Canada
XB Net signs long-term global distribution deal with Breeders’ Cup, securing status as North American racing leader
Horse racing’s flagship “World Championships” agree to three-year broadcast and content rights extension with leading Stateside supplier, thanks to ongoing success
XB Net, a product of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY’s world-class data and media management service, has agreed to exclusive new deal terms and a three-year contract extension for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, bolstering the pair’s ongoing partnership for content rights, data, odds and signals around this flagship festival of global thoroughbred racing.
This agreement comprises worldwide broadcast and video-streaming distribution rights from the Breeders’ Cup whose 2021 renewal, consisting of 14 Championship races and over $31 million in prize money and awards, is scheduled to be held 5th-6th November at Del Mar racetrack, near San Diego, California.
The 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will also raise the bar on equine wellbeing and safety standards, featuring the latest cutting-edge medication practices, testing protocols, equine security programs, veterinary exams, injury management protocols and race-surface testing.
XB Net’s end-to-end solution, corralling expansive content that covers approximately 75% of North American racing, affords access to many of the world’s most prestigious horse races. These include Triple Crown events at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, the Pegasus World Cup and this grandstand finale at the Breeders’ Cup in California. This engaging, top-quality action is proven to retain eyeballs and promote betting activity across competitive digital-entertainment cycles, driving new revenue streams for a wide range of international clients.
Accordingly, XB Net is the proven pacesetter for live North American horse racing content, providing rights, betting data, live broadcast and video streaming on behalf of its growing global portfolio of partners. Harnessing low-latency feeds from more than 2,500 meetings, showcasing over 25,000 races per year, North American racing is helping a growing global group of operators proactively populate an otherwise uncertain schedule for live sports.
This progressive partnership also leverages natural synergies in content-provision between the Breeders’ Cup and 1/ST’s marquee stages – notably this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships venue at Del Mar racetrack, whose innovative content and betting services XB Net represents. Further, through its ground-breaking alliance with Total Performance Data (TPD) – the definitive source of live GPS-tracking data for horse racing – XB Net is also deepening in-running fan engagement at Del Mar this year via the saddle-cloths of all participating equine athletes.
John Keitt, Executive Vice President and COO at the Breeders’ Cup, said: “The Breeders’ Cup is proud to extend and expand our close collaboration with XB Net to further broaden the international reach of our world-class festival of thoroughbred racing. Sports fans and bettors around the globe can look forward to even more coverage of Championship racing from some of the most storied venues in the United States over the coming years.”
Simon Fraser, Senior Vice President of International at XB Net, added: “It’s a privilege to continue working in tandem with the Breeders’ Cup team and some of our finest racetracks to optimize and increase the returns to North American racing during a challenging economic period. Securing this long-term partnership underscores XB Net’s commitment to the sport and our broader status as the leading international provider of North American racing. This deal is another sound endorsement of our business model and the collective power of our multivariate services.
“Our underlying resolve is to support the Breeders’ Cup’s efforts to distribute its horse racing content and wagering on a global scale. We’re confident these combined, complementary endeavours can further benefit horse racing’s consumer economy, both at home and abroad.
“Throughout the pandemic, North American racing distinguished itself as one of very few elite sports that was able to maintain both a solid timetable and a high bar for quality and data integrity with fast-settling content that can fill the gaps for elite sport, wherever you set your scene on the map. We witnessed record engagement levels around last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and expect to see that trend extend at this year’s Del Mar renewal. It’s wonderful to see the sport’s global popularity surge during a crucial period.”
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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