Canada
Vancouver Entrepreneur launches a whole new path for Bingo
Stephen “The Maestro” Kaplan, loves Bingo. He has discovered a wealth of possibilities for Bingo related entertainment and is launching two Bingo related products this summer:
- A Maze’n Bingo (the board game) and
- Pass or Play (The Game Show)
Kaplan says this will impact the whole gaming industry from Bingo to Casino, and from Lottery to Online.
Throw in a little TV into the mix and BOOM: Bingo Entertainment Empire!
A Maze’n Bingo is a Board Game that he says turns Bingo into a game of strategy. Pass or play is a Bingo Game Show that has five contestants involved in a very unique elimination game based on a Bingo draw. Both games are fully audience interactive.
The Board Game is in the process of two major undertakings for this summer:
- A Kickstarter campaign currently underway to raise funds to market, manufacture and distribute, and
- A Fundraising Tournament on August 23 (with qualifying games in the two weeks prior). This event will be a socially-distant compliant, exclusive event to the benefit of Make-A-Wish Canada. It will showcase and document the capabilities of this board game as low cost, fundraising games for non-profit and charitable organizations. It will be held at the Golden Parrots Restaurant and Pub in Coquitlam BC. During the Grand Finale’ the 4 finalists will compete on a giant outdoor game board and will be the pawns. A second half of that day’s event will be the debut of Kaplan’s Bingo Game Show; Pass or Play. The domain is up and includes a countdown clock to that day. Although they are both based on Bingo, both games are played entirely different.
From Golden Parrots Restaurant and Pub:
The Golden Parrots Pub is a family owned business who is active in the support of its community along with various charities and organizations. It is our honour to support our long-time friend Stephen Kaplan, a.k.a. “The Maestro” and host the location to launch. “A Maze’n BINGO” which is a take on a classic game with a fun and unique modern twist all the while supporting deserving children and families through Make-A-Wish Canada.
From Make-A-Wish Canada.
“Make-A-Wish Canada (unified with Children’s Wish Foundation October 1, 2019) creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Currently, we are granting some amazing wishes to deserving kids, and we are preparing to grant wishes at an unprecedented pace when it is safe to do so and your support is more important than ever. We are so grateful to our community supporters like Stephen. Eight years ago we invited Maestro to volunteer for an event and he has generously supported our fundraisers ever since. We thank him for raising funds benefiting Make-A-Wish and helping us grant wishes.” – Laura Ullock, Resource Development Manager, Make-A-Wish Canada, BC & Yukon Chapter.”
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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