Canada
PointsBet and NBCUniversal Amend Media Services Agreement and Extend Partnership
PointsBet Holdings Limited has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, PointsBet USA Inc (PointsBet), and NBCUniversal Media LLC (NBCUniversal), a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, have agreed to amend the Media Services Agreement dated 27 August 2020 (Original Agreement).
“NBCUniversal have been a wonderful partner to work with since the inception of this agreement. PointsBet has trialled and learned a lot since going live in the US market. We are thrilled to have agreed with NBCU mutually beneficial adjustments to our Agreement that fit perfectly within our more targeted, localised strategy which is informed by those learnings. Put simply, we very firmly believe a dollar spent in marketing on any other platform does not go close to rivalling the terms and efficacy of the partnership we have with NBCU. We are fortunate to have access to unrivalled media properties via NBCU and they are an integral component of our overall strategy that is contributing to PointsBet’s strong US growth,” Sam Swanell, Managing Director and Group CEO at PointsBet, said.
Under the amended agreement, the remaining committed marketing spend for Years 3 to 5 of the Original Agreement will be invested over an additional two years, now representing Years 3 to 7, thus significantly reducing the average annual marketing spend to match PointsBet’s optimum desired level of investment under its more localised, targeted strategy.
PointsBet maintains preferred pricing benefits and integration exclusivity in the sports betting category at a local and regional level, including across NBCU’s Regional Sports Networks. PointsBet also maintains its online casino integration exclusivity at a local, regional, and national level.
PointsBet has relinquished sports betting integration exclusivity over NBCUniversal’s national media assets, however, PointsBet retains a “second look” for all national NBCUniversal assets. NBCUniversal will be permitted to appoint one additional “Official Sports Betting Partner” of NBC Sports.
As part of the amended agreement the portfolio of available assets for investment is expanded to now also include Peacock, sports programming on USA Network and CNBC digital. In addition, the amended agreement allows PointsBet to more heavily utilize Comcast’s EffecTV platform. With an estimated reach of 96 million US adults, EffecTV allows PointsBet to target audiences with postcode level precision across linear TV, streaming and video on demand.
The total committed marketing spend for the remaining 5 years (28 August 2022 to 27 August 2027) is $294 million, with $25 million of this commitment having already been paid as at 31 December 2022 (leaving $269 million remaining).
The total commitment for the current year (ending 27 August 2023) (Year 3) is $50 million (a reduction of 43% from the Original Agreement).
Should the Options issued to NBCUniversal at the time of the Original Agreement not be exercised, instead of a lump sum repayment of the Option Premium Value (approximately A$105 million) by the Company at the end of Year 5, this amount will be applied to make increased payments for Media Services across Years 6 and 7. Where this is the case, the total cash commitment over the remaining 5 years of the term, applied largely on an equal annual basis, will be $270.4 million (as noted above, $25 million of which has already been paid), with the balance to be covered by the remaining value of the Shares previously issued to NBCUniversal.
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.
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.
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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