

Canada
Rivalry Launches Esports and Sports Betting in Ontario
Rivalry Corp., an internationally regulated sports betting and media company, announced that its online esports and traditional sports betting service is now live in Ontario. On the first day of regulated online gaming in the province, Ontario residents can access Rivalry’s full sportsbook at www.rivalry.com.
In a field of new entrants dominated by foreign-based operators, Rivalry is one of the only Canadian companies launching internet gaming services in Ontario. Founded in Toronto in 2016, Rivalry’s headquarters and origin are at the heart of the province, and the Company applauds the regulatory efforts that have led to it being able to now legally operate there. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange and is growing rapidly, with month-over-month betting handle1 growth averaging more than 20% since the start of 2021.
In addition to being a local success story, Rivalry stands out from the pack in several other ways. Rivalry’s largest segment is esports betting, which is especially popular with the younger Millennial and Gen Z demographic. As a proud Toronto start-up, the Company built its brand among younger audiences through compelling content and quality product experiences that inspire loyalty and community. This approach has made Rivalry the most engaged brand in esports betting globally.2 High engagement results in lower customer acquisition cost which helps drive profitable unit economics in comparison to peers who often offer high up-front incentives to attract new users.3
Rivalry’s unique approach will be evident in the way it builds awareness in Ontario. The Company is launching a marketing campaign starting today, built around the theme: “Bet on Canada. Bet on Rivalry.” Local residents will be exposed to the Rivalry brand through a holistic campaign featuring uniquely captivating visuals that play out in a brand video delivered through social media channels, a full wrap (inside and out) enveloping one of Toronto’s most iconic symbols, a TTC streetcar, along with more grassroots wild postings that will be featured prominently in the city’s downtown core.
“We do things differently at Rivalry. We are aiming to be the sportsbook for the next generation through engaging content and innovative experiences that entertain and create loyal fans of Rivalry who come back for more,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “To launch in our home market feels like a dream come true, and a very significant milestone in our creation of a leading global brand.”
Ontario is Canada’s largest province with a population of approximately 14.9 million people. It is the first province to allow regulated internet gaming by private operators since the Canadian government enacted legislation in August 2021 giving provincial and territorial governments discretion to conduct and manage single-event sports betting in their respective jurisdictions. According to the Government of Ontario, the size of the online gaming market in the province is estimated to be $1 billion annually.4
Ontario becomes Rivalry’s second fully regulated market following the approval of its Australian license earlier this year. The Company continues to pursue licenses in additional regulated markets around the world, and will explore opportunities for further expansion within Canada as other provinces develop their respective regulatory frameworks.
Betty
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
The post Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BCLC
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
The post Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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