Canada
PlayIA.com: Sportsbooks set new highs for revenue, wagering in November
Iowa sportsbooks set records for wagering and revenue, generating nearly $20 million in revenue on nearly $290 million in bets in November. After another high, Iowa is now a strong December away from reaching $2 billion in betting for the year, according to PlayIA, a leading source for news and analysis of the Iowa gaming market.
“The expansion in betting in Iowa over the last three months has set a new floor for the industry,” said Eric Ramsey, an analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayIA.com. “Operators have used the popularity of football to not only attract new customers, but also to expose existing bettors to more diverse forms of betting. The growth this fall will benefit state sportsbooks for the months and years to come.”
Iowa’s online and retail sportsbooks generated $287.2 million in wagers in November, up 229.5% from $87.2 million in November 2020, according to official data released Friday afternoon. November’s handle was up 2.3% from the record $280.9 million wagered in October, a month boosted by five weekends of football. Bettors averaged $9.6 million per day during the 30 days of the month, topping October’s $9.1 million per day.
Revenue rose 142.5% to $19.7 million in November from $8.1 million in November 2020 and 201.2% from $6.6 million in October. The previous record was $13.5 million, set in March. November’s gains yielded a record $2.1 million in tax revenue for the state.
The last three months represent the three highest monthly handles in state history. Through the first 11 months of this year, Iowa sportsbooks have generated:
- $1.8 billion in wagering, including $778.6 million over the last three months.
- $101.1 million in revenue, including $32.0 million over the last three months.
- $7.8 million in taxes, including $3.1 million over the last three months.
“The removal of in-person registration requirements for online sportsbooks at the beginning of the year was obviously a watershed moment for the state,” said Russ Mitchell, lead analyst for PlayIA.com. “But the growth of the last three months has been on another level.”
$260.4 million, or 90.6%, of November’s bets were made online, producing $16.8 million in revenue. Meanwhile, retail betting generated $26.9 million in wagers, creating $2.9 million in net receipts.
Caesars once again topped the online market with $104.0 million in wagers, yielding $4.7 million in revenue. DraftKings was second with $75.1 million in online wagering, producing $4.2 million in net receipts. Barstool Sports, which launched on Nov. 2, generated $770,576 in revenue on $9.7 million in bets.
Diamond Jo Worth led the retail market with $6.7 in bets, yielding $2.3 million in revenue. Ameristar Council Bluffs was second with $5.6 million in wagers, which led to $1.8 million in net receipts.
Football has been the main driver of growth for the last three months. But the NBA continues to be a popular bet, and the opening of the college basketball season in November helped boost sportsbooks.
“Football is driving record growth this fall, not just in Iowa but all over the country,” Mitchell said. “But with four Division I basketball programs, Iowa’s sportsbooks have an opportunity to grow some more this winter, especially if Iowa and Iowa State continue to play well.”
High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released the program for its upcoming annual conference, to be held in Toronto from 20-23 October.
With the theme ‘Resilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and what’s next’, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet today’s challenges.
The four-day program explores timely issues, including the rise of AI and behavioural analytics, the impact of converging technologies, cross-border collaboration and the continued push to strengthen responsible gambling policies.
IAGR President Ben Haden said the program offers a strong preview of the content and conversations delegates can expect in Toronto.
‘This year’s program showcases the breadth and complexity of the challenges facing gambling regulators worldwide, from protecting player wellbeing to tackling illegal markets and understanding new technologies,’ Haden said.
‘I encourage regulators, researchers and policy professionals from around the world to join us in Toronto. The conference is a space to learn, share experience, challenge assumptions and shape the future of effective, collaborative regulation.’
Confirmed speakers and panellists include:
- Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission, Great Britain
- Anders Dorph, Director, Danish Gambling Authority, Denmark
- Dr Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
- Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming and Carrie Torrisi, Chief of Sports Wagering Division, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, United States
- Bashir Are, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Nigeria
- Teo Chun Ching, Chief Executive, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Singapore
- Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder, GamblePause Initiative Africa, Nigeria
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, CEO, Mindway AI, Denmark
- Tracy Parker, Senior Vice President, Accreditation, Advisory and Insights, Responsible Gambling Council, Canada
- Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker, Gibraltar
- Sonia Wasowska, Head of Supervision, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates
- Steven Blackburn, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory, Australia
The event will be held at The Westin Harbour Castle on Toronto’s waterfront.
The post IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Home field advantage has a new name, as the Edmonton Elks announced that Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is now the home of the Elks.
The field naming rights are part of a broader multi-year agreement between Play Alberta and the EE, making Play Alberta the official sports betting partner of the Club.
“We couldn’t be more excited to expand our partnership with Play Alberta. This partnership is about more than just putting a name on the field – it’s about building something meaningful for our fans and our community. Play Alberta is an Alberta-based organization that shares our values and our commitment to giving back. Together, we’re creating new ways for fans to connect with our team and experience the game day atmosphere in a whole new way,” said Elks President and CEO Chris Morris.
The expanded relationship between the Elks and Play Alberta will allow the game day experience to continue to grow. Fans can look forward to unique activations and promotions around the stadium, including the chance to win game tickets and memorabilia.
“Since Play Alberta’s launch five years ago, our team has made it a priority to connect with the communities where our players live and work. We are very excited to join the Edmonton Elks on the field on game days during upcoming CFL seasons. Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium allows us to partner with the Elks and showcase two brands built for Albertans in a historic Edmonton location,” said Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Chief Executive Officer Kandice Machado.
The Elks open their 76th season on Saturday, June 7 in Vancouver when they take on the B.C. Lions. Edmonton’s home opener at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is slated for Thursday, June 19 against the Montreal Alouettes.
The post Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
New Zealand Government Releases Refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
The winners of the Casino Guru Awards 2025 announced: A night of celebration, integrity, and inspiration
-
Latest News3 weeks agoThat was unforgettable! – The Boomerang Bet “AC Milan vs. Bologna Trip” Instagram Giveaway winner shared his emotions
-
Asia4 weeks ago
Max Level Wins PR Mandate for Riot Games in India and South Asia
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
Week 23/2025 slot games releases
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
Digitain’s Paydrom Receives PCI DSS Certification
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era
