Canada
Sports Betting Continues to Gain Traction in the United States
After the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018, in which the court struck down the ban on sports betting, any state got the option to pursue legalization. The state of New Jersey was the first to make sports betting legal. Yet, the legal infrastructure of sports betting still remains complex. For example, in each state, online betting companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings have to apply for supplier licenses, and the licensing process varies depending on the state. In addition, after the licensed is granted, these companies must reach agreements with existing land-based casinos for what is called “skins,” which is what eventually gives them the right to operate in each state. For instance, DraftKings made a deal with Caesars last year, which gave it market access in 12 states outside New Jersey, and in the meantime, Caesars received DraftKings equity for the skins access. FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (CSE: FANS), DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG), GAN Limited (NASDAQ: GAN), MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR)
The complexity of the legal infrastructure means that states may have different companies competing for market share. According to an article by CNBC, Richard Carter, CEO of SBTech, explained that “there is no doubt both FanDuel and DraftKings will have large market share… But different states will have different market leaders. You need market access. Some states will be lottery-only. Some states will be limited to tribal gaming. Some states won’t allow FanDuel and DraftKings to use their brands. They’ll have to use the casino brand. There are lots of nuances. You have to take each state as it comes.” More recently, sports betting also started to get traction in California, an enormous potential market for this segment. MarketWatch reported that two California lawmakers recently pitched legalized sports betting as a way to help increase the state budget, which is currently devastated by the economic shutdown designed to slow the spread of the pandemic. California trails 22 other states that have already authorized sports betting.
FansUnite Entertainment Inc. (CSE: FANS) just announced breaking news that it is, “pleased to introduce Mr. Saxon Shadforth, a leading gaming executive.
Mr. Shadforth has over 25 years of global leadership expertise and 15 years experience as an online gambling executive. With a background in commercialization, consumer hardware/software, enterprise software, product strategy and delivery; Saxon has extensive experience managing complex ecosystems required to operate and scale gaming brands in many categories and jurisdictions. Saxon has previously worked at Activo in Montevideo, Uruguay, Yew Tree Services in Manila, Philippines, Riplife Gaming Technologies in Barcelona, Spain and Gateway Inc. in both Sydney, Australia and Denver, Colorado.
‘We are extremely excited to have an individual of Saxon’s caliber join our board of directors,’ said Darius Eghdami, Chairman and CEO of FansUnite Entertainment. ‘As a fast growing company in the gaming sector, Mr. Shadforth is perfectly equipped to provide us with oversight in a number of growth areas. Having spent the majority of his career working abroad in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, Saxon will be integral in expanding our footprint and entering international gaming jurisdictions by leveraging his established network.’
As a veteran in the gaming industry, he has structured and advised on the launch of new platforms across the globe, numerous M&A transactions in both start ups and later stage growth companies, and has managed teams of over 300 people in the gaming industry.
‘I am thrilled to be joining such a great team where I will be able to apply my skill set in helping FansUnite build and grow their platform,” said Saxon. “As a online gambling company, FansUnite is uniquely positioned to consolidate gaming assets globally with a key focus on M&A integration and brand awareness. I am eager to provide my insights and I look forward to assisting FansUnite become a leader in the fast growing gaming market.’
FansUnite expects Mr. Shadforth to add expertise in various areas including: product development, acquisition strategy, and commercialization of brands into global markets to support its continued growth as an emerging gaming leader.”
SOURCE FinancialBuzz.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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