Canada
Sweepstakes Casinos Are A Top-Tier Choice
Online casino gaming has always been a big deal in the U.S., but the industry’s popularity has seen a massive resurgence over the past few years. This becomes increasingly evident as more and more states open their doors to virtual casinos. But what do you do if you live in a state that doesn’t have online casino gaming on its horizon for the distant future? The perfect solution is sweepstakes casinos.
If you haven’t heard of them before, sweepstakes casinos are an alternative to traditional, real-money online casinos. In fact, many iCasino enthusiasts would say that they aren’t merely an alternative but a bona fide casino gaming option in their own right.
These kinds of online casino platforms can provide countless hours of entertainment and net you tidy sums of winnings. But here are the two best things about sweepstakes casinos: they offer free gameplay, and you can still play sweepstakes online for money.
How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?
Sweepstakes Casinos utilize two different types of virtual currencies for their games: Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins are for free gameplay. They are given freely through site promotions and giveaways, and they can also be purchased through the sweepstakes casino’s online store.
The other virtual currency, Sweeps Coins, cannot be purchased and can only be obtained through giveaways and promotions. They are also given as a bonus when players purchase a Gold Coin package.
For example, if you were to purchase a $10 Gold Coin package, you would be given a large number of Gold Coins; the specific amount depends on the sweepstakes casino at which you are playing. In addition to the Gold Coins, you would also receive 10 Sweeps Coins that can be used to play any of the sweepstakes casino’s numerous games.
So what sets these precious Sweeps Coins apart from Gold Coins? Sweeps Coins won through casino gameplay can be exchanged for some fabulous prizes, such as gift cards and cash prizes. They are typically redeemed at a rate of $1 USD per 1 Sweeps Coin.
Because Sweeps Coins themselves cannot be purchased and can only be received through gameplay, giveaways, and promotions, they are treated as sweepstakes entries. In fact, like actual mail-in sweepstakes contests that have been popular for decades, players at many sweepstakes casinos can mail handwritten requests for more Sweeps Coins entries, and they will be added to the player’s account freely.
Where Can You Play Sweepstakes Casinos?
Everywhere! Well, nearly everywhere. While traditional, real-money online casino legislation is moving at a snail’s pace, sweepstakes casinos are legal in 48 states across the U.S. The only states that do not permit sweepstakes casino gaming are Washington and Idaho.
Players in other states, however, can enjoy slot games and table games designed by some of the most respected software developers in the industry. Developers like NetEnt, Spinomenal, Microgaming, and Playtech design games for wildly popular online casino brands such as Caesars and BetMGM, and many of their most popular slot titles are available across a number of sweepstakes casino sites.
So, whether real-money online casinos are available or not, give sweepstakes casinos a spin. You’ll get the same great gameplay you’re used to from traditional casinos, you can still win cash prizes, and best of all, it’s free.
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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