Canada
Vigtory Sportsbook to Launch with Former President of MGM Interactive and Trump Entertainment Scott Butera as Co-CEO
CHICAGO – Scott Butera has joined Vigtory as its Co-CEO, joining forces with the company’s current CEO, Sam Rattner. Butera has also joined Vigtory’s Board of Directors.
Rattner founded Vigtory with a vision to create the most innovative, consumer-first sportsbook in the U.S. market – founded on the principles of product, price and state-of-the-art customer experience. Built exclusively for the American bettor, Vigtory delivers first-in-class product through frictionless betting functionality, superior pricing and VIP loyalty, all of which create the most comprehensive platform in the industry. Butera, who shares Rattner’s vision, brings 30 years of executive management and operational expertise across casino operations, sports betting and iGaming. Butera will lead strategy and corporate growth for the emerging sports betting and interactive gaming company.
Prior to joining Vigtory, Butera was President of Interactive Gaming at MGM Resorts International, where he was responsible for the development and operations of sports betting and online gaming across online and traditional platforms. Butera oversaw MGM Resorts’ professional sports partnerships, as well as its digital media strategy. While at MGM Resorts, Butera was instrumental in the launch of BetMGM, the product of Roar Digital, MGM’s joint venture with GVC Holdings. He played a key role in the formation of MGM Resorts’ historic gaming partnerships with the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and BetMGM’s partnership with the National Lacrosse League. Butera also helped form groundbreaking partnerships with Yahoo! Sports and Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as a market access partnership with Boyd Gaming.
Preceding MGM Resorts, Butera was Commissioner of the Arena Football League, President & CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, CEO of Tropicana Entertainment, Chief Operating Officer of the Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, President of Metroflag Management, and President, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. His financial background includes 20 years in investment banking with UBS Investment Bank, Credit Suisse First Boston, Smith Barney and Bear Stearns & Co, and Coopers & Lybrand in New York.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining Vigtory. While US sports betting and interactive gaming is off to a tremendous start, there are countless opportunities in underserved sectors. Sam and I share a common vision to create a state-of-the-art customer experience, bringing unique sports betting products and a level of sophistication to a market that’s ripe for disruption,” said Butera.
Rattner comments, “My blueprint for building Vigtory has always been to arm the company with specific knowledge, domain expertise and thought-leadership. For 30 years, Scott has helped successfully build and scale some of the most prominent companies in sports and gambling across the United States. I couldn’t be more excited for Scott to be on board.”
Ahead of Vigtory’s launch this Fall, the Company is finalizing deals with professional sports leagues and media outlets alike, utilizing technology to create cutting-edge products across pricing, live-streaming, and data & analytics. Vigtory is securing market-access in multiple jurisdictions across the United States and is currently expanding the team and hiring talent. Sports technology venture fund SeventySix Capital invested in the Chicago based startup and Managing Director Chad Stender holds a board seat.
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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