Canada
NZ Challenging For Hemisphere Dominance
Regardless of the industry being discussed, there’s always going to be an emerging market to talk about. South America has been playing this role in gambling circles since the growth of the Colombian market post-2016. Costa Rica, Chile, and The Dominican Republic, among others, have their gambling sectors too, albeit in different phases of construction. There’s a feeling that this area is still a long way off global dominance though.
Colombia reportedly boasted gaming revenue of $300m in 2021. This marks it out as one of the three biggest contributors to South American gambling, alongside Mexico and, based on what happens over the coming months, Brazil. As a whole, the continent looks like it could post a growth rate of 18.4% to 2028 – but how does it compare to its distant compatriots in the Southern Hemisphere, namely, New Zealand?
Pokie Machines
New Zealand has a surprising amount in common with the rest of the world, as far as games are concerned, proving that the appetite for slots and blackjack (etc.) is roughly consistent around the world. In 2020, the average spend on wagering hit a record level of $252m per quarter. This included gambling types, including casino games, lottery games, and what Antipodean gamblers refer to as “the TAB” and “pokies”, i.e. betting shops and slots.
There were reportedly nearly 15,000 pokie machines in New Zealand at the turn of the decade. In comparison, Colombia has an estimated 65,000. This does make sense given the vast difference in population between these two nations (51m to NZ’s 5m) but it still means that New Zealand has a higher proportion of slot machines per person, around 0.003 to 0.001 in Colombia.
Using these figures, it’s actually possible to see just how Kiwi players like to spend their gaming money. NZ’s Department of Internal Affairs claimed that when averaged out across every New Zealander, 2020’s figures were the equivalent of every adult spending $572 on betting. Broken down even further, that’s $128 at physical casinos, $80 at betting stores, $160 on lottery games, and $204 on slots.
The distinction between slots and casino games is likely because pokies are more likely to be found and played at locations other than a brick-and-mortar casino in New Zealand, like a bar. So, the $128 spent at casinos is likely representative of table game spend. As for lotteries, the industry actually saw a 13% increase in popularity during 2020, reinforcing the fact that it’s one of New Zealand’s favorite pastimes.
Charitable Grants
Closer to the present, figures from 2022 suggest that online gambling in NZ is now a $332m industry. All these numbers raise an interesting question, specifically, why is New Zealand such an attractive place to gamble? Approximately 80% of Kiwis are involved in gambling of some description according to the Department of Internal Affairs.
One obvious answer to the previous is tax. The NZ BonusFinder website notes that New Zealand makes a distinction between playing professionally and playing just for fun. Anybody who falls into the latter bracket is not taxed on their winnings at all, “no matter how big”. Professionals are treated just like regular workers, however, which means that they are liable for income tax payments.
Oddly enough, a large amount of gaming cash – around $300m – is redistributed into the community each year through charitable grants, a process that the Gaming Machine Association has previously described as an “enormous advantage to New Zealand”. It’s perhaps this kind of positive attitude toward gambling and casino gaming that has made it almost a universal hobby in the country.
Overall, the average Kiwi gamer is likely to prefer lotteries over table games but a soft spot for pokies keeps the gambling economy ticking over.
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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