Canada
Clinton Sparks Joins Esports Technologies as Strategic Advisor
Esports Technologies, a global provider of esports wagering experiences, announced that Clinton Sparks has joined the company as strategic advisor to amplify growth. He brings creative talents, entrepreneurial insights and a proven track record of success innovating across music, lifestyle and influence, business, and esports.
Sparks’ business accolades include being the CEO and founder of Get Familiar, Inc., a marketing, strategy and consulting firm that has partnered with BMG for a worldwide publishing deal and has over a billion streams and millions of records sold with song titles such as “Lean On,” “Turn Down For What” and “Let Me Love You.” He is also owner of the national hip-hop radio station Get Familiar Radio.
Sparks’ music accolades include Grammy nominations, multi-platinum achievements as record producer and songwriter with record sales of more than 75 million. He has forged successful collaborations with notable artists and brands including Diddy, Samsung, Beyonce, Pepsi, Eminem, Nordstrom, Lady Gaga, Sirius XM, Offset, Dash Radio, Yahoo and Kanye West. Sparks expanded on his music career to become a highly successful entrepreneur and marketer.
In July 2020, Sparks co-founded the revolutionary gaming organization and lifestyle brand XSET. In addition to fielding top professional esports teams, XSET highlights diversity and social justice. The organization has recruited high-profile entertainers and esports personalities, leaning heavily into the intersection of pop culture and gaming. Prior to founding XSET, Clinton Sparks served as Vice President of Business Development for FaZe Clan, a professional esports and entertainment company, where he helped grow revenues to $35 million annually.
“I can’t think of a bigger opportunity than the intersection of esports and betting. With its immersive wagering platform, products and team, Esports Technologies is positioned as a market leader in the esports betting landscape,” said Sparks. “I am excited to collaborate with them with our shared vision and excitement in this space.”
The appointment of Sparks occurs a few weeks after Atari founder Nolan Bushnell joined the company as a strategic advisor.
Aaron Speach, CEO of Esports Technologies, said, “Clinton Sparks brings an extraordinary range of talents to this company as a strategic advisor. Clinton has become an influential figure in esports today. With his relentless passion and eye for innovation, this is a perfect fit for the growth of Esports Technologies.”
About Esports Technologies – Esports Technologies is developing ground-breaking and engaging wagering experiences for esports fans and bettors around the world. Esports Technologies is one of the global providers of esports product, platform and marketing solutions. The company operates a licensed online gambling platform, gogawi.com, that offers real money betting on esports events and professional sports from around the world in a secure environment. The company is developing esports predictive gaming technologies that allow distribution to both customers and business partners.
SOURCE Esports Technologies
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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