Canada
Canadian Gaming Association Signs Memorandum of Understanding With International Betting Integrity Association
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). The purpose of the MoU is to provide a framework for cooperation and coordination between IBIA and the CGA on betting and related integrity issues and to protect the Ontario and wider Canadian market, sports, consumers, and regulated betting operators, from corrupt activities.
IBIA is the leading global voice on integrity for the licensed betting industry and represents many of the largest regulated sports betting operators in the world, with its account-based integrity monitoring system covering over US$137bn in betting transactions per annum globally. The association has recently been accredited by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) as an independent integrity monitor; all licensed operators in Ontario will be required to be part of a monitoring system.
Many existing IBIA operators are also members of the CGA, and the two trade associations have agreed to explore and establish cooperative projects and partnership working in areas of mutual interest. The CGA and IBIA will be equal partners in those projects, which may involve a wide range of activities, including promoting the commercial and related integrity interests of the two associations’ betting operator members, and establishing a viable regulated betting market with high consumer channeling rates and related consumer, sports, and operator integrity protection measures.
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “Protecting the integrity of the betting market in Ontario, and indeed the wider Canadian market, is very important to IBIA and its members. We will be seeking to engage with a wide range of key stakeholders on betting and integrity related issues and see the CGA as a pivotal partner in the achievement of that goal. The CGA has been a driving force behind the evolution of regulated betting in Canada and IBIA views it as a valued and critical partner in the continued development of the sector and in placing sporting and betting integrity at the forefront of that.”
The recent changes to the Federal Criminal Code to permit single-event sports wagering has introduced new sports betting offerings to Canadians while bringing enhanced regulatory oversight to sports betting in Canada.
The gaming industry, professional and amateur sports bodies, and gaming regulators in regulated sports betting markets around the world already cooperate to protect the integrity of sport and sports betting. When working together through an integrity monitor like IBIA, the industry can:
- Detect and report suspicious activities in betting markets.
- Use detailed market data to investigate and punish corruption.
- Develop education activities to protect players and sporting events.
- Support sports bodies, law enforcement and regulatory authorities in the fight against fraud and manipulation.
- Channel consumers to the onshore regulated market.
“IBIA will be one of only a handful of sports integrity monitors recognized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for licensed operators and we believe there is great value in deepening our relationship with the organization,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO, Canadian Gaming Association. “As the CGA looks ahead to the opening of Ontario’s iGaming market and the expansion of sports betting products and services across Canada in 2022, the protection of athletes and integrity of sports betting is a key priority.”
Canada
NorthStar Gaming Announces $43.4 Million Long-Term Debt Financing
NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. announced that the company has, subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) in respect of a senior secured first lien term loan facility providing for loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $43.4 million CAD (being the approximate equivalent of $30,000,000 USD) (the “Credit Facility”) to be made available by Beach Point Capital Management LP (“Beach Point”). Playtech plc (“Playtech”) and certain Playtech subsidiaries have agreed to provide credit support for certain obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility represents a significant milestone for NorthStar, strengthening its balance sheet and enabling the Company to continue to accelerate its growth initiatives.
“This is a pivotal moment for NorthStar, marking the largest financing in our history. This Credit Facility strengthens our balance sheet and directly supports our ability to scale operations and drive the business towards profitability with a single-minded focus. We are grateful to Beach Point Capital Management for their trust in our strategy and vision. We are also thankful for Playtech’s steadfast partnership which was instrumental in securing this funding, reinforcing their value both strategically and as a technology provider,” said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar.
“Beach Point has deep experience investing across the gaming sector and is excited to partner with NorthStar to support their strategic initiatives. The online gaming sector has been growing rapidly, and this investment reflects our confidence in the Company’s leadership, market potential, and ability to deliver long-term sustainable growth. Likewise, we value the partnership with Playtech, who are contributing their leading technology, global reach, and strategic vision towards NorthStar’s continued success,” said Gabriel Fineberg, Managing Director at Beach Point.
The purpose of the Credit Facility is to support NorthStar’s continued growth by significantly strengthening the Company’s balance sheet. The Company will use the proceeds of loans made pursuant to the Credit Facility: (i) to repay the aggregate $9.5 million CAD principal amount (plus accrued interest) loaned to the Company by Playtech pursuant to unsecured, interest-bearing promissory notes dated April 25, 2024, September 13, 2024 and December 16, 2024; (ii) to fund an interest reserve account in respect of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to $7,000,000 CAD; (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes; and (iv) to pay transaction costs in connection with the Credit Facility.
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Canada
Playson signs agreement with Light & Wonder in global distribution deal
The award-winning game studio will deliver titles to players in the UK, Canada and Latin America
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, has forged a major global content deal with Light & Wonder to significantly enhance the reach of its extensive games portfolio.
This landmark agreement will enable Light & Wonder’s expansive operator network across the UK, Canada, and Latin America to gain access to Playson’s engaging offering.
UK-based operator Dazzletag Entertainment Ltd was the first to go live with the studio’s creative releases last month, with SUPERCHARGED CLOVERS: HOLD AND WIN and 3 POTS RICHES: HOLD AND WIN launched across its online casino brands.
Light & Wonder’s content marketplace is utilised by some of the biggest operator brands from across the globe, providing them with access to more than 3,500 games from a host of third-party studios to allow them to build personalised, mobile-ready player experiences and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
The partnership signifies the strength of Playson’s reputation as a respected and highly sought-after provider to operators globally, as the rising demand for its games looks set to take the studio to new heights for 2025.
Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “Our deal with Light & Wonder is a major milestone in our strategic roadmap, as we embark on the next chapter of our global growth. This agreement expands our reach and allows us to deliver our appealing titles to new operators and players.
“The launch of our titles across Dazzletag’s two brands is a great start, and we are confident this relationship will further elevate our presence in the ever-evolving online casino space.”
Steve Mayes, Senior Director of Partnerships at Light & Wonder, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a highly respected digital entertainment provider and deliver their portfolio to our network. This strengthens our commitment to offering operators the best game releases available.
“We look forward to other successful launches in 2025, as we continue to support our operators with diverse content.”
The post Playson signs agreement with Light & Wonder in global distribution deal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Blanka Homor Sales Director at Playson
Playson strengthens Canadian footprint with Titanplay partnership
Playson, the established digital entertainment supplier, has secured its latest partnership in Canada after launching its games portfolio with rising iGaming operator Titanplay.
After obtaining its Ontario licence and going live in June earlier last year, Titanplay has made impressive strides in a short space of time with its online casino offering resonating with players across the province.
The agreement sees Playson support Titanplay’s ongoing expansion across Ontario with the supplier’s industry-renowned Hold and Win portfolio now available on the operator’s website, integrated via Relax Gaming’s aggregation platform.
Titles including Coin Strike: Hold and Win, Diamonds Power: Hold and Win and Pink Joker: Hold and Win will enable players to enjoy a feature-led, captivating gameplay experience and expand Titanplay’s rapidly expanding portfolio.
Playson’s latest tie-up underlines its intent of further establishing its brand within Ontario after successfully entering the Canadian province back in 2022. The provider’s industry-renowned portfolio continues to drive long-term value for operators worldwide.
Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “We are proud of the footprint we have established in Ontario with local players truly appreciating the Playson experience. Partnering with an exciting name in the region like Titanplay allows us to accelerate our progress and bring our premium offering to an increased pool of players.
“We look forward to gauging the response from Titanplay enthusiasts and watching this partnership grow from strength to strength.”
Titanplay management commented: “At Titanplay, we pride ourselves with working with industry-renowned names and partnering with Playson seamlessly fits into our plans of becoming a household name in Ontario and across Canada.
“Our portfolio will undoubtedly be elevated by Playson’s Hold and Win collection, offering players a dynamic offering of feature-filled, graphically advanced titles.”
The post Playson strengthens Canadian footprint with Titanplay partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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