

Canada
Charlo Barbosa Bets On The Future Of Esports In Smaller Markets
Every year the line gets a little thinner between reality and the virtual world. That is certainly the case when it comes to the growth of Esports worldwide and the commensurate growth in fantasy sports gambling associated with it. For now, such activities are generally allowed worldwide but are not entirely welcomed by the authorities. A lot of what is happening in this space is that a lot of early adopters are hoping to stake their claim on Esports fantasy gambling while it is still in its infancy and then taking it big time once the idea catches on.
One of those early adopters is Charlo Barbosa, who is betting heavily on markets such as India and the Philippines as a way of refining his business model in these now-opening venues. Once everything is running smoothly and the regulatory picture refines itself further, he hopes to capitalize upon his experience by taking his ever-growing Esports empire into the big money markets elsewhere in the world.
Simply put, it is less costly to enter these largely unexplored markets than it would be to jump into the arena against big money operators already entrenched in more established territories. Building up a subscriber base and developing an innovative approach is what Barbosa is banking on in his quest to challenge for a spot at the biggest tables.
While there is plenty of money to be made in the fantasy Esports arena, a lot of players are counting on this leading to bigger things down the road. For now, the regulatory structures are not in place to effectively oversee actual gambling on the blossoming numbers of Esports leagues. Once this hurdle is crossed, however, the fantasy Esports impresarios anticipate that they will be very well-placed to transition right into the expanded opportunities which will be on offer.
Among all the stakeholders, the sense is pretty near universal that this is largely a waiting game for now, especially in markets such as India which does not allow online gambling activities. Fantasy betting is operating in a somewhat gray area legislatively speaking, and the government seems inclined to let this continue while it studies the situation.
Yet the main concern of narrowly-focused Esports companies such as Barbosa’s GoodGamer is that a lot of competitors are stretching the definition of fantasy gambling to where it may become indistinguishable from actual online gambling. This in turn could lead to the proroguing of the entire fantasy gambling space if it were to become a problem or lead to some sort of scandal. Barbosa and many others are quick to point out that they are operating by the book and have no interest in letting the industry devolve into the Wild West.
Their desire is for an orderly and ever-expanding digital footprint that runs an honest game and provides great value for its growing list of subscribers. The truth is that time and demographics are on the side of anybody who gets into the virtual sports industry early.
Traditional sports are gazing in alarm at the increasingly aged demographic of their fans. The next generation seems much more interested in online leagues where they themselves can participate as equals and not merely spectate as someone who is not athletic enough to be on the field.
For Barbosa, the patient nurturing of GoodGamer is merely a small delay in his quest to erect the next great sporting empire. With the youth of today competing via smartphone, it is only a matter of time until his bet on the future begins to pay enormous dividends to the ones with the foresight to see where the future is heading.
AGLC
AGLC Announces New Board Chair

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.
Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.
A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.
AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.
The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Bonus Guardian
Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America.
The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.
The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.
BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.
BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.
With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.
EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.
“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”
The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.
Let me be perfectly clear
Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.
Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.
We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.
We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.
To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.
Sincerely
Matt Zamroźniak
Chief Executive Officer
Prime Skill Games Inc.
The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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