Canada
HowToBet.com Releases Insights on Betting Trends of the NFL Season
HowToBet.com has released its latest overview of betting trends for the 2021 to 2022 NFL Season. By analyzing a multitude of data points, HowToBet.com provides its audience with expert insight on how to bet on the current NFL landscape and where participants should focus their efforts.
In its annual study entitled Americans’ 2021 NFL Betting Plans, the American Gaming Association reported that a record 45.2 million Americans will wager on the 2021 NFL Season. This is a 36% increase from the year prior. The same study showed that 19.5 million will place a bet online, up 73% from 2020. 14.6 million will participate in a paid fantasy contest or other type of pool competition (a 69% year-over-year increase), while 10.5 million will place a bet at a physical casino sportsbook and 6.7 million will place a bet with a bookie.
“We are excited to see numbers go up year-after-year, with more states opening their doors to legal and regulated gambling,” said Cristian Campan, product owner of HowToBet.com
“The number of Americans that will be acquainted with legal gambling is set to increase exponentially. We feel it is important to educate people on how to take calculated betting decisions. This comes with a great level of responsibility, as it is crucial for new participants to understand the importance of betting with their head rather than with their hearts. Doing the former will allow them to develop a healthy relationship with sports betting and gambling.”
The HowToBet.com team is committed to creating educational content that helps guide newcomers in making smarter betting decisions. The team recently launched its very first video podcast in partnership with gambling media veterans Daryl Fein and Sean Miller, who have more than 50 years of combined gambling experience. On the show, Fein and Miller explain how to bet, where to bet it, and who to bet on. They take the time to explain where to find the best odds, how to make educated decisions and the thought process necessary to making weekly predictions on teams from across the league. In short, the podcast truly helps newcomers learn how to bet.
The spike in sports gambling over the past year has mostly been attributed to the increase in legally licensed U.S. betting jurisdictions from 19 to 24, which account for 111 million Americans being able to bet legally within their home state lines. High levels of sports fan enthusiasm for the season are also projected to be a major factor, as fans are excited to return to stadiums after COVID-19 had a major impact on their participation in 2020.
The online sports handle was up 6% in July (and +2% year-over-year) to $613 million, while the sports gross gaming revenue (GGR) was -5% lower at $48.2 million. igaming revenues in Michigan hit a new high in August and were up 2% in July ($97.2 million). The sports handle was 2% higher at $192 million, but the GGR dropped by -19% to $15.9 million.
Tune in to the HowToBet Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and HowToBet.com to get more betting tips.
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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