Canada
PLAYMAKER ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF BRAZILIAN GAMING-FOCUSED GRUPO SUPERPOKER
Playmaker Capital Inc., the digital sports media company that delivers authentic content experiences through its portfolio of sports media and technology brands, has announced today the acquisition of leading Brazilian media company Grupo SuperPoker. SuperPoker provides a suite of online poker websites, social media pages, and online streaming services, producing an extensive library of high-quality video and editorial content for poker fans in Brazil, one of the largest poker markets in the world. Playmaker’s acquisition of SuperPoker adds a team of over 15 experienced sales and gaming-related content experts based in São Paulo, Brazil.
SuperPoker is the official Portuguese language streaming platform for the Brazilian Series of Poker (“BSOP”), European Poker Tour, Pokerstars Players Championship, World Series of Poker – Brazil Circuit, and the Pan-American Poker Tour (“PAPT”).
Playmaker’s wholly owned subsidiary, Futbol Sites, with market-leading audience and business operations throughout the Latin American region, will manage day-to-day operations of SuperPoker and its suite of products. SuperPoker generates 15 million annual visits and 1.25 million unique annual users across its properties, and it is one of the most popular media poker groups worldwide. Monetization efforts of SuperPoker assets will be transitioned to Playmaker Bench, Playmaker’s proprietary monetization technology stack.
“Poker players are sports fans and sports fans are poker players,” said Jordan Gnat, Playmaker CEO. “Playmaker is building an ecosystem of engaged fans and this overlap provides our fans with additional content to enjoy, and provides our betting and advertising clients with another avenue to reach their target audiences. Brazil is a key market for us and we will continue to focus on it.
“I am also thrilled to welcome Igor Trafane [SuperPoker Founder and CEO] to the Playmaker family,” continued Gnat. “Igor’s influential presence in the Latin American market is unmatched and he will be a tremendous complement to our business in the region.”
Igor Trafane founded SuperPoker and owns several poker and gambling related assets in Brazil including H2 Club, the BSOP, PAPT and Flush Tour. He was the founder and the first President of the Brazilian Poker National Federation, and is the current President of the Pan-American Poker Confederation. Mr. Trafane will continue to work with the Futbol Sites team to support and grow its presence in the Brazilian market.
“I am passionate about poker and I am passionate about soccer. This partnership brings these passions together,” said Mr. Trafane. “I have known Jordan for many years from his days at Stars Group and we have strong mutual respect and admiration for each other, and now this opportunity allows us to work together again as partners. My business group has more than ten companies, from poker tournaments to live poker clubs, poker supplies and more. Our media business needed a strategic relationship for the future. Playmaker is that partner and I am in for the long run to help grow this business as a shareholder.”
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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