Canada
THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO THE OLD COURSE AT ST ANDREWS FOR THE 150TH EDITION
Rory McIlroy is installed as the favorite to win the final major of 2022 and the last
top field golf may see for the foreseeable future, according to TheLines.com
After top-10 finishes in the first three majors of 2022, Rory McIlroy has
claimed favorite status heading into the 150th U.S. Open, being played at the
birthplace of golf, the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, according to TheLines,
which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.
A consensus of the nation’s largest legal online sportsbooks — including DraftKings,
FanDuel, and BetMGM — places McIlroy at +1000 to win the Open Championship
outright, meaning bettors would win $1,000 for every $100 wagered. Xander
Schauffele, who won last week at the Scottish Open and who is looking for that
elusive first major, is next on the favorites list at a consensus +1400. World No. 1-
ranked player Scottie Scheffler is part of a trio at +1600 to open the week along with
Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth. U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick is next at
+1800 with PGA Champion Justin Thomas at +2000.
McIlroy, the 33-year-old Northern Irishman, is looking for his fifth career major title
and his first since 2014. His game is in strong form, with top-10 finishes in each major
this year and a win at the RBC Canadian Open last month.
This is the 29th time the Open has been contested at the Old Course. Past winners at
this course in the field this week includes John Daly, Zach Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen
and, of course, Tiger Woods, who won here in 2000 and 2005.
Woods skipped last month’s U.S. Open to give his body a chance to recuperate ahead
of the Open Championship. The aging superstar is 17 months removed from a car
accident that caused multiple leg injuries. He is listed at a consensus +6500 to open
the week.
The Old Course features wide fairways, a number of large double-greens and 14 par-4s
on the 7,305-yard out-and-back track. Firm conditions should lead to the course
playing much shorter than the listed yardage in calm conditions. But weather is the
great equalizer and winds and rains are possible later in the week.
“This is one of the strongest fields we’ve seen with 50 of the top 51 players set to tee
it up this week,” said Brett Collson, lead analyst at TheLines.com. “With a strong
field and a course that could be carved up by longer players if the weather stays
down, bettors will keep a sharp eye on how the forecast develops over the week.”
This may be the last top field professional golf will see for sometime. Players on the
LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabian-backed breakaway tour that has dominated headlines this
year can no longer accrue Official World Golf Ranking points outside of the major
tournaments. That makes it fair to consider that this might be the last major
championship that includes such a deep list of the best golfers in the world.
Consensus odds for the 10 favorites ahead of this year’s British Open, as of Monday,
June 11:
● Rory McIlroy (+1000)
● Xander Schauffele (+1400)
● Jon Rahm (+1600)
● Scottie Scheffler (+1600)
● Jordan Spieth (+1600)
● Matthew Fitzpatrick (+1800)
● Justin Thomas (+2000)
● Shane Lowry (+2200)
● Cameron Smith (+2600)
● Patrick Cantlay (+2200)
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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