Canada
CGA Advocates for Our Industry
The CGA is actively communicating with governments at the provincial and federal levels to advocate for our industry and ensure that support for employees and business is available.
We continue to cooperate with our industry partners and are building alliances with other national and provincial associations in the hospitality industry to ensure that the gaming industry is part of the support and recovery assistance for the broader hospitality sector.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
Details on the recently announced $962 million in new capital to Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and the Community Futures Network were revealed by the federal government this week.
RDAs are federal agencies under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The six RDAs across Canada span Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Western Canada, and the northern regions. Community Futures Network is a group of federal agencies placed across Canada that provide small business services in rural communities.
The almost $1 billion in new capital is meant to support regional and rural businesses that may not have existing relationships with financial institutions, or don’t qualify for other federal relief programs.
The RRRF is meant to help these businesses and organizations continue operations as well as pay their employees. It is also available for projects by businesses, organizations, and communities to help prepare for a successful recovery. The fund is open to businesses in sectors that include manufacturing, technology, tourism, and “others that are key to the regions and local economies.”
More information on the RRRF and how to apply is located here.
Government of Canada information on credit facilities and support for businesses is available here.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
The federal government announced the large employer emergency financing facility (LEEFF), which will provide support to employers with annual revenues of more than $300 million whose credit needs aren’t being met through conventional financing.
The program is open to large commercial businesses in all sectors (except those in the financial sector) and certain not-for-profit businesses, like airports. To qualify, businesses must be looking for financing of $60 million or more and have significant operations or large numbers of employees in Canada, and must not be involved in any ongoing insolvency proceedings.
Among the conditions are making sure that there are no share buybacks or dividends or excessive executive pay, but also that companies have financial disclosures on their climate situation.
Program details are still being worked out and information on the application process is expected shortly.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended to End of August 2020
The federal government is extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) beyond its original June 6 expiry date to the end of August 2020.
CEWS gives employers funds to cover 75% of wage costs up to a maximum benefit of $847 a week per employee.
It is currently available for up to 12 weeks, covering the period between March 15 to June 6. Further details will be available in the next few days.
The CGA is communicating with the federal government to ask it to make the CEWS available to organizations for at least 120 days from their re-opening date to provide support as they bring back employees and work to restore their businesses.
CGA Assists Operators Prepare for Reopening
As gaming operators look to reopen, the CGA is aware that you are exploring tools and products that can assist in providing clean and safe environments for employees and customers. The CGA recently hosted a series of webinars to provide access to suppliers and we have a few links to share.
More webinars on a range of topics will be available in the coming weeks.
Zoono – A New Era in Antimicrobial Solutions
Zoono offers an innovative active disinfecting technology that addresses a broad range of pathogens. Zoono eliminates pathogens when applied via an initial kill, but then through the drying process, sets up an invisible barrier to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae on an ongoing basis.
Prescientx – The Future of Disinfection
Prescientx is one of Canada’s top companies focusing on patient safety innovation. It has co-developed and markets technologies focused on engineered infection prevention, which include a variety of automated UVC disinfection systems using smart sensor technology. Prescientx technology can help casinos and hotels tackle these new pandemic challenges, from room sterilization to rapid casino chip and equipment cleaning.
For more information: RBY Gaming – Ron Baryoseph
In addition, Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of industries related to COVID-19.
For operators in the hospitality industry looking for information on how to prepare to safely re-open their retail stores and food service/restaurants in the coming months, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual fact sheets available to download.
The CGA is here to assist our members and industry colleagues during these difficult times. Pease contact us at [email protected] if we can be of help. We hope everyone is healthy and safe. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and practice physical distancing.
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.
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