Canada
The Comedy Works announces spring/summer lineup at the Plaza Hotel & Casino
Nationally acclaimed comedians return to entertain in vintage Vegas showroom
The Comedy Works will reopen at the Plaza Hotel & Casino with a star-studded spring/summer lineup of nationally acclaimed headliners beginning April 30. Shows will be at 9 p.m. inside the Plaza’s vintage Vegas showroom featuring red velvet booth seating, an updated sound system, full bars, and table cocktail service. Tickets start at only $25 (plus taxes, fees) and are available online at https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/the-comedy-works/. New shows are added regularly.
Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1: Kevin Farley – After studying at Second City in Chicago, Farley starred in films such as Black Sheep with his brother Chris Farley and The Waterboy with Adam Sandler. He is a regular comedian at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles and Chicago and The Improv in Los Angeles and Palm Beach. His many TV guest appearances include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Rules of Engagement, Hot in Cleveland, Just Shoot Me, and Hawaii Five -O.
Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8: Jim Florentine – Making audiences laugh for nearly 25 years, Florentine has recorded six stand-up comedy albums, shot four full-length specials, and currently hosts his own program on Sirius XM. On television, he hosted seven seasons of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show and on radio, he is a regular on The Howard Stern show. He is also a bestselling author, renowned voice over talent and has been in the films Beer League with Artie Lange and Trainwreck with Amy Schumer.
Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22: Lavell Crawford – Best known for playing Saul Goodman’s bodyguard “Huell Babineaux” on AMC’s Breaking Bad, Crawford starred alongside Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, and Uma Thurman in American Ultra. He has guest hosted the Steve Harvey Radio Show, appeared on Chelsea Lately, Tosh.O and Workaholics and his second one-hour special Lavell Crawford: Can A Brother Get Some Love recently premiered on Comedy Central.
Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29: Augie T. – A Hawaiian comic, tv and movie actor, and radio personality, Augie T. has been performing for nearly three decades. Named one of the U.S.’s top undiscovered comedians by Thrillist and funniest comic in Hawaii by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and MidWeek newspapers, he was awarded best comedy show by Honolulu Magazine and won 2 Na Hoku Hano Hano awards (Hawaii’s equivalent to the Grammy Award). He has also appeared on the Wayne Brady Show, was a regular on Baywatch Hawaii, and had roles on Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I.
Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5: Luis J. Gomez – A comedian, writer, podcaster, and producer based in New York City, Gomez is most known as one of the hosts of the popular podcast Legion of Skanks. His television appearances include NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, and TruTV’s Comedy Knockout. Gomez co-hosted The Countdown on Sirius XM with former UFC champion Michael Bisping. In 2017, they turned the show into the podcast Believe You Me, which debuted at #1 in iTunes Sports.
Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19: Chris Kattan – As one of the longest serving cast members on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Kattan may be best known for the characters “Mango,” “Mr Peepers,” and as one of the “Butabi Brothers” in the “Night at the Roxbury” sketch alongside Will Ferrell. He then starred with Ferrell in a 1998 movie adaption of the sketch. Since SNL, he has worked as a series regular on ABC’s The Middle and in the movies Hotel Transylvania and The Ridiculous 6. He currently tours the country with his extremely popular stand-up act.
Friday, July 23 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 24 at 7 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.: T.J. Miller “The Best Medicine Tour: Doing it Right” – Miller has been performing his absurdist observational standup act worldwide for more than 15 years. He has hosted comedy specials on Comedy Central and HBO and appeared on Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Miller has also been in more than 25 major studio films, such as She’s Out of My League, Seeking A Friend for The End of The World, Rock of Ages, and Yogi Bear 3D. He received the Critics’ Choice Award for his work in the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley. His voice stars in many movies, including as Gene in the Emoji Movie, Fred in Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated feature Big Hero 6, and Tuffnut in the Oscar-nominated animated films How to Train Your Dragon and How to Train Your Dragon 2.
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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