Canada
NASEF Takes the Helm of United States Esports Federation (USEF)
NASEF is now leading the United States Esports Federation (USEF) and will be taking U.S. gamers into the worldwide esports competition arena. The Board of Directors of the International Esports Federation (IESF) recently voted for NASEF to manage the United States Esports Federation. USEF, now a wholly owned subsidiary of NASEF, will strive to develop a competitive powerhouse with talented, hardworking, principled U.S. esports athletes.
“IESF has great confidence in NASEF as it takes charge of USEF and leads the way for U.S. athletes in our world esports (WE) competitions. There is great potential in the United States to build highly competitive esports teams and generate excitement for worldwide events. NASEF is poised to apply its principles and experience to spearhead growth and spirited engagement in the competitive arena,” Vlad Marinescu, President of IESF, said.
NASEF History
NASEF’s high standards and core philosophies are a key foundation as it oversees competitive events for esports professionals. These athletes will compete for titles and earn prize money by representing the United States in the World Esports Championships and other worldwide events in 2023 and beyond.
In the past year, as IESF’s worldwide education partner, NASEF has provided significant value to member countries and leaders. Its model of building an esports ecosystem with varied career pathways built around a magnet of gamers and gameplay has become a core educational focus for many IESF member nations. NASEF continues its firm commitment to this model in K-12 schools. NASEF now will also shape the structure and implementation of United States professional esports as the exclusive pathway to IESF world championships. Elite gamers will have the opportunity to enter tournaments where winners will represent the United States of America and compete in worldwide title events.
NASEF Board Chair Todd Harris has been a leader in the games industry for decades, as founder and developer of popular video games and companies, a pioneer and architect of Atlanta’s scholastic esports movement, and currently co-founder of a video and event production company.
Harris said: “Global esports competition is thriving, and the U.S. should be well-represented. NASEF is thrilled to take the helm of USEF and foster positive growth and a winning spirit among competitive players.”
“NASEF has always focused on helping students build life and career skills through esports. For a select number of elite players, professional competition is their path to success. We’re excited to bring USEF into the NASEF family and have it serve as the pathway for U.S. players to compete around the world,” said Gerald Solomon, Executive Director of NASEF and now also serving as President of USEF.
Tournament Plans
NASEF assumes leadership of the USEF immediately, with Clint Kennedy as Managing Director. USEF plans to send teams to the upcoming IESF World Esports Championships in Romania in the following titles: Mobile Legends (MLBB), DOTA 2, Tekken 7, eFootball 2023, CS:GO (M), and CS:GO (F).
NASEF will be working with U.S. and global partners to strengthen USEF to be the proud platform for US esports athletes. NASEF will build strong ties with game developers and sponsors to ensure a solid foundation for personal, team, and federation growth, and to serve as a platform for U.S. esports athletes.
Betty
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
The post Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BCLC
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
The post Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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