Canada
Comprehensive COVID-19 Secret Shopper Study Reveals Las Vegas Hospitality and Gaming Brand/Cleanliness Perceptions
Experience Strategy Associates, a boutique consulting group focused on assisting organizations with customer experience and branding strategy, in partnership with HS Brands Global, a global leader in deploying field resources to verify and assess expectations of some of the world’s favorite brands, announced results from a comprehensive secret shopper study focused on perceptions of how brands are managing operations through a COVID-19 lens.
Secret shoppers were sent out to evaluate 600 customer touch-points across the LV Strip, LV Locals and Downtown LV gaming properties on re-opening weekend and again two weeks later to learn how well brands were maintaining consistent safety standards and where there may be opportunity to continue to focus for optimal brand perception.
According to the study, the LV Strip properties and Downtown properties scored the highest consistently among all three key segments.
“This is a very positive story,” said Greg Chase, Founder and Chief Thought Provoker of Experience Strategy Associates. “This data was very specific to key elements that would ultimately make a customer feel safe or not, such as if sanitizer machines were functional and if they observed employees cleaning public areas, which we know has a lot of consumer focus in the present time.”
Secret shops were conducted across three key segments, Downtown LV properties, LV Locals Casinos and LV Strip Properties on both re-opening weekend and again two weeks post re-opening, totaling over 560 customer touchpoints.
- Top 5 Areas for Opportunity Across All Segments to Improve Customer Perception Amid COVID-19
- Allowing customers to see some element of sanitation practice on table games
- Ensuring Staff are proactively offering masks to customers who are not wearing them or do not have on their person
- Supporting staff in enforcing social distancing standards in F&B venue lines
- Allowing customers to see staff cleaning and sanitizing F&B tables and chairs
- Ensuring sanitizer dispensers are properly functional
“As a member of the Las Vegas community, HS Brands is proud to provide our partners with tools necessary to measure their COVID protocols to better protect their employees and guests.” Michael Mills Vice President of Sales at HS Brands
To learn more about this study, please view the attached infographics or visit https://hsbrands.com
About HS Brands Global
Founded in 1992, HS Brands is the leader in deploying the global field resources necessary to assess and verify customer experiences, brand image, compliance standards, and operational integrity. Based in Las Vegas with 13 global offices, HS Brands is the largest mystery shopping provider to casinos in the world.
About Experience Strategy Associates (ESA)
Founded in May 2019, Experience Strategy Associates is a Las Vegas-based boutique consulting group focused on assisting organizations with customer experience and branding strategy. Composed of Las Vegas industry experts, ESA brings rich insights to the forefront to help clients understand their customers with data-driven studies, develop customer experience strategies and foster strong employee and customer engagement.
SOURCE Experience Strategy Associates
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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