Partnership will create dedicated specialist team to develop and deploy AI to improve player experiences across gaming products and channels.

BCLC has partnered with Future Anthem, a UK-based gambling data science specialist, on the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Innovation Hub (the “Hub”), to be located at BCLC’s Vancouver office.

The Hub will focus on the development of AI, data capabilities and programs designed to improve the player experience across all BCLC gambling platforms, including lottery, gaming, and sports. It will employ a team of data and product professionals, with access to Future Anthem’s Data Science platform.

“BCLC is excited to be partnering with Future Anthem to create the first AI innovation hub in B.C. focused on the gambling industry,” says Mark Goldberg, BCLC’s Chief Information Officer. “We know that the key components of the Hub will be its data driven research and software product development to support player engagement and experience, safer play and improved game design – core BCLC business areas.”

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Managed in partnership through a joint Steering Committee that includes senior representatives from both BCLC and Future Anthem, the Hub will create and cultivate highly specialized, Vancouver-based AI technology jobs utilising Future Anthem’s strong experience in building teams focused on AI research and development, complemented by a small team of BCLC employees with skills and experience in this area.

“This dynamic partnership combines our expertise, reach, and technologies and allows us to harness AI for good – to bring true and measurable benefits to players in a responsible, sustainable, and enjoyable manner,” says Leigh Nissim, CEO and Founder of Future Anthem. “With access to more data across all verticals and channels to build amazing machine learning models and AI applications, I am confident this collaboration will quickly deliver benefits to BCLC and its players to reinforce its lead position within lotteries globally.”

As well as recruiting the team in Vancouver, Future Anthem will deploy its market-leading real time AI platform locally to employ best practices for AI product development and governance within the Hub, which includes protocols to ensure transparency of AI use, data security, and management of AI models and their player impact. These models are designed to use anonymised data that is stored in Canada.

Bettors in Ontario will be able to turn to evoke plc (888) for their sports wagering needs this season. The global betting and gaming company, formerly known as 888 Holdings plc, has re-signed with the Canadian Football League (CFL) as one of its Authorized Gaming Operators, offering fans premiere gaming and betting experiences to further their CFL fandom.

Since 1997, 888 has put fans, gamers, and bettors first through proprietary technology and engaging content across its various Casino, Sports, and Poker products. As part of the partnership, 888 presented Pre-Season Futures on CFL Game Zone in the leadup to the campaign. The fan-favourite free-to-play predictor tested fans’ knowledge of the league and allowed them to forecast how the season will play out.

During the regular season, 888casino will appear on CFL sidelines and broadcasts in contests featuring the three Ontario-based clubs – the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Ottawa REDBLACKS, and the Toronto Argonauts. 888casino will also receive prominent promotional placement during any Ontario-based East Division postseason matchups (the Semi-final on November 2 and the Final on November 9) on the road to the Grey Cup.

“888 has opened the doors to new sports wagering and entertainment opportunities for CFL fans, and we’re thrilled for the possibilities ahead as we build upon this partnership and engage more audiences across Ontario,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.

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“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the CFL for a second season, placing 888casino at the forefront of this collaboration. The synergy between the CFL’s dynamic brand and 888casino’s innovative online offering provides fans with unparalleled entertainment. We are committed to enhancing the excitement of the game, ensuring that CFL enthusiasts can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences that keep the thrill alive beyond the field,” said Roi Nadler, Head of Canada at evoke.

NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. announced a series of enhancements to its NorthStar Bets online betting platform. The latest product innovations are crafted to elevate and consistently surpass the expectations of NorthStar Bets customers, reinforcing the Company’s position as the definitive premium choice in the gaming industry.

“We are excited to roll out a broad range of product enhancements to our customers. Innovation has always been a core value for NorthStar as we seek to maintain a best-of-breed platform that evolves alongside changing preferences and emerging technologies. We focus on upgrades that will differentiate us in the marketplace, simplify the customer experience, and reinforce our premium positioning,” said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar.

NorthStar’s product innovation strategy can be summarized by two complementary propositions. “Incrementally Better” refers to ongoing, often small-scale improvements aimed at optimizing such attributes as reliability, trust, speed, simplicity, and performance. “Fundamentally Different” means targeting efforts on features or offerings that are highly valued, drive customer loyalty, and set NorthStar apart from competitors.

Product enhancements recently introduced by NorthStar include the following:

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• Strengthened Casino section. A new streamlined navigation simplifies the user experience, while NorthStar’s selection of games and titles has doubled since the start of 2024.

• NorthStar Elite Blackjack. A bespoke branded table crafted to exceed the exacting standards of VIP players, embodying the premium experience that defines NorthStar Bets.

• Sports Insights 2.0. Overhaul of industry-leading sports content vertical with new features, statistics, design, and user experience, launched on NorthStarBets.ca.

• Enhanced Sportsbook.

a. Dynamic Navigation: The latest innovation introduces a feature that streamlines navigation, quickly guiding users to top sports and events, minimizing the steps required to place a bet.

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b. Personalized Prop Bets: An advanced AI-driven algorithm analyzes individual betting patterns to generate customized prop bets that are tailored to each customer’s betting history.

c. Intelligent Parlay Suggestions: This intuitive functionality also appears on the bet slip, where companion bets are offered to enhance single bets, enabling customers to effortlessly create logical parlays at the point of the bet decision.

“Today’s announcement offers a preview of the innovation fueling our 2024 strategy. Our product team is executing an ambitious roadmap that balances incremental advancements with groundbreaking features, all meticulously crafted to elevate the attributes our customers value most-reliability, performance, and simplicity,” said Dean MacNeil, VP of Product & Managed Services at NorthStar.

“As a premium brand, we strategically harness innovation to amplify our appeal to high-value customers, solidifying our distinct advantage in the industry. By consistently enhancing the customer experience, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering a premium service that drives strong customer satisfaction and earns their loyalty.”