Canada
Riot Games and GRID Esports Partner to Create the Future of Data-Driven VALORANT Esports Ecosystem
Riot Games and GRID Esports, sign an exclusive two-year partnership to bring VALORANT data assets onto GRID’s Data platform making them accessible to data-reliant audiences.
The goal of the partnership is to leverage the potential of gaming data to create innovative experiences, drive fan engagement and empower interactive broadcast solutions to provide a robust VALORANT ecosystem and benchmark for the esports industry.
GRID Esports will be trusted with the distribution of all official VALORANT Esports data assets across the main global and regional tournaments – including Challengers, Masters, and Champions. Data assets include granular in-game statistics for players, teams, and matchups, that will be made available on the GRID Data Platform in the coming months.
“VALORANT is the esports scene disruptor. One of the youngest competitive gaming titles has already amassed an incredible number of fans, dedicated professional players and managed to establish a thriving, diverse esports scene. It would not be possible if not for the professionalism and direct involvement of the Publisher – Riot Games. Riot’s proven, holistic approach to growing their titles’ presence is a unique model we want to support with GRID’s technology.” says Moritz Maurer, CEO of GRID Esports, “At GRID the alignment with our partners is our highest priority. In joining forces with Riot we aim to establish the GRID Data Platform as a firm foundation for VALORANT’s exceptional ecosystem sustainable, data-driven, growth.”’
GRID’s technology is designed to capitalize on the potential of esports data for storytelling and fan engagement. GRID’s approach is unique in the industry – the company exclusively handles official data assets and recognizes the IP of the game publishers at the core of its business model.
Riot Games introduced VALORANT in 2020 and the game has instantly become a globally-acclaimed competitive first person shooter (FPS) title, boasting an active player base of more than 15 million monthly players. For two consecutive years, VALORANT has been growing its audience and expanding esports presence with the latest addition of new regional leagues or extended support for third-party organizers.
“Riot Games endeavors to grow our sports and enable community engagement,” said John Knauss, Esports Competitive Data Programs Lead with Riot Games. “Our audience is the most engaged in the entire global esports ecosystem, and we want to continue to foster that engagement with ever-evolving ways of interacting with our sports. We are excited for the future of VALORANT, its growth, and opportunities to deepen fandom by enabling new products and experiences.”
“The potential of esports data assets exceeds traditional sports counterparts due to the digital nature of video games, and the ability to extract data through direct game integrations. These integrations lead to unparalleled levels of accuracy and granularity.” Moritz goes on to explain,
“The unlimited potential for innovation in the field of data-driven entertainment presents a unique opportunity for Publishers to capitalize on the extraordinary ecosystem for their game titles. The partnership with GRID’s Data Platform, which was created specifically for this industry, allows game publishers to unlock the potential of their data assets and game IP.”
Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app
Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario
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.
BCLC
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
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.
“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.
AGCO
Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier
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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