Canada
Rivalry Announces Record Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2021 Results
- Betting handle of $78.2 million for FY 2021 increased 202% year-over-year, with Q4 2021 betting handle of $24.9 million up 389% YoY.1
- Revenue of $11.1 million for FY 2021 grew 617% YoY, with Q4 2021 revenue of $2.2 million up 615% YoY.
- Preliminary Q1 2022 betting handle of $40.2 million, a record high, up 62% sequentially from Q4 2021, and 273% year-over-year.
- Momentum being fueled by economic customer acquisition costs and robust payback periods, underpinned by innovative product and market leading brand equity.
- $35.5 million of cash and zero debt at year-end to support continued growth in core and new markets.
Rivalry Corp., an internationally regulated sports betting and entertainment company, today announced its financial results for the three and 12-month periods ended December 31, 2021. The Company also announced preliminary results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022. All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.
“We had a tremendous year by nearly all measures in 2021. Our team delivered triple-digit growth, secured the financial resources to accelerate our momentum, continued to strengthen our originally developed product, added significant talent depth to our bench, and further solidified Rivalry as the most engaged brand in esports betting globally,”2 said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “I’m also pleased to say we have continued that pacing into 2022, with our Q1 betting handle delivering 62% sequential growth over Q4, and up 273% year-over-year.”
Full-Year 2021 Financial Highlights
- Betting handle was $78.2 million in 2021, up 202% from $25.9 million in 2020.
- Revenue was $11.1 million for the full year, an increase of $9.5 million or 617% from $1.5 million in 2020.
- Gross profit was $2.2 million for the full year, an increase of $1.5 million or 217% from $0.69 million in 2020.
- The Company’s subordinate voting shares commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in October 2021, followed by a listing on the OTCQX just after year-end.
- The Company had $35.5 million of cash and no debt as at December 31, 2021.
Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights
- Betting handle was $24.9 million in Q4 2021, up 389% from $5.1 million in Q4 2020.
- Revenue was $2.2 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of $1.9 million or 615% from $0.3 million in Q4 2020.
- Gross profit was $0.4 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of $0.3 million or 366% from $0.1 million in 2020.
“The growth we saw in Q4 was highly encouraging, and a signal of strength in what is typically the most seasonally quiet quarter of the year, with us delivering modest sequential growth over Q3. As our traditional sports betting product has continued to improve, we are seeing a more diverse product mix, which is helping to blunt the seasonality of esports, something that we expect to continue in the future,” said Steven Salz.
2021 Operational Highlights
- Maintaining leadership in the rapidly growing esports segment with approximately 90% of betting handle being placed on esports events, compared to 10% on traditional sports.
- Successfully engaging the next generation bettor, with an average customer age of 26, and 82% of lifetime customers under the age of 30.
- Customer registrations increased to approximately 610,000 by the end of 2021, up from 350,000 one year earlier.
- Rivalry’s partner network and owned properties reached a total of 55 million followers.
- Pioneered a new gaming category of Massive Multiplayer Online Gambling Games (MMOGG) with the launch of proprietary title Rushlane.
- The Company made a number of key leadership hires throughout the year across nearly all departments, materially enhancing the talent bench.
Subsequent Events
- Momentum continued in the first quarter of 2022 with betting handle reaching a new record of $40.2 million, an increase of 273% year-over-year and up 62% sequentially from Q4 2021. The Company expects to announce complete results for Q1 2022 by the end of May.
- On January 22, 2022, the Company’s subordinate voting shares commenced trading on the OTCQX Best Market.
- On February 9, 2022, the Company was awarded its sports bookmaker license by the Northern Territory Racing Commission (Australia) pursuant to the Racing and Betting Act 1983 (NT), which allows the Company to legally operate throughout the whole of the country.
- In March 2022, the Company announced the addition of mobile esports to its sportsbook, enabling customers to wager on competitive esports played on mobile devices.
- The Company was among the first to commence operations in Ontario on April 4, 2022, the first day of regulated online gaming in the province.
Goals for 2022
- Meaningful expansion of the Company’s traditional sports offering to support the continued interest and growth it is seeing.
- New originally developed games to complement Rushlane and add depth to Rivalry’s massively multiplayer online gambling games category (MMOGG’s).
- Launching a mobile app consistent with the surprise and delight the Company believes the next generation of customers are looking for.
- A casino offering that is authentic to the Company’s demographic.
- Launch in new geographies under its existing Isle of Man license, and new regulated licenses to provide continuous growth in users and brand reach across the globe.
- A dynamic media strategy to continue positioning Rivalry as an industry-leading creative house operating at the forefront of internet culture.
“Our focus in 2022 is growth across product, new geographies, and an expansion of Rivalry’s creative universe to capitalize on what we believe is a generational opportunity to become the leader in betting and entertainment for the next generation. Through financially disciplined management, and executing on our targeted operational goals, we believe our positive unit economics will improve, and a path to profitability will become clear,” said Steven Salz.
Ben Clemes
High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

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.
Canada
IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto

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.
Alberta Gaming
Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership

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.
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