Canada
GAMING LAW & REGULATORY ATTORNEYS LAUNCH GAMING LAW PRACTICE
Susan Hensel, the former Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) Director of Licensing, and former PGCB attorney Joseph Grad, announced today the launch of Hensel Grad P.C., a boutique law firm focused on providing legal services to domestic and international clients in the gaming industry. At the PGCB, Hensel and Grad’s collaborative work played a key role in developing the licensing regulatory structure for Pennsylvania, which is today the 2nd largest commercial gaming market in the United States.
Hensel and Grad are reuniting through the founding of Hensel Grad P.C. to expand beyond Pennsylvania in serving clients interested in entering or thriving in the rapidly expanding U.S. gaming industry. “We believe the time is right for a law firm with a solid understanding of how U.S. gaming regulation is created, implemented and enforced,” said Hensel.
She added, “we have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to serve all of a client’s regulatory needs and believe a boutique law firm is the ideal platform from which to deliver the highest quality gaming law services to clients.”
“The firm’s focus will be on servicing new and recent entrants to the U.S. gaming market, whether they are foreign entities, early stage U.S. companies, or state agencies charged with overseeing the development of new gaming verticals,” said Grad. Grad noted, “from a client’s decision to enter a jurisdiction to post-licensing compliance and at all points in between, we will be their partner in navigating the U.S. gaming landscape.”
The firm will serve gaming operators, manufacturers, suppliers, affiliates, equity investors, start-ups, non-gaming vendors, entrepreneurs, inventors, lenders, and others seeking to participate in the U.S. gaming industry. In addition, Hensel Grad will serve as a consultant to jurisdictions in the U.S. and throughout the world that are embarking on legalizing one or more gaming verticals.
About Susan Hensel
Susan Hensel was the PGCB’s first employee and first Director of Licensing. She has overseen the licensing of more than 100,000 individuals and entities as Pennsylvania evolved from a slots only jurisdiction to one offering the full range of gaming verticals including integrated casino resorts, online gaming, sports wagering, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals at truck stop establishments. She stepped down from the position in April.
In addition to her work in Pennsylvania, Hensel is among the best known and respected U.S. regulators on an international stage. In 2020, Hensel was named one of the Ten Most Influential Women in gaming by iGaming Business. She is Past President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators having served in that position for two terms. She is an original member of the Advisory Board of the All-In-Diversity Project, an industry-driven not-for-profit initiative to benchmark diversity, equality and inclusion in the global gaming industry and is a strong advocate for women in the gaming industry.
Hensel is a frequent speaker on gaming law and regulation and has spoken throughout the world. She has published articles on gaming regulation and has collaborated with gaming regulators around the globe. Hensel is an adjunct law professor teaching gaming law and regulation.
About Joseph Grad
Prior to co-founding Hensel Grad P.C., Joseph Grad was the founder and Principal of the Law Office of Joseph W. Grad, LLC which had a successful ten-year run providing services in the areas of gaming, corporate and healthcare law to clients of all shapes and sizes.
In his gaming practice, Grad represented individuals and entities in all aspects of gaming law across numerous U.S. jurisdictions, including matters relating to licensing such as multi-jurisdictional and contested licensing, regulatory compliance with state and federal laws, suitability investigations, approval of corporate transactions, appellate litigation and emerging gaming law issues. He has also been a frequent speaker and contributor to gaming conferences around the world and has served as an advisor to U.S. state gaming authorities, including a recent appointment to the Colorado Sports Betting Working Group.
Prior to starting his firm, Grad was one of the first attorneys hired by the PGCB and served in the positions of Assistant Chief Counsel and Special Counsel for Corporate Finance & Governance. During his tenure with the PGCB, he drafted, developed and shaped many of the PGCB’s regulations, policies and procedures, including the PGCB’s licensing regulations. In addition, he served as the PGCB’s legal advisor on matters involving corporate licensees, including all mergers and acquisitions within the PGCB’s jurisdiction.
More information about Hensel Grad P.C. can be found at HenselGrad.com.
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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