Canada
Wondr Gaming Launches Sports.WondrNFT.com
Wondr Gaming Corp, an entertainment company uniting brands and the global gaming community through its loyalty, NFT, and growing media network, has launched its first NFT auction on sports.WondrNFT.com, showcasing Olympic decathlon gold medalist, and closing ceremonies flag bearer, Damian Warner.
The NFT captures the process and final pencil sketch that shows Damian Warner’s Olympic Gold medal performance, captured by renowned pencil artist from London, Ontario, artist Dan Pietens.
Damian Warner and Dan Pietens were classmates at Montcalm Highschool. “It is an unbelievable coincidence that the ‘Greatest Athlete’ and arguably one of the greatest pencil sketch artists in the world, attended the same high school, at the same time, in London, Ontario,” Jeff Fischer, President of Fischer & Associates, said.
“This drawing of me, which has combined my image from the podium and the end of the race, looks like a photograph. You need to see the time lapse to believe he actually drew it,” Damian Warner said.
The drawing took Pietens over 35 hours to complete. “The medal alone was an 8-hour session, but I wanted to get it right,” said Mr Pietens. In the foreground, Pietens has captured what has been dubbed the “last man standing”, at the end of the final event of the decathlon.
“Although my focus has primarily been NHL players,” Pietens continued, “it is fitting that the launch of the limited edition, signed series is with my friend, classmate, and teammate from high school…who just happens to be the Greatest Athlete!”
A portion of the sale will go to support the next generation of Damian Warners through KidSport Canada.
Wondr has partnered with a leading Canadian crypto custodian in order to mint NFTs on its own white-labeled NFT platform, as well as payment API solutions provider Wyre to exchange crypto to fiat to ensure Wondr does not hold crypto on its balance sheet. Wondr has built a seamless process that allows music, sports, and gaming fans to purchase NFTs of their favorite musicians, athletes, and gamers.
“The success of an NFT drop relies heavily on the story behind the NFT itself, and the go-to-market strategy and network behind the drop. Through our affiliated media network, Wondr reaches almost 1 billion views per month, across 20+ owned and operated channels. We harness this network to showcase our NFT drops, and to expose them to a massive market primarily located in North America. The incredible story of Pietens and Warner growing up together, and the narrative behind how this NFT came to be, is a major catalyst for market demand and subsequent NFT trading of the asset. This is the first of many unique, story-enriched NFTs that Wondr will curate, mint, and sell,” Jon Dwyer, Chairman & CEO of Wondr Gaming, 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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