Canada
ODDS ON COMPLIANCE UNVEILS GAMBLING AND TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ALL-STAR ADVISORY BOARD
Odds On Compliance, the industry-leading technology and consultancy firm specializing in sports betting, iGaming, and gambling compliance and regulatory frameworks in the US and abroad, has unveiled Tom Auriemma, Michelle Chatigny, Robin Chhabra and Sanjay Chopra as the industry experts who comprise the company’s newly formed Advisory Board.
Tom Auriemma was a pioneer of the New Jersey gaming industry and spent 28 years as a casino regulator in that State culminating in his appointment as the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Auriemma now currently serves as the Chairman of the Compliance Committees for MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming and Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. Joining Auriemma on the Odds On Compliance advisory board is Michelle Chatigny, a 20-year veteran of IGT where she was Vice President, Global Regulatory and Product Compliance, before joining Wynn Resorts, Limited’s Compliance Committee, a position she has held since August 2018. Robin Chhabra is the third expert lending his experience and knowledge to Odds On Compliance. Chhabra is President of Tekkorp Digital Acquisition Corp., and has previous experience including being CEO and Special Advisor to FOXBet, Chief Corporate Development Officer of The Stars Group, and Group Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at William Hill. Sanjay Chopra completes the Advisory Board. Chopra is Co-Founder and CEO of Cognistx, the AI specialists with whom Odds On already has a previously announced partnership.
“I am extremely proud and honored to welcome such a distinguished group of experts to Odds On Compliance as our advisory board,” said Odds On Compliance CEO and Co-Founder Eric Frank. “In our initial group of four we have some of the smartest, most experienced people in their respective industries worldwide, and they will play a strong role in helping us shape the future of our business as we grow and expand in 2022 and beyond. At our core, Odds On Compliance is a technology business, so having the experience that Sanjay brings from Cognistx is invaluable for our whole team, but we are a tech business which specializes in regulatory compliance in the sports betting, iGaming, and gambling industries, in the US and abroad, so Michelle, Tom and Robin very neatly complement Sanjay, giving us the benefit of their combined knowledge, leadership, and experience. We are excited to welcome them all to our team and look forward to working with them in an exciting 2022 and beyond.”
Tom Auriemma is one of the casino industry’s leading gaming attorneys and consultants and is the 2019 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Gaming Advisors for his many contributions to the gaming industry. He is the Chairman of three Compliance Committees: Penn National Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts International, and Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment. Previously, he was Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer for Penn National Gaming, Inc. Auriemma was a pioneer of the New Jersey gaming industry, and spent 28 years as a casino regulator in that State before culminating in his appointment as the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Auriemma received his Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law where he graduated second in his class.
Michelle Chatigny was previously with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. After her departure she joined IGT, one of the world’s largest gaming suppliers that was licensed and conducting business in every jurisdiction in the world where gaming was legal. As acknowledged by regulators, IGT set the “gold standard” for compliance in the gaming industry. Michelle remained with IGT for just over 20 years and was responsible for its global compliance efforts, including but not limited to licensing, product approvals, suitability determinations, corporate security, the IGT Compliance Committee, as well as the Company’s Code of Conduct, and internal integrity reporting matters. Michelle previously served on The Stars Group Compliance and Political Activities Committees, and currently serves on the Wynn Resorts, Limited Compliance Committee, a position she has held since August 2018. She was also elected to the Wynn Resorts, Limited Special Litigation Committee in October 2018. Michelle is currently a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
Robin Chhabra is President of Tekkorp Digital Acquisition Corp and has been at the forefront of corporate acquisition activity within the digital gaming landscape for over a decade. His experience includes leading corporate strategy, M&A, and business development at two of the global leaders in the digital gaming industry, The Stars Group and William Hill, and a leading supplier, Inspired Gaming Group. At The Stars Group, Robin was Chief Corporate Development Officer, and served as the CEO of FOX Bet, the leading U.S. online gaming business which is the product of a landmark partnership between The Stars Group and FOX Sports, a transaction which he led. While with The Stars Group, Robin led several transactions which transformed The Stars Group into the largest publicly listed online gambling operator in the world with revenues of over $2.5 billion. Previously, he was Group Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at William Hill, where he led transactions which transformed the company from a land-based gambling operator in the United Kingdom to a leading online-led international business. This included William Hill’s entry into the U.S. sports betting and online lottery markets via the acquisition of four businesses.
Sanjay Chopra is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cognistx, a six-year-old applied AI company with several high impact AI applications for retail, cybersecurity, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing. Chopra is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Intellions, a pricing software company. He has over 28 years of expertise in AI, e-commerce strategy, business development and technology and is the winner of the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year 2000 award for OnlineChoice. He actively participates in promoting entrepreneurship in Pittsburgh and was the Founding Chair of Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners, and a founding charter member of the TiE Pittsburgh. He has also consulted for Goldman Sachs in various strategy and e-commerce projects, and has worked as a software engineer/manager at Federated Investors, Carnegie Group, and Allegheny Management Company. He is an Adjunct Professor of e-Commerce at Carnegie Mellon University and holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University (GSIA – Tepper Business School), a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Bachelors in Computer Technology from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT – REC), Bhopal, India.
BetConstruct
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
BetConstruct, a global pioneer in iGaming and sports betting solutions, has announced a significant milestone in the gaming industry. Through its affiliate entity, BetConstruct has become the first iGaming company authorized to facilitate the issuance of both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licenses. This remarkable achievement was made possible by obtaining a direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation in Canada.
The Tobique First Nation, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking regulatory approach, has entrusted BetConstruct’s affiliate entity with the authority to oversee applications and facilitate the issuance of licenses from its jurisdiction. This partnership underscores shared values of innovation, transparency, and a commitment to responsible gaming practices.
This historic development places BetConstruct at the forefront of the Canadian iGaming market, redefining the opportunities available to gaming operators. By leveraging its affiliate entity’s licensing capabilities, BetConstruct empowers businesses to navigate a streamlined and transparent regulatory environment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
“At BetConstruct, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. This landmark achievement with the Tobique First Nation reflects our unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for our partners while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in gaming,” said Vigen Badalyan, Co-Founder of BetConstruct.
The issuance of dual licenses under the watchful eye of BetConstruct’s affiliate not only highlights BetConstruct’s commitment to supporting its partners but also reinforces the company’s role as a trusted leader in the global iGaming landscape.
This milestone signals a new era for regulated iGaming, as BetConstruct takes bold steps to establish a robust ecosystem for operators and consumers alike. With its direct license authorization from the Tobique First Nation, BetConstruct is setting a new standard for innovation, consumer protection, and sustainable growth in Canada and beyond.
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Canada
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. announced that PDG has closed the previously announced acquisitions of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria from Great Canadian, in historic transactions for both parties. PDG is a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation (the “Nation”) and is dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.
The transactions, originally announced on June 24, 2024, for Casino Nanaimo and September 10, 2024, for Elements Casino Victoria, have received all required approvals from the regulatory authorities.
“We are thrilled to have completed these transactions. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our corporate team, our on-site teams at both properties, and PDG to achieve this successful closing. I am grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone at the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, who were thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in facilitating these closings,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
“We look forward to working closely with PDG during the transition period to support the continued successful operation of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria,” Anfinson added.
“We celebrate the closing of our two casino acquisitions and our continued progress toward building a strong Snuneymuxw economy. For decades, Snuneymuxw leadership has worked tirelessly toward this moment, recognizing the connection between a strong economy, self-determination, and the foundation of nationhood. Today, we honour the achievements of those who came before us by securing businesses that will strengthen our Nation for generations to come. Thank you to the PDG and Great Canadian teams for your exceptional work. We look forward to a rewarding partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation, driving economic growth for the Nation and Province,” said Chief Mike Wyse.
Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG, said: “This measured acquisition marks an important milestone for PDG as we continue growing a corporate enterprise that reinvests directly into the prosperity of our Nation. With a strong operating plan focused on risk mitigation and yielding sizable returns, PDG continues to generate sustainable wealth for Snuneymuxw. With every step we are realizing our socio-economic potential and influence at a local, national, and global level. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing economic growth in support of all residents connected to Snuneymuxw territory.”
“Acquiring these assets marks a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw and Vancouver Island. This transition will fuel the Island’s economy, strengthening the Snuneymuxw Nation and ensuring the benefits stay local,” said Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
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Canada
Ottawa Black Bears Announce Partnership Deal with PowerPlay
The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys.
In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring, and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are thrilled to have PowerPlay on board for our inaugural season with such a comprehensive partnership agreement. Their investment with the Black Bears represents a foundational agreement for our lacrosse club. And we’re proud to wear their logo alongside ours as we launch our franchise,” said Chelsea McDermott, Vice President of Business Operations for the Ottawa Black Bears.
“We are excited to bring PowerPlay’s bold, community-driven spirit to Ottawa-Gatineau, partnering with the Black Bears as they establish themselves as a force in lacrosse. This partnership celebrates a sport deeply tied to Canada’s heritage and competitive energy. Together, we’ll ignite passion, energize fans, and deliver excitement all season long,” said Thomas Vermeulen, Marketing Director for PowerPlay.
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