Canada
XPOINT CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH ADDITIONAL KEY HIRES IN COMPLIANCE, MARKETING, PRODUCT AND SALES
Xpoint, the leading geolocation and compliance technology company specializing in U.S. sports betting and iGaming markets, has announced five new key hires to senior roles in compliance, marketing, product and sales, strengthening the company’s presence globally, and in particular in the USA where all five new additions are based. Edward Bedrosian Jr. becomes Xpoint’s Chief Regulatory & Compliance Officer, bringing experience which includes four years as Executive Director of Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and as a Partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Tom Webb joins Bedrosian Jr. on Xpoint’s executive leadership team as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), bringing over 25 years of experience in global marketing and communications from the sports betting and iGaming industry, as well as Formula 1, the Olympic Games, Major League Soccer and Red Bull. Lana Lagow and Raul Bouchot add significant expertise, contacts and North American industry knowledge to Xpoint as Sr. Business Development Managers, reporting to Xpoint Chief Revenue Officer, Matt Robarts. Alli Rubin joins Xpoint as Product Manager, a role she previously held with FanDuel since 2019.
“I’m delighted to welcome Ed, Tom, Lana, Raul and Alli to Xpoint and am excited to see the positive impact they are all going to make to our already accelerated growth trajectory,” commented Marvin Sanderson, Xpoint Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “Ed’s experience speaks for itself. A former Executive Director or the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and a seasoned attorney, he will lead our compliance and regulation team. Tom is a key hire for us, taking on the opportunity to build the Xpoint brand and bringing decades of experience working with some of the most famous brands worldwide. Lana and Raul are also vital additions to our team, strengthening our base in the USA and bringing over 50 years of combined sales and business development skills to Xpoint. Finally, we’re proud that Alli took up the opportunity to join Xpoint from FanDuel. Her experience and knowledge of how one of the world’s biggest operators works is going to add real value to our team.”
Edward Bedrosian Jr. has served as both the head of a gaming regulatory practice at an AM Law 50 law firm, and as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. He has been intimately involved in the expansion of online gaming, advising clients, and working with regulators on issues including rule making, licensing and compliance. As a trusted gaming advisor, Ed has counseled clients including major sports leagues and online gaming operators as they navigated the introduction of online sports wagering in many new U.S. states.
Tom Webb is based in Austin, Texas, from where he will lead Xpoint’s global marketing and communications activities. Originally from the UK, Tom has lived and worked in the USA since 2014, and has most recently led marketing and communications activities for a range of sports betting, iGaming, gambling and sports clients with Red Knot, the boutique marketing and communications agency. Prior to Red Knot, Tom has enjoyed roles with Austin FC (Major League Soccer), in Formula 1 (working with teams, sponsors, race promoters and F1 drivers), with Red Bull, Emirates Airline and the Olympic Games.
Lana Lagow is a Business Development veteran with over 30 years of experience supporting businesses in a variety of different industries. A native to Grand Prairie, Texas, she attended Grand Prairie High School and also attended Texas State University. Out of college she spent time in banking then switched to employee benefits and life insurance, growing her firm into a multi-million-dollar agent channel while maintaining a 98% client retention rate over 23 years. After selling her firm, she shifted her focus to high-risk payments, which has allowed her to become well-rounded in both acquisition and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment systems. In addition, Lana’s involvement in the high-risk payments industry has yielded many relationships with operators and consultants in the sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), iGaming, and tribal gaming industry.
Raul Bouchot joins Lana Lagow as Xpoint Sr. Business Development Manager. A bilingual graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Raul has worked in business development in the sports betting, iGaming and gambling industry in the USA for nearly 30 years. His career began in 1993 with Shuffle Master where he reached the role of VP of International Sales by the time he moved to TCSJOHNHUXLEY Americas in 2001, initially as EVP, then as CEO. Since then, his resumé has included senior leadership roles with IGT, Poker Tec, Nuvei, and now Xpoint.
Alli Rubin is Xpoint’s new Product Manager, based in New York. Alli was previously with FanDuel, most recently as Product Manager, Optimization, managing casino and sportsbook product experimentation and optimization. A graduate of Lehigh University, Alli’s post-university career began as a Systems Analyst at Vitech Systems Group, before moving to FanDuel in 2019 as a Business Analyst in FanDuel’s Operational Readiness team.
Powered by WPeMatico
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.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
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.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
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.
-
Asia7 days agoPRONET GAMING BECOMES FIRST B2B OPERATOR TO ESTABLISH SCBPO ACCREDITED OPERATION IN THE PHILIPPINES VIA CLAYMORE SOLUTIONS
-
Asia7 days ago
Philippines Cracking Down on Influencers Promoting Illegal Online Gambling Sites
-
Eskil Raknes Casino & Betting Expert at Kongebonus7 days ago
Kongebonus Awards 2025 now open for voting
-
Asia7 days ago
2025 Esports Innovation and Communication Seminar Held in Mudanjiang, China
-
Balkans6 days ago
CT Gaming Shortlisted in Three Categories at BEGE Awards 2025
-
2025 Global Regulatory Awards6 days ago
Vixio Announces Winners for the 2025 Global Regulatory Awards
-
Booming Games6 days ago
Ho-Ho-Hold onto Your Wins! Booming Games Takes Festive Fun to the Next Level with Santa in Vegas!
-
Latest News7 days agoVegangster Partners with Cevro AI to Scale AI-Powered Player Support
