Canada
Bally’s Corporation Closes Bet.Works Acquisition
Bally’s Corporation, a leading U.S. omnichannel provider of land-based gaming and interactive entertainment, today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Bet.Works — a U.S. based, sports betting platform provider to operators in New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana and Colorado. The transaction, which includes Bet.Works’ proprietary technology stack and turnkey solutions comprised of marketing, operations, customer service, risk management and compliance, makes Bally’s the premier, full-service, vertically integrated sports betting and iGaming company in the U.S. with physical casinos, online gaming solutions and a B2B2C business model united under a single, preeminent brand. The total purchase price of the acquisition was $125 million, half of which was paid in Bally’s common stock, which Bet.Works shareholders agreed to hold for at least one year.
Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation’s Board of Directors, said, “Completing our acquisition of Bet.Works represents a significant milestone for Bally’s as we continue to embark on our long-term growth and diversification strategy. In just a few short years, we have transformed the company from a regional casino operator into the only U.S. gaming and entertainment company providing customers with an omni-channel experience that combines a national portfolio of best-in-class properties with unmatched digital capabilities. With Bet.Works’ market-leading technology underpinning our interactive platform, we are well positioned to capitalize on significant opportunities in what continues to be a rapidly expanding industry, and we are looking forward to launching additional interactive offerings later this year.”
With the closing of the transaction, Bally’s will create two distinct operating divisions: “Bally’s Casinos,” which will include the company’s physical gaming and entertainment properties, and “Bally’s Interactive,” which will be comprised of all of Bet.Works’ sports betting operations. “Bally’s Interactive” will also include Monkey Knife Fight, the fastest growing daily fantasy sports site in North America, and SportCaller, a leading global B2B free-to-play game provider.
“We are pleased to formally welcome David and the entire Bet.Works team to the Bally’s family,” said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Corporation. “Since we announced the acquisition last year, a tremendous amount of work has gone into developing our online sports betting and interactive product suite, and we are extremely confident in the superior experience that our differentiated platform will provide to our more than 14 million active customers. We can’t wait to provide sports fans across the country with new and innovative ways to engage with their favorite teams as we continue to bring additional assets online over the coming months.”
Bet.Works Founder and CEO, David Wang, will lead the integration of Bet.Works’ experienced team of over 190 employees. Bally’s Interactive plans to open a technology development center in Rhode Island by the end of the year, which will consist initially of 25 employees.
Wang stated, “On behalf of the entire Bet.Works team, we are excited to now be a part of Bally’s interactive gaming operations. Bally’s has experienced unprecedented growth over the past year, and we look forward to further advancing the company’s sports betting and iGaming portfolio with new technological innovations, including integrations with Bally Sports and enhancements to the recently launched Bally Bet sportsbook in Colorado.”
Following the recently announced beta rollout of the Bally Bet sportsbook app in Colorado, Bally’s intends to launch mobile sportsbooks in three additional markets in 2021, with subsequent launches to occur in 2022.
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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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