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Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Releases Report on Impact of Interactive Gaming in Pennsylvania

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Penn State University (PSU), and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) released the first-of-its-kind report analyzing the impact of Interactive Gaming, also referred to as online gambling or iGaming, in Pennsylvania.

“This report will assist DDAP in its mission to assess and address how gambling behaviors impact compulsive and problem gambling within the commonwealth. We want to ensure we are offering all the resources we can at the state level to anyone who may be experiencing problem gambling behaviors. Knowing the current iGaming trends in the state will help DDAP make informed decisions and help to spread awareness that treatment and resources are available to help when this recreational hobby becomes a more serious problem,” Jen Smith, Secretary of DDAP, said.

Under Act 42 of 2017, which legalized interactive gaming in Pennsylvania, DDAP is required to complete an assessment and report on the impact of interactive gaming in the commonwealth. This was the first year for the completion of the assessment and report compilation. Funding for this report is provided by law through fees the PGCB assesses from interactive gaming licensees.

“Penn State and the Criminal Justice Research Center is enthusiastic about this partnership with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. By collecting these data on a yearly basis, we can ensure an accurate understanding of the impact of this policy change on our Pennsylvania communities. If interventions are required, this assessment will help to guide a data-driven response,” Dr. Glenn Sterner, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Penn State University, said.

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The findings of this report were generated from a survey of more than 1100 individuals across Pennsylvania throughout 2020-21 and indicate:

  • Approximately 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians engage in interactive gaming.
  • The most popular interactive gaming is sports betting and nearly half of all who participate in interactive gaming are engaged in sports betting.
  • Nearly half of all those who engage in interactive gaming exhibit at least one problem gambling behavior.

“The findings of the report emphasize the PGCB’s long-standing priority in assisting individuals who develop compulsive gambling issues including our efforts to provide information and effective tools such as the PGCB’s Self-Exclusion programs. I also believe that findings in this and subsequent reports can provide critical information to prevention professionals and to those in the treatment community who are assisting individuals on their path to recovery,” Elizabeth Lanza, Director of the PGCB’s Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, said.

Gambling, even through legal avenues, becomes a problem when individuals begin to develop strained relationships with loved ones, borrow money to gamble, gamble to experience a high or feeling, miss work, school, or other activities and obligations in order to gamble. These behaviors can have a serious impact on a person’s financial, physical, and mental health. Other symptoms of problem gambling include trying to hide or lying about gambling, using gambling as an escape to avoid dealing with other problems, and feeling like the habit is out of control but being unable to stop.

Pennsylvania’s Self-Exclusion Program allows an individual to request to be excluded from legalized gaming activities including iGaming and those within a casino and offsite venues. More information on the program and ways to identify problem gambling can be found through the PGCB’s website specific to its efforts in compulsive and problem gaming.

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Casino Time Partners with GeoLocs for Enhanced Geolocation Compliance in Ontario

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GeoLocs by mkodo, proven and trusted provider of geolocation services built exclusively for the iGaming industry, is excited to announce its partnership with casino operator, Casino Time. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering secure and seamless online gaming experiences to Casino Time players in Ontario.

With the legalisation of iGaming in Ontario 2 years ago, regulatory compliance and player safety are top priorities for operators across North America. GeoLocs state-of-the-art geolocation compliance technology, coupled with its dedication to data protection (as seen by the recent ISO certification), provide Casino Time with guaranteed compliance while prioritising player privacy.

Through GeoLocs’ intuitive and easy-to-implement SDK and the highly self-serviceable GeoLocs platform, Casino Time provides its players with a seamless user experience, requiring no additional downloads, resulting in uninterrupted access to their favourite games while maintaining compliance with Ontario’s iGaming regulations.

Jeffrey Holmes, COO at Casino Time said: “Casino Time’s mission is to create the best possible gaming experience for its users and partnering with GeoLocs for our geolocation verification service means that we can provide our players with an online casino experience like no other. An experience that is secure and seamless, whilst also remaining compliant with regulations set out by the province of Ontario. The support provided by the team at GeoLocs has been incredible and their knowledge of geolocation and the Ontario market is second to none. With GeoLocs, we can ensure that our operations meet regulatory requirements while delivering a frictionless experience for our players.”

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Stuart Godfree, Managing Director at mkodo, said: “We are excited to partner with Casino Time to support their expansion into the Ontario iGaming market. GeoLocs is designed to prioritise data protection and regulatory compliance while delivering a seamless experience for both operators and players. With GeoLocs technology, Casino Time can operate with confidence, knowing that they are meeting regulatory standards and providing their players with a safe and secure gaming environment.”

The partnership between GeoLocs and Casino Time demonstrates a shared commitment to excellence, compliance, and player experience in the iGaming industry. By leveraging GeoLocs’ advanced geolocation technology, Casino Time aims to enhance its position as a leading provider of online gaming experiences in Ontario.

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Canada

Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Historic Transaction of Casino Nanaimo

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Great Canadian Entertainment, Canada’s leading gaming and hospitality company, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its landmark Vancouver Island property, Casino Nanaimo, to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd (Petroglyph) in a historic transaction for both parties. Petroglyph is a wholly owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.

Great Canadian’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by the regulatory authorities. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the Company will provide transition services to Petroglyph for up to two years post-closing.

“We are very pleased to have executed this agreement. As the operator of Casino Nanaimo since its inception in 1986, we believe that under Petroglyph’s steady management, this transaction will provide Casino Nanaimo, its guests and team members with an exciting new chapter. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Petroglyph team during the transition period to ensure an outstanding outcome for all parties,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

“We celebrate our partnership with Great Canadian and our entry into B.C.’s casino industry. We are committed to bringing Snuneymuxw’s local expertise to an established tradition of outstanding guest service and meaningful community contributions. Honouring the decades of work by past Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils, we look forward to closing the definitive agreement and realizing our collective vision with the Great Canadian team. This collaboration promises to bring significant benefits and substantial economic growth to our Nation and the local community,” said Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse.

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Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), said: “The Snuneymuxw group of companies are profoundly honoured to support Snuneymuxw economic growth in significant and meaningful ways. In addition to our pending acquisition of the business, we are honoured to announce the return of the associated land once closing is completed, a part of the Snuneymuxw xwsol’lexwel village. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing the region’s economic growth in support of all its residents.”

Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG, said: “Acquiring this significant asset will unlock unprecedented economic potential for Snuneymuxw and PDG, paving the way for transformative growth in Snuneymuxw’s economy and the profits that PDG returns to our Nation.”

McMillan is serving as legal counsel to Great Canadian. McCarthy Tétrault is acting as legal counsel and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Petroglyph.

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Canada

Canada set to host the next BLAST R6 Major with world’s best Rainbow Six esports players to compete in Montreal in November

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World’s best Rainbow Six Siege esports teams from 9 regions will compete in Montreal, Canada. $750,000 in total prize pool up for grabs at final Major of 2024.

Today, Ubisoft and BLAST have released details for the final BLAST Rainbow Six Major of Season 2024, which is due to take place in Montreal, Canada from 7 to 17 of November.

Rainbow Six Esports is back in Canada for the first time since 2023, with Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium set to welcome 20 of the world’s best teams over two weeks in November. The BLAST R6 Major Montreal will feature a three-phase format with the final weekend playing out in front of a live audience with thousands of fans expected to pack out the Verdun Arena.

Tickets are available here: eventim.ca

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Dates & location:

  • Phase 1: 7 – 8 November – not open to public
  • Phase 2: 10 – 13 November – not open to public
  • Phase 3: 15 – 17 November – open to the public at the Verdun Auditorium, Montreal

Venue: Verdun Auditorium

Address: 4110 Bd LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4G 2A5, Canada

With Stage 2 of the Regional Leagues is set to get underway from September, teams across the nine different regions of BLAST R6 will be looking to become one of the 20 teams to qualify for the Montreal Major. These teams will compete for the lion’s share of the USD $750,000 prize pool, as well as points to qualify for the Six Invitational 2025.

Montreal and Rainbow Six have a long history together since the teams behind the development of Rainbow Six Siege are based in Ubisoft offices in Montreal. The city had previously hosted international Rainbow Six Esports tournaments such as the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023 editions of Rainbow Six’s SIX Invitational where Brazilian team w7m had been crowned World Champions.

Additional details on the venue, ticketing, and more are available via Eventim here: eventim.ca

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For more information about BLAST R6, please visit rainbow6.com and follow us on social media.

 

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