Ezugi partners with PokerStars for UK and Ontario launch

The global live casino sector continues to evolve rapidly, with suppliers and operators forming new collaborations to deliver innovative content to players worldwide. One of the most notable developments in this space is the recent agreement between Ezugi, a live casino supplier within the Evolution Group, and PokerStars, the globally recognized online gaming platform owned by Flutter Entertainment.

The deal will see a wider selection of Ezugi’s games rolled out to PokerStars’ customers in the United Kingdom and Ontario, Canada. It represents a significant expansion of an already established relationship and highlights the increasing importance of live dealer games in regulated markets.

The scope of the new partnership

Under the new arrangement, PokerStars players in both the UK and Ontario will gain access to several of Ezugi’s most popular live dealer titles. Among the featured games are Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack, and Lucky 7. Each of these titles has been developed to provide immersive gameplay experiences, combining the social aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of digital play.

This rollout follows years of collaboration between the two companies. PokerStars has long been associated with online poker but has steadily expanded its offering to include casino games, sports betting, and other verticals. By integrating Ezugi’s content, the platform further enhances the diversity of its gaming library for players in key regulated jurisdictions.

Evolution’s role and Ezugi’s growth

Ezugi was founded in 2012 with a focus on live dealer technology and was later acquired by Evolution in 2018. The acquisition was structured at an initial consideration of $12 million, with the potential for an additional $6 million depending on performance milestones. Since joining the Evolution portfolio, Ezugi has benefitted from access to broader resources, technology, and market reach, enabling it to scale operations and deliver innovative products to international partners.

For Evolution, the deal further consolidates its market leadership in the live casino space. The company already provides PokerStars with a variety of live dealer games through other subsidiaries, and Ezugi’s involvement expands the depth and breadth of content available to the operator.

A message from Ezugi’s leadership

The newly appointed CEO of Ezugi, Gilad Ben-Ami, expressed optimism about the future of the collaboration with PokerStars. He emphasized that the launch of Ezugi’s games demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver both variety and innovation in live casino entertainment.

Speaking about the agreement, Ben-Ami noted: “The release of Ezugi games to PokerStars clearly demonstrates the rich variety and innovative features of the Ezugi games portfolio.”

He also provided insight into the distinctive qualities of specific titles, including Ultimate Roulette, which made its debut in 2023. Ben-Ami highlighted that: “Ultimate Roulette is a unique multiplier Roulette that blends circus-themed fun and TV game show excitement.”

This emphasis on entertainment and immersive design reflects Ezugi’s strategy of developing games that go beyond traditional table formats, offering players new experiences in the competitive online casino landscape.

Why the UK and Ontario markets matter

The decision to focus on the UK and Ontario is strategic. Both jurisdictions represent mature, regulated online gambling markets with significant customer bases and high standards of compliance.

United Kingdom: The UK is one of the most established regulated gambling markets globally, with a long-standing licensing framework overseen by the UK Gambling Commission. Operators in this market must adhere to strict rules on responsible gambling, advertising, and consumer protection. By expanding its presence here, Ezugi reinforces its credibility and commitment to regulatory compliance.

Ontario: Canada’s most populous province legalized and regulated online gambling in 2022, quickly becoming one of North America’s most dynamic markets. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and its subsidiary iGaming Ontario oversee licensing and compliance. For PokerStars, Ontario is a vital territory where diversification of content can strengthen player engagement and retention.

Both markets are also highly competitive, meaning that innovation and game variety are key factors in attracting and retaining players. The addition of Ezugi’s portfolio supports PokerStars in differentiating its offering from rivals.

The role of live dealer games in modern iGaming

The live dealer segment has grown significantly over the past decade, bridging the gap between online and land-based casino experiences. Players are increasingly drawn to the authenticity, social interaction, and real-time gameplay offered by live casino products.

Ezugi has positioned itself as a leader in this field by developing games that appeal to a wide demographic of players. Titles such as Unlimited Blackjack allow for flexible participation without table limits, while games like Lucky 7 offer simple but engaging betting formats. More innovative titles such as Revolution Roulette and Ultimate Roulette push creative boundaries by incorporating multipliers, themes, and entertainment-style elements.

By integrating these products, PokerStars not only enhances its brand appeal but also aligns with broader industry trends that emphasize live entertainment and interactive features.

A future of continued collaboration

While the current agreement focuses on select Ezugi titles, both parties have hinted at the possibility of expanding the collaboration further. Ben-Ami suggested that additional games may be introduced to PokerStars in the future, depending on market response and demand.

For PokerStars, which has operated since 2001 and established itself as one of the most recognized names in global online gaming, such partnerships are essential to maintaining its competitive edge. For Ezugi, the agreement represents an opportunity to showcase its portfolio to a broad and diverse player base, reinforcing its role within the Evolution Group as a driver of innovation in the live casino segment.

Industry implications

The Ezugi-PokerStars agreement reflects broader trends shaping the online gambling industry in 2025:

• Content diversification: Operators increasingly seek a wide range of products to cater to different player preferences.
• Regulated expansion: Suppliers and operators prioritize entry into jurisdictions with clear regulatory frameworks, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
• Focus on innovation: Games that combine traditional formats with new features, themes, and interactivity are in high demand.
• Strategic partnerships: Long-term collaborations between leading suppliers and operators help to secure market share and build brand loyalty.

This agreement exemplifies how suppliers and operators can work together to create value not only for their businesses but also for players seeking safe and entertaining gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The partnership between Ezugi and PokerStars marks another milestone in the evolution of live casino gaming. By delivering innovative titles such as Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack, and Revolution Roulette to regulated markets in the UK and Ontario, both companies are reinforcing their commitment to providing high-quality entertainment under robust compliance frameworks.

As the live casino vertical continues to grow, collaborations of this kind will play a central role in shaping the future of iGaming. For players, the result is a richer and more engaging gaming experience, while for the industry, it signals ongoing innovation and responsible expansion.

FAQs

What is the new agreement between Ezugi and PokerStars?
Ezugi has partnered with PokerStars to provide its live casino games to players in the UK and Ontario, expanding on their existing relationship.

Which games are included in this rollout?
The deal includes titles such as Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack, and Lucky 7.

Why is this deal significant for PokerStars?
It allows PokerStars to broaden its live casino offering, providing players with more variety and innovation in regulated markets.

When did Evolution acquire Ezugi?
Evolution acquired Ezugi in 2018 for an initial consideration of $12 million, with the potential for an additional $6 million.

What makes Ultimate Roulette unique?
Ultimate Roulette features multipliers and blends circus-themed visuals with the excitement of a television game show format.

Why are the UK and Ontario important markets?
Both regions are regulated, mature markets with strong consumer bases and compliance standards, making them attractive for operators and suppliers.

What is Ezugi known for?
Ezugi specializes in live casino games and is recognized for developing innovative titles that combine traditional play with new entertainment features.

Will more games be added to PokerStars in the future?
Ezugi’s CEO, Gilad Ben-Ami, has hinted at the possibility of introducing additional titles to PokerStars depending on demand.

How does this partnership benefit players?
Players gain access to a wider variety of engaging and innovative live casino games within a safe and regulated environment.

What does this mean for the iGaming industry overall?
The deal reflects trends in innovation, content diversification, and the growing importance of live casino products in regulated markets.