Canada
Pocket Gamer Connects reveals an exciting lineup for it’s big return to Seattle, May 9-10
Join more than 500 companies as the leading international conference for the global mobile games industry heads to the US West Coast.
Pocket Gamer Connects, the leading b2b mobile games industry conference, is heading back to the US for a live event after more than two years of digital conferencing through the pandemic. The event takes place on May 9-10 and will welcome some 1,000 professionals from 500+ leading companies representing the entire games industry ecosystem.
This May, Pocket Gamer Connects Seattle attendees will have the opportunity to meet and connect with one another both on-site in Seattle and virtually through Zoom, as well as have full access to seminars, talks and panel discussions delivered by more than 150 industry experts across an inspiring two day schedule.
Pocket Gamer Connects is an unparalleled opportunity to network with top games industry companies from across the globe. Since the first Connects conference in 2014, the team has developed a stellar reputation for delivering the highest quality games industry events with the very best opportunities to expand your network and make moves that will push your business forward. Attendees will have the chance to connect with more than 500 leading companies including Netflix, Wizards of the Coast, Super Evil Megacorp, Xbox Games Studios, Hyper Hippo, Bungie, Riot Games, Wargaming and many more.
Alongside a wealth of opportunities to do business, you can also expect to see some of the most exciting speakers in the games industry right now discussing all the hot topics from monetisation and growth strategy, to industry visions and values, live ops and global trends. The speaker lineup includes Playrix’s Marianna Vallejo, Riot Games’ Josh Menke, Pearl Abyss America’s Jeonghee “JJ” Jin, Netflix Games’ Leanne Loombe, Xbox Games Studios’ Crystin Cox, Bungie’s Jon Chu, Activision Blizzard King’s Kathy Shin and more than 150 other industry leaders with priceless knowledge to share. The full conference schedule is available online now so you can see all of the insightful sessions and elements that make up this exciting two-day event.
The future of games is here: Explore Blockchain, NFTs, Web3 and the Metaverse
As part of Pocket Gamer Connects Seattle, you can also attend the Blockchain Games NEXT Summit: a dedicated two-day summit focusing on the next wave of web3 games technology.
Blockchain, NFTs, web3 and the metaverse are undeniably the hottest topics in the gaming space right now and this summit is designed to provide a space to explore the potential scale of the market and the best way to implement these technologies. Attendees can expect to hear inspiring and future-gazing talks from the likes of Ten Square Games’ Patrick McGrath, Survios’ Alex Silkin, Pole To Win’s Kaley Hurst, THNDR GAMES’ Desiree Dickerson, The Sandbox’s Mathieu Nouzareth, COM2US USA’s Kyu Lee, M2 Insights’ Wanda Meloni and many more.
Connecting the global mobile games industry in Seattle
Steel Media COO Dave Bradley is looking forward to being back on the US West Coast in just a few short weeks: “It’s going to be wonderful to be back meeting people, networking, doing business, and making new connections. That’s why it’s called Connects! Seattle is a buzzing scene – the home of so much innovation and creativity, so we can’t wait to return in person, after a couple of years of only seeing friends and colleagues on Zoom.”
He continues: “Across three stages at the Grand Hyatt, our international experts will be sharing insights on everything from the basics of finding the right monetization method for your game to succeeding in the metaverse. Talks are short and sharp so there’s always something new to discover. It’s going to be a really intense, productive couple of days downtown.”
Secure your spot at Pocket Gamer Connects Seattle today and meet with leading games industry figures this May 9-10.
BCLC
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
AGCO
Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier
Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.
This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.
Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.
“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.
Canada
Play’n GO announces partnership with Canadian operator PointsBet
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced further expansion of its Canadian operations via a partnership with leading operator PointsBet in the province of Ontario.
The Swedish-founded gaming giant’s games will now be available to PointsBet players in the Canadian province, meaning classic titles such as Book of Dead, Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, and Reactoonz will now be available on the PointsBet platform.
The province of Ontario regulated online casino gaming in 2022, which saw Play’n GO enter the Canadian market for the first time. The company expanded into the province of Quebec earlier this year, and, as of June 2024, is also a proud member of the Canadian Gaming Association.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO, commented, “Back in 2022, I said that “North America is right at the top of Play’n GO’s priority list, and Ontario is just the first step we plan to take”. This partnership with PointsBet shows we have yet to take our foot off the gas. We’ve proudly watched our games become instant hits in our two and a half years in the Ontarian region, and we have no plans to slow down any time soon.
“It’s exciting to team up with a fellow Canadian Gaming Association member in PointsBet, and we can confidently say that we are working towards the same goal of a safe, regulated industry that is focused on player entertainment. We’re looking forward to working closely together following this milestone announcement.”
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer at PointsBet, shared “Play’n GO has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality game content, and we’re thrilled to bring their titles to our platform. At PointsBet, our focus is on providing a safe and engaging entertainment experience for our players, and it’s clear that Play’n GO aligns with those values. Canadian casino enthusiasts recognize PointsBet as a trusted leader in iGaming, and this collaboration further enhances the exceptional experience we offer.”
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