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More UK Casinos Likely to Move into the US in the Near Future

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The UK gambling market may be one of the largest in the industry, but it’s also one of the strictest in world. Over the past few years, the Gambling Commission has placed more restrictions on online casino and betting operators. This has prompted several big brands in the United Kingdom to consider expanding their businesses overseas in the growing US gambling market.

That being said, it’s not only tighter regulations that has caused UK betting and online casino site operators to show interest in the evolving American gambling market. Financial gain is another driving force for UK companies. Ever since 2018 when the US Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in America, several states legalized it and began offering both online casino and online sports betting activities. Currently, online casinos are legal in 6 states and online sports betting is legal in 21 states, and more states are expected to legalize some form of online gambling activity in the future.

As gambling becomes legalized throughout America, its popularity grows, as does its revenue. According to the American Gaming Association, although December revenue has yet to be reported for 2021, the US’ annual gaming revenue for 2021 reached $48.34 billion through the end of November. This number crushed the industry’s 2019 full-year record of $43.65 billion. What’s more, this eleven-month period in 2021 tracked 21.3% ahead of the same eleven-month period in 2019.

Long-time UK Brands Compete Over US Market

Wanting a piece of this profitable pie, a number of UK gambling firms have seized the opportunity to break into the growing lucrative market. The primary goal: either to become a valuable business partner with an American gambling giant or to be a takeover target. Notable examples of UK gambling firms that are making their mark in the USA include:

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Entain

Entain PLC, the UK owner of popular casino and betting brands Ladbrokes and Coral, entered into a $200 million deal with American hospitality and entertainment company MGM Resorts back in 2018 to capitalise on the newly liberalized sports betting market in the US.

Fast forward a few years later and the latest projected deals reveal that major American sports betting company, DraftKings, sought to acquire Entain for $22 billion in cash and stock in September 2021. However, this offer, as well as a previous offer of $11 billion from MGM Resorts to acquire Entain back in January 2021, were rejected. According to MGM – Entain’s joint venture partner – a DraftKings acquisition of Entain would require the consent of BetMGM due to DraftKings owning a competing business in the US.

Flutter

Also wanting to bolster its assets in the United States, Flutter Entertainment – owner of PaddyPower and Betfair – acquired FanDuel in 2018, one of the leading daily fantasy sports operators in the US at the time. Later, in 2019, Flutter merged with Canadian company The Stars

Group. With the merger, Flutter expanded further into the US, as media giant Fox corporation – which owned a minority stake in The Stars Group – took a 2.6% minority stake in Flutter Entertainment. Moreover, the merger resulted in the creation of the largest online gambling company in the world based on revenues.

Today, Flutter holds a 95% stake in FanDuel, which offers daily fantasy sports, sportsbook, online casino and horse racing products in several states. FanDuel is also the leader in the US online sports betting industry, with 40% of the market share.

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William Hill

William Hill, another huge UK brand well known for its online casino and sportsbook, also made headlines in the industry with a major US gambling deal. Instead of partnering with an American company or acquiring one however, William Hill was purchased by American hotel and entertainment company Caesars Entertainment. William Hill agreed to the £2.9 billion ($3.9 billion) takeover bid by the Nevada-based casino operator in September 2020, after previously turning down two rival bids by another US company, Apollo, a private equity group.

Caesars completed its acquisition of William Hill in April 2021, after which William Hill was delisted from the London Stock Exchange. Later in September of that same year, Caesars sold all of William Hill’s non-US assets to 888 Holdings for £2.2 billion ($2.9 billion). In the US, William Hill sportsbooks were rebranded to Caesars Sports.

What is in Store for 2022

This year, it is likely that more deals will occur between the two nations as the world slowly comes out of the clutches of the pandemic and more US states pass laws to legalize gambling within their borders.  Both UK gambling operators and US gambling operators have plenty of benefits to offer the other.

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British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC)

IGT Launches its Second Omnichannel Wide Area Progressive Game in Canada, Money Mania Slots

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International Game Technology PLC announced that it recently launched its second omnichannel Wide Area Progressive (WAP) game for Canada, Money Mania slots. The game is currently available on British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC) PlayNow.com site and at 22 BCLC-governed casinos throughout British Columbia. IGT is the only supplier in the world to offer omnichannel jackpot games with shared jackpot liquidity across the land-based, online and mobile versions of the games.

“We know our players love the excitement that the Powerbucks games offer, so BCLC is thrilled to launch IGT’s Money Mania – another title that draws upon the same opportunity for cross-channel jackpots. Both BCLC and IGT are passionate about bringing innovative games to players and fueling responsible growth in the industry. We also recognize that BCLC is in a unique position with our ability to offer cross-channel experiences for players. Whether players choose to play Money Mania at the casino or online, we’re confident this is another game they’ll love,” said Dan Beebe, BCLC Chief Operating Officer.

IGT’s Money Mania is a proven multi-level progressive (MLP) game that features player-favorite game mechanics and multiple base-game themes. The game includes a $100,000 top-level “Money Jackpot” and a fast-growing, fast-hitting second-level WAP jackpot – “Mania Jackpot”. With a jackpot-reset value of $4000, the game’s “Mania Jackpot” is designed to hit frequently, especially with land-based, online and mobile gameplay all simultaneously feeding the jackpot meter.

“IGT’s Money Mania omnichannel WAP game is designed to frequently deliver mid-to-large-size jackpots, drive cross-channel gameplay and engage BCLC players online and in casinos. Like Powerbucks, IGT’s Money Mania is at the forefront of jackpot innovation and supports IGT’s commitment to and leadership in omnichannel content and innovation,” said David Flinn, IGT SVP Sales, Canada, South and Central America.

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BCLC was the first gaming operator in the world to offer an omnichannel jackpot game when it partnered with IGT for the 2016 launch of Powerbucks slots. Since then, IGT’s Powerbucks has remained one of the top-performing games in Canada and has minted more than 50 millionaires across the country.

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BCLC

BCLC Launches PROLINE Sportsbook at B.C. Retail Locations

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BCLC has launched PROLINE – a first-of-its-kind digital retail sportsbook – across all B.C. lottery terminals.

PROLINE offers the most popular sports-betting options previously available on BCLC’s Sports Action, as well as other new offerings. In addition to Toto, Oddset 2-outcome, Oddset 3-outcome, money line, point spread, totals and props, single-event betting and dynamic odds will be offered for the first time at retail locations.

“This is an exciting evolution for BCLC and for sports bettors across the province. PROLINE offers an updated and innovative sports betting experience and is the pivotal next step for BCLC in offering exciting new sports products to our valued players,” Dan Beebe, Chief Operating Officer at BCLC, said.

To play, players will have to download the new BCLC PROLINE app on their phone, create their digital bet slips in the app and receive an app-generated QR code, which they can bring to any lottery retail location to scan and receive a printed ticket. As added flexibility, players can also create their PROLINE bets on their laptops or tablets through the PROLINE website.

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BCLC is also planning for other new sports-betting experiences in the months ahead, which will include enhanced betting experiences at B.C. bars and pubs and exciting new offerings at B.C. casinos around the province.

BCLC is the official sports betting partner of the Vancouver Canucks, Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver Warriors, BC Lions and the 11th Grey Cup, which takes place at Vancouver’s BC Place on November 17.

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Aleksandra Drigo Sales Director at CasinoCanada

CasinoCanada Announces A New Partnership With RollXO Casino By N1 Partners

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CasinoCanada, the number one gambling guide for players in Canada, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with RollXO Casino, a premier brand under the umbrella of N1 Partners. 

This collaboration marks a significant step in CasinoCanada’s mission to provide its audience with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on top gaming experiences.

The partnership agreement will grant RollXO premium visibility across high-traffic sections of CasinoCanada’s website, which has been a trusted source for Canadian players for over 20 years. As part of this collaboration, the CasinoCanada team will conduct an in-depth review of WinSpirit, ensuring their audience receives comprehensive insights into what the casino offers.

RollXO Casino,  known as Canada’s hotspot for electrifying games, substantial rewards, and continuous entertainment, renowned for its impressive lineup of over 12,000 games from more than 100 game providers, offers a premium online casino experience that is both thrilling and rewarding, and a generous welcome bonus package totaling +350% up to €/$15,000.

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N1 Partners, the multi-brand affiliate program that RollXO Casino is part of, boasts several high-converting casinos and betting brands, making this partnership a strategic move for both CasinoCanada and RollXO. By joining forces, both brands aim to leverage their strengths to deliver unmatched value to their readers and players, special offers, and unique insights to the Canadian gambling community.

“We are delighted to partner with RollXO Casino and bring its outstanding gaming options to our readers,” said Aleksandra Drigo, Sales Director at CasinoCanada. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to showcasing the best in the gaming industry and providing our audience with valuable insights and opportunities to enjoy world-class gaming experiences.”

The partnership is already live, with RollXO Casino reviews and exclusive offers now available on the CasinoCanada website. This collaboration promises to bring more exciting updates, exclusive content, and tailored promotions to the Canadian gambling audience.

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