Canada
Amazing Trends that are Set to Transform the Gambling and Casino Industry in 2021
The year 2020 has made it to the history books when the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the entire world into a recession. It hit many industries that even some of the well-established businesses have to shut down. However, it is not the case for the gambling and casino industry.
The gambling and casino industry grows as an increasing number of online casinos, and gambling sites appear on the market. These sites are generating high revenues despite the world’s current situation.
More people turn to their hand-held devices for entertainment, such as gambling and betting. Top it up with huge technological upgrades and user experience. Below are the trends transforming the gambling and casino industry in 2021.
Mobile technology
Gaming on mobile devices has brought casino games and other gambling sites closer to players than ever. In developed countries where virtually everyone owns a mobile device, gambling is at their fingertips. With blazing WiFi speeds of 4G and soon 5G with unlimited data packages, free online casino apps are being downloaded to virtually all smartphones and other devices.
Most players prefer playing on their mobile devices as it allows them to play anytime and anywhere. They don’t have to spend on expensive computers or wait for the boot up before they can start playing. Moreover, they can play quick games with their mobile devices while watching tv, sitting on the bus, or at the park while watching their kids playing around.
More than 50% of all gambling is done on mobile devices, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if mobile gambling becomes more common shortly.
Artificial intelligence
AI or artificial intelligence has been solving many problems and saving humans from tons of working hours in the casino and gambling industry. The AI is being used in:
Chatbots: Customers don’t have to wait in line for customer support to answer their queries. AI chatbots can solve any complicated issues.
Anti-scammers: Sadly, many players are still trying to abuse the online casinos and other players by using different apps or bots to gain unfair advantages. AI can find these individuals and kick them out of the site.
Customer behavior analysis: AI can analyze the players’ preferences to offer them the best solutions and options on a personalized approach. AI can determine the types of promotions it can offer to each player, making their user experience less frustrating and more interesting.
Enhances game processes: AI can detect any problem within the game and inform the developer.
VR and AR changes the user experience
Virtual reality and augmented reality have created a lot of impact on the industry of gaming. Online casinos use technologies to offer their players “complete immersion” within the game, taking their user experience to a higher level.
Through VR and AR, gamers can visit a casino, play games like slot machines, and interact with other players in real-time without going out of their homes.
The blockchain technology
Transactions made using cryptocurrency are currently the fastest and the safest mode of payment. Players don’t have to use their bank, credit/debit card account information if they pay via blockchain.
Moreover, blockchain utilizes non-editable and timestamped record blocks that a group of computers manage, making it impossible to hack. It also provides transaction transparency with high limits and less transaction costs.
Gambling legislation
The past years have seen many changes in gambling legislation. Many countries have become open to gambling operations that offer them a good amount of tax income from their revenues. Moreover, its legalization allows it to become safer and more regulated.
Since the emergence of gambling sites and online casinos, the popularity of the gambling industry keeps on rising every year. Moreover, the pandemic had pushed the technological improvements further and made many changes in the legislation.
While the year 2021 is still struggling for many industries, the gambling and casino industry remains unaffected. Instead, it keeps on prospering despite all the challenges that the world is currently facing.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation
SCCG Management Signs Contract with British Columbia Lottery Corporation
SCCG Management has signed a contract with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the B.C. Crown corporation which conducts and manages commercial gambling in the province, including lotteries, casinos, and online gaming. This partnership aims to undertake a comprehensive assessment and strategic enhancement of BCLC’s diverse operations.
The work between SCCG and BCLC will involve a thorough review of technological infrastructures, strategic market positioning, and the integration of various gaming modalities. SCCG’s extensive expertise will be pivotal in harmonizing BCLC’s online and physical gaming experiences.
Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, said: “Our collaboration with BCLC represents a remarkable opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation within the gaming industry. We are committed to deploying our resources and expertise to enhance BCLC’s operational efficiencies and customer engagement strategies. It’s an honor to partner with an organization that has a robust impact on the community through its support of public initiatives.”
AGCO
AGCO Requires Ontario Gaming Operators to Stop Offering WBA Bets Due to Integrity Concerns
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has mandated all Ontario-registered sportsbook operators to halt offering and accepting wagers on World Boxing Association (WBA) events immediately. This measure is being taken to protect the Ontario betting public following concerns that WBA-sanctioned boxing matches are not adequately being safeguarded against match-fixing and insider betting.
Since December 2023, the AGCO has been conducting a comprehensive review of suspicious wagering activity on a WBA-sanctioned title fight between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro that was held in Orlando, Florida. Suspicious betting patterns on the bout lasting over 5.5 rounds were reported to the AGCO by two registered independent integrity monitors and detected in Ontario by a registered igaming operator. Media reports also alleged that Tellez’s Manager placed $110,000 on the match lasting longer than 5.5 rounds at a Florida casino. The bout ended with Tellez knocking out Navarro in the 10th round.
Following an intensive review that included outreach to the WBA, Ontario-registered gaming operators, independent integrity monitors, and regulators in other jurisdictions, the AGCO has concluded that bets related to WBA events do not currently meet the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
The AGCO requires all Ontario-registered gaming operators to ensure the sport betting products they offer are on events that are effectively supervised by a sport governing body. At a minimum, the sport governing body must have and enforce codes of conduct that prohibit betting by insiders.
Registered gaming operators were unable to demonstrate to the AGCO that the WBA prohibits betting from insiders, which could include an athlete’s coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, medical professionals, or others with access to non-public information. Further, registered gaming operators were unable to demonstrate that the WBA took any action to investigate or enforce the allegations of potential match-fixing and insider wagering.
The AGCO has indicated to registered operators that in order for WBA betting products to be reinstated in Ontario, operators must demonstrate that the WBA effectively supervises its events, thus bringing them into compliance with the Registrar’s Standards. In December 2022, the AGCO required gaming operators to stop offering bets on UFC events for similar issues related to insider betting safeguards. Within a month, UFC amended its policies and implemented new protocols that allowed the AGCO to reinstate betting on UFC events in the province.
“Ontarians who wish to bet on sporting events need to be confident that those events are fairly run, and that clear integrity safeguards are in place and enforced by an effective sport governing body. Knowing the popularity of boxing in Ontario, we look forward to reinstating betting on WBA events once appropriate safeguards against possible match-fixing and insider betting have been confirmed,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of AGCO, said.
Andrew Cochrane Chief Business Officer of GiG
GiG increases Ontario market presence, powering the launch of Casino Time
Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG), has announced the launch of Casino Time, powered by its award winning iGaming platform and pioneering real-time rules engine LogicX, with revolutionary sportsbook, SportX soon to follow, to further extend its footprint in the regulated Canadian province of Ontario.
The launch of Casino Time carries extra significance, marking only the second time that on-demand, regulated online Bingo has been made available in Ontario. The new Bingo product vertical, launched alongside a strong Casino offering, will be boosted by GiG’s new sportsbook, SportX, as part of a planned release later this year.
GiG has focused its solutions on driving exponential growth in revenue for operators with its highly scalable iGaming platform, offering localised third party content and leading suppliers for the Ontarian market. GiGs peerless gamification layer creates an optimised and immersive casino experience tailored to regional preferences, swelling client retention and player engagement.
Canadian owned and operated, Casino Time is a joint venture amongst leading retail operators in Ontario’s Charitable Gaming sector, delivering Bingo, Slots and Live Dealer Casino Games. Promising a personalised service and community experience, Casino Time is continuing its long-standing partnership with local charities, introducing its joint fundraising model into the iGaming space for the first time.
Now coming towards the end of its second year of licensed operations, Ontario has emerged as one of the largest iGaming markets in North America, second only to New Jersey according to data supplied by Vixio. The first and as yet only Canadian province to launch a regulated market, Ontario boasts more than 1.6 million active player accounts spread over 40 plus operators, generating €1.3 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in its first year of trading, with this data supplied by iGaming Ontario.
Andrew Cochrane, Chief Business Officer of GiG, said: “GiG continues to set the pace with a strong cadence of brand launches in 2024, and I’m pleased that when operators are seeking platform solutions in regulated markets, GiG is leading the pack. Our partnership with Casino Time, will help deliver something new and exciting to the Ontarian market, and further helps to demonstrate the flexibility of our solutions, adapting to match the regional aspirations of our partners to deliver growth.”
D’Arcy Stuart, CEO of Casino Time, said: “We are thrilled to partner with GiG as the core technology provider of our iGaming platform. Their powerful suite of player engagement tools, as well as diverse content and regulatory integrations, underpin our ability to serve and delight our player community. Our hybrid online and offline customer network, as well as unique bingo offerings, will drive exciting opportunities as the platform and the marketplace continues to grow.”
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