Canada
Jackpocket Appoints Tony Vartanian as Chief Growth and Revenue Officer
Jackpocket, the leading third-party app in the US to provide a secure way to order official state lottery tickets, has announced that growth marketing and digital consumer products veteran Tony Vartanian has joined the company as Chief Growth and Revenue Officer.
In this newly-created leadership role, Vartanian will drive new product and revenue opportunities, including the launch of new gameplay formats, new interactive gaming content, partnerships across digital and retail verticals, and monetization strategies across both current and new product offerings.
Vartanian comes to Jackpocket from Jump Ramp Games, a top 10 app publisher and leading mobile-first performance advertising network. As founder and CEO, he scaled the growth and monetization for Jump Ramp’s owned apps as well as those of partners across mobile gaming, e-commerce, fintech and entertainment. In 2019, the company was acquired by mobile and casual gaming pioneer MobilityWare where he was a member of the leadership team focused on a forward-looking competitive strategy for the company. His responsibilities included rethinking product strategy, monetization and direct partnerships, alongside the integration of Jump Ramp’s Advertising & Monetization platforms, CDP, Customer and Marketing Automation platforms and Data/AI capabilities. Throughout his career, Tony has partnered with some of the fastest growing startups and recognizable brands to digitally transform their businesses through product innovation leveraging strong data and technology leadership.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tony to the team and bring his diverse expertise in growth marketing, product and monetization to our Jackpocket lottery world as we continue our rapid growth. I’ve long watched and admired what Tony has accomplished at Jump Ramp Games (Jackpocket was even a former client!), and I know he shares our vision to provide our players with the very best user experiences and products in gaming,” Jackpocket founder and CEO Pete Sullivan said.
Vartanian will play a key role in supporting Jackpocket’s rapid geographic expansion, including international markets, developing new gaming verticals and content, and launching Jackpocket’s first loyalty program alongside other programs that align players and brand partners.
“Jackpocket is the proven leader in the digital lottery space, and I couldn’t be more eager to join the leadership team at this time of exciting national growth and product expansion. Their drive to continually innovate and bring their customers new experiences at the intersection of gaming and entertainment is very much in step with where I believe the market is headed. With over 150 million U.S. consumers playing the lottery yearly, I look forward to building on the impressive momentum that the Jackpocket team has delivered and capture the interest of this massive consumer audience that we believe has much more room to grow through digital products,” Tony Vartanian 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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