Canada
United States Gambling Laws Vs Sweden
There is no question that gambling has helped play a pivotal role in the development of early America, the expansion of land casinos in the US continues to this day despite online interests and a growing industry.
In early America, gambling was everywhere, it made its way into pop culture with movies and celebrities turning Las Vegas into another all-American dream come true.
This is now almost 100-years ago, so how does the gambling industry work in modern times? We look at how online gambling is regulated and serves players in the US and compare it to how Sweden handles their gambling interests.
US Gambling Laws for Online Casinos
There are a few ways to gamble in America already. There are open sports betting, state-controlled casinos, and the option to safely play online, but all these options are clouded by the unclear laws that leave the gambler not rising the chance of playing when there is entirely nothing to fear.
Online gambling in the US is restricted. This is the same for many countries. Many of the laws circulated more around the financial elements more than the gaming, as money laundering became a huge issue during the 1950s and its impact was a law update in 1961.
Online gambling under federal law is banned, illegal, but this is the grey area, if a state offers a license, online sites registered in the state can run an online service. States that do not offer a license mean that no businesses within these states can create a gambling service online.
Furthermore, players are not prohibited from accessing online casinos that are registered overseas. There is no US law stopping this because there is no way of governing what people do when they are online. This is the area of law that very few American players know about.
Playing online inside foreign casinos isn’t restrictive or complicated. 99% of online casinos are registered in Europe, but this doesn’t mean you have to live there or play with Euro currency. Online casino services function just like any other online service. They can support players playing with US dollars and can pay out in kind also.
These establishments are licensed by regulatory bodies within the E.U which host the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority to name just two of the six bodies that control the entire online licensing services.
This complex narrative is not just to the annoyance of American’s up and down the country but is also felt across other places like in Sweden, where their gambling laws are just as counterproductive.
Sweden Gambling Laws for Online Casinos
To help explain the laws in Sweden, we spoke with Carita Gustafsson, Editor-in-Chief at Svenskaonlinecasino.info which is a casino online comparison site for Swedish players.
“In Sweden, player’s rights to gamble are held under the care of the state. There are two main gambling acts that cover the lotteries that take place and the casinos that are found in our main cities. Though having these two laws that effectively make gambling legal, it is the state that is only permitted to provide the service and is looked over by Sweden’s own regulatory body. So unlike America, Swedish players are actually left with no choice. Whether it is sports betting or games within bars or gaming centres, it’s a monopoly held by the government. Where the liberties of gambling are shared with US players, is found online.
Our role at Svenskaonlinecasino.info, is to introduce Swedish players to the safer legal options they have online within casinos that are registered outside of Sweden.”
There is a clear indication that whether you play in the US or in Sweden or any other country, as long as the government benefits, your freedoms to gamble and also benefit will be restricted. The full force of the restriction, however, comes through knowledge. Once players are able to understand their rights, they can successfully prosper online through the loopholes that the internet provides, and, to which, no government dares to force unpopular laws upon yet.
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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