Canada
Consumer Survey Reveals Colorado Players Are Ready For Casino Reopenings
Colorado casinos could reopen as soon as mid-June, and players are eager to return to land-based gaming in The Centennial State, according to a ColoradoSharp.com survey.
Highlights from the survey of 139 consumers who expressed interest in Colorado casino re-openings, conducted May 21 – 23:
- 75% will return to casinos “as soon as they’re open.”
- 50% say it is “very important” that casinos take social distancing safety measures.
- 75% intend to wear a mask when visiting a casino.
Consumers are ready to come back to Colorado casinos. Nearly 75% of survey respondents said they would return to the state’s casinos “as soon as they’re open.” A more cautious group of 18% indicated they would “probably wait a few weeks.” Of 139 survey-takers, 7% said they would wait more than one month to return. Only one person said they would never return to a Colorado casino.
Though eager to return to Colorado’s casinos, most respondents plan to take safety precautions, and they expect operators to do the same. Half of the survey’s participants said it was “very important” that casinos adopt social distancing measures and require staff to wear protective masks. Another 25% indicated that these measures are “somewhat important.” The remaining participants were divided between “neither important nor unimportant” and “don’t care at all.”
Many respondents plan to take their own safety precautions in addition to casino policies. When asked “Do you plan on wearing a mask when you return to Colorado casinos to gamble?” 75% responded “yes.”
“The survey has showcased just how much the casino industry in Colorado will change as a result of Covid-19. When properties re-open, players expect policies and safety measures that will fundamentally alter the casino experience,” said Chris Nesi, Managing Editor for ColoradoSharp.com. “The casinos will return, but Colorado’s gambling landscape will look different for the foreseeable future.”
ColoradoSharp.com’s survey also asked, “What would help convince you to go to a casino again?” Free-play offers and free hotel stays led the pack with 50% and 30% of responses, respectively. Dining and beverage credits and increased rewards points held little interest at 10% and 8%.
Despite Colorado’s online sports betting launch this month and ongoing casino closures, respondents seemed surprisingly opposed to online casinos. 67% of participants said they would not use online casinos if Colorado allowed them.
About ColoradoSharp.com:
ColoradoSharp.com is an independent source of news and analysis covering the market for legal and regulated sportsbooks in the state of Colorado. Our team of journalists and consumer product experts provides Coloradans with the updates, resources, and reviews necessary to make sense of Colorado’s burgeoning market for legal sports betting.
SOURCE ColoradoSharp.com
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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