Alberta may seem like the frontrunner, but Quebec is also emerging as a contender in the debate over which Canadian province will follow Ontario’s lead in implementing a regulatory model for online gaming. 

Report Reveals Ontario Gaming Model as Solution to Quebec’s Budget Woes

With Quebec facing budget challenges, the government has tasked crown corporations, such as Loto-Québec, with finding cash savings totaling $1 billion. Now, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition has unveiled a report highlighting the economic benefits of Ontario’s regulatory model.

Chartered accounting firm Mallette conducted an economic analysis of iGaming Ontario for the fiscal year 2022-23, its inaugural year of operation. The report revealed that iGaming Ontario, in collaboration with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), generated approximately $230 million in revenue for various levels of government after expenses. Specifically, iGaming Ontario contributed at least $145 million annually to the Ontario government’s coffers. Moreover, OLG’s revenue from online gaming surged by 31% during this period.

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, comprising prominent industry players such as Betway, Bet99, and DraftKings, sees potential in replicating Ontario’s success in Quebec. Nathalie Bergeron, spokesperson for the Coalition, emphasized the profitability of Ontario’s model and its ability to address budget deficits. She highlighted that such a regulatory framework not only generates new revenue but also facilitates the implementation of responsible gaming measures.

Quebec’s Gaming Sector Pressure Sparks Interest in Ontario’s Economic Success

The economic impact of iGaming Ontario extends beyond revenue generation. The province experienced a significant boost to its GDP, with nearly $1.6 billion added in the first year alone. Additionally, the industry created over 1,800 jobs with salaries averaging $103,000, well above the provincial average.

The Quebec government faces mounting pressure to modernize its gaming sector, especially considering the substantial revenue leakage to unregulated markets. A November 2023 report from GeoComply revealed that thousands of attempts were made in Quebec to access Ontario-regulated mobile bookmakers during the 2023 NFL season. 

Back in December, GeoComply actually partnered with the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition to safeguard the integrity of the industry and prevent fraudulent access. 

Furthermore, polling conducted for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition indicated strong support among Quebec-based online gamblers for a licensing system to regulate private-sector operators.In light of Quebec’s fiscal challenges and the Finance Minister’s call for optimization efforts from crown corporations, the Coalition proposes a regulatory framework akin to Ontario’s. Such a model, while tailored to Quebec’s needs, could yield similar economic benefits, providing a viable solution to the province’s budget deficit.

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Casino gambling, wagering on sports and iGaming activities are prohibited in China. The country has tough laws when it comes to gambling, but an exception is applied to Macau, a popular tourist destination and a special administrative region (SAR) of China.

Although the city offers casino gambling, the crackdown against the activity extended from China with a request for Macau to implement foreigner-only gambling halls. This came in an effort to track their activities and determine what part of the operators’ revenue comes from foreign tourists.

Details regarding the new requirement first emerged a couple of years ago toward the end of 2022. Despite the requirement, separating foreign casino visitors was significantly unpopular and the gambling operators quickly identified this trend along with the need for an effective way to track the activities of foreign visitors.

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO and president, participated in the J.P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant and Leisure Management Access Forum, as announced by IAG. During the event on Friday, the executive spoke about the ineffectiveness of the foreigner-only gambling zones, uncovering details regarding an innovative solution the company used to tackle the issue.

Hornbuckle said that with the implementation of the new requirements for foreigner-only visitors, operators faced a challenge as they had to establish private rooms for gamblers from different jurisdictions. This otherwise separated the visitors and turned out to be a significantly unpopular method.

The Chip in Chip Technology Brings Benefits

Addressing the need to track the gambling activities of foreign gamblers in Macau, MGM Resorts implemented a new “chip in chip” program. The company’s CEO and president spoke about the benefits of this technology, outlining that it allows the venue to track every chip and at the same time reduce gaming errors. According to Hornbuckle, the technology also played an important role in the back-end operations, including financing and accounting.

“We put in a ‘chip in chip’ program several years ago where basically every chip is tracked, and the benefit at the time was no errors to the game, you knew exactly where to put your labor, there were a bunch of back-end benefits as well in terms of accounting and financing, and it was meaningful.“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president at MGM Resorts

Calling the technology a huge advantage, the executive said that tracking the activities of foreign players is easy. At the same time, Hornbuckle said that customers from different jurisdictions are not separated from each other, which contributes to the customer experience. Finally, MGM Resorts’ boss said that the gambling regulator in Macau approves the technology considering its effectiveness.

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Leading investment firm with an interest in the iGaming vertical, HappyHour.io, has announced a new strategic investment in state-of-the-art, artificial intelligence-based cashier and digital wallet solution, Fluid. 

In May, the same gaming investor announced an important investment in Betty.ca, an Ontario-based online casino brand looking to strengthen its position in its home market while penetrating new North American markets.

Revolutionizing Digital Payments in the iGaming Industry

By investing in the supplier of innovative payment technology that offers seamless integration to operators’ platforms and customized user experiences via artificial intelligence, HappyHour will further help Fluid hit the gas pedal in terms of growth and expansion. 

Fluid’s declared goal is to completely change how digital payments are perceived by offering a “next-generation digital wallet designed to improve conversion, reduce fraud,” and delight customers starting with the iGaming vertical. 

Accordingly, the promising startup is already doing a good job at harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence to generate individualized user experiences which include flawless integration with operators’ brand identity and distribution of anti-fraud mechanisms for clients. 

The latter works proactively by identifying and stopping suspicious activities while making sure that operators and users alike can complete their transactions in a safe environment with the utmost confidence that they are well protected.

“A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth”

Fluid’s chief executive officer, Roberto Rubio, took the opportunity to express enthusiasm regarding the newly inked agreement, explaining that HappyHour’s investment in Fluid has represented “a catalyst for innovation and growth.”

Rubio also praised HappyHours’ “deep industry knowledge” mixed together with their strategic guidance and support, all of which have proven to be essential in empowering Fluid to redefine the way digital transactions occur in the gaming world. 

The CEO called the HappyHours team “more than just investors,” describing them as trusted partners sharing their own vision and devotion to generate the ultimate experiences for users.

At the same time, HappyHour’s managing partner, Robin Reed, used a similar statement to express their pride to be “a part of this journey” next to Fluid, a company that he called “poised to raise the bar” for what the world expects from for a solid digital wallet and cashier solution.

Reed also spoke about Fluid’s ability to create fully user-centric experiences while establishing fresh benchmarks in terms of safety and efficiency. 

Delivered as a web component, Fluid offers in-depth user tracking and relies on advanced machine learning models that can effectively spot and counter fraudulent activities.

Earlier in the year, in June, HappyHour announced it would strengthen its C-suite by appointing Ben Clemes as its new investment portfolio partner. 

The company also took the opportunity to make it known that, from his new position based in San Francisco, Clemens would be responsible for helping the company extend its connections with a variety of startups belonging to the gambling vertical. 

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Sumsub, a full-cycle verification platform, has announced the launch of the first integrated solution for user verification, anti-fraud and compliance in gaming. The brand-new Full-Cycle Verification and Player Risk Profiling tool allows platforms and operators to seamlessly cover the whole player lifecycle and optimize revenue in a safe and compliant fashion.

Sumsub is notably the first provider to provide a holistic verification solution that covers all aspects of player onboarding, fraud prevention and compliance.

According to Sumsub, its new solution is based on four core pillars of verification. First of all, the new tool ensures fast and secure Player Onboarding that is compliant with over 220 jurisdictions across the world. The solution leverages KYC/AML, age verification and proof of address to onboard new customers in under 30 seconds. The company’s Non-Doc Verification functionality allows users in certain countries to only enter their ID number without needing to scan any documents.

The second pillar is Fraud Prevention, highlighting Sumsub’s commitment to preventing account-related fraud, bonus abuse and affiliate fraud. This helps operators mitigate fraud-related losses.

Sumsub also leverages a Player Risk Profiling and Analytics module to help operators identify at-risk players and intervene. Customizable options allow companies to fit the solution to their needs.

Finally, Sumsub’s solution leverages a first-to-the-market Responsible Gaming solution that is based on the company’s Transaction Monitoring system and experience in the compliance sector. Thanks to that, gambling companies can prevent regulatory violations and avoid trouble.

Sumbsub’s co-founder and chief innovation officer, Jacob Sever, commented on the new launch. He said that gaming operators are often overwhelmed by multiple solutions they need to cover their players’ lifecycles. In addition, the solutions available to them rarely correspond to their specific needs and are not tailored to the user profile of gamblers.

As a result, many gambling companies are forced to develop in-house solutions. However, Sumsub will change that, providing companies with an unprecedented full-cycle verification platform for gaming companies.  

Player Risk Profiling and Analytics module is incorporated into the solution, further reinforcing our support for gaming operators’ and platforms’ needs in reducing risk. Previously, we launched our automated Responsible Gaming solution to help gaming companies stay fully compliant with RG regulations.

Jacob Sever, co-founder & CIO, Sumsub

Sumbsub’s new solution leverages the company’s experience in the sector and its previously released solutions. As mentioned by Sever, the company released its Responsible Gaming solution earlier this year, just in time for Responsible Gaming Education month.

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The bustling streets of Barcelona welcomed the gaming world to the SBC Summit from September 19th to 21st, 2023. With over 15,000 delegates hailing from various regions, this event stands as one of the industry’s largest gatherings. Among the prominent attendees was Slotegrator, ready to unveil its cutting-edge turnkey online casino solution infused with the prowess of artificial intelligence (AI). As the Catalan capital played host to this grand affair, Slotegrator took center stage to showcase its technological marvels.

Tapping into Spain’s Gaming Enthusiasm

Spain, one of Western Europe’s gaming giants, boasts a combined Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of a staggering €7.6 billion. The Spanish population’s ardent love for gaming and esports is evident in annual studies, with more than 80% participating in gambling activities between 2010 and 2020, according to Statista. This fervor makes Spain a market ripe with potential and a community deeply invested in gaming.

Slotegrator leveraged the brilliance of the SBC Summit Barcelona to reveal the unique capabilities of its platform, leaving the audience in awe. Here’s a closer look at the innovative features that stole the show:

1. Artificial BI Module: Streamlining Strategic Decision-Making

Slotegrator’s AI-infused platform incorporates an Artificial BI (Business Intelligence) module that streamlines analytical processes and expedites strategic decision-making. This advanced module equips operators with the tools to track crucial analytical data, facilitating a more serious version of their business’s performance. Operators can also compare their profitability and other essential metrics with peers operating in the same market segment, fostering healthy competition.

2. Chatbot Powered by ChatGPT: 24/7 Support and Insights

Enhancing the customer support experience, Slotegrator introduced a responsive chatbot powered by ChatGPT. This ever-ready assistant is available round the clock to guide operators on maximizing their project’s income and address various concerns. The chatbot doesn’t just solve problems; it provides real-time advice and insights, helping operators in navigating the dynamic iGaming industry.

3. Multiplayer Chat Function: Fostering Player Communities

Slotegrator’s loyalty to creating a dynamic player society shines through its multiplayer chat function. This feature delegates players to initiate conversations across the casino’s front pages, promoting networking and community building. It acts as a powerful tool for player retention, supplying an engaging and interactive experience.

In the vibrant backdrop of Barcelona, Slotegrator’s AI-powered innovations took center stage, promising to elevate the online casino experience for operators and players alike.

Commenting on the latest innovation, Yana Khaidukova, Managing Director at Slotegrator said: “We presented the new AI-powered capabilities of Slotegrator’s turnkey online casino solution at one of the industry’s most anticipated events – the SBC Barcelona Summit. We believe in AI and embrace this technology because of its efficiency and inexhaustibility. AI has fantastic potential for development in the areas of accelerated data processing, smart analysis, behavioral detection, and accurate prediction. All these options are useful in the iGaming sphere because they help to save time on routine, time-consuming, but nevertheless essential tasks.”

Source: ”Slotegrator presented its solutions at SBC Summit Barcelona 2023: AI, Telegram Casino, and new features”. European Gaming. September 28, 2023

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Sumsub, the global company that offers a full-cycle verification platform, has announced the launch of its new Responsible Gaming solution, the world’s first fully automated one.

This new automated Responsible Gaming control solution will enable online casino and sports betting operators to ensure their customers behave in a responsible way while enjoying the thrills of casino gaming or betting.

The company chose to launch the product in September because it was declared the Responsible Gaming Education month by the American Gaming Association. This allowed Sumsub to join the gaming community’s efforts to give players the best available solutions to protect themselves from gambling harm.

Sumsub’s new solution is aimed at online casino platforms that have an obligation to promote responsible gaming because in some jurisdictions the operators can face significant fines if they don’t comply or even have their license revoked.

Responsible gaming is a set of rules which are designed to protect vulnerable players but also ensure regulation compliance along with mitigating legal risks and preserving a brand’s reputation. Casino operators must set deposit limits, offer players self-exclusion options and provide resources for those who are seeking help when dealing with a gambling addiction.

Sumsub developed this automated solution using the company’s Transaction Monitoring system, along with its global compliance expertise. The solution offers a set of rules for responsible gaming controls, including flexible KYC, betting patterns analysis, suspicious activity alerts and potential gaming addiction checks.

Helpful Tools for Casino Operators

Using these tools, online casino operators can detect whether a deposit amount is disproportionate to a certain player’s income or if a player raises or disables the gambling limits. Moreover, operators can check gaming session frequency and duration, playing time, and other parameters that can indicate problematic behavior.

Sumsub also gives operators preset rule bundles for onboarding new players depending on the respective jurisdiction, checking their gaming activities in compliance with the local regulatory demands. This process is fully automated, allowing casino and sportsbook operators to reduce time and cost but also reduce risks associated with human errors.

Last but not least, this solution helps operators in the gaming sector deal with the threats of identity theft and payment fraud, preventing behaviors such as bonus abuse or even account takeovers and money laundering.

Tony Petrov, Chief Legal Officer at Sumsub, added that through this automated solution his company “stays at the forefront of safe gambling and actively promotes responsible gaming among organizations shaping the industry.”

Source: “Sumsub Offers First Automated Solution for Responsible Gaming Control“. Sumsub. September 19, 2023.

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Full-cycle verification platform Sumsub announced the release of an automated Responsible Gaming solution for Responsible Gaming Education month. The new solution offers reliable monitoring that can help gambling operators avoid hefty fines.

Sumsub highlighted the importance of September to responsible gaming in the United States, expressing its own desire to protect players and help iGaming operators shield themselves from fines.

In line with what Responsible Gaming Education month stands for, Sumsub released a solution that can help gambling companies solve their compliance-related needs. Based on Sumsub’s Transaction Monitoring system and experience in the global compliance sector, the solution offers a set of rules for responsible gaming controls.

The solution includes flexible know-your-customer (KYC) setup, betting patterns analysis and player’s behavior monitoring and suspicious activities alerts, and potential gaming addiction checks. By leveraging Sumsub’s automated solution, gambling operators can set certain rules and detect when players bet disproportionate amounts of money, start gambling more frequently or make changes to their betting limits.

The new solution allows operators to set rules for onboarding users in certain countries, allowing operators to remain compliant in multiple regions.

The Solution Will Help Operators Prevent Fraud

In addition to helping operators protect their players, the solution will also help gambling companies prevent fraud, such as money laundering, identity theft and payment fraud. Operators that use the solution will also be able to crack down on bonus abuse and other similar schemes.

The automated nature of the Responsible Gaming solution also helps operators cut costs and reduces their manpower needs.

Sumsub’s chief legal officer, Tony Petrov, commented on the release of the automated Responsible Gaming control solution. He pointed out that it will help online gaming platforms identify addicted players, minimize the risk of fraud and remain compliant with the latest industry regulations.

Petrov said that the revolutionary automated solution will help Sumsub remain ahead of the curve when it comes to responsible gambling.

There are numerous checks that can be performed when monitoring transactions related to gaming, and when properly set, they help indicate possible gambling issues. By providing an automated, yet flexible, set of rules, Sumsub stays at the forefront of safe gambling and actively promotes responsible gaming among organizations shaping the industry.

Tony Petrov, chief legal officer, Sumsub

Earlier this year Sumsub provided operators with advice on preventing fraud.

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MIRACL, a provider of passwordless, single-step multi-factor authentication, has unveiled a partnership with gaming tech specialist Playtech. Under the agreement, MIRACL’s cutting-edge solution will be integrated into Playtech, allowing it to provide its operator clients with a secure login tool.

In its announcement, MIRACL noted that the partnership attests to its dedication to seamless, easily accessible gameplay that nevertheless provides players with safe gaming experiences. In addition to improving the user experience, MIRCL aligns with MFA iGaming regulations concerning player login security.

Boasting recognition from the New Jersey DGE, MIRACL fully replaces traditional usernames, passwords and two-factor authentication processes. Because of its reliability, it is used by an increasing number of iGaming providers.

MIRACL pairs true two-factor authentication with the latest Zero Knowledge Proof patented technology. As a result, no personal player data is stored or transmitted, protecting players from attacks. MIRACL also protects customers’ accounts from unauthorized access, making their online gaming experience safer.

In the meantime, operators that leverage MIRACL’s solution often enjoy improved profitability and are able to maintain the integrity of their games.

MIRCAL’s CEO Believes Passwords Are Not Suited for iGaming

Rob Griffin, MIRACL’s chief executive officer, commented on the partnership with Playtech, expressing his company’s excitement. He said that his team is thrilled to form an alliance with such a renowned provider and benefit from its extensive market reach.

Today, we are delighted to announce our partnership with Playtech to bring our passwordless, single-step yet highly secure login to their customers and users.

Rob Griffin, CEO, MIRACL

Speaking of MIRACL’s capabilities, Griffin noted that the solution improves operators’ revenues by bringing them more traffic. At the same time, the solution cuts unnecessary costs as it eliminates the need for expensive customer support.

Griffin pointed out that passwords can be hard to remember, are oftentimes cumbersome for the user and represent a “security nightmare.” The CEO believes that passwords are not fit for purpose in the “fast-paced, impulse-driven and multi-account environment of iGaming.” This is why his team seeks to improve the user experience, providing players with a reliable way to get into their accounts with just a few clicks.

In other news, Playtech’s chief executive officer, Mor Weizer, recently expressed his concern that many of its competitors have been shifting away from regulated markets, instead chasing the opportunities offered by the black market. Despite that, Playtech remains committed to strictly operating in regulated markets.

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REEVO is strengthening its state-of-the-art aggregation platform with the arrival of Stakelogic which is a company with an established track record in the development of online casino and live casino games.

Bringing Partners and Players the Best Possible Content

REEVO is all about bringing a more worthwhile experience to fans, and the company does this by providing partner operators with its own in-house titles but also aggregating titles from dozens of studios and developers. Players are welcome to explore the full variety of aggregated content that is available through REEVO’s platform, which now includes Stakelogic games.

Stakelogic is known for its excellent graphics and overall execution of games. It also features 360-degree technology that brings you unparalleled experiences across the board. Right now, Stakelogic is joining REEVO’s library of more than 70 game providers along with 8,000 games that span the full variety of game genres, from crash to slots, to table and live games.

REEVO Head of Sales Petra Maria Poola welcomed this opportunity and said that her company was very excited to add yet another prominent supplier to the library of games available to its network. Stakelogic Senior Sales Manager Danila Dzehs was similarly pleased with the opportunity to expand the company’s reach through REEVO’s powerful seamless API integration and reach with many established operators in the industry.

“Together, we will elevate the iGaming experience and set new standards in the industry,” Dzehs noted. Both companies are naturally happy with the collaboration as it’s mutually beneficial. Stakelogic has been fast-expanding in places such as the Netherlands through single-operator integrations and partnerships, but this REEVO tie-up will allow the company to scale its presence in more markets.

REEVO Strikes Important Partnerships with Global Leaders

REEVO on the other hand is keen to continue adding more suppliers. The company has the ambitious goal of having 60 new suppliers in 2023 alone, as the total count has been increasing exponentially. REEVO recently launched its own in-house products with 888 Holdings, and the company’s brands, including William Hill, Mr Green, and 888casino, strengthening both companies’ presence in the iGaming sector.

In the meantime, REEVO also strengthened its library with the addition of Hacksaw Gaming, one of the most established and worthwhile studios in the industry.

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BGaming has penned a new partnership agreement with Casimba Gaming, a provider of customer-centric aggregation solutions, marketing data, design and development expertise. Under the agreement, BGaming’s award-winning portfolio of casino games will be integrated into Casimba’s aggregation platform.

As announced, the studio’s lineup of over 100 mobile-friendly titles will make its way into Casimba’s B2B solution. As a result, the latter company’s partners and their players will be able to access fan favorites such as the crypto-casino-themed Limbo XY and the Nordic-themed Gemhalla.  

The partnership will help Casimba Gaming cement itself as a leading industry name. By integrating more games into its portfolio, the company will be able to “meet the increased demand for a high-quality iGaming experience.”

Casimba Gaming is a newly launched brand resulting from the recent merger between the marketing and software development agency Whitezip and the platform provider Markor Technology.

The Two Companies Are Delighted to Work Together

Casimba Gaming’s director of B2B, Lavina Karlsson, commented on the new tie-up. She said that the partnership with an esteemed software provider such as BGaming is a great opportunity to elevate Casimba’s aggregation service. As a result, the company will be able to “deliver a heightened level of diversity and innovation,” Karlsson said.

BGaming’s contribution can be observed in the vast selection of user-friendly, mobile-optimized slots and crypto-casino-themed games, which we can now extend to our casino partners in the future.

Lavina Karlsson, director of B2B, Casimba Gaming

In the meantime, BGaming’s head of sales, Olga Levshina, said that her team is happy to join forces with Casimba Gaming. Levshina said that she hopes for a fruitful partnership that will extend BGaming’s presence.

We are delighted to work with Casimba Gaming, who are such an important and significant client for us. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen our presence in major markets, including Europe and Canada, as the provider continues its growth trajectory.

Olga Levshina, head of sales, BGaming

Speaking of BGaming, the studio just rolled out Savage Buffalo Spirit Megaways, a Megaways spin on its hit buffalo-themed title. This followed the release of a dice-themed slot called Dice Million and a magic-themed game titled Luck&Magic.

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