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Peer-To-Peer Sports Betting Exchange Launching Fall, 2021 Announces New VP Hires With Experience From FanDuel, DraftKings and Betfair; Additions Bring Market Knowledge and Strength-In-Depth To Roles In Marketing, Strategy and Operations
Prophet, the first pure peer-to-peer U.S. sports betting exchange, has announced the addition of three senior sports betting, iGaming and gambling experts to VP roles in marketing, operations and strategy. Thomas Phillips joins Prophet as VP of Marketing, Matt Garrigan is VP of Strategy, and Michael Halperin becomes VP of Operations.
“We are delighted to welcome Thomas, Matt and Michael to the Prophet team and are excited to have them bring their experience and market knowledge to us as we look ahead to our full consumer launch in Fall, 2021,” commented Dean Sisun, Prohet CEO and Cofounder. “Having people of their caliber join us from FanDuel, DraftKings and with Thomas’ experience from Betfair, InterCasino and Ladbrokes Coral reinforces what an exciting future everyone at Prophet has ahead of us. We want to attract the best in the business, and the knowledge, experience and skills Thomas, Matt and Michael bring is another key foundation for us as we continue to grow.”
Prophet’s new VP of Marketing Thomas Phillips has over 14 years’ experience in the sports betting, iGaming and gambling industries, working across multiple international territories and products including exchanges, sportsbooks and gaming products. A graduate from Keele University in the UK with a BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, Thomas’ career started in 2005 running marketing for MotoCaddy, a startup focused on the golf market, before moving into the iGaming market with InterCasino in 2007. In 2009 he joined the Betfair Exchange marketing team, working over the next five years across multiple territories and a range of products, as well as playing a core role in the launch of the Betfair Sportsbook. In 2013 he joined Ladbrokes (now Ladbrokes Coral), leading the Customer marketing team from 2013-2017. In 2018 Thomas established himself as a digital marketing consultant, specializing in high profile betting and gaming brands. He joins Prophet with immediate effect as VP of Marketing.
“I am thrilled to be joining Prophet as VP of Marketing, ” commented Thomas Phillips. “Having previously worked with Dean and Jake [Benzaquen, Prophet COO and Cofounder] in the UK market, I am looking forward to joining a dynamic and innovative team that is set to make the industry stand-up and take notice.”
VP of Strategy Matt Garrigan joins Prophet from FanDuel where he was, most recently, Director, New Market Strategy. A graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas in gaming and hospitality, Garrigan brings over 11 years’ experience in the casino and tech industries, combining both brick and mortar and digital gaming and retail sportsbooks knowledge. His career started in 2011 with MGM Resorts International where he worked in race and sportsbook operations. Since then, he has worked with some of the biggest names in sports betting and gaming, including Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Konami Gaming, Penn National Gaming, Scientific Games, Penn Interactive (Barstool Sportsbook) and FanDuel. He joined FanDuel as Sr Manager, Online New Market Strategy in March 2019, moving up to Director, New Market Strategy in March 2021. Garrigan joins Prophet from September 1, 2021 as VP of Strategy.
“From the first time I spoke with Dean and Jake, it was clear we share the same passion and focus to help Prophet fill the gaps that exist in sports wagering from a customer perspective,” commented Prophet’s new VP of Strategy Matt Garrigan. “We are underway with our planning and it’s feeling really good. We have a team that is extremely eager, believe in this unique product we will be bringing to the market, and laser focused on the customer. There is nothing more exciting than planning for a go-live.”
Prophet’s new VP of Operations is Michael Halperin, most recently with DraftKings where he was part of the VIP Promotions & Strategy management group. Halperin was with DraftKings from 2018 until joining Prophet in 2021, starting as a Senior Sportsbook Operations Associate and moving up to the VIP Promotions & Strategy role in early 2021. He was an original member of the DraftKings Sportsbook team and helped launch the first digital-focused sportsbook after the repeal of PASPA in 2018. He has also helped lead the digital operations of the DraftKings sportsbook from operations in one state in 2018 to the more than 10 states in which DraftKings are now operational in 2021, overseeing product operations, promotions and VIP strategy. Prior to joining DraftKings, Haperin’s career began in January 2017 at Chalkline Sports, the media technology company that powers platforms for communities and marketplaces of sports bettors.
“I am beyond excited to be joining Prophet as VP of Operations,” commented Michael Halperin. “Jake and Dean are building a first-class team of experienced individuals who share a passion for sports betting and a hunger to disrupt the U.S. gaming landscape. Prophet’s commitment to building a customer-focused betting exchange will make it the top choice for players looking to get bigger and better returns on their wagers.”
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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