Canada
Light & Wonder to Debut Five New Casino Game Titles Exclusively at IGA 2023
Light & Wonder Inc., the leading cross-platform global games company, announced that it will be unveiling five new exciting proprietary casino game titles during the Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow & Convention (IGA) on March 27-28 in San Diego, CA. Casino operators and game enthusiasts at the event will receive an exclusive first look at L&W’s new titles including BIG HOT FLAMING POTS, ZODIAC LANTERN, and RICH LITTLE HENS, an extension of the evergreen hit game franchise RICH LITTLE PIGGIES.
On the Systems side of the business, the company will showcase L&W ENGAGE, a comprehensive loyalty platform, in addition to launching new hardware in the form of IVIEW PRO which provides operators more security, faster response times, and sharper, more dynamic, graphics for the player experience. Additionally, in the electronic table game (ETG) space, L&W is starting to roll out a newly designed podium and several new sign packages for its QUARTZ Hybrid product line.
“Now more than ever, casinos are reinvesting in their floors and seeing the tremendous value created for their players who want more modern, immersive game content with solutions and services to enhance the guest experience. To respond to these needs and the demand for next-generation content, our team of award-winning game designers and studios have created a robust pipeline of new games that will continue to launch throughout the year across multiple platforms,” said Siobhan Lane, Light & Wonder CEO of Gaming.
Devised by renowned game designer Qin You, BIG HOT FLAMING POTS is a three-pot mechanic game that features Yummy, Upsized, and Spicy pots as well as vibrant animations including a whimsical “dumpling tossing” feature. The game allows scatter prizes to be removed and won before the end of the Hold & Spin feature for a more exciting and extended gameplay experience. BIG HOT FLAMING POTS will be available for sale on L&W’s powerful new COSMIC display cabinet, which was unveiled last year.
Also making its debut on the COSMIC cabinet is the new ZODIAC LANTERN series that features two titles, ZODIAC LANTERN – TIGER and ZODIAC LANTERN – RABBIT, combining the Persistent Pot from 88 FORTUNES with a multi-reel array Hold & Spin feature. These thrilling games – created by Jamie Knight, the innovative designer behind the hit MONEY LINK franchise – were inspired by the Chinese zodiac cycles, the Year of the Tiger (2022) and the Year of the Rabbit (2023). Free Game bonuses in both games are triggered by three Koi Fish Symbols and the Lantern Feature – the main Hold & Spin feature for these titles – which triggers by landing six Lantern Symbols.
RICH LITTLE HENS is a new franchise focused around three hens that continue to grow until a bonus is triggered. With the opportunity to combine all three hens into one MEGA feature, players can experience up to a 7x wild multiplier, progressive free games, and a jackpot chase all at once. Designed by Shawn Soong, the studio behind the success of BLAZING 777 2x3x5x NUDGE and BLAZING 777 TRIPLE DOUBLE JACKPOT WILD, RICH LITTLE HENS also offers a high-denom option with newly added denominations setting it up for success with all players.
During the event, L&W will be unveiling several new game titles that are extensions of some of its most popular brand franchises including MONEY LINK POWER 4 and DANCING DRUMS ULTIMATE EXPLOSION. MONEY LINK POWER 4 allows players to play all four of the franchise’s amazing titles – THE GREAT IMMORTALS, NEPTUNE’S REALM, EGYPTIAN RICHES, and GIFTS OF ODIN – at the same time. DANCING DRUMS ULTIMATE EXPLOSION features new enhancements such as multiple progressive resets.
Attendees are also encouraged to visit the Light & Wonder booth (#1341) at the tradeshow to learn more about the company’s upcoming Class II gaming offerings including a new Class II WAP link launching on COSMIC.
Light & Wonder gaming experts Jon Wolfe, President of Global Systems and Services, and Nathan Drane, SVP of Global Product Management, will also be joining panel discussions on “Trends You’ll be Seeing in 2023” and “The Latest in Class II Gaming.” Both sessions are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 28 at 9:00 AM PT during the education series.
Canada
Play’n GO announces partnership with Canadian operator PointsBet
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced further expansion of its Canadian operations via a partnership with leading operator PointsBet in the province of Ontario.
The Swedish-founded gaming giant’s games will now be available to PointsBet players in the Canadian province, meaning classic titles such as Book of Dead, Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, and Reactoonz will now be available on the PointsBet platform.
The province of Ontario regulated online casino gaming in 2022, which saw Play’n GO enter the Canadian market for the first time. The company expanded into the province of Quebec earlier this year, and, as of June 2024, is also a proud member of the Canadian Gaming Association.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO, commented, “Back in 2022, I said that “North America is right at the top of Play’n GO’s priority list, and Ontario is just the first step we plan to take”. This partnership with PointsBet shows we have yet to take our foot off the gas. We’ve proudly watched our games become instant hits in our two and a half years in the Ontarian region, and we have no plans to slow down any time soon.
“It’s exciting to team up with a fellow Canadian Gaming Association member in PointsBet, and we can confidently say that we are working towards the same goal of a safe, regulated industry that is focused on player entertainment. We’re looking forward to working closely together following this milestone announcement.”
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer at PointsBet, shared “Play’n GO has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality game content, and we’re thrilled to bring their titles to our platform. At PointsBet, our focus is on providing a safe and engaging entertainment experience for our players, and it’s clear that Play’n GO aligns with those values. Canadian casino enthusiasts recognize PointsBet as a trusted leader in iGaming, and this collaboration further enhances the exceptional experience we offer.”
Anthony Novac
VICI Properties Inc. Enters into Agreement with Indigenous Gaming Partners Related to PURE Canadian Gaming
VICI Properties Inc. announced that it has entered into an amendment and consented to the assignment of the master lease agreement with PURE Canadian Gaming Corp. (PURE) to an affiliate of Indigenous Gaming Partners Inc. (IGP), in connection with the acquisition of the operating assets of PURE by an affiliate of IGP.
IGP is a partnership of five institutional First Nations established to acquire gaming assets in North America. IGP has partnered with Sonco Gaming, one of Canada’s most experienced casino developers and managers, who will assist in the sourcing and execution of casino gaming investments, as well as management oversight of IGP’s portfolio.
Danny Valoy, Vice President of Business Development and Acquisitions, said: “This transaction demonstrates VICI’s ability to collaboratively work with existing partners while building new relationships with highly experienced operators and First Nations in international jurisdictions. We are pleased to welcome IGP as a new partner, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with IGP and Sonco as they pursue additional growth opportunities in the future.”
Anthony Novac, CEO of Sonco, said: “We are excited to work with VICI, an established partner in providing financial solutions to the gaming industry. We believe having a partner like VICI will give us a competitive advantage as we seek growth opportunities in the Canadian market.”
In connection with entering into the amendment to the PURE Canadian master lease, VICI received a 5-year right of first offer (ROFO) on future sale-leaseback transactions. Any additional properties acquired pursuant to the ROFO will be added to the master lease.
The annual base rent of C$22.0 million (US$15.5 million based on the CAD:USD exchange rate as of December 9, 2024) and other economic terms of the PURE Canadian master lease will remain unchanged, including a base term of 25-years with four 5-year tenant renewal options, escalation of 1.25% per annum in lease year 3, with escalation equal to the greater of 1.5% and Canadian CPI (capped at 2.5%) starting in lease year 4, and a minimum capital expenditure requirement equal to 1.0% of annual net revenue. The lease, currently in lease year 2 and escalating on February 1 of each year, encompasses the following assets in Alberta, Canada: PURE Casino Edmonton, PURE Casino Yellowhead, PURE Casino Calgary and PURE Casino Lethbridge.
Anthony Attard
Aquimo Announces First-of-its-kind Partnership with Sportsnet to Bring Interactive Mobile Gaming and Elevated Fan Experiences to Hockey Night in Canada Broadcasts
Aquimo Inc., a leader in mobile gaming technology for sports broadcasts and live events, has partnered with Sportsnet, Canada’s #1 sports network, to bring hockey fans a one-of-a-kind, new interactive mobile gaming experience. Sportsnet Slap Shot Showdown – a brand-new, custom mobile game developed by Aquimo, launched on December 7 during Sportsnet’s live Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, giving fans across Canada a chance to compete in real-time multiplayer challenges and a month-long contest to win exclusive prizes, including a 2025 Hyundai Kona. This collaboration marks Aquimo’s first television broadcast partnership in Canada and a milestone in the company’s expansion into the market.
Powered by Aquimo’s innovative technology platform, Sportsnet Slap Shot Showdown will allow fans to engage with live hockey broadcasts in an entirely new way while watching their favorite teams compete on ice. Aquimo’s proprietary mobile tech enables millions of fans to play together in real-time, seamlessly integrating branded experiences into live broadcasts. For broadcasters like Sportsnet, Aquimo’s platform provides tools to boost audience retention, foster loyalty, and create measurable value for brand sponsors through a highly engaging second screen experience.
Beginning this month, fans watching Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet can join the action by simply scanning a QR code displayed on-screen during each live broadcast, allowing them to test their hockey skills in dynamic challenges against fellow viewers. Throughout the month of December, players can stay engaged well beyond the live broadcasts, competing for weekly prizes and a chance at the top grand prizes. This innovative collaboration merges the thrill of live hockey with the excitement of competitive gaming, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience for fans while creating unique opportunities for advertisers to connect with Sportsnet’s engaged audience.
“We’re proud to be working with Sportsnet to bring this unique activation to life and give Canadian hockey fans an exciting new way to engage with the game they love – one that creates a dynamic and immersive connection with the action both on and off the ice. This collaboration underscores the power of interactive mobile gaming to transform live sports broadcasts, and our ability to create meaningful engagement for fans while providing a new form of measurable value for broadcasters, their sponsors and partners,” said Mark Jeffery, founder and CEO of Aquimo.
Fans participating during each live broadcast will have access to exclusive challenges and the opportunity to win weekly prizes, made possible by Sportsnet’s brand partners. Weekly top two eligible high scorers can look forward to winning special rewards including Shark/Ninja Game Night Packs consisting of a sushi maker, vacuum, indoor grill and a cooler, or $250 Today’s Shopping Choice gift cards, adding to the game-day experience and excitement on the ice. Throughout December, players can continue competing in multiple games to climb the leaderboard, culminating in the awarding of two grand prizes. The top scorer across all games at the end of the month will win a 2025 Hyundai Kona, while the second grand prize winner will be chosen via a random drawing at the end of the month and will receive a year’s supply of coffee from Tim Hortons. All participating fans will automatically be entered into the drawing.
“Our collaboration with Aquimo and the launch of Sportsnet Slap Shot Showdown represents an innovative step forward in how we engage our audience and marketers. By incorporating Aquimo’s interactive gaming technology into our broadcasts, we’re not only enhancing the fan experience, but also giving our partners a new and exciting platform to connect with fans in a meaningful and memorable way,” said Anthony Attard, Vice-president of Sales at Sportsnet.
This partnership highlights the growing demand for interactive, audience-driven experiences in live sports broadcasting. For Aquimo, the partnership represents a significant step forward in its mission to revolutionize fan engagement on a global scale. As its first broadcast partnership in the Canadian market, this activation demonstrates the company’s ability to tailor its platform to meet the needs of broadcasters and brands, while delivering a best-in-class experience for fans. For Sportsnet, it underscores the network’s commitment to innovation and its leadership in delivering exceptional hockey coverage. Together, the two companies are setting a new benchmark for fan participation, creating a win-win for fans, broadcasters, and brand partners alike.
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