Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/04/05
Deal Reached at Caesars Windsor After Employees Prepared to Strike
A strike was prevented at the casino resort Caesars Windsor after union Unifor 444, representing 1,500 workers, gave employees the go-ahead to strike. Employees sought better wages to keep up with the cost of living and the rise in inflation, giving the casino until midnight on Wednesday to strike a deal with the union.
“Make no mistake, the monetary gains are probably a number one priority,” said James Stewart, president of Unifor 444, to CBC News. “Our members are doing an incredible job. The casino’s won a whole host of awards and they want to be recognized for that.”
Three years ago, casino employees were on the verge of striking, but COVID-19 put a spanner in the works, and negotiations were delayed until 2022. The most recent strike at Caesars was back in 2018, and it lasted for 60 days before both sides agreed.
Regarding the recent deal that was made on Wednesday, Caesars Windsor’s president and CEO, Kevin Kaforet, said, “We would like to commend Unifor Local 444 and the entire bargaining team for their respectful and productive efforts resulting in an agreement that is mutually beneficial for both parties.”
Canadian Sportsbook theScore Bet Gains MLB Rights through PENN Partnership
The Canadian online sportsbook theScore Bet has become a licensed sportsbook for the corporate subsidiary of the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), MLB Players Inc. (MLBPI).
The licensing agreement happened after theScore Bet’s parent company, PENN Entertainment, signed a deal with the MLBPI and OneTeam Partners earlier in the week. The deal granted theScore Bet all licensing rights to MLB players’ names and images, while PENN’s American sportsbook, ESPN Bet, would also be granted licensing rights for its platforms.
“As baseball season gets underway, we’re excited to offer fans an enhanced betting experience that includes player likenesses, expanded wagering options and a more dynamic product,” said PENN Interactive Vice President of Operations Jason Birney. “Partnering with MLB Players Inc. strengthens our connection to the league and its star players and creates additional opportunities to engage fans throughout the season.”
PGA Canada Names Sportsbook Coolbet as National Partner
The offshore sportsbook Coolbet, which left Ontario’s regulated market nearly two years ago, has been named the latest sports betting partner of Canada’s Professional Golf Association (PGA) and its grassroots golfing event, the RBC PGA Scramble.
As part of the collaboration, Coolbet will offer promotions to PGA Canada patrons throughout the Scramble competition, which hosts up to 12,000 amateur golf players. This includes the launch of two competitions with ‘bucket-list’ grand prizes.
Coolbet will also provide exclusive odds for a selected number of PGA Canada events, such as its 103rd PGA Championship. The online sportsbook will also be available at various clubs nationwide.
“It has been incredible to watch the consistent growth of the RBC PGA Scramble since its inception in 2015 and this partnership with Coolbet will further the experience even more for participants,” said Kevin Thistle, PGA of Canada Chief Executive Officer. “Coolbet’s commitment to transparency and responsible gaming was a big factor in our partnership in addition to their commitment to the game of golf through various partnerships they’ve supported.”
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
