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Exclusive interview: Gaming1’s Chief Business Development Officer, Victor Araneda details the company’s US growth strategy

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Following its joint venture with Delaware North, Gaming1 is moving its focus to the exciting US market, where it recently opened its latest office in Miami.

With plenty more developments in the pipeline, Gaming Americas spoke to the company’s Chief Business Development Officer, Victor Araneda, about its plans for the US market and what will differentiate them from the competition.

Talk us through GAMING1’s 2021 – what were your key successes and how has your entrance into the North American market performed so far?

Last year was extremely busy as we completed our US joint venture with Delaware North and set up our platform to debut in the first few states. We worked incredibly hard in putting together a state-of-the-art product and a very exciting collection of talent for our joint venture in the US, Gamewise, including our General Manager John Worthington.

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On top of that, we recently opened our new offices in Miami, and I speak for all of us when I say we’re looking forward to launching operations with the new technology at our disposal. It was a fantastic year, but now it’s all about 2022 as the US opportunity opens up more and more and we will be on hand to help our partners take advantage.

With upcoming events on the calendar in the US, how do you plan to showcase what GAMING1 brings as a unique partner to the market?

It’s been so long since we’ve been able to have everyone under the same roof, so I think we are all looking forward to that in and of itself. Having spent the better part of the last 17 years travelling to events like these, I’m eager to get back on the road. Rest assured, I will be in attendance at all the upcoming events introducing prospective partners to our technology and unique business model.

Gamewise, as a turnkey operator with strong casino lineage, understands the need to strengthen the potential of our land-based partners and the bond they’ve created over time with their patrons. We bring the technology and know-how to expand that relationship into the interactive environment. Our platform was created with the earned secret of that lineage. It is flexible and modular because we believe that an effective interactive offering should have a multi-provider approach for both sports betting and iGaming, just like an operator would have on a casino floor.

Going into more detail on your Delaware North partnership – what has the deal entailed and what are your plans for growth together?

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Delaware North and Gaming1 share so much of the same DNA and business philosophy. Two entities still owned by families that embody the spirit of true partnership in the United States and Europe. These are businesses built with a client-oriented approach which is reflected in our technology. We truly understand the strength of tradition and the power of brand and the value of land-based converging into the interactive environment.

Gamewise will be looking to not just operate in jurisdictions where we have direct access but to also share our technology with partners that share the same vision and want to bring their businesses into the digital world in other states.

Looking at the US market as a whole – which states has GAMING1 got its eye on for future plans?

It’s no big secret that we’re planning to deploy our technology in all states where Delaware North currently operates. We’re also putting together an ambitious plan that includes market access and B2B partnerships. Our parent companies were built through partnerships, and we look for Gamewise to continue that tradition and bring that experience to the online arena through partnerships. The exciting thing about the US market is how new it is and how fast it is evolving. We are certainly looking forward to assessing the landscape as it regulates further throughout 2022.

How key do you believe the likes of New York and Florida are going to be in terms of new states fueling a further surge in US betting handles?

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It’s somewhat disappointing to see that two of the largest and most influential states in the union have taken so long to come on board and produce competitive legislation. In terms of fuel for the industry, our eyes and praise have long been for states that have embraced online casino side by side with sports betting, with the most recent examples being West Virginia and Michigan.

We believe that legislation that allows for all verticals and robust products should be the norm as they offer the most value for players and all stakeholders. There are hopeful signs of moving in this direction in a number of states.

Moving further North to Canada, what potential do you see the market holding? 

Gaming1, together with Delaware North, are looking forward to the continued rollout of legislation across Canada. It’s a market we feel will do very well and that is taking a conscientious approach to regulation.

Several jurisdictions in the country have been predicted to be some of the most attractive in North America. One very reliable recipe for success for any state is a high population, highly competitive market, sizable player volumes and high bonus offers. The combination of these elements makes Canada one to keep an eye on.

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And last but not least, looking at LatAm, where you’ve already achieved plenty of success – how do you see the LatAm market shaping up for 2022?

We feel there’s still so much to do in Latin America in terms of specific regulation and market development. On top of that, weakening economic prospects in some of these major countries, including Brazil, continues to make this difficult to predict. The region’s economy still seems to be sluggish and trying to bounce back from the pandemic. Some signs indicate a potential rebound, however, particularly in countries with high vaccination rates.

It feels like only yesterday, but it’s been over four years since Colombia passed their clearly successful regulation model and yet so many of their neighbors have failed to follow that example. Gaming1 still feels bullish about the prospects of the region and will be waiting with bated breath for new openings.

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Canada

Soft2Bet granted Ontario Certification of Registration and readies for imminent launch

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Ontario Certificate is hugely promising as Soft2Bet continues its regulatory expansion

Soft2Bet, a leading provider of online betting and gaming solutions to regulated operators worldwide, is delighted to announce that it has been granted a Certificate of Registration in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, moving it one step closer to being able to launch its Tooniebet.com iGaming brand.

Obtaining its Certificate of Registration (Nbr: OPIG1280338) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will enable Soft2Bet to continue its expansion into the world’s largest regulated jurisdictions.

Ontario has been a major success story for regulated online sports betting and casino in North America in the past two years. The province launched its regulations in April 2022 and latest figures for the fourth quarter of 2023 showed that operators recorded a 21% rise in wagers to CA$17.2bn and a 22% increase in gross gaming revenues to CA$658m, the highest ever revenue total in Ontario’s wagering history. Online casino was the main driver of this growth and generated CA$13.7bn of the total stakes and CA$471m in GGR.

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Elisabeth Isaksson, Head of Regulatory Compliance at Soft2Bet, commented: “Being registered with the AGCO in Ontario is testament to the work our compliance and regulatory teams are doing daily to enable our continued expansion in the world’s largest regulated markets. We’re immensely excited about taking our first steps in North America and look forward to licensing and launching in more jurisdictions in the region.”

Chief Business Development Officer Martin Collins added: “This Ontario certification is another significant and important step in our corporate expansion plans. It fits perfectly with our stated aim of growing our regulatory footprint and we very much look forward to continuing forward on this path.”

Soft2Bet is also actively working to obtain a licence in New Jersey and continue its expansion in the Americas. This activity comes after the group obtained B2C licences in Italy, Greece and Romania in 2023.

 

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Boxes

Hacksaw Gaming and DraftKings Score Again in Ontario

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2023 saw Hacksaw Gaming go live in West Virginia and New Jersey and now we have made our long-awaited entry in Ontario, Canada. Securing this trio has hit new heights and hopes for further successes throughout the rest of this year.

DraftKings Casino entered the iGaming market in Ontario in May of 2022 and partnered with Hacksaw Gaming in the back end of the same year. As Ontario’s regulated iGaming market only went live in April of 2022, the pair have given an outstanding performance with effective launch strategies and expansive footing in North America.

Apart from gaining an unprecedented reach across regulated markets, the mobile-friendly format of Hacksaw Gaming games can be visited on phone or tablet via the DraftKings Casino app. Boasting an impressive online casino’s selection of over 300 games, DraftKings now welcomes Hacksaw Gaming favourites such as Chaos Crew, Mines, Omnom and Boxes.

“The benchmarks we have set as a partnership are remarkable and we are ready to take on more challenges continuing into 2024,” the Chief Executive Officer for Hacksaw Gaming, Marcus Cordes, said.

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BetVictor

Exploring Canada’s video Game Market: Survey Insights

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Technology has become a great source of entertainment to many. Video games particularly have garnered interest from all demographics. In Canada, the gaming industry has experienced significant growth, fuelled by increased accessibility to gaming platforms and the growth of online gaming communities.

Statistics indicate that a large percentage of Canadians are engaged in gaming activities, whether it be playing console or PC games, mobile games, or online multiplayer games. The popularity of video games extends beyond leisure pastimes, with many Canadians participating in gaming competitions, attending gaming conventions, and consuming gaming-related content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

The number of video game users in Canada reflects how broad the sector is, from mobile games to digital video games, download games and live streaming. In 2024, the gaming sector will see millions of users in each of these categories. Statista projects 13.38 million users for digital video games and 7.35 million users for online games respectively. It estimates that revenue in the Canadian video game market is expected to reach US$3,925.00m in 2024, so it is no surprise to observe the increasing popularity of the sector.

Well-known online casino provider BetVictor has compiled some key points from major surveys detailing the video game market to give further insight into its makeup and potential. The gaming culture in Canada is growing, which means the type of games and genres will grow along with the sector. Statista recently conducted a survey of 1 576 respondents aged 18 – 64 who are avid video game players, with telling results. ​​In December 2023, a survey about preferred video game genres in Canada revealed the top four genres as being Action, Action – adventure, Adventure and casual games accounting for 31% of respondents’ preferences.

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David Winter, Marketing Manager at BetVictor notes that “We’ve seen a steady increase in the popularity of action-themed and adventure-themed slots and many providers are exploring how to expand further into this market.”

The popularity of Action games such as platform and fighting games can be attributed to various factors, such as: social interaction, accessibility and inclusivity, social appeal, and cultural influence. With such a diverse audience, all these factors are crucial to understand the appeal of Action games.

In the digital age, gaming has transcended mere entertainment to become a cornerstone of culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in Canada. From coast to coast, a diverse community of gamers is thriving, reflecting the country’s inclusive spirit and passion for technology. Whether it’s the casual gamer enjoying a quick session on their smartphone or the dedicated enthusiast meticulously building a custom gaming PC, Canada offers a welcome haven for all kinds of gamers.

Diving deeper into the Statista results, Strategy games accounted for 29%. This shows us that players have a strong interest in tactical and decision-making games. While role-playing (RPG) and sports games garnered 22% each, simulation and shooters trailed slightly behind at 21% and 20% respectively.

MMO (massively multiplayer online games), as well as MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) and MOBA (multi online battle arenas) came in at 13% and 8% respectively, representing a significant but niche following. With such a diverse array of preferences, the survey underscores the multifaceted nature of interests among Canadian gamers. It highlights the need for game developers to cater for a wide range of genres and gameplaying styles in the Canadian market.

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From action shooter games to role-playing adventures, the industry has something for every gaming enthusiast in the Canadian market. Overall, the popularity of video games in Canada reflects a growing cultural phenomenon, where gaming has become a mainstream form of entertainment and a significant aspect of modern-day leisure activities.

Statistics anticipate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.10% for 2022-2027, resulting in a projected market volume of US$24.52bn by 2027. Canada’s online gaming market is experiencing a surge in popularity, with a surging number of Canadian players engaging in immersive virtual reality experiences.

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