OLG puts out an APB (well, sort of) on an RFI for AML

Amidst the flurry of FINTRAC activity around the Canadian gaming industry, Ontario's lottery and gaming corporation takes its latest step to prevent money laundering. And, we have a new sponsor.

Oct 01, 2025

Providing the 411 on the OLG’s AML RFI, and another record month in Ontari-ari-ari-o

With apologies for the spate of initialisms on this Wednesday morning. . .

There’s been a bevy of buzz across the gambling industry for most of 2025 about the current state of Canada’s anti-money laundering laws. It’s a hot-button issue within the Canadian Gaming Association, reflected by the most recent episode of the Get to Know Canadian Gaming podcast (more information and links to the pod further below in this newsletter) and in your friendly correspondent’s chat with CGA boss Paul Burns on this week’s episode of the Gaming News Canada Show.

Gaming News Canada learned recently that OLG has sent out a Request for Information for an “AML Solutions Program” with an October 17 deadline to submit information. According to the RFI, OLG is “seeking information on Anti-Money-Laundering (AML) Solution(s) that satisfy any combinations of the following objectives” (and there’s more information here):

Provincial Player ID
Ingestion of Patron Activities from Multiple Channels/Lines of Business
Patron AML-Risk Scoring
Transaction Monitoring and Alert Generation
Alerts and Case Management System
Patron Profile Management System
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) Reporting
Data Import/Export, Management Reporting and Dashboard
User Account Management

We wondered if the RFI had anything to do with the recent actions taken by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) in issuing fines against Canadian National Exhibition Casino, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) (FINTRAC has also been busy going after bad actors in other sectors). So, we reached out to OLG communications guru Tony Bitonti and received this emailed response Tuesday morning.

OLG maintains robust IT systems to support its AML program and continuously enhances its systems taking advantage of new technologies and strategies that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its AML Program.

As part of this strategy, in December 2022, OLG initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process seeking a consolidated new AML software system and evaluated various options. After assessing its current needs, OLG decided to cancel the procurement process.

The new approach presented a better fit for OLG’s needs and strategy.

As part of that approach, on September 18, 2025 OLG released a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit information from vendors who may have components that could add value to OLG’s AML Technology.

After reviewing the results of the RFI, OLG may issue Requests for Proposals on components that it determines should be procured.

Last week, while scouring LinkedIn, we came across a job posting from Atlantic Lottery for an AML Investigator to be “at the forefront of our efforts to detect and prevent money laundering and financial crime within our iCasino and Sports operations. You’ll lead investigations, monitor high-risk activity, and ensure we meet all regulatory obligations with precision and integrity”.

We sent several emails to the communications team at Atlantic Lottery to ask if it’s also beefing up its efforts around the prevention of money laundering, but have yet to receive a reply.

As GNC reported in the September 4 newsletter, iGaming Ontario hasn’t put an AML solution in place some three and a half years into the regulated market. iGO has hired the company formerly known as Ernst and Young to lead that endeavour, and EY has brought on board California firm SymphonyAI to create the platform.

Bede Gaming - the new presenting sponsor of Gaming News Canada - is your partner for success in regulated iGaming. For more information, visit our website.

August delivers record wagering dollars in Ontario

So much for the dog days of summer.

iGaming Ontario released last week its market performance report for August, including almost $8.14 billion in wagers for the province’s regulated operators. That’s a record month since the market opened in April 2022, and a 34.6% hike from the previous August.

The revenue figure for operators was also up 40.5% year over year, to $334.8 million, coming close to the record $338 million delivered in May.

Online casino games continue to be the overwhelming catalyst for customer engagement with legal operators (the iGO figures don’t include OLG), capturing 89% of market share and almost $80 of total revenue. As Tom Nightingale pointed out in his piece for Canadian Gaming Business, the bullish month coincided with the launch of DraftKings’ Golden Nugget Online Gaming platform.

Wagering on sports saw an 11% increase from July, at $688 million, and a 15% rise from August 2024. The month-over-month spike can most likely be attributed to NFL betting on the eve of the regular-season kicking off and the start of the Premier League footy calendar, with a helping hand from the Toronto Blue Jays’ rise to the top of the American League East, and perhaps the first week of the U.S. Open tennis tournament and the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup.

We expect those sports wagering numbers to see another year-over-year spike in September with the Blue Jays clinching a postseason berth, a wild
Ryder Cup weekend at Bethpage Black, the first month of the NFL regular season, the WNBA playoffs, and the start of the NHL and NBA regular seasons on the horizons.

The prevention of money laundering in the Canadian gambling industry, especially in the still-young world of online gaming and sports wagering, is a hot-button issue with all stakeholders.

To dig into the topic, with suggestions to bring Canada’s anti-money laundering laws in sync with the new world of gaming, a new episode of the Get to Know Canadian Gaming podcast brought together CGA President/CEO Paul Burns and Senior Advisor Amanda Brewer, and Derek Ramm – the Global Head of Advisory Services for Kinectify and a member of the CGA board of directors.

Ramm, who has an extensive background in AML issues including time with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, shone a spotlight on the current laws in Canada and the concerns with them from the gaming industry. Burns talked about the current efforts by the Canadian Gaming Association to advocate changes to the laws with the federal government, and working with stakeholders to do business under the current laws. Brewer, who hosted a panel on AML at the Canadian Gaming Summit in June, discussed the key takeaways from that discussion.

The panel also weighed in on the current AML landscape in the Ontario market, and the conversations that are taking place around the imminent opening of a regulated, competitive marketplace in Alberta.

People on the Move

After five years as Chief Product Officer, Jarrod Schwarz is promoted to Chief Operating Officer at BetMGM.
Former Marker Trax COO and Catena Media CEO Michael Daly is introduced as Senior Vice President, Business Development & Strategic Execution – Global at Aristocrat.
Federico Grinberg steps down as Vice President of Global Media at Better Collective-owned Futbol Sites. Grinberg co-founded Futbol Sites in 2009.
The acquisition of social gaming platform Shake by Rival will include Shake founder Jack Kingsley becoming Rival’s Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Spencer Litchtenberg moving into the Chief Technology Officer role for the fan engagement business. Also, Heather Brooks Karatz joins Rival’s advisory board.
Ian Austin, ex of Neutral Payments, is the new Director of Business Development at Pavilion Payments.
Andrea Pustivuk bids farewell to Boyd Interactive after almost four years to become the new Senior Compliance Program Manager at Toronto-based Convera.
Jason Trost is handing over the microphone to Jeff Edelstein as host of the Business of Betting Podcast.
Kevin Glass is the new General Manager at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Rebecca Martin announces the launch of SpinPass and will serve as the gaming company’s CEO.
Kelly Scanlan is appointed Senior Leadership Development Partner at BetMGM.
France Margaret Belanger and Geoff Molson join the ownership group of the expansion WNBA Toronto Tempo.
On Monday, investment/asset management firm Apollo announced the launch of Apollo Sports Capital. Al Tylis was named ASC CEO, Apollo partners Rob Givone and Lee Solomon will be co-portfolio managers and Sam Porter is the Chief Strategy Officer.
NBA player Chris Paul and billionaire Solina Chau buy into NWSL club Angel City FC.
Sports media veteran Joe Lago is the new Senior Planning Editor at Sports Business Journal.
Yahoo Sports promotes Andrew Machado to Head of Design, Engineering & Product.
Jenn Azara has a new title at Sports Business Journal – Director of Tech and Women’s Sports Content, Senior Planning Editor, Finance and Olympics.
Gillian Meek is appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager of Bauer Hockey.
Rich Nairn, the former communications chief for the Arizona Coyotes, is appointed Vice President of Public Relations at Barrett-Jackson.
Jean Couvrette is the CEBL’s new Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships and Sam Bougha is appointed Director, Corporate Partnerships.
Former Fenway Sports Group and Madison Square Garden executive John Clark joins Eleven Sports Media as Executive Advisor, North America.
Former Yahoo Sports and Awful Announcing journalist Andrew Bucholz has launched Bucholz Sports Media.
Brandon Maki, who recently announced his departure from Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, is the new Media Relations Officer for the Ontario NDP Caucus.
Shannon Stewart climbs on board the PWHL Toronto Sceptres as Grassroots Growth Specialist.
Mark Schindler joins the Toronto Tempo as Manager of Scouting and Basketball Strategy.
Aaron Vickers joins NHL.com International as Editorial Manager.

Classified (Jobs) Information

On the Home Front

Hard Rock Digital has a hybrid opening in Toronto for a Director – User Acquisition, and is also looking for a Manager – Compliance, International Markets.
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is in hiring mode for a Program Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
As mentioned earlier in this dispatch, Atlantic Lottery would like to bring on board an AML Investigator.
Bet99 has an opening for a Senior Technical Project Manager.
In Vancouver, GeoComply is in the market for an Executive Assistant and Project Manager.
Gaming industry vet Jesse Learmonth is looking for a Head of Podcast Operations.
Own The Podium is hiring a National Lead, Paralympic Excellence.
There’s a Toronto-based opening for a Bilingual (French/English) Protocol Manager with the organizing team of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The WNBA Toronto Tempo are on the lookout for a Director, Partnerships and a Coordinator, Team Services.
True North Sports + Entertainment in Winnipeg is searching for the right person to join its National Partnership Sales team.
MLSE is in the market for an Account Manager, Global Partnerships.
Canada Soccer is seeking a Senior Manager, People & Culture.
The PWHL league office has an opportunity for a Data Engineer.
Rogers is in the market for a Senior Manager, Communications Residential.
Canadian Tire has an opportunity for a Coordinator, Sport Partnership.

South of the Border

Hard Rock Digital is on the lookout for a Director of Social Media.
DraftKings’ Jackpocket business has some opportunities in the Lottery Fulfillment area. DK is also seeking an Analyst II, Sports Marketing in New York. And there’s a remote opportunity for a Senior Product Researcher.
There’s a Head of Games opportunity at Betr.
For its New York offices, FanDuel has an opening for a Senior Financial Analyst – Sportsbook, and is also seeking a Brand Strategy Senior Manager.
Aristocrat Interactive is on the lookout for a Senior Account Manager at its Boston offices.
Kansas-based ShotTracker Inc. is hiring a Customer Success Manager.
Everi Holdings is seeking for its Las Vegas offices a Software Application Engineer III.
Cloud9 has a number of Producer/Editor positions available.
Oak View Group is looking for a Director, Global Partnerships for the home of the Seattle Kraken.
Front Office Sports is in hiring mode for a Director, Brand Partnerships, and is also looking for a News Editor.
Japanese tech company Rakuten requires a Senior Manager, Sports & Entertainment at its offices in San Mateo, Calif.
Among the current openings at the Las Vegas Review-Journal is the Assistant Managing Editor – Sports.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in need of a Director, Social Media.
ESPN is hiring an Associate Editor.
The NCAA’s Pac-12 Conference is seeking a Director of Communications.
The expansion WNBA Portland Fire are in hiring mode for a Director of Communications.
Yahoo Sports needs a Production Assistant for its YouTube team.
Dentsu Media is doing a significant amount of hiring on the partnerships side.

Across the Ponds

Sportingtech is hiring a Head of Sales in Malta.
An expansion of its engineering teams means a whole lotta openings at LeoVegas Group, which is also seeking a Performance Director – UK & Ireland.
Spotlight Sports Group requires a Head of Retail Development in London.
Entain is on the lookout for a Statutory Accountant.
Betsson Group is seeking a Gaming Insights Analyst.
SiGMA World has openings for a Marketing Manager and a Social Media Manager.

Reading and Reflection

1. Toronto-based gaming business Rivalry had some news of the financial sort to announce Monday.

2. And speaking of finances, the Investigative Journalism Foundations’ deep dive into the Edmonton Oilers’ 50/50 charity raffle raise a Spockian eyebrow.

3. A former Score Media & Gaming executive has reached a settlement with the Ontario Securities Commission over insider tipping and trading allegations, reports Barbara Shecter of the Financial Post.

4. DraftKings and NBCUniversal are getting together (again) on a multi-year advertising and sponsorship agreement that gives DK pretty damn good exposure across its partner’s sports properties.

5. And not to be outdone, FanDuel announced its own media-related partnership yesterday with Prime Video.

6. Zak Thomas-Akoo did some extensive reporting on the struggles being faced by UK gambling charities.

7. Bloomberg’s Stephanie Hughes has the latest on Rogers’ plans for the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment empire. (The Peak also has a smart breakdown).

8. A tap of the Sher-Wood twig to Cody Luongo for putting on our radar the coverage from Sports Business Journal’s Jason Wilson on esports company’s Grid busy M&A summer of 2025.

9. FINTRAC’s latest announcement means crypto business KuCoin is $19.6 million dollars poorer.

10. Speaking of crypto, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police recently announced a seizure of more than $56 million.

11. The site of the new MLB stadium for the Oakland/Sacramento/Las Vegas Athletics will include a Bally’s hotel and entertainment complex.

12. Rege Behe of CDC Gaming did some keyboarding off a recent American Gaming Association panel discussion around responsible gaming and product innovation.

13. Brett Smiley, tapping the keyboard for InGame, dug into the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and a tax policy that could impact professional gamblers.

14. Reporting by Tom Nightingale of Canadian Gaming Business on plans by the World Poker Tour to bring its sweepstakes platform to our home and native land.

15. Also from Nightingale, a Kamloops, B.C. dad has filed a lawsuit on behalf of his 12-year-old son against Roblox.

16. Legal beagle Manav Bhargava did the op-ed thing for Gaming Insider on the potential for India’s legal gaming industry.

17. Sportico’s Dan Bernstein reported on Kalshi’s rather quiet release of its parlay products during Monday Night Football. And Daniel O’Boyle for InGame wrote on the impact of the new product on the share price of DraftKings and Flutter.

18. Finally, our condolences to the family and friends on the passing of Indian Gaming Association Chair Ernie Stevens Jr.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter, ensuring you never miss out on breaking updates.

To discuss our coverage of your company’s news and announcements and to become an advertiser on Gaming News Canada, please contact steve@gamingnewscanada.ca.