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PlayCT.com: Connecticut opening door to market that could draw more than $1.5B in sports bets annually

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Connecticut could evolve into a market that generates more than $1.5 billion in annual sports wagers and more than $100 million in operator revenue according to estimates by PlayCT, which analyzes and researches the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market. Meanwhile, online casinos could generate as much as $350 million in gross gaming revenues annually, becoming a huge tax generator for the state.

“Connecticut is a relatively small state, but the market has a handful of attributes that should help it punch a bit above its weight,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayCT.com. “Geographically, the state is in a good place, with the potential to draw significant out-of-state business from New York and Massachusetts. And Connecticut features one of the highest median household incomes in the U.S. Both factors should help the market reach maturity relatively quickly.”

Gov. Ned Lamont, who negotiated the agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to amend gaming compacts, signed the bill that would legalize retail and mobile sports betting, online casinos, online poker rooms and iLotteries. Now the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs will have to sign off on the compacts.

Once that happens, Connecticut will join more than two dozen states with legal sports betting in some form, and join New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia as the only states with full-scale legal online casino gambling.

With a population of more than 3.5 million people, Connecticut could produce more than $1.5 billion in retail and online sports wagering by the market’s third year, according to PlayCT projections. Assuming a 7% “hold,” which is the percentage sportsbooks keep after paying out winning bets, those wagers could produce more than $100 million in operator revenue. With some significant variables still yet to be defined, tax revenue for the state is more difficult to project. But with a hypothetical effective tax rate of around 25%, more than $25 million could be injected into state coffers annually.

Iowa — which launched retail sports betting in 2019 and online sports betting in 2020 — may be Connecticut’s closest comparison in terms of population among current legal sports betting markets. With some 400,000 fewer residents but with a more open market that fosters more consumer choice than Connecticut, the Hawkeye state has produced $572.9 million in online and retail sports bets and $40.2 million in gross operator revenue through the first four months of 2021.

“Connecticut will be a successful market, and likely a significant revenue driver for the state for years to come,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayUSA.com. “The state’s high median income and proximity to New York should be significant contributors to the market’s growth, particularly early on as New York makes its own push into the online sports betting market.”

Online casinos should be even more lucrative, capable of generating close to $350 million in annual gross gaming revenue at maturity, according to PlayCT. If online casinos reach that mark, that would mean as much as $70 million in annual tax revenue for the state.

None of the five states that currently allow full-scale online casino gaming offer a close comparison to Connecticut in terms of market size. But the three largest iGaming markets — New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan — each generate close to $100 million in operator revenue each month.

“Sports betting grabs more headlines, but in states where it is legal, iGaming has proven to be the far more reliable revenue generator,” Ramsey said. “Plus, history shows that a thriving full-scale online casino gaming market helps spur interest in online sports betting, making it the tide that lifts all boats. And there is no obvious reason that Connecticut won’t follow a similar pattern.”

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Caesars Entertainment

OLG Selects Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider for Windsor Casino

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The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has selected Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider in the Windsor Casino procurement process. This is the final procurement process in the OLG’s land-based gaming modernization initiative.

Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled to be selected as the service provider for the Windsor Casino by the OLG. Caesars has a long history of managing Windsor and looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional guest service and experiences at the property.”

Caesars and its predecessor companies have partnered with the OLG to operate Caesars Windsor (fka. Casino Windsor) since the opening of the temporary facility in 1994. Caesars will assume responsibility for gaming and non-gaming operations of the Windsor casino on behalf of the OLG under a 20-year operating agreement, which is expected to begin in 2026.

OLG requires an 18-month restriction on any organizational changes consistent with other gaming bundle modernizations in Ontario. Unionized employees will continue to be governed by the terms of their collective agreement.

The post OLG Selects Caesars Entertainment as the Service Provider for Windsor Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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AGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued $151,000 in penalties to Great Canadian Entertainment for allegedly failing to prevent minors from accessing gambling on multiple occasions at three Toronto-area casinos.

As part of its investigation, the AGCO reviewed four separate incidents in which minors allegedly gained access to the casino floors and in which some of these minors participated in gambling activities – two cases at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, and one at each of Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort.

The AGCO is committed to ensuring casinos meet Ontario’s high standards of harm reduction and responsible gambling. The AGCO’s Standards require operators to ensure only eligible individuals are permitted into a gambling site and strictly prohibit access to anyone under 19 years of age (except in the course of employment). The Standards also mandate that casino employees have the necessary competence, skills, experience and training to effectively carry out their duties, including age verification.

This enforcement action underscores the AGCO’s dedication to protecting youth and other vulnerable individuals.

A casino operator served with an Order of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO Registrar has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.

“Ontario casino operators have an obligation to ensure minors are not able to access casino floors or activities such as slot machines or table games. The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role.”  – Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO.

The post AGCO issues penalties of $151,000 against Great Canadian Entertainment for alleged age verification failures appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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ToonieBet Launches its Sportsbook on Apple App Store and Google Play Store

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ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s flagship online casino and sportsbook for Ontario, has officially launched its sportsbook on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform is tailored specifically for local players, offering a dynamic betting experience with a broad range of sports events and competitive odds. The platform also features personalised promotions and loyalty rewards designed to match the preferences of Ontario’s diverse betting community.

The sportsbook uses official data feeds, ensuring players have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information on top local and international sports events. Additionally, the platform offers live broadcasting with real-time match analytics, allowing users to make informed betting decisions as events unfold. Integrated with MEGA and advanced player account management features, the operator is committed to delivering a seamless and responsible gaming environment that enhances the overall player experience while supporting local sports initiatives.

As part of this launch, the platform has also introduced a Sportsbook section on its official website, expanding its portfolio and bringing more choice to its growing customer base. With access to over 85,000 live events each month and more than 70,000 pre-match events across a wide range of sports, players now have even more ways to bet on what they love. Soft2Bet’s Canadian brand invites all players to explore its standout online casino and the full spectrum of sports betting, all delivered through a fast, secure, and fully localised platform.

‍Since its debut at the end of 2024, ToonieBet has offered a fast, fair, and secure online casino and sportsbook experience, fully localised for Ontario’s vibrant gaming market. The Apple App and Google Play additions further enhance accessibility, bringing ToonieBet’s premium entertainment to players on the go.

Additionally, this milestone complements the operator’s recent partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which made ToonieBet the Official Online Casino Partner of the team. The partnership includes in-arena branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement initiatives like social contests, allowing ToonieBet to connect with Ontario sports fans in exciting ways and offering chances to win team merchandise and tickets.

Yoel Zuckerberg, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer, said: “As Soft2Bet continues our rapid growth, we are excited to provide Ontario players with access to ToonieBet’s sportsbook which is now available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, offering seamless access to a customised experience tailored for the province’s passionate gaming community.”

The post ToonieBet Launches its Sportsbook on Apple App Store and Google Play Store appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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