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Hawks Talon Gaming Hires Ismael Diaz-Tolentino to Become Team’s New Head Coach

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Diaz-Tolentino (MAELO) Led Dominican Basketball Federation 2K Team to Gold Medal in FIBA Esports Open III in May 2021

Hawks Talon Gaming announced today the hiring of Ismael Diaz-Tolentino (MAELO) to be the team’s new head coach. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

“The experience and energy that MAELO brings to Hawks Talon Gaming was exactly what we were looking for,” said Hawks Talon Gaming Director of Esports Wesley Acuff. “The biggest step towards building the winning culture that we want is bringing in someone who is both a great tactician and possesses a winning mentality, and MAELO will help us from day one.”

Diaz-Tolentino, a native of Bani, Dominican Republic, bodes four years of coaching experience and building gaming communities. Diaz-Tolentino’s most recent coaching experience was with the Dominican Basketball Federation as their esports coach and general manager. He led the team’s effort in winning the gold medal over the United States at the FIBA Esports Open III in May 2021.

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“Throughout our search for a head coach, we found it very important that our new coach is a leader both on and off the virtual court,” said Hawks’ Vice President of G League and 2K League Operations Janice Koon. “We are excited to give Ismael an opportunity to lead Hawks Talon.”

The 28-year-old was also instrumental in creating La Liga Latina de NBA 2K and acted as the commissioner of the new league upon its creation. There, he brought together teams from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean to compete in NBA 2K.

“It has always been my dream to compete at the highest level with the best professionals in the world around me,” said Diaz-Tolentino. “I am grateful to Hawks Talon for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream, and I can’t wait to get to work in building together with the team every day.”

In November, Hawks Talon Gaming protected point guard Caesar “CEEZ” Martinez and versatile guard/forward Michael “SWANN” Swanegan from the 2021 NBA 2K League Expansion Draft. As a result of the NBA 2K League Draft Lottery, the team received the sixth pick in the upcoming 2022 NBA 2K League Draft. They will have four selections in the draft overall.

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Ben Clemes

High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

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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.

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The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Canada

IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto

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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.

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‘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.

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Alberta Gaming

Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership

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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.

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“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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