Parq Vancouver, a prominent gaming and hospitality company, has recently named Jeff Craik as its new president, effective February 1. With a robust background spanning 30 years in the gaming industry, Craik brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, notably with Casino Rama in Ontario. His appointment is poised to drive Parq Vancouver to new heights, enhancing the overall gaming and entertainment experience for patrons.
Jeff Craik’s Accomplished Career:
Jeff Craik, the newly appointed president of Parq Vancouver, boasts a distinguished career in the gaming sector. Having initially served as the director of finance at Casino Rama in Ontario, he ascended through the ranks, contributing significantly to the pre-opening team. His journey included roles in marketing, eventually culminating in his position as the vice president of marketing. Craik also played a pivotal role in exploring casino privatization opportunities with Onex Corporation in Toronto. His tenure as regional vice president and general manager for Pure Canadian Gaming, along with managing Pure’s two casinos in Edmonton, further solidifies his leadership credentials.
Parq Vancouver’s Expectations:
Expressing enthusiasm about the recent appointment, Paul Bouzanis, a board member at Parq Vancouver, conveyed the company’s excitement in welcoming Jeff Craik as the new President. Recognizing Craik’s extensive experience and leadership qualities, Bouzanis anticipates that Craik will propel Parq Vancouver to new heights, ensuring an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience for the valued guests.
Jeff Craik’s Vision:
In response to his appointment, Jeff Craik expressed his honor in joining Parq Vancouver and leading the dynamic team towards greater success. Confident in building upon the property’s strong foundation, Craik envisions collaborating to create innovative and memorable experiences for the guests.
Ontario iGaming Market Soars in Q3:
Shifting focus to the iGaming landscape, iGaming Ontario (iGO) has released its market performance report for the third quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The data indicates a substantial growth trend, with CAD$17.2 billion wagered between October 1 to December 31, 2023. This represents a remarkable 21.1 percent increase compared to the second quarter of the fiscal year and an impressive 49.1 percent surge year-on-year.
Revenue Breakdown and Sector Contributions:
Breaking down the figures, gaming revenue for the mentioned period reached CAD$658 million, showcasing a substantial 22 percent increase over the previous quarter and a noteworthy 44 percent jump compared to the same period in 2022. The online casino segment emerged as a dominant force, accounting for CAD$13.7 billion or 79 percent of total wagers. Betting activities contributed CAD$3.1 million, while peer-to-peer poker generated CAD$431 million.
As Parq Vancouver welcomes Jeff Craik to lead the company into a new era, the Ontario iGaming market’s robust performance in Q3 highlights the industry’s continuous growth. Jeff Craik’s rich experience in the gaming sector positions him as a strategic leader, poised to steer Parq Vancouver towards greater success. The thriving iGaming landscape in Ontario further underscores the industry’s significance and potential for continued expansion. With a visionary at the helm and a booming market, both Parq Vancouver and the Ontario iGaming sector appear set for promising trajectories in the coming years.