Canada
CTP and Square in the Air Launch ‘Chalk + Dog Communications’
Sports wagering-focused agency to focus on expanding North American market, integrate their collective international industry experience, expertise
Sports, betting and gaming communications agency Square in the Air has entered into a joint venture with integrated marketing agency CTP to launch a new agency aimed primarily at the burgeoning sports betting and igaming sector in North America.
Chalk + Dog Communications, which officially launches today, offers a range of services to B2B and B2C companies, including PR, sponsorship activation, social media, paid media, brand strategy, creative production, design, digital marketing, branding and analytics. The agency already has two active clients in Tally Technology and Huddle Tech.
Square in the Air was founded in 2006 as a boutique sports, betting and gaming PR and marketing agency and has grown to a 40-plus team with clients all over the world. CTP, a 50-person agency based in Boston, was founded in 1996 and manages marketing, advertising and communications programs for a range of sports and betting clients including the Boston Red Sox, TVG, Breeders’ Cup, and many others.
Chalk + Dog Communications is headed up by Square in the Air Director Ben Cleminson and CTP SVP Public Relations Todd Graff, with support from both agencies’ full service creative and communications teams. In addition, Jeremy Balan, formerly a reporter at Sports Handle, Bloodhorse and other publications, is joining CTP as a public relations account supervisor later this month as part of the Chalk + Dog team.
Commenting on the new venture, Square in the Air Managing Director, Bill Esdaile, said: “We’ve been considering the best way for Square in the Air to fully enter the U.S. market for some time. We have a number of clients in North America, but we’ve never had people on the ground.
“When we first met CTP, it quickly became clear that they were the perfect partner for us to launch this joint venture with. Like us, they are passionate about sports, betting and gaming, they have a fantastic book of clients and some really talented people.
“The combined expertise, knowledge, passion and commitment of both agencies is a powerful proposition and Chalk + Dog is here to help companies big and small achieve their communications and marketing goals in what is a hugely exciting market.”
Chip Tuttle, CTP Partner, added: “We’ve increasingly been working in the sports wagering space over the last few years, developing a deep understanding of the opportunities and obstacles that brands face, so we’re very excited to launch Chalk + Dog.
“Square in the Air is an ideal partner for this venture given the firm’s trusted leadership, expertise and track record of helping clients in the wagering and gaming sectors. We’re excited about the opportunities as sports betting, online wagering, and related businesses continue to grow in North America.”
The name Chalk + Dog evokes both the favorite and the underdog in betting parlance. A full website will be live at www.chalkanddog.com in the coming weeks.
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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