Canada
Poker Initiative One More For One Drop Helps World Series of Poker Reach $25 Million Raised Since 2012 To Benefit One Drop Foundation’s Critical Water-Mission
Our friends at the World Series of Poker and the entire poker community deserve the longest standing ovation for what they have accomplished with One Drop over the past 10 years. All sectors combined, how many companies do you know have been able to mobilize their stakeholders to raise $25 million for a charity?” Guy Laliberté, founder of the One Drop Foundation.
With the same ambition with which the One Drop Foundation strives to change the game in the water sector, poker initiative One More For One Drop is transforming lives. Held this past weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate 10 years of turning water into action together, the One More for One Drop tournament in Las Vegas raised $632,922, bringing the total amount of funds raised through partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to $25 million. Since 2012, the WSOP, the poker community and the One Drop Foundation have amassed a history of 17 impactful charitable poker tournaments benefitting One Drop Foundation’s water-mission and transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
Over the years, the One Drop Foundation and the WSOP have created three charitable poker tournament formats that have been held in Las Vegas, Rozvadov (Czech Republic) and in Monaco. Kicking off in Las Vegas in 2012, Guy Laliberté, founder of the One Drop Foundation, envisioned a game-changing poker tournament called, The Big One for One Drop, that made history on several fronts – including the first $1 million buy-in event and the biggest first prize ever awarded totaling $18,346,673. This tournament has generated nearly $16 million in contributions for One Drop Foundation’s mission through its four editions that were held biennially from 2012 to 2018. In addition to The Big One for One Drop, there have been eight editions of another rendition poker tournament titled, The Little One for One Drop, a $1,000 buy- in charitable poker event with a $111 optional contribution, and five editions of yet another charitable poker tournament titled, The High Roller for One Drop, a $111,111 buy-in. More than 20,000 poker players have contributed since the beginning of the One Drop-WSOP partnership in 2012, either by playing one or more tournaments or making donations at cash-out.
The recent One More for One Drop tournament held this past weekend in Las Vegas enabled the One Drop Foundation to pass the extraordinary mark of $25,000,000 raised through their poker initiatives for One Drop Foundation’s crucial mission of ensuring sustainable access to safe water for communities facing extreme barriers.
“Our friends at the World Series of Poker and the entire poker community deserve the longest standing ovation for what they have accomplished with One Drop over the past 10 years. All sectors combined, how many companies do you know have been able to mobilize their stakeholders to raise $25 million for a charity? This is not only a true example of generosity, it is also a leadership testimonial in the purest form. Thank you, my friends, for caring so much for the cause of safe water for all and for giving the best of yourselves to put a lasting dent into poverty with us,” said Guy Laliberté, founder of the One Drop Foundation.
“I will remember forever when Guy presented to me his idea for a $1 million buy-in charitable tournament that would soon be known as The Big One for One Drop. You have to remember that in 2012, super high roller tournaments rarely exceeded $100,000. Adding a zero was not the typical increment. Guy was so passionate about the idea and about the impact this tournament would have on access to water in the world that we decided to join forces immediately. I was far from imagining that 10 years later we would have raised over $25 million for the One Drop Foundation and have impacted so many lives. The entire poker community should be very proud of this achievement” said Ty Stewart, Executive Director of WSOP.
The One Drop Foundation was established in 2007 by Cirque du Soleil and Lune Rouge founder Guy Laliberté as an international foundation dedicated to ensuring sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene locally and globally. In the midst of a global pandemic, the One Drop Foundation and its partners kept making a difference and soon, their actions will have changed the lives of more than 2.3 million people around the world with 26 projects in 14 countries.
The funds raised during One More for One Drop will directly support One Drop Foundation’s safe water access initiatives both locally and around the world.
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BetConstruct
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
The post BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. announced that PDG has closed the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria from Great Canadian, in historic transactions for both parties. PDG is a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (the “Nation”) and is dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.
The transactions, originally announced on June 24, 2024, for Casino Nanaimo and September 10, 2024, for Elements Casino Victoria, have received all required approvals from the regulatory authorities.
“We are thrilled to have completed these transactions. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our corporate team, our on-site teams at both properties, and PDG to achieve this successful closing. I am grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone at the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, who were thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in facilitating these closings,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
“We look forward to working closely with PDG during the transition period to support the continued successful operation of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria,” Anfinson added.
“We celebrate the closing of our two casino acquisitions and our continued progress toward building a strong Snuneymuxw economy. For decades, Snuneymuxw leadership has worked tirelessly toward this moment, recognizing the connection between a strong economy, self-determination, and the foundation of nationhood. Today, we honour the achievements of those who came before us by securing businesses that will strengthen our Nation for generations to come. Thank you to the PDG and Great Canadian teams for your exceptional work. We look forward to a rewarding partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation, driving economic growth for the Nation and Province,” said Chief Mike Wyse.
Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG, said: “This measured acquisition marks an important milestone for PDG as we continue growing a corporate enterprise that reinvests directly into the prosperity of our Nation. With a strong operating plan focused on risk mitigation and yielding sizable returns, PDG continues to generate sustainable wealth for Snuneymuxw. With every step we are realizing our socio-economic potential and influence at a local, national, and global level. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing economic growth in support of all residents connected to Snuneymuxw territory.”
“Acquiring these assets marks a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw and Vancouver Island. This transition will fuel the Island’s economy, strengthening the Snuneymuxw Nation and ensuring the benefits stay local,” said Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
The post Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys.
In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring, and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are thrilled to have PowerPlay on board for our inaugural season with such a comprehensive partnership agreement. Their investment with the Black Bears represents a foundational agreement for our lacrosse club. And we’re proud to wear their logo alongside ours as we launch our franchise,” said Chelsea McDermott, Vice President of Business Operations for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are excited to bring PowerPlay’s bold, community-driven spirit to Ottawa-Gatineau, partnering with the Black Bears as they establish themselves as a force in lacrosse. This partnership celebrates a sport deeply tied to Canada’s heritage and competitive energy. Together, we’ll ignite passion, energize fans, and deliver excitement all season long,” said Thomas Vermeulen, Marketing Director for PowerPlay.
The post Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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