Canada
MLS AND IMG ARENA ANNOUNCE NEW LONG-TERM GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP TO POWER NEXT-GENERATION FAN EXPERIENCES
Groundbreaking agreement will provide greater access to data and enhanced storytelling opportunities for the league
Major League Soccer (MLS) has selected IMG ARENA as its Official Data Distribution Partner after an extensive RFP process. The long-term, global partnership will utilize the latest technology to create a new standard for soccer data and drive the next generation of fan engagement in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
IMG ARENA will deliver official data, innovative content solutions, next-generation fan analytics, and marketing tools to MLS’ betting and media partners. The agreement will see the launch of three new MLS live data feeds, designed to enhance the fan experience via a series of brand new digital, media and betting products.
IMG ARENA’s award-winning modularized Event Centres – already successfully implemented in golf and MMA – will offer an unrivalled soccer betting experience for fans by combining MLS data feeds and live streaming, and presenting live and historical event statistics, data visualizations and ultra-responsive markets via 2D and 3D interfaces.
In addition, MLS and IMG ARENA will launch a suite of new digital products enabling the league, its teams and partners to use data, graphics and insights to enhance the game and further engage the digital MLS audience on MLSsoccer.com, the MLS App and all MLS Club Sites.
Freddie Longe, President of IMG ARENA said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to have secured this agreement with MLS for an all-encompassing partnership that allows both parties to plan and work on a long-term strategy that will take us to the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
“It is a partnership truly fit for the data age of sport and shows off the full capabilities of the IMG ARENA product and service offering. Together, we will empower the future MLS universe.”
Chris Schlosser, Major League Soccer’s SVP of Emerging Ventures said: “The extensive collaboration between MLS and IMG ARENA will utilize the latest in digital marketing technology to drive fan growth for MLS and MLS Next Pro ahead of World Cup 2026 in North America.
“IMG ARENA is a proven global leader in an ever-evolving sports betting landscape. We look forward to working with them to deliver the highest quality data for fans to power their MLS sports betting experiences.”
Major League Soccer is the fastest-growing soccer league in the world, more than doubling in size to 29 clubs over the last 15 years. Momentum around the League will continue to grow throughout North America on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. With players representing 82 countries, MLS has the most global player pool in all sports, and its fan base is the youngest, most diverse audience in North American sports.
Headquartered in London, IMG ARENA is a sports data and technology hub serving the Sports, Sports Betting and Sports Media eco-systems. IMG ARENA delivers live streaming and data feeds for more than 45,000 sports events annually, as well as for on-demand virtual sports products and front-end solutions including the UFC Event Centre. IMG ARENA’s clients include the ATP, UFC, European Tour, PGA Tour, EuroLeague, MLS and the FA.
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.
Anna Isaacson
NFL Partners with Responsible Gambling Council to Launch Student-Athlete Training Program in Canada
The National Football League announced a partnership with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to develop and implement a comprehensive responsible gambling training program specifically designed for university and college student-athletes. The RGC and NFL have identified student athletes as an important audience for targeted responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention initiatives, as previous research has shown their susceptibility to risky gambling behavior.
The program will launch with a pilot phase at eight universities and colleges across Canada in the upcoming 2025 spring semester. Insights and feedback from this phase will be used to refine and improve the program before its broader rollout to 30 university and college institutions in the 2025 – 2026 school year. The initiative will include a robust evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness and impact of the training. The NFL and RGC will explore opportunities to share the results and key learnings from this initiative with broader audiences to maximize its impact.
“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviours. Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions. Early responsible gambling education helps student-athletes build capacities to succeed both on and off the field,” said Sarah McCarthy, chief executive officer, Responsible Gambling Council.
“We are proud to support the Responsible Gambling Council in this important initiative. Our shared goal is to equip these student-athletes with the tools and knowledge to navigate gambling risks, fostering a safer and more responsible environment. We also hope to gain insights that will be invaluable in shaping future responsible gambling efforts to benefit all those who play and engage with our game as fans,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.
The program aims to equip student-athletes across Canada with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about gambling. RGC will design and develop a course that is tailored to the specific student-athlete audience, and support in “training the trainer” at participating campuses, which is a key component in ensuring those delivering the training have the right tools and information to support the learning goals of the program.
The training program will include a specialized, interactive session featuring engaging videos, interactive components, and best practices for responsible gambling. After participating in the training, student-athletes will:
• Understand the dangers, risks, and odds of gambling and how players are likely to lose over time.
• Recognize their unique susceptibility to risky gambling behavior.
• Identify the signs of gambling-related harms and their potential impact on players and loved ones.
• Learn about resources available for those experiencing gambling-related harms.
This collaboration with the RGC is part of the NFL’s commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and addressing the critical need for resources devoted to both responsible and problem gambling initiatives. It builds on the NFL’s existing efforts in the space, including its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, which focuses on bolstering problem gambling prevention services and promoting responsible gambling initiatives in the US.
The post NFL Partners with Responsible Gambling Council to Launch Student-Athlete Training Program in Canada appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
The post BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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