Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

Pinder Basi has been appointed as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation chief financial officer, following an extensive recruitment process.

Basi, who officially joined the firm at the start of the month, is replacing outgoing CFO Lisa Bell-Murray, who is retiring after 30 years of service.

“Pinder is an experienced executive with a proven track record in finance and business with a focus on growth, profitability and collaboration,” noted Duncan Hannay, OLG’s President and CEO.

“His successes in large transformations will be an asset as we work together to position OLG for a post-pandemic recovery, digital growth, and new opportunities to maximise value for our customers and the people of Ontario.”

BtoBet

BtoBet has strengthened its senior management team after confirming the appointments of Zoran Spasov as managing director and Dima Reiderman as chief operating officer.

Spasov has been serving in the role in an interim basis since December 2019, with Reiderman joining BtoBet’s ranks from parent company, Aspire Global, where he served as COO for over two years.

Tsachi Maimon, Aspire Global Group’s CEO, commented: “Zoran and Dima’s addition to BtoBet’s top management is intended to maintain the company’s current growth momentum and aggressively expand its technologies into new markets, with Europe and the US being high on the agenda. I am more than confident that Zoran and Dima will be an invaluable asset for BtoBet in executing the company’s vision.”

4ThePlayer

London-based gaming software supplier 4ThePlayer has bolstered its senior management team as the group confirms the appointment of Geoff Scaplehorn as product director.

Boasts in excess on nine years of gaming industry experience, Scaplehorn has previously occupied positions at Playtech, and FunFair Technologies.

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GVC Holdings

Global gaming and sports betting organisation GVC Holdings has announced the appointment of two new directors to its board.

David Satz will join as an independent non-executive director on October 22, 2020, and Robert Hoskin will be promoted to the board as an executive director on January 1, 2021 in the role of chief governance officer.

Barry Gibson, Chairman of GVC, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming two such high calibre individuals to our board. David has unrivalled regulatory and legislative expertise in the all-important US gaming market.

“His knowledge and insight will be hugely additive in helping us to achieve our ambition of being the leading operator in the US through BetMGM, our fast-growing joint venture with MGM Resorts.

“Robert has made an outstanding contribution to GVC in his 15 years at the group, and his promotion is richly deserved. The fact that regulation, legal and governance are now represented at board level will give us even greater oversight of these critically important areas, all of which are central to our long-term growth plans.”

Buzz Bingo

Buzz Bingo has confirmed the appointment of Harry Lang as its new marketing director, leading the brand development and customer acquisition campaigns of the UK’s biggest bingo operator.

A 15-year industry executive, Lang has led the marketing strategy and delivery for numerous igaming brands including WMS Interactive, bwin.party, Mecca Bingo, Foxy Bingo and Pinnacle Sports.

Lang joins Buzz Bingo’s senior management team from Brand Architects, his personal marketing agency which saw him advise igaming and esports clients such as Genting Bet, PandaScore, Leon House/ AnonyMind, Rightlander and Puntt.gg.

Jamie Queen, CCO of Buzz Bingo, stated: “Buzz Bingo is at an exciting stage in its evolution, so we’re delighted to welcome someone of Harry’s calibre and enthusiasm to the business. He brings with him a wealth of marketing leadership experience and is highly capable of steering the Buzz Bingo brand through the next stage of our growth.”

Wynn Resorts 

Wynn Resorts has confirmed the appointment of Darnell Strom as a member of the company’s board of directors. He takes up the role as an independent director and class I member of the board in a move that became effective on October 14.

Strom is currently a partner and head of the culture and leadership division at global talent and entertainment company United Talent Agency, where he leads efforts to expand the cultural and business influence across platforms for its top clients in media, sports, entertainment, music, fashion, the arts, branding and thought leadership.

His decades of experience in entertainment, media and sports, along with the relationships he has established will, said Wynn, be a significant benefit to the company.

Triggy 

Triggy has strengthened its senior leadership team after confirming that Martina Åkerlund will lead the company as its new CEO.

Confirming Åkerlund’s appointment, Triggy lauded her wealth of experience in leadership positions, having amassed more than 20 years of leadership experience from predominantly the banking and finance industries.

“We are more than excited that Martina chose to join us at Triggy.” noted Björn Nilsson, co-founder of Triggy. “She will lead the company’s endeavors to grow rapidly geographically as well as product-wise.

“Her experience from successful leadership within another highly regulated industry (banking) along with dedication and an entrepreneurial mindset made the decision to offer Martina the top position in the company easy.”

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has announced the appointment of Duncan Hannay as president and chief executive officer effective October 26, 2020.

Hannay will take over from outgoing president and CEO Stephen Rigby, who had agreed to stay on at OLG until a successor was identified and to assist with a seamless transition of the business.

“Following an extensive recruitment effort, we are pleased to welcome OLG’s new president and CEO, Duncan Hannay,” said Peter Deeb, chair of OLG. “Duncan is a seasoned executive leader and CEO with global expertise transforming and growing organizations through a disciplined strategic approach, a deep understanding of digital innovation and a progressive leadership style.

“The board of directors and I are delighted to have Duncan join our very capable team at OLG. He has the skills and experience to lead the organisation through the next phase of growth and community contributions across Ontario.”

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Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

A new president and CEO is being sought by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, after Stephen Rigby advised the board of directors that he is to depart the role after five years at the helm.

Rigby is to remain at OLG until the summer when a new CEO is confirmed, working with the new leadership to ensure a smooth transition.

“The board of directors thanks Stephen for his outstanding service as the president and chief executive officer of OLG. During that time, OLG has delivered unprecedented value to the Province.

“OLG’s returns have grown from $1.7bn in 2015 to nearly $2.5bn and are on track to attain over $3.0bn by 2022-23. This growth reflects a healthy and thriving land-based gaming, lottery and digital business.” – Peter Deeb, OLG chair.

Intralot

Lottery technology supplier Intralot has announced the appointment of Christos Dimitriadis as the group’s new CEO following a board decision that will see current incumbent Sokratis Kokkalis step down from the role.

In addition to his new job as group CEO, Dimitriadis has also been elected to replace Dimitrios Klonis as the executive member of the board of directors, with the former CEO Kokkalis remaining as executive chairman.

“I would like to thank the Founder of Intralot and Chairman of the BoD Mr S Kokkalis for the opportunity that he offers me to contribute from the position of the Group CEO. This is an honour and great responsibility.

“Intralot is a company with a great history and a promising future. We export technology, products, and services globally. We are proud of our subsidiaries that serve our customers and compose the multinational nature of our company.” – Dimitriadis.

Catena Media 

Peter Messner as been confirmed as the new group CFO of Catena Media, beginning his employment on April 1, 2020 when he will also be part of the company’s executive management.

Messner succeeds Erik Edeen, who as interim group CFO is said to be have “rebuilt and transformed the company’s entire financial structure”. Edeen will continue to support the company in strategic projects for the foreseeable future.

“With a well-functioning financial infrastructure in place, due to Erik’s contributions,
our playing field is now ready to welcome Peter as CFO. His wide-ranging experience
in key online media and gaming industries will fortify Catena Media’s operations in the
years to come.” – Per Hellberg, CEO of Catena Media.

Everi Holdings 

Everi has confirmed that appointment of Randy Taylor to the newly created position of president and chief operating officer, with Mark Labay appointed as successor in the executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer roles.

Furthermore, David Lucchese will assume the role of executive vice president of sales, marketing and digital, succeeding Edward Peters who has informed the company of his plans to retire following a 37-year professional career. The appointments are to be effective from April 1, 2020.

The Company has also announced that the board of directors has extended Michael Rumbolz employment agreement as CEO for an additional 14 months through to March 31, 2022.

“These changes to the executive management team fortify our leadership capabilities and are the result of our organisational development and succession planning initiatives. The appointments recognise the significant contributions Randy, Mark and Dave have made to Everi’s success, their broad expertise and their ability to successfully execute on new opportunities and to resolve challenges effectively and efficiently.

“Under Mike’s leadership, Everi has distinguished itself in recent years with its success and strong operating performance, while creating and fostering a culture that emphasises innovation and collaboration, elements that have become an integral foundation of our growth.

“These leadership changes will help facilitate our ongoing performance momentum and success in delivering future profitable growth.” – Miles Kilburn, chairman of the board of Everi.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Gateway will promote OLG’s iCasino and iSports product offering to customers in Ontario, including iCasino slots, table games, live casino, a digital sportsbook, and PROLINE+ through OLG.ca. Customers will be sent a link to the OLG website so they can place wagers.

Tony Santo, CEO of Gateway, commented: “The agreement with OLG is another way we are delivering excellent customer experiences. Our customers can enjoy the convenience of playing their favourite games or betting on the big game from the convenience of their phone or laptop. 

“We will bring the action to them through OLG.ca to keep the fun going in between visits to a Gateway casino.”

Gateway already operates 14 casinos across Ontario on behalf of OLG, creating entertainment destinations for communities to enjoy, including deploying their signature casino and food & beverage brands like Match Eatery & Public House and the new Playtime Casino Wasaga Beach. 

Each Gateway property in British Columbia, as well as OLG.ca, also utilises OLG’s PlaySmart programme and holds RG Check accreditation to help promote responsible gambling.

Duncan Hannay, OLG’s President and CEO, added: “Our new marketing agreement with Gateway is another example of how we are working with our valued partners to build on the strength of the OLG brand and enhance the gaming experience for customers.

“This, in turn, helps us increase our contribution to the people and Province of Ontario”.

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In a far reaching, albeit brief, opening address to the early morning bustle of space that had people piling out of the door, Hannay welcomed those in attendance to the latest staging of the event and “home of the 2024 Stanley Cup champions”.

Introduced onto the stage by “a great advocate and representative of this industry” in Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association CEO, the OLG Chief began with an acknowledgment of unity during National Indigenous History Month.

“It’s a time to really learn more about the impacts of colonisation on First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, and to really honour their stories, their contributions and their significant strengths,” he explained.

“But when you look really beyond this month and throughout the year, I think we must all reflect on the importance of our industry to indigenous communities here in Ontario and beyond, and recognising that strengthening these relationships with those communities is really vital to our industry success.”

“…OLG has surprised many in the industry by remaining competitive force”

This, he said, is something that brings deep commitment on a personal and team-wide level, with honour and excitement at building such relationships touched upon.

To this end, encouragement was offered to the room to consider how they could help drive “new pathways of understanding and respect”, with the OLG finalising a reconciliation strategy that is charged with guide work alongside indigenous communities to “advance the principles of truth and reconciliation”.

Driving forward, acknowledgement was given for “surviving and in many cases thriving” over a difficult few years, a time that continued to witness a seemingly never ending wave of changes at an “unprecedented rate”

“I really applaud everyone here for embracing this change and redefining and really reimagining gaming in the Ontario market and beyond,” Hannay noted.

As we sit a little over one year into the open gaming market, that landmark date of April 4, 2022, saw the OLG go from being the sole entity across the vast space, to simply being one of close to 50.

However, this simply served to spur the group on to create “new competitive products and experiences,” with Hannay confidently stating that “I might also be so bold as to say that OLG has surprised many in the industry by remaining a competitive force”.

“Markets across North America are really following our lead, and our world class gaming model”

“During this time, we’ve redefined our internal culture and focused on innovating and advancing our game on strategy across all of our lines of business. And we’re seeing the results,” he said. 

Following a “strongest financial performance on record,” a dividend of over C$2.5bn was issued to the province and over C$1.2bn was made in payments to Ontario First Nations.

In addition, the OLG now counts more than 1.6 million registered players on its digital platform, with these profits up by over 30 per cent to north of $300m in the year ending March 31, 2023.

As Hannay aligned part of the success to “striving to be the very best business and community partner we can be,” he moved on to look at the array of alliances enjoyed, as well as impending developments to accelerate the Ontario market’s momentum further still.

“Frankly, we just couldn’t do what we do without our partners. So our success is their success and vice versa,” he commented. 

“And as Ontario and OLG has embraced this change, we’ve improved consumer choice and responsible gambling protections, we’ve brought greater benefits to Ontarians. 

“Markets across North America are really following our lead and our world class gaming model. A model that is supported by a world class regulatory compliance regime.”

“We can be exemplars of responsible gaming, and create long term sustainability for the communities we care about”

Pride was also recognised at work being undertaken alongside partners and industry stakeholders, with Great Canadian Entertainment’s $1bn Woodbine casino development that is due to open next week, Hard Rock’s $350m capital investment in Ottawa and digital gaming platform provider Bede Gaming that is “helping us compete in the newly open the market” each cited.

“I will close by saying that it’s a very exciting time for OLG, for our partners and for gaming across Canada,” Hannay concluded. 

“There is a tremendous amount of opportunity ahead, and that’s why this summit is so very, very important. And together as partners, we can move our industry forward. 

“We can be exemplars of responsible gaming, and create long term sustainability for the communities we care about, including those indigenous communities to whom we should be highly, highly committed.”

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This, said the crown agency, marks the first stage in a procurement process that will lead to the selection of a service provider to handle the day-to-day gaming operations at the site.

The RFPQ process will enable OLG to prequalify potential proponents based on their previous experience operating a large gaming resort.  Those that prequalify will proceed to the request for proposal phase. 

At this point prequalified groups will receive documents that outline the opportunity in Windsor and information required to submit a detailed proposal. The RFPQ process will close on May 25, 2023.

The triumphant company will handle the day-to-day gaming operations of the Windsor casino, while OLG will continue to conduct and manage gaming in Windsor. Caesars can participate to retain the contract should it choose to do so.

“OLG is advancing plans that will support the long-term vibrancy and excitement of the casino experience in Ontario,” said Duncan Hannay, OLG’s President and CEO. 

“Releasing the RFPQ for the Windsor casino is the first step in selecting a highly qualified service provider that will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the site while continuing to generate economic benefits for the local community and for Ontario.”

The current Caesars Windsor boasts over 750 hotel rooms, 2,230 slot machines, 85 table games, retail sportsbook, six restaurants, four bars or lounges and an events centre.

In January 2020, the OLG entered into a three-year agreement to extend its existing contract with the current operator beyond the expiration of its previous agreement, which stood at July 31, 2020.

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Participating in this year’s 2022 Gift Responsibly Campaign, organised by the National Council on Problem Gambling and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University, the initiative is to raise awareness about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to children.

“Jackpocket strives to promote responsible gaming in every aspect of our business,” said Peter Sullivan, Jackpocket Founder and CEO.

“We are proud to stand with the NCPG in raising awareness that lottery tickets and scratch-offs are appropriate gifts for adults only. 

“You must be at least 18 years old to place ticket orders on Jackpocket, and we urge everyone to avoid giving lotto tickets as gifts to minors – during holidays and throughout the year.”

Citing research from an undisclosed report, Jackpocket stated that results highlight that the earlier a person’s participation, or exposure, to gambling in childhood, they are “more likely” to develop a gambling problem later in life. This initial introduction is said to often be through a lottery product given by an adult who is likely unaware of the associated risks.

Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director, added: “Youth problem gambling has emerged as a significant and growing public health issue. We applaud Jackpocket’s commitment to raising awareness about risks of youth gambling through the Gift Responsibly Campaign.

“Our message is a simple one: lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”

This is Jackpocket’s fifth year participating in the Gift Responsibly campaign. Jackpocket is the first third-party lottery service to receive a responsible gambling certification from the NCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Compliance Assessment Program. 

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The OLG’s handling of the region’s casinos was one in an array of areas covered as Lysyk suggested that public organisations need to improve planning and coordination to improve service delivery, and provide more accessible information to help locals make more informed decisions.

The report filed by Lysyk contains 25 recommendations, with 53 action items, to address the issues that have been discovered.

Among what was labelled as the “more significant audit findings” was that OLG reported “renegotiated significantly reduced revenue commitments” from casino operators, despite contracts already being in place.

Lysyk also claimed that Hard Rock Ottawa was granted a 25 per cent drop in revenue projections from January 2023, Great Canadian won the West GTA contract with unrealistic financial projections and that the winning bidder for the Niagara region, Mohegan, provided the least amount of capital investment.

Furthermore, the audit also claimed that OLG failed to fulfil a commitment to First Nations to pay them a share of non-gaming revenue, with reports of suspicious transactions said to be low and varied among casinos.

It was also stated that OLG and casinos operators “do not have effective processes to prevent money laundering in casinos,” with the OLG and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario also held to account on slot machine pay-outs. 

Lysyk suggested that the two parties “do not ensure the integrity of slot machines by inspecting for the standard of 85 per cent payout over the lifetime of the machine, and that only slot machines hooked up to OLG’s central system are operating in Ontario”.

Responsible gambling also fell under the microscope, with it found that the company has also “not been sufficiently focusing on its responsible gaming mandate to proactively address players with indicators of problem gambling”.

It was said that the OLG could improve its performance measures by focusing on its core objectives, with the usage of certain tools, such as loss limits, having dropped in uptake despite an increase in player numbers.

In an overall response contained within the report, the OLG vowed to implement the recommendations highlighted and combat the risk of illegal activity across all lines of the business.

It was added: “OLG welcomes independent review of our business, which help contribute to continuous improvement of our overall operations and performance. 

“As one of the largest non-tax revenue generators for Ontario, OLG welcomes opportunities to further maximise returns in partnership with our many stakeholders, while serving the broader public interest. 

“We appreciate the auditor general’s feedback on how to improve outcomes for land-based gaming modernisation. To date, the initiative has resulted in $1.7bn in capital infrastructure investments made by the private sector. We look forward to further leveraging gaming to create jobs and contribute to prosperous communities province-wide.”

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Following the supply contract signage, IWG will become the 28th lottery-focused firm to enter Ontario and will see its games be live across eight provinces in the country, including markets managed by Atlantic Lottery Corporation, British Columbia Lottery Corporation and Loto-Québec.

“Following recent regulatory changes within Ontario, partnering with OLG is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us,” explained Rhydian Fisher, IWG CEO. “Given IWG’s track-record for delivering top-selling einstants to lottery players across North America, we are confident that our games will resonate with lottery players in Ontario as well. 

“We have exciting plans to help OLG truly differentiate itself as the single lottery operator in the province.”

Alongside the continuous supply of new games, IWG plans to deploy its InstantJackpot and InstantLink technologies, which deliver progressive jackpot prizes within its in-house developed titles.

Furthermore, OLG will have access to games that incorporate InstantPulse, providing them with the ability to update eInstant visuals at pre-set moments.

Andrew Darley, OLG Senior Director, iCasino & iLottery, added: “As the igaming open market heats up in Ontario, offering our players IWG’s variety of eInstants is an important strategic move for us which will help differentiate OLG.ca in the marketplace. 

“We are excited to continue to grow our customer base with IWG’s products because 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested back into the province. So, when you play OLG.ca, you play for Ontario.”

IWG was recently awarded a supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, paving the way for this collaboration.

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The rebranded program is designed to offer customers more flexibility and choice, should that be regarding a potential break from play at an Ontario casino, charitable gaming centre or via OLG.ca.

“RGC commends OLG on its launch of My PlayBreak as part of its globally recognised responsible gambling program — PlaySmart,” said Shelley White, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council. 

“This new program offers a more person-centred approach that is not only more accessible but will also support positive outcomes for those participating.

“RGC is proud to provide services to OLG in the day-to-day operations of PlaySmart Centres on-site at 29 casinos in Ontario which also support 37 charitable gaming centres. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with OLG and gaming operators to maximise player uptake of OLG’s leading responsible gambling program.”

The program, which is said to boast a number of fresh inclusions, offers renewable terms lengths of three or six months, as well as yearly increments from anywhere between one and five. 

Furthermore, My PlayBreak has been created to offer a simplified return to play process to provide clear steps for individuals to resume the activity or renew participation when their term ends. 

OLG is also making changes to its policies related to term breach violations to foster a more supportive approach that aligns to the voluntary focus of the program.

The offering also includes optional check-in calls from RGC staff to allow for more timely, effective and relevant referrals to treatment and support services.

“OLG prioritises player health and is focused on continuous improvement of its RG programming,” added Alexandra Aguzzi, OLG’s Senior Vice President, Brand, Communications and Sustainability. 

“My PlayBreak is just one of the RG tools in OLG’s sophisticated and unmatched PlaySmart portfolio that is integrated across multiple product lines to help customers create and maintain healthy habits that enable a lifetime of sustainable play.”

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