Canada
NGCB: Procedures for Reopening after Temporary Closure Due to COVID-19
On April 21, 2020, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (“Board”) issued a Policy Memorandum related to Procedures for Reopening after Temporary Closure Due to COVID-19. The Board is providing the following additional information to licensees regarding reopening procedures.
1. Internal Audit Procedures: On May 29, 2020, the Board issued Addendum 1 to the April 21, 2020 Policy Memorandum. This addendum granted a waiver to allow certain internal audit procedures, required pursuant to Regulation 6.090(15), for calendar year 2020 to only be performed if a licensee operates an applicable gaming or entertainment area for three consecutive full months or more during 2020. The Board is extending this waiver to allow licensees with calendar business years to reduce the required procedures for table games and slots from a semi-annual requirement to an annual requirement for calendar year 2020. This reduction would include completion of the MICS Compliance – General Walk-through – All Procedures Checklist for both table games and slots.
2. Branch Office Visits: The Internal Audit Compliance Checklist – Branch Offices Walk-Through Procedures requires that “branch offices and/or independent agents that either took possession of more than $500,000 (cash or non-cash) in deposits or collected, in total, more than $500,000 (cash or non-cash) on credit instruments during the previous fiscal year, or more than $500,000 in the fiscal year to date are visited and compliance reviewed at least every other year. Branch offices not meeting the aforementioned $500,000 criteria are visited and compliance reviewed at least once every five years.” Any branch office and/or independent agents that are scheduled to be visited in 2020, based on the preceding criteria, may either be 1) “visited” through video conferencing and online document inspection, or 2) deferred until 2021.
3. In-House Progressive Payoffs: For progressive payoff schedules that were removed from the floor due to the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency – Directive 002 dated March 18, 2020, the time period to either put a progressive payoff schedule back on the casino floor or to distribute the entire incremental amount, pursuant to Regulation 5.110(5), is being extended to October 1, 2020.
4. Extended Business Closures: Pursuant to NGC Regulation 9.010(2), a licensee that ceases gaming “for a period exceeding 1 month” must either surrender their gaming license or obtain authorization from the Board to remain closed for “longer periods.” However, under current gaming regulations, any such authorization “will not permit closing for an entire calendar quarter.”
Generally, the Board will interpret Regulation 9 to contemplate closures that are within the control of the gaming licensee. Accordingly, the Board will not include periods of mandatory closure when determining the applicability of NGC Regulation 9.010(2). Therefore, the Board will calculate the “period exceeding 1 month” to commence June 4, 2020, the date that gaming licensees were permitted to reopen. Thus, a licensee that has not resumed gaming on or before July 6, 2020 must either surrender their license or request authorization from the Board to remain closed for a longer period. To request an extended closure, a licensee must submit the request to [email protected] by July 6, 2020. Any questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Board’s Tax and License Division at (775) 684-7770.
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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