Gaming Nation Inc. is rebranding and changing its name to Ascend FS. The Toronto-based online gaming company operates 50/50 raffles as well as other fund raisers and sweepstakes at scores of sports venues. It partners with pro teams, colleges and charities. Ascend FS CEO Daniel Lewis said the new name highlights the company’s digital, analytics and sports betting side. Ascend also provides in-stadium sports betting services and technology to EPL teams. The U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing states to legalize sports betting could open up similar business lines for Ascend. Under the rebranding, the company’s 50/50 Central arm will also change its name to Ascend.5050. "We just felt Gaming Nation didn’t represent our value. 50/50 Central makes people think you are just on the raffle side,” Lewis said. Lewis’ Orange Capital Ventures acquired Gaming Nation in '17. He also sees growth in digital sweepstakes and combining them with in-venue jackpots. Lewis said the Canucks on Nov. 27 set a new record for a 50/50 raffle bringing in more than $1.4M for a children’s charity. Ascend sold more than 62,100 tickets to that raffle, including close to 44,800 online. “That single night we actually sold three times as many tickets as there were people inside the Rogers Arena,” Lewis said. The winner of the raffle took home $706,815 and bought the ticket online.
