iGaming solution firm, Rootz, and Pollard Banknote subsidiary, mkodo, have announced that they have teamed up. Via the agreement, mkodo will deliver its first-in-class geolocation technology GeoLocs to Rootz’s online casino platform Wildz. The integration of the services will ensure a safe and fraud-free experience for bettors of the platform in Ontario.
At the moment, Ontario is the only Canadian territory to privatize its online gambling market and allow third-party operators in it. Overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the market was introduced to keep bettors from playing on unregulated websites and keep some of the revenue in the province. Rootz has also been licensed to join the party.
Providing Safer User Experience
Tony Kjäldström, Chief Product Officer at Rootz commented on the new agreement, by stating that mkodo’s GeoLocs is an ideal fit to the company’s geolocation needs for players in Ontario. He elaborated that the technology and expertise of the provider have been crucial for the operator’s efforts to license and operate in the regulated iGaming sector.
GeoLocs was first introduced to the iGaming world earlier this year and was subsequently certified by Gaming Laboratories International in February 2023. After that the tech was incorporated into Casumo’s offerings, hence, aiding the online casino operator to meet full compliance in Ontario. Mr. Kjäldström said the partnership will enable Rootz to offer an iGaming experience like no other.
With the geolocation technology services, Rootz will be able to provide an enhanced compliance strategy, as well as maximized revenue opportunities. Last but not least, its players will also have a smooth location verification experience. It can be done rather quickly directly through the online casino’s app or website for users’ convenience.
Stuart Godfree, Managing Director at mkodo commented that the supplier is also excited to cooperate with the iGaming operator in the Heartland Province and deliver the best user experience for geolocation proof. He added that the company is pleased to support the operator’s internet gaming entry into the province, as it continues to offer a leading geolocation verification service.
Ontario’s Sector in Numbers
Recent reports from Ontario found that local online players are much fonder of digital casino games than of sports betting. For instance, in the first quarter of 2023-24 fiscal year, bettors placed CA$11.6 billion on iCasino titles, this includes slots, live and computer-based table games, and peer-to-peer bingo. Meanwhile, sports betting had a wagering volume of CA$2 billion.
However, some experts such as Nigel Turner, a scientist at the Toronto-based Centre for Addiction and Mental Health are concerned about the increasing popularity of iGaming. He commented that the province has been flooded with sports-betting advertising, and argued that with the increase in popularity, more people could develop gambling-related issues.
Source: “mkodo expands GeoLocs presence in Ontario via Rootz partnership” CanadianGamingBusiness, September 27, 2023