

Canada
Vigtory Sportsbook to Launch with Former President of MGM Interactive and Trump Entertainment Scott Butera as Co-CEO
CHICAGO – Scott Butera has joined Vigtory as its Co-CEO, joining forces with the company’s current CEO, Sam Rattner. Butera has also joined Vigtory’s Board of Directors.
Rattner founded Vigtory with a vision to create the most innovative, consumer-first sportsbook in the U.S. market – founded on the principles of product, price and state-of-the-art customer experience. Built exclusively for the American bettor, Vigtory delivers first-in-class product through frictionless betting functionality, superior pricing and VIP loyalty, all of which create the most comprehensive platform in the industry. Butera, who shares Rattner’s vision, brings 30 years of executive management and operational expertise across casino operations, sports betting and iGaming. Butera will lead strategy and corporate growth for the emerging sports betting and interactive gaming company.
Prior to joining Vigtory, Butera was President of Interactive Gaming at MGM Resorts International, where he was responsible for the development and operations of sports betting and online gaming across online and traditional platforms. Butera oversaw MGM Resorts’ professional sports partnerships, as well as its digital media strategy. While at MGM Resorts, Butera was instrumental in the launch of BetMGM, the product of Roar Digital, MGM’s joint venture with GVC Holdings. He played a key role in the formation of MGM Resorts’ historic gaming partnerships with the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and BetMGM’s partnership with the National Lacrosse League. Butera also helped form groundbreaking partnerships with Yahoo! Sports and Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as a market access partnership with Boyd Gaming.
Preceding MGM Resorts, Butera was Commissioner of the Arena Football League, President & CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, CEO of Tropicana Entertainment, Chief Operating Officer of the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, President of Metroflag Management, and President, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. His financial background includes 20 years in investment banking with UBS Investment Bank, Credit Suisse First Boston, Smith Barney and Bear Stearns & Co, and Coopers & Lybrand in New York.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining Vigtory. While US sports betting and interactive gaming is off to a tremendous start, there are countless opportunities in underserved sectors. Sam and I share a common vision to create a state-of-the-art customer experience, bringing unique sports betting products and a level of sophistication to a market that’s ripe for disruption,” said Butera.
Rattner comments, “My blueprint for building Vigtory has always been to arm the company with specific knowledge, domain expertise and thought-leadership. For 30 years, Scott has helped successfully build and scale some of the most prominent companies in sports and gambling across the United States. I couldn’t be more excited for Scott to be on board.”
Ahead of Vigtory’s launch this Fall, the Company is finalizing deals with professional sports leagues and media outlets alike, utilizing technology to create cutting-edge products across pricing, live-streaming, and data & analytics. Vigtory is securing market-access in multiple jurisdictions across the United States and is currently expanding the team and hiring talent. Sports technology venture fund SeventySix Capital invested in the Chicago based startup and Managing Director Chad Stender holds a board seat.
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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