Canada
Gamewise names online gaming executive John Worthington as general manager, to open Miami office
Joint venture of Delaware North and GAMING1 providing turnkey sports betting and iGaming solution to regional land-based casinos
John Worthington, who has lead several online gaming operations for multi-jurisdictional casino operators, has been named general manager of Gamewise, the new digital gaming joint venture.
Gamewise was recently launched by Delaware North, a global hospitality company with a portfolio of regional casinos and gaming venues in the United States and Australia, and leading Belgian gaming and sports betting partner GAMING1. It will use GAMING1’s proprietary sports betting and casino platform and product technologies to deliver turnkey digital gaming solutions to licensed operators in North America. Delaware North will also offer its mobile iGaming brand, Betly.com, exclusively through the partnership in new markets where it operates land-based casinos.
Worthington brings a decade of operating and leadership experience in digital gaming to Gamewise. Most recently, he served as senior director of iGaming and sports operations for Parx Casino near Philadelphia. Before that he was vice president of operations for Penn Interactive, leading the creation and development of a new online gaming venture for Penn National Gaming.
“John Worthington has the depth of expertise and experience to accelerate the growth of Gamewise and launch and manage its operations both for Delaware North and for clients who seek access to a turnkey solution,” said Luisa Woods, vice president of marketing for Delaware North’s gaming division. “Both Delaware North and GAMING1 are thrilled John has joined this venture to deliver a new kind of sports betting and iGaming solution that operators are actively seeking.”
Worthington will be based in downtown Miami, where Gamewise is establishing its headquarters. Miami has become a burgeoning technology hub, attracting IT talent and a variety of gaming companies.
“I’m very excited to join Gamewise and be a part of something very special that Delaware North and GAMING1 have conceived that fills a gap in the online gaming market,” Worthington said. “I think a lot of operators are going to see the benefits of this model so they can invest in their own brand and still be able to focus on their core business.”
At Penn, Worthington led all aspects of the delivery of its iGaming platform, including coordination with Penn’s IT, legal, compliance and marketing groups. He also handled contract negotiations with third-party providers and guided the launch through regulatory and licensing requirements. At Parx Casino, Worthington was an important part of a team that launched iGaming and sports betting in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey. He led new market entries with platform providers and regulators, and he eventually built a team of nearly 50 employees across multiple locations to enhance guest service, reduce fraud and provide efficiencies.
Worthington began his career in digital marketing and business operations with EMC Corp., now Dell EMC, and focused on interactive marketing at other online and software focused companies before joining Penn.
Worthington has been a panelist at GiGse (Totally Gaming) and the National Council of Legislators of Gaming States (NCLGS). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a marketing concentration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Gamewise will bring to market a modular and flexible sports betting and casino platform that provides a seamless betting and gaming experience with superior gamification capabilities, full land-based integration, localized bet pricing and market-leading bet acceptance ratios.
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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