Canada
FansUnite Entertainment Provides Corporate Update
The first quarter of 2021 saw a record $28.3M in betting volume and a 136% increase in revenue for McBookie compared to the same period in 2020 as well as other key developments
FansUnite Entertainment Inc. is pleased to provide the following corporate update for the first quarter of 2021.
McBookie’s Exceptional Growth
Betting volume on the sportsbook and casino for McBookie Ltd. (“McBookie”) increased significantly, setting new records.
McBookie’s gross gaming revenue was $982K CAD, a record for any quarter since inception and an increase of 136% as compared to the first quarter of 2020;
Gross margins increased by approximately 138% as compared to the first quarter of 2020; and
Total betting volume on the platform surpassed $28M CAD for the quarter
At its peak betting volume during the first quarter of 2021, McBookie had over 1,000 unique customers on the casino alone, as well as 23,000 bets placed in a single week on the sportsbook – the highest number of wagers in a week since its inception in 2009.
Other Key Developments
U.K. Gambling Licenses Application
FansUnite has applied for critical U.K. Gambling Licenses which are recognized as the gold standard for lawful sports betting and casino operations by gambling authorities worldwide. The U.K. Gambling Licenses would enable FansUnite to deploy its B2B Gaming solutions to betting operators and launch B2C wagering platforms in the leading U.K. online gambling market. The application is expected to be approved in the second quarter of 2021, subject to FansUnite meeting all applicable requirements.
Esports Sportsbook in the U.S.
The previously announced Esports sportsbook with Sky Ute Casino has undergone its private beta testing phase and is ready to be launched upon receiving final regulatory approval. The wagering system of the sportsbook has demonstrated the ability to meet all local requirements including remote server installation of FansUnite’s betting engine and player database, geofencing, player KYC and the successful integration of Sightline payments.
Askott Games Integration with The Ear Platform
Askott Games, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FansUnite has completed testing on its first four RNG games and delivered them to The Ear for integration. The Company is in The Ear development queue and will announce when the integration is complete and the first games go live. Now that 4 games have been completed, FansUnite is actively working on additional aggregator partnerships and is in development of their 5th RNG game.
“The first quarter of 2021 represents a key inflection point for us as we continue to hit new milestones,” said Scott Burton, CEO of FansUnite. “We are delighted to announce McBookie’s strong performance as well as the rapid expansion of our B2B operations in the North American and European market. Obtaining the U.K. gambling licenses, coupled with the completion of our esports wagering platform in Colorado and the full integration of Askott Games’ iGaming solutions will allow us to solidify our position as a leading global online betting company.”
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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