The original name of the channel, CGTV stood for Casino and Gaming TV. A license was granted to Stuart Media Group in 2001 for a specialty channel to be called The Gaming Channel, but through a later arrangement with the Casino and Gaming Channel in the U.S., Stuart Media were able to use the CGTV name for their Canadian venture, which launched in 2005.
While the original application for the channel included plans for bingo games and lotteries in which viewers could compete, the 2007 schedule showed clearly the new power of poker on television, with a large proportion of each week’s schedule devoted to various high-stakes poker events. Other programs featured backgammon, roulette, blackjack and even a little bridge. Canadian programs included the Canadian Poker Championship and the Canadian College Poker Challenge.
In October 2007, the channel was rebranded as Game TV, promising “With a never-ending schedule of innovative contests and great prizes, Canadians will have the opportunity to win every day, simply by watching GameTV or visiting igametv.com.” The new schedule included game-related movies, classic game shows, reality programming, poker and non-sports gaming.
The website was operated by Stuart Media subsidiary Insight Productions.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment announced on August 2, 2016 that it would acquire 100% of Game TV subject to CRTC approval, which was given on November 25th 2016.
On March 9, 2018, the CRTC approved the sale of Game TV by Anthem Sports & Entertainment to Remuda Media. That summer Anthem Media informed the CRTC that the proposed transfer in ownership to Remuda was terminated.
Ownership: Anthem Sports & Entertainment
Start Year: 2005