Canada
Canadian Gaming Summit Puts the Spotlight on SIGA’s Business Model and Commitment to the Community
Patricia Cook, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and Desiree Gervais, Vice President of Human Resources, of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), will discuss SIGA’s introduction to the digital gaming market and pioneering approach to regulatory agreements and revenue-sharing models, during an exclusive Keynote Fireside Chat at the 26th edition of the Canadian Gaming Summit.
The “First Nations partnerships: the SIGA model in action” keynote panel, will be an instrumental addition to the Leadership & Growth conference track, during the second core day (Thursday June 15th) of Canada’s premier gaming and betting event, which takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Officially established as a non profit organization in 1995, SIGA has flourished for over 25 years , establishing a casino empire that encompasses seven land-based casinos whilst implementing an innovative revenue sharing model which reinvests 100% of net income back into the Saskatchewan community. In November 2022, SIGA launched with provincial partners, the first online gambling and sports betting website PlayNow.com for Saskatchewan.
During the exclusive keynote session, Cook and Gervais will discuss the avenues taken that have established SIGA as such an influential force in Canada. During the talk, discussions will be centered around how SIGA was able to perfect the Gaming Framework Agreement to legally run the first digital gaming enterprise in the province. Additionally, the keynote will cover the innovative financial model that has increased the company’s growth, whilst simultaneously establishing SIGA as a highly respected pillar of the Saskatchewan community. Moreover, the panel will explore how these models can be implemented by other First Nations in their respective provinces .
With an illustrious and influential 20 year career in human resources, Desiree Gervais has an unparalleled wealth of experience and knowledge within the HR sector, having honed her expertise working with the First Nation government as well as highly regulated environments in the energy and mining sectors. In February of 2022 Gervais took the role of Vice President of Human Resources at SIGA and has continued her conscientious and diligent approach to HR, helping expand the scope of the SIGA brand whilst continuously strengthening the relationship with the wider community.
Patricia Cook has been Vice President, Corporate Affairs at SIGA for the past 18 years and has an active role in overseeing areas of communications, media relations, public relations as well as the SIGA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programs. Cook’s 19 years working for Prince Albert Grand Council prior to SIGA have equipped her with an experience and skill set that has helped establish SIGA as one of the most prominent brands in the Canadian space and continues to do so as they continue their journey into the digital realm.
With such an in-depth wealth of knowledge surrounding the Saskatchewan province, non profit organizations and the wider gaming industry, Gervais and Cook offer a unique and unparalleled insight to how to implement successful revenue sharing models that support local communities, whilst spurring company growth and adhering to regulatory frameworks. With many looking to SIGA’s model as the future of iGaming and sports betting in Canada, the keynote panel’s thought provoking and trailblazing discussion will be essential viewing for the event.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “We are extremely excited to have the combined talents of Desiree Gervais and Patricia Cook at our keynote panel. It is important as an industry we constantly evolve and I hope to see a business model that prioritizes giving back to the community and dedicating resources to innovation and leadership, is one that will inspire other Canadian organizations.
Attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a plethora of panel discussions across the three day event, with dedicated conference tracks ‘Land-Based’, ‘iGaming’, ‘Sports Betting’, ‘Affiliates & Advertising’ amongst others.
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AGCO
AGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served Relax Gaming Limited and Arrise Solutions Limited with Orders of Monetary Penalties of $40,000 each. The penalties follow an AGCO investigation that found games created by these companies were available on unregulated gambling websites accessible to Ontario players. Operators of gaming websites that are accessible within Ontario must be registered with the AGCO.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is built on clear, enforceable standards that require operators to include strong consumer protections, such as game integrity and responsible gaming safeguards. Unregulated gaming sites do not guarantee player protections or information security and increase the potential risk of harm to players and criminal activity, such as money-laundering and match-fixing. That is why the AGCO actively works to combat unlawful gaming in Ontario.
Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions are both registered by the AGCO to create and supply slot and casino-style games for play on Ontario’s regulated gaming sites. The AGCO prohibits companies operating in the regulated iGaming market from offering their products to unregulated gaming websites available to Ontario players. Supplying games to such sites helps to sustain unregulated gaming operations.
The AGCO aims to disrupt unregulated gaming and its supply chains to safeguard Ontarians and maintain gaming integrity in the province. The agency monitors the market for regulated entities supplying the unregulated sector.
Following notification from AGCO investigators, both companies cooperated fully with the investigation and took prompt action to restrict access to their games by Ontario players on unregulated sites.
“Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is built on clear rules designed to protect players and hold companies accountable. Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO.
The post AGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Acquisitions/Merger
Petroglyph Development Group Completes Acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Great Canadian Entertainment (Great Canadian) confirmed the successful closing of PDG’s acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, B.C. This transaction follows PDG’s recent acquisition of Chances Maple Ridge, marking another significant milestone in the Nation’s expanding portfolio of gaming and hospitality assets in British Columbia.
Snuneymuxw respectfully acknowledges the Kwikwetlem First Nation, on whose territory Great Canadian Casino Vancouver operates. The Nation looks forward to establishing a meaningful and lasting relationship with the Kwikwetlem people as PDG assumes stewardship of the property.
“The completion of this acquisition reflects the sustained effort and vision of Snuneymuxw people across generations. We are building an economy that is ours, one that funds our priorities, honours our responsibilities to neighbouring communities and creates opportunity for our people long into the future,” said Chief Michael Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver is one of Metro Vancouver’s most established entertainment destinations, offering gaming, dining and live entertainment, including The Show Theatre.
“Building the Snuneymuxw economic portfolio is grounded in a vision of sustainable, self-determined growth and in the belief that meaningful economic development is built on strong Nation-to-Nation relationships. Operating on Kwikwetlem territory is a responsibility we take seriously, and we look forward to building a partnership that reflects that,” said Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG.
First announced on December 19, 2025, this is the fourth transaction completed between the two companies. With the addition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, PDG’s gaming portfolio now includes Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria, and Chances Maple Ridge, establishing its position as the largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada.
“This transaction is another milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Petroglyph Development Group and the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and we’re grateful for another successful closing. With this representing our fourth completed transaction with PDG, it speaks to the trust and confidence we have built together. I’d like to thank everyone from our respective teams for their hard work, and I look forward to seeing the properties thrive under PDG’s leadership,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
For PDG, the closing marks the latest step in a period of sustained and strategic growth.
“We are building a diversified, sustainable portfolio, while continuing to deliver real benefits for the communities where we operate. Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has long been an important part of the Coquitlam community, and that will not change,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
McMillan LLP acted as legal counsel to Great Canadian. McCarthy Tétrault LLP served as legal counsel, and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. acted as financial advisor to PDG. The transaction has received all required regulatory approvals and all closing conditions have been satisfied.
The post Petroglyph Development Group Completes Acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
RESPWNED partners with LOTUS 8 to bring GIRLGAMER festival to Winnipeg in 2026
RESPWNED and LOTUS 8 have signed a partnership to launch the GIRLGAMER Winnipeg Festival in 2026, marking the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival brand’s expansion into Canada.
RESPWNED manages the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival brand, while LOTUS 8 is a Canada-based company focused on event development and partnerships. The companies said they will jointly develop and deliver the Winnipeg event, combining global esports IP management, event production, commercial partnerships, and local execution.
“This partnership represents an exciting milestone for GIRLGAMER as we continue to expand globally and bring our platform to new audiences,” said Tiago Fernandes, Managing Partner at RESPWNED. “Canada is a dynamic and fast-growing Esports market, and we are proud to collaborate with LOTUS 8 to deliver a meaningful and impactful event experience.”
Steven Vuong, representing LOTUS 8, added: “We are thrilled to partner with RESPWNED to bring the GIRLGAMER Festival to Canada. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of building inclusive, high-quality esports experiences while creating strong commercial and community value. Together, we are laying the foundation for a standout event in 2026.”
The GIRLGAMER Winnipeg Festival is planned as a family-oriented event with business networking, brand activations, and community programming, and is expected to include international and local talent. Additional details, including dates, venue, and participating partners, will be announced in the coming months.
The post RESPWNED partners with LOTUS 8 to bring GIRLGAMER festival to Winnipeg in 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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