Canada
Is Gaming Actually Bad for Students?
Is Gaming Actually Bad for Students?
Gaming has a bad reputation among non-gamers. However, why is it so? The history of gaming may be partly at fault here. As soon as video games entered our homes, they completely captivated children’s minds and attention. They grew obsessed with various games, which changed their lifestyles and habits. Such a change of heart disturbed parents and adults, forcing them to simply claim how games distract young people from studying, socializing, and healthy physical activity. Since then, gaming has been deemed a waste of time and not good for school or college kids, earning it a rather negative reputation.
However, decades and many, many games later, young people enjoy gaming more than ever. In fact, it is one of the fastest-growing and most profitable industries in the world, where students remain its biggest consumers. So, what does such a dynamic have to prove to us? Perhaps, there is something about gaming that non-gamers simply don’t understand. Is gaming such bad news for students? Or, perhaps, it can be beneficial, and young gamers actually know what they are doing. Let’s see how gaming can impact students’ lives and school performance.
Gaming as a stress reliever
Non-gamers always argue about how gaming can make young people more aggressive, stressed, or anxious. Saying that games are too violent or scary to play and make kids experience the negative consequences in real life. Well, the truth is quite different. It has been proven again and again that gaming doesn’t make people more aggressive or angry. In fact, video games help kids to relax. Indeed, gaming can be quite a stress reliever for young people.
After all, college can be very stressful and intense. Students feel pressured and worried. These negative emotions often get bottled up with no visible escape in real life. Gaming can help students release those bad emotions through playing. They get to experience a range of feelings that can be almost therapeutic in a way. Hence, a few hours of gaming a week can help young people cope with their emotions and improve their mental health.
Gaming for building skills
It may be surprising to learn, but gaming actually has a lot to teach young people. Truly, most computer games come with numerous lessons that college kids must learn to complete games and grow in their gaming craft. For example, one of such lessons can be problem-solving skills. In games, players have to deal with endless challenges to move on further in the plot. Thus, they also have to apply logic, analytical skills, critical thinking, and more. All those skills are essential not only in gaming but in academia.
So, gamers polish such valuable skills while playing to apply them in college later. These lessons help students approach their school challenges with confidence. Of course, computer games cannot teach young people all the lessons and skills they need for school. Fortunately, in such a case, they often turn to paper writing help on writepaperfor.me. There they can find professional solutions and assistance.
Still, games can be a great way for students to build and practice those skills. Plus, gaming also teaches young people determination. They barely have any choice but to learn and progress to move further in the game.
When gaming goes wrong
We can see that gaming, overall, can be rather beneficial to young minds. However, there are certain limits to such advantages. As we all know, everything is healthy in moderation. When gaming turns from a habit into an addiction, students start having problems. Gaming addiction is as serious as any other. Such obsession with digital worlds can affect one’s lifestyle, physical and mental health, and, of course, school performance.
Sure, not all students reach such a point in their love of gaming. However, those who do require help. It is hard to acknowledge and get over an addiction without external help and internal motivation. Here are some signs when gaming goes wrong:
- Constant thinking about gaming;
- feeling the need to play every day;
- prioritizing gaming, oversleeping, school, personal relationships, etc.;
- inability to quit;
- having no interest or desire to do other things than gaming;
- dropping in school performance.
These are some of the most obvious signs that you or someone you know needs help overcoming their gaming addiction. However, such a condition is rather an exception than a rule, and it often takes other factors, like mental health issues, to fall into the given addiction. Hence, it is worth going to the roots of the problem, seeing gaming as just one of the symptoms.
Bottom line
Gaming doesn’t have to be bad for students. It is all about how they approach it and how much time they dedicate to gaming each week. As long as gaming doesn’t interfere with their personal lives and studying, gaming can be a positive thing for their mental health and even school performance. Games can be a fun platform to build valuable skills and learn relatable life lessons.
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.
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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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