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Hawks Talon Gaming Hires Ismael Diaz-Tolentino to Become Team’s New Head Coach

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Diaz-Tolentino (MAELO) Led Dominican Basketball Federation 2K Team to Gold Medal in FIBA Esports Open III in May 2021

Hawks Talon Gaming announced today the hiring of Ismael Diaz-Tolentino (MAELO) to be the team’s new head coach. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

“The experience and energy that MAELO brings to Hawks Talon Gaming was exactly what we were looking for,” said Hawks Talon Gaming Director of Esports Wesley Acuff. “The biggest step towards building the winning culture that we want is bringing in someone who is both a great tactician and possesses a winning mentality, and MAELO will help us from day one.”

Diaz-Tolentino, a native of Bani, Dominican Republic, bodes four years of coaching experience and building gaming communities. Diaz-Tolentino’s most recent coaching experience was with the Dominican Basketball Federation as their esports coach and general manager. He led the team’s effort in winning the gold medal over the United States at the FIBA Esports Open III in May 2021.

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“Throughout our search for a head coach, we found it very important that our new coach is a leader both on and off the virtual court,” said Hawks’ Vice President of G League and 2K League Operations Janice Koon. “We are excited to give Ismael an opportunity to lead Hawks Talon.”

The 28-year-old was also instrumental in creating La Liga Latina de NBA 2K and acted as the commissioner of the new league upon its creation. There, he brought together teams from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean to compete in NBA 2K.

“It has always been my dream to compete at the highest level with the best professionals in the world around me,” said Diaz-Tolentino. “I am grateful to Hawks Talon for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream, and I can’t wait to get to work in building together with the team every day.”

In November, Hawks Talon Gaming protected point guard Caesar “CEEZ” Martinez and versatile guard/forward Michael “SWANN” Swanegan from the 2021 NBA 2K League Expansion Draft. As a result of the NBA 2K League Draft Lottery, the team received the sixth pick in the upcoming 2022 NBA 2K League Draft. They will have four selections in the draft overall.

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Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app

Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario

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Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.

The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.

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BCLC

Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids

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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.

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“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.
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AGCO

Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier

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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.

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