Canada
Playmaker Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results
Playmaker Capital Inc., the Toronto-based digital sports media company, reports its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.
“We are very excited to share our second quarter results. Our teams are hitting on all cylinders. The organic growth of our Futbol Sites business has been exceptional and in July we added Yardbarker, a company that has experienced very strong year-over-year growth to date. Our pipeline remains robust and we have a strong balance sheet with currently over $13.0 million of cash and zero debt. We remain focused on profitable growth, both organic and through acquisition” said Jordan Gnat, Founder and CEO of Playmaker.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Figures in USD)
- Revenue – Revenue was $3.0 million in Q2 2021, compared to $nil in Q2 2020.
- Operating Income – Operating income was $0.4 million in Q2 2021, compared to operating loss of $0.1 million in Q2 2020.
- Pro Forma Revenue – Pro forma revenue was $4.2 million in Q2 2021, an increase of 244% from $1.2 million in Q2 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, pro forma revenue increased by 152% to $7.6 million from $3.0 million in the same period of 2020.
- Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA – Pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $1.6 million in Q2 2021, an increase from $8,410 in Q2 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, pro forma adjusted EBITDA increased to $2.8 million from $0.3 million in the same period of 2020.
- Trailing 12-Month Metrics – For the 12 months ended June 30, 2021, pro forma revenue was $14.4 million and pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $6.0 million.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents of $23.5 million at June 30, 2021 compared to $6.6 million at December 31, 2020.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- On April 1, 2021, the Company acquired Futbol Sites, a top digital sports media group in the U.S. and Latin America with a portfolio of more than 10 premium sites.
- On July 26, 2021, the Company acquired Yardbarker, a premier U.S. sports and entertainment media company, and the Morning Bark, Yardbarker’s daily email newsletter. As partial consideration in connection with this transaction, the sellers are eligible to receive an aggregate total of $4.0 million, based on Yardbarker’s performance toward an EBITDA target of $2.5 million in each of the two years following closing, as announced in a news release dated July 27, 2021.
- On a pro forma basis, Playmaker achieved record engagement metrics in the quarter across the Futbol Sites and Yardbarker owned and operated properties. Playmaker reaches more than 70 million unique users and in Q2 2021, the user base generated more than 454 million sessions, representing a 65% increase over Q2 2020. Playmaker also reaches more than 360,000 users daily via the Morning Bark.
- During Q2 2021, the Company completed an equity raise for gross proceeds of CAD $24.0 million and completed a reverse takeover of a capital pool company on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company’s shares began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange on June 3, 2021.
- On June 11, 2021, Playmaker acquired Fanáticos Por Futebol, one of Brazil’s leading and most engaging soccer news communities.
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.
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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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