Canada
Amazing Trends that are Set to Transform the Gambling and Casino Industry in 2021
The year 2020 has made it to the history books when the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the entire world into a recession. It hit many industries that even some of the well-established businesses have to shut down. However, it is not the case for the gambling and casino industry.
The gambling and casino industry grows as an increasing number of online casinos, and gambling sites appear on the market. These sites are generating high revenues despite the world’s current situation.
More people turn to their hand-held devices for entertainment, such as gambling and betting. Top it up with huge technological upgrades and user experience. Below are the trends transforming the gambling and casino industry in 2021.
Mobile technology
Gaming on mobile devices has brought casino games and other gambling sites closer to players than ever. In developed countries where virtually everyone owns a mobile device, gambling is at their fingertips. With blazing WiFi speeds of 4G and soon 5G with unlimited data packages, free online casino apps are being downloaded to virtually all smartphones and other devices.
Most players prefer playing on their mobile devices as it allows them to play anytime and anywhere. They don’t have to spend on expensive computers or wait for the boot up before they can start playing. Moreover, they can play quick games with their mobile devices while watching tv, sitting on the bus, or at the park while watching their kids playing around.
More than 50% of all gambling is done on mobile devices, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if mobile gambling becomes more common shortly.
Artificial intelligence
AI or artificial intelligence has been solving many problems and saving humans from tons of working hours in the casino and gambling industry. The AI is being used in:
Chatbots: Customers don’t have to wait in line for customer support to answer their queries. AI chatbots can solve any complicated issues.
Anti-scammers: Sadly, many players are still trying to abuse the online casinos and other players by using different apps or bots to gain unfair advantages. AI can find these individuals and kick them out of the site.
Customer behavior analysis: AI can analyze the players’ preferences to offer them the best solutions and options on a personalized approach. AI can determine the types of promotions it can offer to each player, making their user experience less frustrating and more interesting.
Enhances game processes: AI can detect any problem within the game and inform the developer.
VR and AR changes the user experience
Virtual reality and augmented reality have created a lot of impact on the industry of gaming. Online casinos use technologies to offer their players “complete immersion” within the game, taking their user experience to a higher level.
Through VR and AR, gamers can visit a casino, play games like slot machines, and interact with other players in real-time without going out of their homes.
The blockchain technology
Transactions made using cryptocurrency are currently the fastest and the safest mode of payment. Players don’t have to use their bank, credit/debit card account information if they pay via blockchain.
Moreover, blockchain utilizes non-editable and timestamped record blocks that a group of computers manage, making it impossible to hack. It also provides transaction transparency with high limits and less transaction costs.
Gambling legislation
The past years have seen many changes in gambling legislation. Many countries have become open to gambling operations that offer them a good amount of tax income from their revenues. Moreover, its legalization allows it to become safer and more regulated.
Since the emergence of gambling sites and online casinos, the popularity of the gambling industry keeps on rising every year. Moreover, the pandemic had pushed the technological improvements further and made many changes in the legislation.
While the year 2021 is still struggling for many industries, the gambling and casino industry remains unaffected. Instead, it keeps on prospering despite all the challenges that the world is currently facing.
Canada
ELK Studios Expands Partnership with SkillOnNet to Ontario Market

PlayOJO, SlotsMagic and SpinGenie to carry ELK Studios’ games in Ontario
Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet and innovative Swedish game creator Elk Studios have cemented their longstanding partnership with the launch of ELK’s groundbreaking portfolio in the Ontario market.
ELK Studios is responsible for some of the industry’s most innovative and engaging online casino games. Now, players at SkillOnNet’s Ontario-licensed casinos, PlayOJO, SlotsMagic and SpinGenie, will be able to experience the feature-packed delights of hit titles like Nitropolis, Tinkerbot and Pirot, as well as new release Orbitfall, and the studio’s signature X-iter and CollectR mechanics.
The expansion marks a milestone for ELK Studios as it continues to grow its footprint in regulated markets worldwide. SkillOnNet recently successfully launched the studio’s portfolio in the Spanish and Mexican markets through its Spanish-language brands and expects the studio’s games to make a similarly immediate impact with Ontario players.
Ontario has become a hugely important growth market since the province launched regulated online gaming in 2022. It was worth $2.4 billion in 2024, with $63 billion in wagering, the lion’s share coming from online casinos.
Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “ELK Studios is known for its high-quality games that blend unique storytelling and humour with high levels of engagement and playability, which is why we’re delighted to introduce them to Ontario. We believe they will perform successfully, as they have in other markets around the world.”
Vaida Cirtautaite, CCO at ELK Studios said: “SkillOnNet has been an invaluable partner in our growth journey, and we are thrilled to expand our collaboration into Ontario. We’re excited to bring our innovative games to a new wave of players in this dynamic market.”
The post ELK Studios Expands Partnership with SkillOnNet to Ontario Market appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license

Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application
Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.
As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.
Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.
In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.
Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”
Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”
The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BetVictor
BetVictor Canada launches Tracy McGrady Safer Gambling campaign

BetVictor Canada has launched its new out-of-home advertising campaign across the streets of Toronto to promote NBA legend Tracy McGrady as its Safer Gambling Ambassador.
Two mobile digital trucks strategically targeting high-traffic areas near Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and major sporting events will provide prime audience exposure for the campaign, scheduled around Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays home games.
To further enhance the campaign’s reach, BetVictor Canada has partnered with Clear Media Group to leverage digital taxi tops across Toronto, providing city-wide exposure with 100 taxis displaying key brand messaging. These digital taxi tops will run during peak evening hours (5:00pm – 9:00pm) on select dates until April 5th, 2025.
The campaign coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide grassroots campaign held each March that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
BetVictor Canada offers an array of tools and services to help its Canadian customers bet and play safely and responsibly, across a host of sports betting markets and online casino games.
Mark Harper, Head of Emerging Markets at BV Group, said: “BetVictor is delighted to be participating in the National Council of Problem Gambling campaign in March, to help increase public awareness of problem gambling and the need to promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“In using our Safer Gambling Ambassador, Tracy McGrady, to raise awareness about BetVictor’s safer gambling tools such as loss limits, time alerts and product restrictions we are dedicated to ensuring all players have a safe gambling experience. #PGAM2025.”
The post BetVictor Canada launches Tracy McGrady Safer Gambling campaign appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018