Canada
Pennsylvania Skill: VGTs benefit out-of-state corporations, harm skill games market and casinos
VGTs will hurt small businesses, social clubs and veterans’ organizations in the state, along with the marketplace for legal skill games, said Pennsylvania Skill’s spokesman following a Senate hearing today. Pace-O-Matic powers Pennsylvania Skill.
Pennsylvania Skill, made up of amusement and gaming small business owners across the state, questioned why legislative support for video gaming terminals, or VGTs, exists given their history in other states. The comments were based on out-of-state VGT companies testifying at a Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee hearing.
“VGTs have consistently overpromised the amount of revenue they would generate for Pennsylvania and minimized their impact on lottery and casino revenues,” said Mike Barley, spokesman for Pennsylvania Skill. “We don’t want to see a repeat of what has happened in other states.
In Illinois, VGTs were legalized in 2009. At the time, companies predicted they could generate funds to support a $31 billion building program to create jobs and upgrade the state’s infrastructure. In 2017, eight years after the legalization of VGTs, the state had collected less than $1 billion. Illinois lawmakers also were disappointed to find the projected $2.5 billion in state revenue did not materialize.
In addition, regulatory expenses for video gambling proved far higher than anticipated, forcing the state to divert $83 million from casino taxes to support the work of the Illinois Gaming Board.
Barley added that thousands of illegal VGTs are operating in the Commonwealth without a court ruling, and Pennsylvania Skill supports efforts to crack down on those games through regulation and enforcement.
Pennsylvania Skill has been ruled a predominant game of skill by a Court of Common Pleas. That case was never appealed by the Pennsylvania State Police. In order to further cement its legal status, Pennsylvania Skill has filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court.
Locations across the state depend on skill game revenue. At Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets in western Pennsylvania, the owners have been able to offer health benefits to employees for the first time thanks to the money they receive from the skill games located in their grocery stores. They also provide daily free lunches to staff thanks to game revenue.
“Lawmakers need to understand what location owners do with their skill game revenue,” said Ryan Sprankle, an owner of one of the three Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets. “The money has made a huge difference for our employees – we could not afford health insurance for them without it. They can stay healthier, and we are better able to keep good staff.”
Barley said Pennsylvania Skill hears stories like the Sprankles’ all the time. Many businesses and organizations count on this revenue. He wants to see legislation pass that would provide regulation of legal skill games as a way for the industry to continue to help locations and pay a steady stream of $250 million in tax revenue for the state each year. In addition to that, Pennsylvania Skill already pays tens of millions of dollars in taxes annually.
“A true skill game cannot set payout levels because the results are based on a player’s skill,” Barley explained. “After analyzing Pennsylvania Skill data, on average, 90 percent of players win. With that said, there are many illegal VGTs masquerading as skill games that are proliferating in the Commonwealth, and they do have set payout levels. That is why there is a clear need for regulation.”
Pennsylvania Skill games, which are manufactured in Williamsport, provide family-sustaining jobs in manufacturing and for small businesses that operate the games. The industry provides a needed financial lift for fraternal clubs and veterans’ groups, restaurants and bars.
The industry also provides charitable giving of over $1 million a year that supports Pennsylvania communities.
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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