

Canada
Virtual Live Racing: Massive growth in virtual racing boosts revenue for tracks and racinos
The market for the latest virtual racing products is booming as horse and greyhound racetracks – and racinos – look to extend their digital brand to reach new audiences and develop new revenue streams.
That’s the view of Virtual Software which, under its Virtual Live Racing (VLR) brand, has pioneered unique tote-betting enabled, ultra-realistic products based on real life race data and is now a major player driving this trend. Until VLR’s products were launched in 2020 no tote platform had a virtual live racing product on which to accept wagers in a market worth a $100billion per year. That’s why VLR is a real game-changer in the industry.
They already have five major US tracks using their products – the latest being Parx (based just 20 minutes north of Philadelphia) which is Pennsylvania’s number 1 casino and racetrack and the biggest so far to go live with VLR. Parx Casino offers state of the art gaming, thoroughbred racing, and exciting entertainment events. The 260,000 square foot Parx Casino and the 280,000 square foot Parx East (home to Parx Racing). Since Pennsylvania launched sports betting in November 2018, Parx has grown rapidly and now handles around $30million per month with around 67% of that total being online (for example, the November 2020 total handle was $28.59million, with $19.3million online).
Joe Wilson, COO, Parx Racing, commented: “Parx Racing is happy to be participating with Virtual Software Limited [the business behind the Virtual Live Racing brand] in this new and groundbreaking wagering product. VSL’s impeccable attention to detail in creating Parx Virtual, coupled with our race data, guarantee the customer a truly unique and exciting entertainment experience.”
VLR Chairman Vincent Caldwell commented: “Partnering with Parx is a major milestone for us, and the iGaming and racing industries. We’re offering tracks all over the world a no cost, risk free, revenue stream which would be a fantastic opportunity at any time, but especially right now when there is so much disruption to real racing.”
VLR has grown fast since it was launched in May 2020 but, adds Caldwell, they have even bigger ambitions for 2021: “Our next goal is to put 12 products up which would enable us to run 87,600 races a year. The goal after that is to get the wagering on each race to $3,500 per race. If we succeed in that, over $306million will be handled in wagers on our products in a full year.”
In addition to Parx, VLR products are also live at Hawthorne in Chicago, plus Florida tracks Derby Lane, Tampa Bay Downs and Palm Beach Kennel Club. VLR has also partnered with the world famous Ascot Racecourse in England – when that product is launched it will signal the company’s entry into the UK market.
Canada
Thunderkick’s portfolio makes Ontario debut through SkillOnNet brands

Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet is deepening its existing partnership with Stockholm-based game studio Thunderkick to launch the developer’s unique, engaging slot titles in Ontario.
The Canadian province is one of the most exciting regulated markets in North America, and the Ontario players will now gain access to Thunderkick’s full portfolio of highly acclaimed games via SkillOnNet-powered online casino brands such as PlayOJO, SlotsMagic, and SpinGenie.
Thunderkick is known for its independent, boundary-pushing slot games like Pink Elephants, Esqueleto Explosivo, and Beat the Beast and has established a strong reputation for creativity and originality in the iGaming space. The deal allows the studio to further expand its global footprint while giving Ontario players the chance to enjoy a fresh wave of premium content.
Ontario’s regulated online gaming market, which officially opened in 2022, has quickly become a key market for the iGaming industry, and SkillOnNet was among the first brands to secure licensing in the province. The expansion reinforces SkillOnNet’s commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment in regulated markets globally.
Jani Kontturi at SkillOnNet said: “Thunderkick has been a key partner of ours in other markets, and we’re delighted to bring their outstanding content to Ontario. This region is fast becoming a vital part of our operations, and we’re confident players here will respond just as positively to Thunderkick’s games as they have elsewhere.”
Mariam Dodosh, Account Manager at Thunderkick said: “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with SkillOnNet and enter the Ontario market together. Our games have a track record of strong performance, and we’re excited to see them go live in one of the most dynamic new regions in iGaming.”
The post Thunderkick’s portfolio makes Ontario debut through SkillOnNet brands appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario

Maverick Games has launched sports betting operations in Ontario, through a partnership with Delasport.
Maverick Games will offer Ontarian players a premium sports betting experience, built on Delasport’s superior technology and known for its unique innovative features that players love including personalization, recommendations, gamification, quick bets, player engagement features, and more.
Maverick Games is the second brand to launch on Delasport’s technology in Ontario, with another full turnkey brand set to go live soon. Delasport also recently unveiled its innovative sports betting jackpot network game, SuperPot. The company will showcase this unique product at the Canadian Gaming Summit next month and begin rolling it out to Ontarian operators shortly thereafter.
“We are proud to see Maverick Games live and thriving with our one of a kind sportsbook solution at its core. They have been a fantastic partner from the start, and this launch further demonstrates how fast and efficient our technology is when paired with a clear vision and strong collaboration,” said Rosaire Galea Cavallaro, VP of Business Development at Delasport.
“Maverick Games’s sports vertical is a major step forward for us and launching it with Delasport has been the right move from day one. The platform’s performance and flexibility allow us to deliver the kind of user experience we believe Ontario players deserve. We’re excited to now bring that vision to life,” CEO Matt Rathbun said.
The post Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino

Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the casino business and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino (Hastings) in the City of Vancouver from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (Great Canadian Entertainment).
“We are thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, and we are eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as working with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City. We believe that this opportunity is historic for us in many ways, and we look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course,” said Jen Thomas, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
“We are excited about working with TWN on their potential acquisition of the casino operations and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino. Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN’s traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale,” Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment.
The agreement is subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement. Once a definitive agreement has been executed by the parties, it is anticipated that the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by gaming regulatory and other authorities, including certain approvals by the City of Vancouver given its ownership of the real property. It is expected that Great Canadian Entertainment will provide transition services to TWN for a period of time following the anticipated closing.
The post Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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