NY Reports Uptick in Sports Betting Handle and Revenue - Casino Reports
NY Reports Uptick in Sports Betting Handle and Revenue – Casino Reports

New York has issued its latest numbers on its mobile sector, which confirm an increase in both weekly betting volume and . For the week concluding on September 24, 2023, operators contributed to a total wagering of US$428.3 million, as well as US$35.9 million in gross gaming proceeds.

This year is the second one of the Empire State's mobile sports betting market, which officially went on January 8, 2022, with four sportsbooks. Shortly after that all nine operators went up and running. However, there are eight bookmakers taking bets as Bally Bet went offline to integrate a new and should be back online shortly.

Activity and Revenue are on the Rise

In its most recent report, the NYSGC disclosed that for the week ending on September 24, 2023, the eight active operators handled just over US$428.3 million in digital bets. This was a solid 7% increase over the previous week's results when volume hit US$400.5 million. Additionally, it was a 42% improvement on the same week in 2022.

In terms of revenue, the latest weekly report found that proceeds for the bookmakers spiked by 26.9% from the previous week to US$35.9 million. Meanwhile, on year-over-year terms, it was a 100% upgrade. The latest week also was the second one in a row to be under the double digits in hold for operators, as they clocked 8.4%. Slightly up from the 7.1% in the previous week.

For the said week, DraftKings was the top sports betting app with a wagering handle of US$176 million and a hold of under 8%, coming close to its performance from the prior week. Meanwhile, its rival, FanDuel saw a 15% increase in wagers from a betting volume of US$160.1 million. This helped the company record the best revenue return for the week with US$14.8 million.

Up next in the third spot was the usual suspect, Caesars Sportsbook, as for the week of September 24, 2023, it recorded US$43.4 million in handle and revenue of US$3.1 million. A solid increase on its previous week's GGR of U$1.9 million. BetMGM was in fourth among its bookmaker peers with a betting volume of US$26.2 million and its revenue was almost double from the previous week.

More New Yorkers Enroll in Exclusion Programs

However, according to recent reports, there has been an in New Yorkers who have joined voluntary self-exclusion programs after the legalization of mobile sports wagering. Numbers suggest that there was a 33% increase in enrollments in the first 12 after launch. In addition to that, there has also been a 23% bump in calls to the state's HOPEline.

In the meantime, US Rep. Paul Tonko, D-20th's bills to impose a federal ban on sports betting advertisements has not gained any traction in Congress. He explained that there is a need to battle aggressive marketing strategies by sportsbook operators, but also noted that the legislation is not an outright ban on betting ads and instead, it targets predatory advertising.

Source: Senkiw, Brad “Sports Betting Operators in New York See Weekly Handle, Revenue Increase” Covers, September 29, 2023

#Reports #Uptick #Sports #Betting #Handle #Revenue # #Reports

Jackpot Digital Supplies Jackson Rancheria Casino with ETGs - Casino Reports
Jackpot Digital Supplies Jackson Rancheria Casino with ETGs – Casino Reports

continues on its quest to expand across regulated markets. Most recently, the British Columbia-based electronic table games manufacturer inked a deal with Rancheria Casino in Jackson, California. Via the partnership, the supplier will install three of its dealerless poker Jackpot Blitz® electronic table games on the casino's gaming floor.

As a leader in providing casino technology, Jackpot Digital specializes in developing electronic table games for the cruise ship sector and regulated gambling industry. It is popular for its multiplayer gaming products, such as poker and casino games, which are complemented by a robust suite of backend tools for to adjust and utilize in their best interest.

Casino Eager to Offer the New

Crystal Jack, CEO of Jackson Rancheria commented that the gaming property is excited to partner with the provider and install its Jackpot Blitz® dealerless poker electronic table games. She added the casino is committed to delivering a wide variety of unique gaming experiences to its valued patrons and the deal will expand the resort's award-winning amenities.

In addition to its partnership with the Californian casino, the gaming supplier has also inked new agreements or letters of intent for 20 Jackpot Blitz® table installations and has received LOIs for an additional 16 tables from unnamed partners. This amounts to a total of 36 new ETG orders in 2023. These new orders mean a 55% increase in installations for the company.

It should also be mentioned that the company is in the process of securing licensing for the relevant jurisdictions and is projected to begin installations of the next generation of its market-leading ETG in the second half of 2023. It is also expected that the firm's pipeline of new business will grow through the rest of the year as it gains access to new markets.

The company reminds that with each installation it receives additional recurring . Currently, it clients from the cruise ship sector including Carnival Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, Holland America, AIDA, and Costa Cruises. It also works with land-based operators in multiple U.S. markets including Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada and others.

Previous Collaborations

Some of Jackpot Digital's newly acquired partners in the U.S. in 2023 include Signs Gray Wolf Peak Casino in Missoula, Montana. Inked in April 2023, the agreement allowed the provider to debut its industry-leading Jackpot Blitz® ETG at the tribal casino's gaming floor. Expanding to another important market in the country.

But that is not all, as earlier this year, the company also announced that it will be supplying Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, Minnesota with its first-in-class technology. As per the agreement, the B.C. firm launched its premium ETGs with the casino which offers a hotel, 16,400 square feet of gaming space equipped with over 1,800 slots, 18 blackjack tables, a poker room and a bingo venue.

Source: “Jackpot Digital Signs Three-Table Deal with Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort in California” Yahoo, September 26, 2023

#Jackpot #Digital #Supplies #Jackson #Rancheria #Casino #ETGs #Casino #

Fallsview Casino Resort Opens a New PlaySmart Centre - Casino Reports
Fallsview Casino Resort Opens a New PlaySmart Centre – Casino Reports

Last week saw the launch of a new at providing more inviting and educational space for patrons. The opening of the redesigned and relocated centre saw the arrival of representatives of the Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the Responsible Gambling Council, and the operator of the casino, Mohegan Gaming, who celebrated the occasion.

The aim of the centre is to provide an information space for players who want to take a break from playing, learn, and utilize advice and resources to support positive players and help keep fun in the game. Located in the Galleria by Ponte Vecchio, it's projected to attract even more visitors to familiarize themselves with the available interactive and responsible play tools.

Aiding Patrons in Making Informed Playing Choices

Catherine Meade, VP, Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, OLG noted that PlaySmart Centres like the new one at the Niagara Falls casino are a crucial part of the Crown's globally recognized, award-winning responsible gambling program, PlaySmart. She remarked centres are equipped with interactive tools and resources to help players make informed decisions.

OLG's renowned PlaySmart program aids patrons in building knowledge, understanding the risks, learning valuable insights on personal playing behaviour and engaging in positive play habits. It also comes with My PlayBreak, which is one of the first voluntary self-exclusion programs in Canada and helps gamblers who wish to take a break from their playing activities.

Players should be aware that PlaySmart Centres are located at all Ontario casinos and charitable gaming centres are run by the Responsible Gambling Council. Since April 2019, these venues have clocked over half a million visitors. For instance, last year alone, the PlaySmart Centre at Fallsview Casino Resort helped over 13,000 individuals.

Meanwhile, OLG is pleased to see the recognition for its responsible gambling program. It was recently named as a finalist in four separate Global Regulatory Awards, including the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Safer Gambling, Compliance Rising Star Special Award; the Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Responsible Gambling; and the Responsible Approach to Advertising or Marketing Award.

These recent recognitions improve on the OLG's past achievements from other global organizations. It has also been certified by the World Lottery Association at the highest level since 2010 and has been given the best overall RG program by the WLA twice. Last year, OLG also received endorsement from the North American State and Provincial Lotteries.

Promoting Inclusion

In addition to responsible gambling, OLG also touts progress in diversity. Earlier this year, the corporation was included in Forbes' list of Canada's Best Employers for Diversity for 2023. Out of 150 companies in the honourable list, it ranked in 70th place in 2023. OLG believes in creating a culture of inclusion where its ' differences are valued, celebrated and seen as strengths.

Source: “New PlaySmart Centre at Fallsview Casino Resort” OLG, September 29, 2023

#Fallsview #Casino #Resort #Opens #PlaySmart #Centre #Casino #

Parq Vancouver Reveals 6th Anniversary Festivities - Casino Reports
Parq Vancouver Reveals 6th Anniversary Festivities – Casino Reports

Last week was one of the celebrations for in B.C. as the gaming and entertainment destination marked its sixth of premium operations. For the occasion, the establishment hosted an anniversary party on September 29, 2023, which featured a Lion Dance, cake cutting, prize draws, and more all in one day.

On Friday, celebrations kicked off with a Lion Dance in the main lobby making its way into the floors. Then there was a cake cutting with a massive 35”x75” anniversary cake served to around 500 guests. Then at 11:59 p.m., three lucky winners got CA$600 each, with members of Encore able to redeem one ballot for free.

More Than Just

On top of the celebrations, Parq Vancouver is using the occasion to reflect on and further cement its commitment to the community and environmental initiatives. Since its launch, the property has bought more than CA$16 million of goods and services from local businesses, while also supporting over 180 charities and non-profits by delivering 5,700+ meals and 3,000+ pounds of food.

In October 2022, the Canada Green Building Council awarded the destination a Gold Certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Canada Rating System for New Construction and Major Renovations. This was after the property successfully conducted an independent, third-party verification as part of the LEED® certification process. Making it one of the B.C. establishments to get one in 2022.

The complex was built with materials indigenous to the city and B.C. as possible, such as North Shore rock indoors and out and Douglas fir and pine trees for its green space. Helping reduce over 38,000 pounds of CO2. Also, its green efforts align with the city's Greenest City 2020 Action Plan which addresses sustainable design, green mobility, rainwater management, and much more.

Last but not least, Parq Vancouver is also a major promoter of responsible gambling, as the gaming property is often in the top-five rankings in Canada and globally. At the moment, it boasts #1 rank in Canada and #2 rank internationally. Its exceptional gambling offerings are complemented by two luxury hotels – The JW Marriott and the Douglas Autograph Collection.

Marking the Start of the NHL Season

Just recently, Parq Vancouver also announced that it will be celebrating the new NHL season with hockey-themed promotions. As the official gambling partner to the Vancouver Canucks, the gambling location is a number of promos to bring hockey fans closer together and make its amenities the ultimate destination for the many local fans of the sport.

Some of the newly added promotions include a Special Game Day Menu at BC Kitchen, based in the casino. Those who present tickets after a game will be eligible for a 15% discount on food. This will be available throughout the duration of the season. Some of the items are the Powerplay Pretzels, Double Stack Burger, and Fin's Feast.

Source: “Parq Vancouver Marks Sixth Anniversary Milestone with Lion Dance, Cake Cutting, Prize Draws on September 29” Foodology, September 28, 2023

#Parq #Vancouver # # #Anniversary #Festivities #Casino #

ALC Incorporates Innovative eInstants from NeoGames - Casino Reports
ALC Incorporates Innovative eInstants from NeoGames – Casino Reports

Atlantic Lottery Corporation is expanding its catalogue of eInstants, as the Crown agency partners with leading supplier, NeoGames Studio. As part of the deal, the leading provider of lottery and gambling solutions has launched premium eInstants with . Thus, helping it bolster its presence in the Canadian regulated market.

NeoGames is a technology-driven distributor of iLottery and iGaming solutions and services for regulated lotteries and gambling . It offers a full-service suite of solutions, including a proprietary technology , two expert game studios, one for lottery and one for gaming with an impressive portfolio of games, and several value-added services.

Terms of the Partnership

The agreement has been facilitated by NeoPollard Interactive and has allowed ALC to implement titles from a rich library of content by NeoGames Studios. The corporation can now take advantage of a renowned portfolio of acclaimed and top-performing games. The deal is also the first entirely online content collaboration for the studio in the Great White North.

Additionally, the Crown and the gaming provider will cooperate on creating a roadmap of future games and technological innovation. Thanks to the most current and innovative products from the provider, it is expected that Atlantic players will experience an enhanced online gambling experience on the ALC.ca platform, which is the only regulated iGaming website in the region.

Hili Shakked, Managing Director of the studio commented that the collaboration is the first content-only agreement for the company in Canada. In his words, it highlights the firm's devotion to delivering advanced solutions that meet the unique needs of players. He is optimistic, that the company's games such as Desert Fantasy will be warmly welcomed by ALC players.

ALC's Director of iGaming, Robert Lalonde remarked that the Crown corporation is eager to debut games from the provider's cutting-edge library and bolster its internet gaming experience for players. He added that via the deal, ALC will attempt to enhance game content and broaden its appeal to bettors, while remaining committed to responsible gambling habits.

Latest by ALC

Recently, ALC shared its concerns regarding the more and more prevalent online gambling ads across the country and the Atlantic region. This was in connection to two large banners of Bet99 at a YQM Country Festival in New Brunswick. The operator's activity in the province is unlawful, and many locals are not aware of it when playing on the site.

Earlier in the summer, the Atlantic Lottery helped Newfoundland and Labrador launch its first regulated platform for iGaming. The digital offerings in the province are available via ALC's website. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only Canadian jurisdiction where there are no land-based casinos, but now its residents can enjoy iGaming from the comfort of their homes.

Source: “NeoGames Studio its eInstant games with Atlantic Lottery in Canada” GlobeNewswire, September 28, 2023

#ALC # #Innovative #eInstants #NeoGames #Casino #

Sports Interaction Launches Revamped iGaming Platform - Casino Reports
Sports Interaction Launches Revamped iGaming Platform – Casino Reports

Sports Interaction is bolstering player experience as the gaming operator has introduced a revamped version of its . Earlier this week, the company's online services went offline for a while in preparation for its new platform, Sports Interaction 2.0. Users now have access to a plethora of new features for a better online experience.

The company offers online gaming focused on covering sports that Canadians adore while also providing leading digital and poker options from the industry. Its app touts thousands of options on various sports while its iCasino features unique slots for the country. The online gaming platform is accessible to anyone aged 19 or above.

Incorporating New Content and Features

According to the sports betting brand, some of the new upgrades include enhancements of same game parlays, and improved and promotions, such as price boosts, bet insurance, and special odds boosts. Players can also enjoy more live betting options, more player pros, and over 1,000 new games, including slots, live dealers, jackpots, and more, from the best providers in the sector.

In addition to that the company has also reworked daily prizes in the all-new Spin the Wheel, and there are also CA$1,000's in prizes in casino leaderboards. Experienced sports bettors may notice that the revamped platform looks similar to BetMGM sportsbooks, which is due to Entain which owns BetMGM, purchasing Sports Interaction via Avid Gaming in February last year.

Leon Thomas, Entain's managing director, Canada noted that it was sentimental to say farewell to the company's homegrown platform, built up over two decades, but the operator is pleased to introduce Canadian bettors to Entain's revamped top-notch sportsbooks. In his words, it provides a broader and deeper selection of wagering options for players to enjoy.

Sports Interaction is now up and running in as a legal operator for online gaming in the province. This is possible after in August 2022 it was licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to legally operate in the province. Via the permit, the operator is eligible to offer regulated online casino and sports betting to residents of the province.

Advertising Changes

Established in 1997, SIA relied on brand ambassador Chris Pronger to reveal the recent revamp of online services. The company also touts current NHL players Mitch Marner and Leon Draisaitl on its marketing team. However, after the recent ban on pro athletes in ads by the province, the sportsbook will have to reconsider its marketing approach.

AGCO published its updates to the Standards for Internet Gaming at the end of August, prohibiting the use of active or retired athletes in their ads. It also barred the participation of celebrities, role models, influencers, or cartoon characters, due to their appeal to children. However, the new standards will go into effect next year on February 28, 2024.

Source: Warren, Greg “Sports Interaction gets a revamp” Canada Sports Betting, September 28, 2023

#Sports #Interaction # #Revamped #iGaming #Platform #Casino #

BCLC Predicts Surge in Lotto 6/49 Ticket Sales - Casino Reports
BCLC Predicts Surge in Lotto 6/49 Ticket Sales – Casino Reports

British Columbia Lottery Corporation is expected to have higher lottery activity as the for Lotto 6/49 reached a whopping CA$68 million. The provider of lottery products said that it projects 20% higher in the game for the record draw on September 27, 2023, in comparison to other mega-sized jackpots over the recent couple of years.

Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball draw is guaranteed to find a winner, as thirty balls – 29 white and one gold are put in the drawing. If the gold bold is randomly selected, one ticket sold for that draw will win CA$10,000,000. If a white ball is chosen, the winner gets CA$1 million and the Gold Ball jackpot increases by CA$2 million for the next draw. The next draw then has 28 white and one gold.

Historic Draw

Wednesday's September 27, 2023 draw of the nationwide Lotto 6/49 marked the first time since the introduction of the format that all 29 white balls have been drawn before the gold one. Therefore, the next round of the game is guaranteed to feature a maximum Gold Ball jackpot of CA$68 million. The odds of winning it depend on the total number of tickets purchased across Canada.

A spokesperson for the said that the Crown corporation does not keep real-time statistics on how many tickets it has sold for Wednesday's draw so far. But even if it did, the exact figures will not be issued to the public to the business interests. The representative explained that the Crown sees an increase in ticket sales when the jackpots reach CA$50 million or higher.

For the occasion of the record-setting main prize, BCLC celebrated the draw with another round of its “Feeling Golder” promotion. It kicked off at noon on Wednesday, and it saw the regulator giving away 6,800 free CA$3 Lotto 6/49 tickets to individuals who wore visibly gold clothing or accessories at BCLC mall lottery kiosks. This does not apply to everyday jewelry.

Canadians Cash Out Lotto 6/49 Payouts

The new and improved version of Lotto 6/49 was officially implanted in September 2022, but this has not stopped Canadians from already cashing out on some amazing prizes from it. The first-ever Gold Ball jackpot in the game was won by the Quebecer – Jean-Marc Poirier. He landed a prize worth a hefty CA$36 million from the October 29, 2022 draw of the popular lottery offering.

Fast-forwarding to February 2023, when the Lottery and Gaming Corporation reported that three winners with two winning tickets will share a CA$5,000,000 jackpot from the New Year's Eve draw. The first winning ticket belongs to Debra and Kenneth Skitch from Bowmanville and they have been playing the lottery for over 40 years.

Then the second eligible ticket for the award came from New Tecumseh with the 54-year-old Shane King as the owner of the ticket. Mr. King revealed that he has been playing the lottery for over 10 years now, and shared that his emotion took over once he realized that he is the winner of a sizeable CA$2.5 million windfall from Lotto 6/49.

Source: Holliday, Ian “BCLC expecting 20% increase in ticket sales for record Lotto 6/49 jackpot” CTV News , September 27, 2023

#BCLC # # #Lotto #Ticket #Sales # #

Great Canadian Rewards Registration is Now Available Online in Ontario - Casino Reports
Great Canadian Rewards Registration is Now Available Online in Ontario – Casino Reports

This week, Entertainment enhanced its offerings for its patrons, as it debuted Great Canadian in the province. The land-based operator's program is now the first gaming and entertainment rewards program launched in Ontario, which offers its users a fully digitalized experience.

Established back in 1982, Great Canadian Entertainment is a leading operator of brick-and-mortar gaming locations in Canada with a portfolio of 25 gaming, entertainment, and hospitality properties. They are based in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Its gaming locations welcome more than 20 million visitors every year.

Perks Available Online

Great Canadian Rewards program has enjoyed quite the success in Ontario connecting the operator's 12 premium gaming destinations in the province. This includes its newest Great Canadian Casino Toronto and Pickering Casino Resort. It is free to join and allows members access to a series of exclusive perks when they use the Great Canadian Rewards card.

Some of its perks include generous free play rewards which are gained by playing at the company's casinos. There are also complimentary and discounted dining offers at its restaurants. Members can also utilize discounts on hotel stays at its Pickering Casino Resort, Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel, and the brand-new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

Upon signing up for the loyalty program, users will be required to digitally verify their identity using the Interac® document verification service and verify information such as name and date of birth. The registration can be done through a mobile phone, hence, making it easier for patrons to join the program for free and take advantage of its exclusive perks.

The company reminds that along with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, it remains committed to promoting responsible play. Its Ontario locations come with a PlaySmart Centre which offers players gambling knowledge and tools to help them create and maintain positive gambling habits, along with other responsible playing tools for players.

More from Great Canadian Entertainment

Over the last few , the operator of land-based gaming establishments made some important announcements. One of those was a collaboration with the world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsey. As per the partnership, the company will launch a Gordan Ramsay Burger at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver and a Gordon Ramsey Steak next year at River Rock Casino Resort.

In addition to that, recently, the gambling conglomerate released the list of the recipients of its 2024 PROUD Scholarship. The money is set to help many families prepare for school, as sometimes the process can be expensive as there are some hefty tuition fees and other school-related expenses. The program awards CA$1,500 scholarships to ten post-secondary students

Source: “Great Canadian Entertainment Announces Great Canadian Rewards, First Gaming and Entertainment Rewards Program in Ontario with Digitized and Secure Identity Verification” PR Newswire, September 27, 2023

#Great #Canadian #Rewards #Registration #Online #Ontario #Casino #

Quebec Casino Employees End Strikes After Months - Casino Reports
Quebec Casino Employees End Strikes After Months – Casino Reports

Loto-Québec has most recently reported that at its gambling locations across will be finally coming to an end. The Crown corporation revealed that CSN-affiliated from its four casinos and gambling have agreed to end the strikes. The staff has opted to accept the recommendation made by the Ministère du Travail conciliator.

Strikes in Gatineau, Montreal, Charlevoix Mont-Tremblant and the Crown agency's online gambling platform began in the middle of June 2023. They demanded better pay to match the rapidly increasing cost of living in the country. However, for a while, the employer refused to match their request as it deemed the demands too steep.

Issue Now Resolved

It was recently reported that the workers of the four casinos and the online platform have voted 73% in favour of accepting a recommendation of the conciliator that will end the labour dispute. Now, approximately 1,700 unionized employees will gain a salary increase of 16% over six years, integrating 2% of the bonus and a lump sum of CA$1,250 to their salary.

Intercasinos spokesperson and president of the Montreal security department, Riccardo Scopelleti. commented that during the strikes, workers from all locations stood united. He is now proud to see the bonds of solidarity created between employees. Loto-Québec is also pleased to see the conflict end and find a responsible agreement with its employees.

The recommendation of the chief conciliator of the Ministry of Labour was filed to the general assemblies of the numerous protesting units. Voting was quick and ended on Monday, September 25, 2023. It also marked the first time that the nine teams of Intercasinos negotiated together. This will boost their relationship, said Vice-President of the FEESP–CSN, Frédéric Brun

Lastly, Loto-Québec commented that staff members will return to their positions over the coming weeks for a gradual resumption of its gambling activities. The Crown also advised customers to visit each of the casino's official websites, where they can find the opening and business hours of each property and what services are available to patrons.

Regulator Pulls the Plug on Mini-Casino

Earlier this year, the Crown announced its intentions to launch nearly 300 video lottery machines at the former Taverne 1909 restaurant in downtown Montreal. However, the project was recently opposed by Montreal Public Health (DRSP), which issued a 40-page report detailing the potential harms related to the opening of a casino right next to the home of the Montreal Canadiens.

Shortly after DRSP's report was made public, Loto-Québec announced its decision to abandon the project for the mini-casino. It shared that it respects the opinion of the public health organization, but still believes the project is a missed opportunity. t claims that it has suggested a responsible project to reduce their accessibility and remove 600 VLTs in bars in disadvantaged areas on the island of Montréal.

Source: “CSN-affiliated employees agree to end strike” Loto-Québec, September 26, 2023

#Quebec #Casino #Employees #Strikes # #Casino #

Ontario Operators Seek Clarity on iGaming Ads Changes - Casino Reports
Ontario Operators Seek Clarity on iGaming Ads Changes – Casino Reports

Not long ago, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of made some significant changes to its advertising and marketing standards. The gambling watchdog banned the use of active and retired athletes in ads. However, online in the province's sector have recently called for clarification of the new marketing standards.

In April 2022, Ontario became the first territory to privatize its online gambling market, which saw the licensing and launch of numerous third-party operators in the sector. The market is overseen by AGCO which has already fined several registered operators and suppliers for breaching the province's Standards for Internet Gaming.

Stakeholders Need Clarifications

Kindred Group's Amanda Brewer has recently stated that stakeholders are in a bit of confusion as to what defines an athlete or a celebrity. She added that no operator had any appetite for the visit in the early days of the market launch when the inducement language was far from clear and operators got served fined for breaching inducement rules.

The iGaming watchdog introduced its updated standards on advertising at the end of August 2023, hence banning stars from featuring in gambling endorsements. However, those rules will go into effect on February 28, 2024. This is another transitional period for the regulator who previously gave private brands a deadline to apply for a license in the province.

Ms. Brewer said that from an integrity perspective, the changes to ads make sense, but she believes that it does not address of the volume of ads. She commented that if the problem is how many ads are aired, and that the problem last year was mainly with the NHL, then, the topic needs to be taken up with the NHL and the broadcasters.

Paul Burns, the president of the Canadian Gaming Association is also wondering what is the difference between a celebrity and a retired athlete, and what are the metrics to determine what appeals to minors. The CGA has contacted the AGCO and has requested to be part of the process for developing the details of the new advertising regulations.

”Too Little Too Late”

However, changes to the iGaming advertising have come too late according to Noah Vineberg, who completed Ontario's sole residential treatment program for problem gambling. He believes the update in gaming ads would have made an impact if the province had listened to all the advice of other countries and everything going into it had not been allowed.

Diana Gabriele, a certified counsellor at the CPGDD at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, remarked gaming ads are quite problematic for most people as in recent years they have become quite common in sports broadcasts. She claimed the ban on sports stars is a good first step, as prior to the past six or so, she has seen this proliferation of gaming ads in her life.

Source: R. Dorson, Jill “Ontario Stakeholders Want on Latest Advertising and Marketing Updates” SportsHandle, September 26, 2023

#Ontario #Operators #Seek #Clarity #iGaming #Ads # #