TSG Interactive Canada Inc: Owner of Pokerstars Casino and Sportsbook in Ontario
TSG Interactive Canada Inc., formerly known as Amaya Inc., has played a significant role in the casino industry's evolution. This page explores the company's history, achievements, and the online casinos it operates in the Ontario market.
Casino Sites Under TSG Interactive Canada Inc
PokerStars Casino
PokerStars, originally launched in 2001, has evolved beyond its poker roots. As of 2022, it's not just the world's largest poker site but also a sought-after destination for casino gambling enthusiasts in Ontario. Licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, this platform offers:
- Slots: A wide range, with over a dozen Megaways games and over 30 jackpot slots. Exclusive titles are provided, like 3 Witches, Sticky Fruits, and Lion Storm.
- Casino Table Games: Offerings such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker. Poker-style casino games are also available, like Heads Up Hold ‘Em. However, some games like Keno, Slingo, and dice games are currently not available.
- Live Casino: A strong selection of live dealer games, including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Casino Hold ‘Em, Sic Bo, and more.
-
PokerStars Poker
Being the beacon of online poker, PokerStars is renowned for its wide variety of poker titles. Key features for Ontario gamers include:
- Games & Variants: Beyond the popular Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha, gamers can enjoy Omaha Hi-Lo, 5 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud, Badugi, HORSE, and many more.
- Tournaments: The platform boasts impressive options, including:
- Sit & Go or Spin & Go for quick sessions.
- Sunday Majors, a series of tournaments offering substantial cash prizes.
- Cash Tables: A wide range of stakes, from C$0.01/C$0.02 to C$50/C$100, ensuring action for all gamblers.
- Learning Resources: Comprehensive tutorials, from basics to advanced strategies.
- Rake Structure: Competitive rakes, such as 3.5% for C$0.01/C$0.02 tables with a C$0.30 cap.
PokerStars Sports Betting
Expanding into the world of sports betting, PokerStars offers an intuitive and responsive platform for betting enthusiasts in Ontario. Highlights include:
- User Interface: Designed for both desktop and mobile, ensuring seamless navigation and betting experience.
- Sporting Selection:
- Major Sports: Options such as Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Motorsports, and more, spanning various leagues globally.
- Niche Sports: Coverage of sports like Aussie Rules, Darts, Gaelic Games, and Volleyball.
- Other Events: Beyond sports, the platform offers odds on eSports, politics, and entertainment events.
About TSG Interactive Canada Inc
On August 1, 2017, Amaya Inc. entered a transformation phase, changing its name to The Stars Group Inc., which marked a new chapter for the company. Accompanying the name change, its headquarters moved from Montreal to Toronto, and it was listed on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange under "TSG" and "TSGI."
The Stars Group later merged with Flutter Entertainment, a company associated with Paddy Power Betfair and FanDuel, in a deal initiated in October 2019. This merger brought together notable brands such as Sky Betting and Gaming, PokerStars, Full Tilt, Fox Bet, and BetEasy under one entity.
Achievements and Milestones
- In February 2014, Diamond Game Enterprises, under Amaya Gaming Group, secured a 5-year contract with the Maryland Lottery to provide lottery machines to Veterans' Organizations.
- In October 2014, Amaya Gaming Group's PokerStars and Full Tilt received a continuation license from the UK Gambling Commission, maintaining service to their UK customers.
Integration into the Canadian Market
The integration of this operator into the Canadian market has been both strategic and timely. Their commitment is evident through several pivotal decisions and partnerships, aligning with the evolving Ontario gambling industry:
- Responsible Gambling Partnership: Collaborated with Canada’s Responsible Gambling Council (RGC).
- Research Funding: Supported RGC with first-of-its-kind research for global marketing and advertising standards.
Other Ontario Casino Groups
Regulatory Landscape: TSG Interactive Canada Inc
In the iGaming industry, comprehending the regulatory environment is essential for assessing a company's operations within a specific jurisdiction. TSG has shown a keen awareness of these regulatory requirements, particularly in Ontario.
Licenses and Certifications
The company’s operations in Ontario are backed by rigorous licensing and certifications.
- Approval by AGCO: PokerStars operates under a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), enabling them to introduce online poker, casino, and sports betting in Ontario.
- Timelines: The license, granted on June 8, holds a two-year validity, necessitating renewal by June 7, 2024.
- Domains and Mobile Apps: Beyond poker, authorization extends to their casino and sports domains, with three distinct mobile apps catering to each iGaming vertical.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Prioritizing the well-being of its gamers, The Stars Group has embraced a robust framework of responsible gambling initiatives.
- Protection Measures: They provide tools like self-exclusion, risk identification, and user verification.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Actively collaborates with regulators, research institutions, and charities to conduct innovative research.
- Awareness and Training: Periodic training sessions on responsible gambling are organized for staff.
User Security and Data Protection Measures
This company has implemented extensive data protection measures. Their commitment to security is demonstrated through significant investments in advanced security infrastructure, including the latest encryption technologies, secure servers, and firewalls. For gameplay security, they use advanced protocols and certificates in their desktop client software, employing the TLS 1.2 protocol to ensure the protection of private in-game data.
Other Casino Groups
The Stars Group has a strong presence in Ontario, and several other notable casino groups cater to the region's players. Let's explore some of these significant casino groups in more detail.
Cadtree Limited
Cadtree Limited has established itself in the online casino industry, providing players in Ontario with a high-quality casino experience accessible from their homes.
- Regulatory Adherence: Registered in Alderney, Cadtree operates under a license from the Ontario Gaming Commission.
- Notable Casinos: AGCO has granted licenses to several casinos under Cadtree Limited, including Jackpot City, Royal Vegas, Ruby Fortune, and Spin Casino. These licenses have a tenure till June 2024.
BV Gaming Limited
BV Gaming Limited, also known as BetVictor Casinos, is a prominent player in the UK's sports betting market and has recently extended its operations to Ontario.
- Historical Legacy: With roots tracing back to the 1940s, BetVictor's journey from a single store to a prominent online betting brand is noteworthy. BV Gaming Limited, often referred to by its legacy names like BetVictor or BetVictor Limited, has grown exponentially over the decades.
- Prominent Brand Ambassadors: Reflecting its prominence in the modern gambling era, the brand has collaborated with renowned personalities, such as Harry Redknapp and Michael Owen, to represent it.
With more than half a decade of experience, Meri Zimic has been planning, writing, and publishing content for OntarioGambling.ca and the GambleSites Network since the inception. With her Bosnian heritage, she loves the multi-cultural aspect of Ontario and it's varied players.