Canada
Nevada Gaming Control Board: 2021-37 Emergency Directive 044
Section 18 of Emergency Directive 044 delegates all authority to prescribe COVID-19 mitigation measures for gaming properties to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Pursuant to the above authority, the Board issues the following:
RESTRICTED LICENSEES
Effective May 1, 2021, the Board rescinds its “Health and Safety Policy for Reopening after COVID-19: Restricted Licensees.” Each restricted licensee shall comply with its respective county’s COVID-19 Local Mitigation and Enforcement Plan (Local Plan). If a county’s Local Plan does not meet the requirements of sections 3 and 4 of Emergency Directive 041, a restricted licensee must: (1) limit its capacity to fifty percent (50%) of its occupancy limit assigned to the property by local building and fire codes; and (2) enforce a social distancing of six feet between individuals.
Additionally, each restricted licensee shall continue to comply with the Baseline Statewide Mitigation Measures established in section 8 of Emergency Directive 044; namely, the statewide mask and face covering requirements as set forth in Emergency Directive 024.
NONRESTRICTED LICENSEES
Except as otherwise provided below and subject to NRS 447.300 to 447.355, inclusive, effective May 1, 2021, each nonrestricted licensee shall comply with its respective county’s general capacity and occupancy limitations and social distancing requirements, as detailed in the county’s Local Plan, within the licensee’s gaming areas. These county-specific requirements are detailed below.
If a nonrestricted licensee is located in a county that has a Local Plan that does not meet the requirements of sections 3 and 4 of Emergency Directive 041, the nonrestricted licensee must: (1) limit its capacity to fifty percent
(50%) of its occupancy limit assigned to each gaming area by local building and fire codes; and (2) enforce a social distancing of six feet between individuals.
Additionally, each nonrestricted licensee shall continue to comply with the Baseline Statewide Mitigation Measures established in section 8 of Emergency Directive 044; namely, the statewide mask and face covering requirements as set forth in Emergency Directive 024.
Capacity Limitations for Gaming Areas (based on each county’s published Local Plan)
Carson City:
Occupancy Limit:100%
Social Distancing Measures: 6 feet
Churchill County:
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: CDC recommendations
Clark County
Occupancy Limit: 80% (Increase to 100% once 60% of eligible population receives first vaccine dose) Social Distancing Measures: 3 feet (Removed once 60% of eligible population receive first vaccine dose)
Douglas County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
Elko County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Esmeralda County
Occupancy Limit: 50% of Fire Code capacity
Social Distancing: None
Eureka County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Humboldt County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Additional COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
Lander County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Lincoln County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Lyon County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: 6 feet or physical barriers between individuals
Mineral County
Occupancy Limit: 50%
Social Distancing: None
Nye County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Pershing County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
Storey County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing: None
White Pine County
Occupancy Limit: 100%
Social Distancing Measures: None
Washoe County (Local Plan not adequate)
Occupancy Limit: 50%
Social Distancing Measures: 6 feet
Effective May 1, 2021, the Board will enforce the Health and Safety Policy for Continued Mitigation of the Spread of COVID-19 for nonrestricted licensees. The current Health and Safety Policies for Resumption of Gaming Operations, as issued by Industry Notice #2021-31, will remain in effect until 11:59pm on April 30, 2021.
The Board retains jurisdiction over all licensees, and failure to abide by COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented by the federal government, State, local jurisdiction, or another agency may constitute grounds for disciplinary action under NGC Regulation 5.011.
Formal Requests to Increase Occupancy above Local Plan Requirement
As outlined in the April 2, 2021 Joint Statement of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission on COVID-19 Vaccination of Hospitality Workers (Industry Notice #2021-26), licensees may submit a request to the Chair of the Board for a waiver of applicable occupancy limitations or COVID-19 mitigation measures otherwise applicable on May 1, 2021. Such a request must demonstrate the licensee’s measurable and material steps to vaccinate its workforce.
Requests for increased gaming floor occupancy must also include the licensee’s detailed commitment to its obligation to vaccinate its workforce, until some defined goal is reached or some period of time under such a vaccination campaign has passed, as outlined by the licensee. This document will remain on file and will constitute an ongoing obligation by the licensee.
A formal request as described above must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 5pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
CONCLUSION
The contents, requirements, and restrictions set forth in this Industry Notice are subject to change based on a county amending its Local Plan. Each licensee is expected to continuously reference its county’s Local Plan to ensure compliance with the same.
In conjunction with state and local health officials, the Board will continue to ensure that best practices are used in the mitigation of COVID-19, and its effect on licensee operations, and will issue further notices as appropriate.
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.
-
Africa4 weeks ago
Cross Switch Bolsters African Footprint with Strategic Partnership with Pesawise
-
Esportes da Sorte4 weeks ago
Esportes Gaming Brasil, the group behind Esportes da Sorte and Onabet, announces Hugo Baungartner as Executive Director for Institutional Relations and Partnerships
-
Australia4 weeks ago
ACMA Imposes Fine of $500,800 on PointsBet
-
Africa4 weeks ago
QTech Games wins Leader in Online Casino at the 2025 SBEA+ Eventus Awards
-
Baltics4 weeks ago
Modern Oracles & Smart Payments: Finrax’s Vision for Blockchain, AI & Beyond
-
Australia4 weeks ago
ACMA Imposes $1 Million Fine on Unibet
-
Asia3 weeks ago
PAGCOR CHAIRMAN, ENTIRE BOARD TENDER COURTESY RESIGNATION
-
Balkans4 weeks ago
EGT Digital at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025: Get ready to be fascinated