be made available to High Flyer Casino players across Ontario. The initial launch includes 3 Pigs of the Caribbean, a swashbuckling instalment from the well-known 3 Pigs franchise, alongside Savannah Stacks, a high-volatility slot inspired by the thrills of a safari adventure.

High Flyer Casino has established itself as a slots-focused operator with a strong reputation for value-driven, mobile-first gaming experiences tailored to Canadian players. Operated by Ellipse Entertainment Limited, the company draws on more than 25 years of industry expertise and offers a diverse portfolio that features over 100 exclusive games. Its offering is further enhanced by the proprietary Reel Jackpot brand, popular Money Spinner titles, and a wide range of progressive slots.

Commenting on the partnership, Adam Pentecost, Chief Revenue Officer at Gaming Corps, said:
“High Flyer Casino has carved out a clear position in Ontario with a focused slots strategy and a strong understanding of what local players are looking for. Bringing our most recognisable titles to their platform allows us to reach a highly engaged audience in a market that continues to set the pace in North America. This agreement represents another meaningful step in expanding our distribution with operators who value distinctive content and long-term portfolio growth.”

Man Mac, Head of Marketing at High Flyer Casino, added:
“At High Flyer Casino, we are building a slot lineup that blends proven player appeal with unique and memorable gaming experiences. Gaming Corps’ portfolio fits perfectly with that approach, delivering polished, entertaining games that are full of personality.”

The post Gaming Corps takes flight in Ontario with High Flyer Casino partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

CasinoCanada and GG.BET Forge Strategic Alliance

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

casinocanada-and-gg.bet-forge-strategic-alliance

CasinoCanada is delighted to reveal a collaboration with GG.BET, a prominent global platform for esports and sports betting. This partnership will broaden GG.BET’s footprint in important regional markets and deliver focused, captivating content for fans of esports and sports wagering.

In this partnership, CasinoCanada will team up with GG.BET to create tailored reviews and SEO-focused content for local audiences. This initiative will enhance GG.BET’s exposure and provide players with trustworthy information and a smooth user experience.

CasinoCanada is an online gaming guide run by SEOBROTHERS.

Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR at SEOBROTHERS, commented: “GG.BET is a pioneering force in the esports betting space, combining innovation with deep industry knowledge. Partnering with CasinoCanada aligns perfectly with our goal to support platforms that prioritise player engagement and responsible growth. Together, we look forward to delivering valuable content that resonates with esports and sports fans alike and contributes to the sustained success of GG.BET.”

GG.BET is a global wagering platform created by esports specialists to provide an exceptional esports betting experience along with a variety of conventional sports betting choices. The platform provides over 30 esports categories, featuring both console and mobile games, along with more than 40 conventional sports.

GG.BET additionally offers AI-driven virtual sports, including virtual leagues for football, basketball, and tennis. The platform improves user interaction with a tailored feed and a customizable gaming avatar that develops as players progress through GG.Leagues stages. GG.BET emphasizes player safety and client support, upholding strict standards in data security and user assistance.

GG.BET fosters esports growth through collaborations with teams and sponsorships of prominent tournaments, such as BLAST Premier (CS2), PGL Major, and Dota 2’s The International. Since 2020, GG.BET has partnered with NAVI and Team Vitality’s CS2 lineup.

The brand has gained international acclaim, securing the Best Esports Operator title at the EGR Operator Awards 2023 as well as the SiGMA Europe Awards 2023. This achievement persisted with the Esports Operator of the Year accolade at the EGR Global Operator Awards 2024, succeeded by Operator of the Year for Central and Eastern Europe at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025.

Serhii, Head of Affiliates at GG.BET, added: “We’re pleased to launch our partnership with CasinoCanada. Their strong regional expertise and engaged audience make them a valuable partner for us. We see great potential in this cooperation to strengthen GG.BET’s presence in the region and build long-term growth together.”

The post CasinoCanada and GG.BET Forge Strategic Alliance appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.