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PlayTenn.com: Tennessee’s handle drops in February, continuing national trend
Tennessee sportsbooks continued a national trend with its first month-over-month decline in betting volume, a product of February’s 28 days and the conclusion of the NFL season, according to analysts from PlayTenn.com, which offers news and analysis of the fledgling Tennessee gaming market.
“Even as quickly as Tennessee has grown, this is a reminder that the state is still very much a part of the same sports betting ecosystem that dictates the rest of the U.S. markets,” said Nicole Russo, analyst for PlayTenn.com. “Sportsbooks have really done a great job of engaging a sports-crazy population, though. Tennessee’s market has some challenges, but an enthusiastic customer base has a way of overcoming most anything.”
The Tennessee Education Lottery announced on Friday that bettors placed $176.3 million in wagers, the smallest handle since the market’s first month in November. That is down 16.6% from $211.3 million in January. Those wagers produced $13 million in adjusted gross income, down 40.4% from the record $21.8 million set in January. February’s revenue injected $2.6 million in state taxes.
The state’s profitable February was due in large part to the Super Bowl, which produced a win of nearly $3 million on more than $15 million in wagering, according to TEL data released last month.
The Volunteer State set a record in November for the highest handle for a market in its first full month of online sports betting, but Michigan broke that record in February with $301.9 million. But February’s results still represent an extension of Tennessee’s historic start, pushing the state’s lifetime handle to $699.9 million since launching in November, more than any other U.S. market through its first four months.
“Even with increased competition from neighboring Virginia, Tennessee still could close the gap with far more mature markets like Indiana,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayTenn.com. “Considering how quickly bettors have embraced online sports betting, there is plenty of reason to believe that the state’s operators will be able to sustain growth even as their early advantages begin to dissipate.”
The positive news was welcome after the TEL announced last week that the license for Action 24/7, the state’s lone local operator, was suspended amid allegations of money laundering and proxy betting. That left some bettors in limbo, too.
Even without Action 24/7 for at least the time being, the market continues to expand with new operators. The TEL does not release results from individual operators, but DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel, have fiercely competed for market share since launch. And those leaders were joined in March by William Hill and TwinSpires.
“One of the hallmarks of a maturing market is the addition of innovative upstarts that have the potential to shake up the market, which we are finally seeing in Tennessee,” Welman said. “It’s too early to know for certain if news of a suspended license will shake bettor confidence in the state, and Action 24/7’s suspension is a reminder that regulated sportsbooks need to be vigilant in fostering trust. But with the three most established brands in U.S. sports betting thriving, and the addition of smaller, but familiar competitors, Tennessee should be able to learn from this and continue to grow.”
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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