Canada
Paysafe expands US iGaming presence with Ohio market entry
Paysafe, a leading payments platform, announced its expansion into the new Ohio online sports-betting market after entering the Maryland iGaming space in Q4 2022. Paysafe is now powering play safely for a range of sportsbooks in the Midwestern state by providing their players with a comprehensive suite of payment options, including credit card and debit card deposits, Paysafe’s Skrill digital wallet for both deposits and payouts, and other solutions.
By kicking-off 2023 with a move into Ohio – whose sports-betting market is expected to generate as much as $900m in gross annual gaming revenue when mature, according to PlayOhio – Paysafe now supports iGaming operators with payments in 25 different U.S. states or jurisdictions. The milestone of Ohio, which is the 7th most populated U.S. state with 11.8m residents, follows Paysafe’s entry into Maryland in late November, with the company providing DraftKings Inc. and PointsBet, among other operators, with online payment solutions.
Now, Paysafe has extended its longstanding payments partnerships with these two operators into Ohio along with several other existing partners – Betfred Sportsbook, Betway, Hard Rock Sportsbook, and SuperBook
The separate integrations of Betfred Sportsbook, DraftKings, Hard Rock Sportsbook, and PointsBet, with Paysafe’s payment gateway enables their Ohio sports-betting customers to securely make deposits via either credit card or debit card. All transactions will be processed seamlessly by Paysafe.
Ohio sports bettors wagering with the Betway sportsbook will also be able to make deposits and receive payouts using Paysafe’s Skrill digital wallet. The wallet, which was recently upgraded and boasts a state-of-the-art user experience (UX), will support instant online deposits direct from Betway customers’ bank accounts (when linked) as well as the ability to cash-out winnings rapidly.
In addition, through their connectivity to the Paysafe payments platform, Betway, PointsBet, and SuperBook
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe, said: “We’re delighted to begin the year by extending our U.S. iGaming payments footprint into Ohio, which ranks as the most important American sports-betting market to launch since New York a year ago. Through our best-in-class payments platform and our Skrill wallet, we look forward to supporting the growth of our operator partners in Ohio.”
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Acquisitions/Merger
Vectiq buys PlayCanada.com from Catena Media as Alberta opens iGaming
Vectiq Inc. has acquired PlayCanada.com from Catena Media US, Inc., as Alberta opens regulated online gaming to private operators on 13 July 2026. The deal hands Vectiq a Canada-facing iGaming media brand as the country adds its second major regulated province after Ontario’s iGaming Ontario framework.
PlayCanada.com covers casino, sports betting, poker and slots content across Canada, including Ontario and Alberta. Vectiq said the site’s long-running domain history and national reach make it a cornerstone asset as Alberta’s market launches.
“PlayCanada.com is a brand that Canadians have trusted for a generation,” said Pablo Ferreira, CEO of Vectiq. “Alberta’s regulated market will create an enormous demand for credible, province-literate guidance for players, and PlayCanada.com’s editorial depth and national footprint put us in an exceptional position to meet it.”
Catena Media framed the divestment as part of its MRKTPLAYS+ approach. “PlayCanada.com is passing to a partner well placed to take it further. Vectiq’s Canadian expertise and local presence make it ideally suited to grow the brand as Alberta opens up. This is our MRKTPLAYS+ strategy in action — backing strong partners to unlock more value in their markets. Canada remains an important market for Catena Media, and we’re glad to see PlayCanada.com in good hands as it enters its next chapter,” said Pierre Cadena, Chief Operating Officer of Catena Media.
Vectiq said its portfolio now includes MaxSpinz.com, described as an Ontario-focused casino and sweepstakes review platform, alongside PlayCanada.com’s national coverage. The company said it is building iGaming media properties designed to drive regulated player acquisition through editorial content, SEO, paid media, free-to-play game mechanics and CRM.
The post Vectiq buys PlayCanada.com from Catena Media as Alberta opens iGaming appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Canada
Hard Rock Bet Brings World-Class Sports Betting and Online Casino to Ontario
Hard Rock Digital announced the official launch of Hard Rock Bet in Ontario, Canada, marking the company’s first international market expansion and bringing its award-winning mobile sportsbook and online casino platform to players across the province.
Hard Rock Bet enters Ontario with a differentiated offering that combines a premium online sportsbook experience with one of the largest online casino selections in the market, featuring more than 3000 games, including top slots, table games, and live dealer content from leading providers. The platform delivers an intuitive player experience, fast deposits and withdrawals, and parlay wagering across fan-favorite sports from around the world. Ontario players will have access to exclusive Legendary Reward Drops at launch, as well as online Unity Points, which can be redeemed in the Hard Rock Bet Reward Store.
The Ontario launch reflects Hard Rock Digital’s commitment to building a truly local presence in Canada. Hard Rock Bet draws on the legacy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, which has established itself as a trusted destination in the province. The company has an Ontario-based marketing team and a 24/7 local customer support operation to provide players with around-the-clock service.
“Expanding into Ontario with Hard Rock Bet marks the first time we’ve brought our platform to an audience outside the US. We’re excited to introduce Ontario players to a premium entertainment experience that reflects the energy and service synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. And by investing in local talent, local partnerships, and localized customer support, we’re creating an experience designed specifically for Ontario players,” said Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director & CEO of Hard Rock Digital.
“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has the reputation of bringing people together for amplified entertainment experiences, and we’re excited to see that spirit extend into the digital space. The launch of Hard Rock Bet is a natural next step for the Hard Rock brand in Ontario, and we look forward to building on that connection with guests and players over time,” said Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
The launch will also be supported by connections to Toronto’s iconic music scene, including a collaboration with Canadian artist Choclair that remastered a celebrated 20-year-old track, “Let’s Ride,” to celebrate Hard Rock Bet’s arrival in Ontario.
Hard Rock Bet is available for download via iOS and Android and can also be played on desktop via HardRockBet.ca.
The post Hard Rock Bet Brings World-Class Sports Betting and Online Casino to Ontario appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
1X2 Network
1X2 Network launches in Alberta iGaming market with seven operators
Supplier says its slot content is live across most tier-one Alberta brands, extending its Canadian footprint to three provinces.
1X2 Network has gone live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market.
The supplier said the rollout covers the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands. It added that its content has secured homepage placement across operator lobbies since the market opened, with Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers featuring on the homepages of most operators in the province.
The Alberta launch follows 1X2 Network’s existing presence in Ontario and Quebec. The company said Alberta will be treated as a core market for future game releases, with new titles included in its ongoing release schedule for the province.
Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.
“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”
The post 1X2 Network launches in Alberta iGaming market with seven operators appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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