Canada
Elys Game Technology Signs MoU with New York State Restaurant Association
Elys Game Technology Corp and New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) announced the entry into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that expresses a joint interest in promoting and facilitating opportunities for food and beverage establishments to participate in the State’s sports betting industry.
The purpose and scope of the MoU is to create a partnership that provides the cornerstone and structure for any and all future opportunities that benefit members of the restaurant association and the State of New York. Elys and NYSRA will endeavor to work together to develop and establish policies and procedures to advance sports wagering-related opportunities for food and beverage establishments. The joint efforts are expected to include, but are not limited to, collective advocacy on the benefits and security of offering leisure betting entertainment within small business venues, and intent to maintain a product and/or service that meets or exceeds all business and industry standards.
Michele Ciavarella, Executive Chairman of Elys Game Technology, said: “We are delighted to work with the NYSRA to advance a strong, coordinated effort that could effectively permit restaurant industry operators to offer sports betting in a vibrant and exciting environment where friends and family often gather to watch and enjoy a wide range of sports events. Together with our partner Grand Central Restaurant and Bar, Elys has successfully obtained the first Class B and Management Service Provider licenses in Washington D.C. We expect to open at Grand Central in early October 2021 and believe that this will be the first restaurant to be licensed to offer sports betting in North America and a showcase for the U.S. sports betting market in the future. Elys will provide affordable, turn-key sports betting technology and products to Grand Central utilizing our sophisticated, highly scalable and customizable software developed specifically for the US market. We have always stated that small businesses like restaurants and bars are the most suited venues to offer sports betting and our technology makes the most practical economic sense. This sound business proposition could allow restaurant owners to attract customers to their establishments and retain their loyalty through the generous number of sports events and promotional opportunities around them.”
“Our long-standing experience with this business model in Italy, our first-mover efforts in Washington D.C., and our partnership with the NYSRA are aimed at getting restaurant and bar owners the opportunity to offer legal sports betting in their establishments and to quickly become operational. Additionally, this model could drive a potential ancillary revenue center alongside food and beverages for their businesses, as well as generating significant tax resources for the State of New York and other states across the nation going forward. We strongly believe that the low setup cost of our highly scalable Elys retail and mobile on-premise platform is a win-win for small businesses and could lend a major boost to a key industry that makes up the core of the New York vibe,” Ciavarella added.
“The New York State Restaurant Association is excited to be working with Elys Game Technology to bring sports betting to the restaurant industry here in New York. Our bars and restaurants have been devastated over the last 18 months and are in desperate need of additional revenue streams. Elys Game Technology is experienced in bringing premier sports betting to bars and restaurants all around the world and has shown how beneficial this can be to the bottom line of many,” Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of New York State Restaurant Association, said.
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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