Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/05/17
AGS Celebrates Launch of Slot Games Across 30 Alberta Casinos
Casino supplier American Gaming Systems (AGS) has announced the omnichannel launch of its slot titles Rakin’ Bacon! Odyssey and Rakin’ Bacon! Sahara in 30 land-based casinos in Alberta and an online launch on PlayAlberta.
The two slots’ launch, which already had successful launches in the US and British Columbia, brings with it an ‘Aloha Alberta’ theme, drawing inspiration from the Hawaiian Luau festival, in which pigs often played a central role in celebratory feasts.
“This isn’t just any launch, it’s a massive undertaking that embodies AGS’ bold vision and our proven ability to deliver exceptional gaming experiences across both online and land-based platforms. Spanning 30 casinos as well as online, this is our largest omnichannel promotion to date, packed with opportunities for players to get in on the fun,” said Zoe Ebling, VP of Interactive at AGS.
Ontario Regulator Urges Media Platforms to be Mindful of Promoting Illegal Gambling Sites
Ontario’s gambling regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has urged over a dozen media platforms to be wary of promoting unregulated gambling content, specifically illegal gambling platforms like Bodog, to Ontario residents.
Bodog, an offshore platform based in Antigua and Barbuda, founded by Canadian entrepreneur Calvin Ayre, has been specifically targeting Ontario players through advertising despite restricting its content to other provinces, notably Quebec and Nova Scotia.
As per the Gaming Control Act of 1992, AGCO reiterates that gambling sites that promote content in Ontario must register with the regulator and sign an operating agreement with the online gaming overseer, iGaming Ontario.
“The AGCO is committed to protecting Ontario players and ensuring they have the safest experience by playing on regulated igaming sites. By refusing to carry advertising from unregulated and high-risk operators like Bodog, media organizations can exemplify social responsibility and play an important role in protecting Ontarians and supporting Ontario’s regulated market,” explained Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, in a statement.
PointsBet to Consider Betr Acquisition Offer
Australian gambling group PointsBet, and owner of Canadian PointsBet Sportsbook & Casino, has announced that it would be considering the proposal made by fellow Australian gambling operator Betr, referring to it as a ‘superior proposal’ to the prior offer made by Japanese group Mixi.
Betr’s bid, placed in February, is worth AU$360 million, with the group also expecting AU$40 million in annual synergies. PointsBet deemed it more favourable than Mixi’s offer, which was valued at AU$353 million and would entail Mixi acquiring 100% of PointsBet’s issued shares.
In an updated statement regarding Betr’s proposal, PointsBet said, “PointsBet’s initial focus will be on the value of synergies and Betr scrip, as the implied value of the Proposal for shareholders is heavily dependent on these two elements given that the Proposal contemplates a 57% cash / 43% scrip funding mix.”
Yet, Betr has clarified in its proposal that it would divest PointsBet’s Canadian assets to Hard Rock Digital to fund the cash portion of its acquisition bid. Hard Rock Digital, in turn, would acquire the assets for US$29.6 million.
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
