Canada
World Series of Poker Debuts Highly Anticipated 2021-2022 Circuit Schedule
The World Series of Poker® is thrilled to announce the return of the WSOP Circuit (WSOP-C), following an 18-month hiatus. The popular regional poker tour will return for its 17th season on Thanksgiving Day–Thursday, Nov. 25 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC immediately following the conclusion of the 2021 World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas. Thirteen stops have been scheduled to date, with additional dates to be announced in the coming weeks.
The prestigious $1million freeroll will return featuring a new qualification format this season, refocused to make every event a pathway to win a highly coveted WSOP gold bracelet. Beginning with the Cherokee Circuit Event, any official gold ring winners, from either the live or online circuit events through July 2022, will qualify for the new invitation-only “Tournament of Champions” event during the 2022 World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas. 2022 online or live bracelet winners will also be eligible to compete in the new signature event.
“It’s been too long, so it’s great to see the Circuit hitting the road once again,” said Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the World Series of Poker, Ty Stewart. “The WSOP-C is one of our most important initiatives, allowing regional players to experience big-time poker and providing grinders a platform to earn a living. We’re pumped up about the new ‘Tournament of Champions’ format where all our winders will come together for one event. Just win and you’re in!”
While many venues will be familiar during the 2021-22 season, new stops have already been added, including:
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, Pompano Beach, FL
- Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, NY
- Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Calgary, Alberta Canada
The Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles will be WSOP-C’s second stop beginning on Thursday, Dec. 9 with the tour continuing virtually non-stop until the season-culminating stop at Harrah’s New Orleans on Thursday, May 5, 2022.
Most WSOP-C stops will begin on Thursdays, with the four-day Main Events beginning on the second Friday of the tournament. Each stop is encouraged to add Seniors and Ladies events, where the winners will qualify to participate in the “Tournament of Champions” in Las Vegas. WSOP-C events will be played using a Big Blind Ante format, offering the same expanded starting chips unveiled for the 2019-20 season. WSOP-C stops will feature standardized tournament structures and payouts, ensuring players traveling to multiple stops will be treated in a consistent manner at each event, barring any regulatory or local law differences. All stops will release their series’ event schedules upon approval by their local regulatory body, with the guarantee that every stop will offer at least a dozen official gold ring events starting at a $250 buy-in level and will include a $1,700 Main Event.
2022 WSOP Online Circuit events on WSOP.COM will be scheduled monthly following the year-end Championship with a $250,000 freeroll scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 28.
WSOP-C schedules are subject to change and the WSOP reserves the right to make changes to all events related to the WSOP-C at any time. Please visit WSOP.com/2021/circuit for the latest news and information related to these events. Additional information on individual circuit events, including event schedules and structure sheets, can be found on each respective property’s websites or by visiting www.WSOP.com
*The WSOP-C Events and “Tournament of Champions” event are subject change, with tournament rules and restrictions to be determined. The timing, number and location of events are subject to change and all applicable gaming regulations. Additional information regarding international and online circuit events will be released at a later date.
WORLD SERIES OF POKER 2021-2022 CIRCUIT TOUR SCHEDULE
|
TOURNAMENT DATES |
TOURNAMENT LOCATION |
1 |
November 25 – December 6, 2021 |
Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina) |
2 |
December 4 -15, 2021 |
The Bicycle Casino (Los Angeles) |
3 |
December 9 – 19, 2021 |
Hilton Aruba |
4 |
January 6 – 17, 2022 |
Choctaw Durant (Dallas/Oklahoma) |
5 |
January 12 – 23, 2022 |
Deerfoot Inn (Calgary, Canada) |
6 |
January 13 – 24, 2022 |
Thunder Valley Casino (Northern California) |
7 |
January 20 – 31, 2022 |
Horseshoe/Tunica (MS) |
8 |
February 3 – 14, 2022 |
Isle of Capri (Pompano Beach, Florida) |
9 |
March 10 – 21, 2022 |
Hard Rock (Tulsa) |
10 |
March 17 – 28, 2022 |
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona, NY) |
11 |
April 7 – 18, 2022 |
Harrah’s Cherokee (North Carolina) |
12 |
April 21 – May 2, 2022 |
Horseshoe/Tunica (MS) |
13 |
May 5 – 16, 2022 |
Harrah’s New Orleans (Louisiana) |
|
TBD – WSOP 2022 |
WSOP Tournament of Champions |
**More stops are expected to be added as the season progresses**
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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