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PLAYMAKER ACQUIRES VIDEO-FIRST MEDIA PLATFORM CRACKS, YOUTUBE’S LARGEST SPANISH-LANGUAGE SPORTS NEWS CHANNEL

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Playmaker Capital Inc., the digital sports media company that delivers authentic content experiences through its portfolio of sports media and technology brands, announced today the acquisition of Mexico-based video-first sports platform, Cracks. Cracks is a soccer-centric collection of digital media assets that has a total audience across all channels in excess of 12.6 million subscribers worldwide, including the most followed Spanish-language sports news channels on YouTube (Cracks Global Edition, Cracks Mexico, Cracks Colombia, and Cracks Argentina).

Cracks Global, its flagship YouTube channel, has nearly 5.5 million subscribers and has attracted more than 2.7 billion lifetime views on YouTube. Based on January 7, 2022 data, Cracks Global generates an average of 502,000 views per video, which ranks 15th amongst the top-50 sports channels by subscribers on YouTube globally. Across the entire Cracks YouTube portfolio, including Cracks Global, Cracks Mexico, Cracks Colombia, and Cracks Argentina, there are over 7 million active subscribers.

Cracks, originally founded by Guadalajara-native Manuel Bravo, one of the most prominent YouTuber’s in Mexico and Latin America, also significantly increases Playmaker’s social media following across other key social channels. Cracks reaches 2.9 million followers on Facebook, 1.1 million followers on Instagram, 203,000 followers on Twitter, 818,000 followers on TikTok, and 46,000 followers on Twitch.

The acquisition of Cracks establishes video production and monetization as a new centre of excellence for Playmaker, complementing its existing robust in-house editorial expertise across its multiple web properties, social media channels, mobile apps, and fan pages. The acquisition will also provide additional opportunities for enhanced partnerships, including the creation of on-premise original content created during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar featuring Manuel Bravo as lead talent.

“Cracks’ story is one of passion, persistence and professionalism, led by “Manu” since the company’s inception. We are thrilled that he chose Playmaker to take Cracks to the next level,” commented Federico Grinberg, EVP of Playmaker and CEO of Futbol Sites, a Playmaker brand. “Cracks will give us access to a completely new revenue stream: original video creation and monetization through syndication on third-party platforms, mainly YouTube and Facebook. This acquisition will enrich our commercial offering by bringing an original product and adding the talented Cracks staff to our team, providing Playmaker the opportunity to offer much more powerful branded content solutions to our advertisers.”

“Cracks started as an amateur project that maintained a continuous upward growth trajectory despite its limitations,” commented Bravo. “Since the platform was created, our team’s job transitioned from creating high-quality and entertaining content to becoming leaders and a point of reference in the industry. Now that Playmaker is acquiring Cracks, we will not only continue to be leaders in our field but can also aspire to make a leap in quality across the board. Ultimately, we are confident our audience will benefit, as we continue to build the best possible version of Cracks.”

In line with one of Playmaker’s goals to be the definitive digital sports media destination for the Latin American and US Hispanic markets, Playmaker has now acquired four Latin American-based organizations since November, 2021, including Varsky Sports (Argentina), Grupo SuperPoker (Brazil), Futmarketing (Brazil), and Cracks (Mexico). These businesses will be operated by the Futbol Sites leadership team. Playmaker’s aspiration to be the premier source of sports content in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market mirrors its efforts in North America. In 2021, Playmaker acquired Yardbarker (USA) and The Nation Network (Canada).

TRANSACTION DETAILS
Pursuant to the terms of an asset purchase agreement, Playmaker acquired 100% of the digital assets, marks, and copyright of Cracks for aggregate consideration of up to US$1.7 million. The purchase price consideration consisted of (i) a cash payment of US$0.4 million on closing, and (ii) cash payments of up to a maximum of US$1.3 million payable to the seller upon Cracks achieving certain milestones and performance related targets over the 12-months following closing.

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AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

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EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America. 

The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.

The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.

BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.

BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.

With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.

EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”

The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

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As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.

Let me be perfectly clear

Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.

We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.

To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.

 

Sincerely

Matt Zamroźniak

Chief Executive Officer

Prime Skill Games Inc.

The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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