Canada

Gambling Addiction and COVID-19

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2022

Over 2 percent of Americans suffer from gambling addiction according to a recent report by the National Council on Problem Gambling. This is a cause for concern especially during the COVID-19 crisis which worsens mental health issues in the general population, including increasing engagement in addictive behaviors.

Not only does the pandemic increase gambling behavior among those affected by problem gambling, but it also increases the occurrence of new cases. Its impact on financial and psychological well-being in conjunction with changes in gambling markets during the pandemic raises concerns, calling for research initiatives in the area and preventive regulatory measures by stakeholders.

A web survey addressing a general population sample showed a statistically significant difference between gamblers and people who do not gamble in age but not in education, and a higher level of perceived stress, distress, and hostility in both chronic and new gamblers compared to those who did not report gambling behavior. A consistent proportion of business owners and unemployed individuals reported problem gambling during the lockdown period.

Gambling Addiction Help Guide

A lot of persons with gambling addiction mostly try to conceal their condition, but an addiction can be hard to hide. If you have a gambling addiction, you may feel that you need constant access to online gambling pools or casinos, and feel an uncontrollable urge to play slot machines, buy lottery tickets, visit casinos, or gamble online. Even if you gamble at home when no one is around as some people tend to do, your addiction may start to present itself in certain other areas of your life.

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Gambling Addiction Signs and Symptoms

The individual:

Feels that gambling is the best option to escape problems.
Always gets preoccupied with gambling (i.e. thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble even after incurring so much debt, reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture).
Gets defensive when confronted about his/her gambling habits and they become very secretive about it.
Relies on others to relieve a serious financial situation caused by gambling, by bailing him or her out.
Tries unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
Becomes very irritable and restless when not gambling.
Tries to fix losses with more gambling.
Lies to family and others about the impact of gambling.
Loses relationships and jeopardizes jobs, education or career opportunities all because of gambling.
Commits unspeakable crimes to finance the gambling urges.
Increases bet amounts when gambling in order to achieve the desired excitement.

10 important rules to follow as a gambler

If you choose to gamble, do so only for entertainment purposes. If enjoyment is no longer the sole purpose of your gambling, then there’s a need to reflect and ask yourself why you are still playing.
Always treat the money lost as the cost of your entertainment, and any winnings as a bonus.
Set money limits and stick to it. Decide before you go, how much you want to spend and what you can afford to lose. At no point should you change your mind after losing.
Set a time limit and stick to it. Decide how much of your time you want to allow for gambling and be strict about it. Whether you’re winning or losing, leave when you reach the time limit.
Expect to lose. The general odds are that you will lose.
Make it a personal rule not to gamble on credit. Never use borrowed money to gamble.
Create a balance between gambling and other aspects of your life. Gambling should not affect your relationship with people or stand in place of family, friends, work or other activities.
Avoid chasing lost money (i.e don’t try to win back money that has been lost). Chances are the more you try to regain your losses, the greater they will get.
Don’t gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
Get educated about the dangers of problem gambling. The more you understand, the better choices you’ll make.

Conclusion

Researchers have called for attention to mental health consequences of the pandemic, including addictive behaviors. With the increasing accessibility of internet gambling and the worsening COVID-19-related stress, problem gambling may potentially be among the health hazards affected by the ongoing crisis and its aftermath. Public prevention efforts and systematic research data collection are warranted.

Find out more about gambling addiction symptoms, facts and help guides here.

Ben Clemes

High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

Published

3 weeks ago

May 30, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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.

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Canada

IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto

Published

3 weeks ago

May 29, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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.

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Alberta Gaming

Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership

Published

4 weeks ago

May 21, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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.

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