Canada
ESPORTS AWARDS TO BE HOSTED AT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS ON DECEMBER 13
The Esports Awards, the most prestigious night in the esports calendar, is excited to kick off its 2022 campaign by announcing its new home at Resorts World Las Vegas. After three incredible years in London and a move to the United States in 2019 to Arlington, Texas, the Esports Awards is levelling up with a new location, a new date and a fresh look for 2022.
The Esports Awards will take place on Tuesday, December 13 with a lavish ceremony at the Resorts World Theatre, a 5,000-capacity world-class entertainment venue. The awards will also be opening their doors to general admission with tickets available now starting from $50 plus fees from esportsawards.com/tickets/.
After an incredible turnout in 2021, which even included an appearance from golf legend Bryson DeChambeau, the Esports Awards Open in partnership with Golf + Gaming Club (GGC) will return for 2022, providing attendees with the perfect opportunity to show off their golf skills. From December 11 – 13, the Esports Awards will also be holding several other events including its Lifetime Achievement Ceremony and Leadership Summit which gives brands, organisations and industry thought-leaders the opportunity to debate and network.
For 2022, the Esports Awards will be making some adjustments to the groupings of its award categories with the new groups being: Entertainment, Industry, Creative, Pro, On-air Talent and Collegiate. Entertainment has taken over the community awards encompassing the original selection of awards with the addition of “Esports Content Series of the Year,” “Esports Game of the Year” and a new award titled, “Esports Content Group of the Year.”
Elsewhere, Esports Apparel of the Year has moved to the Creative Awards group and will be voted on by the creative panel, and Esports Analyst of the Year has been renamed Esports Desk Analyst of the Year.
The Esports Awards is pleased to welcome back Secretlab and Verizon as sponsors for the 2022 campaign. Verizon is returning for its third year and will once again be sponsoring the “Esports Mobile Player of the Year” and “Esports Mobile Game of the Year” awards. Using their 5G Ultra-Wideband technology, Verizon and Esports Awards work together to bring gamers next-level experiences. Presenting the “Esports Team of the Year” award, Secretlab will also be bringing some really exciting activations to the awards.
The Esports Awards 2022 campaign starts now, with nominations now open. Key dates include:
- May 19: Nominations open
- June 30: Finalists for the Entertainment Categories
- July 28: Finalists for the Industry Categories
- August 25: Finalists for the Creative & Collegiate Categories
- September 29: Lifetime Achievement in Esports Class of 2022 reveal
- October 27: Finalists for Pro & On-air Categories
- TBC: Go Home Show
- December 13: Esports Awards 2022
Michael Ashford, the CEO of Esports Awards, commented: “We could not be more excited to start building a legacy with Resorts World Las Vegas. We recognize the awards are a deserved end of year celebration and want to build something that caters to delivering a best-in-class experience. Resorts World Las Vegas as a venue has been very forward-thinking in attracting top-tier events and to see the support for esports is hugely encouraging. A huge shout out to Destination Esports, Resorts World Las Vegas and Hilton Hotels for making it happen.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Esports Awards to Las Vegas,” said Lisa Motley, Senior Director Of Sports And Special Events For The Las Vegas Convention And Visitors Authority. “Attendees will enjoy the many “Only Vegas” experiences that make Las Vegas the greatest arena on earth, from world class entertainment to unrivaled dining, sports and attractions.”
Last year’s Esports Awards saw a return to a live ceremony after 735 days at the Esports Awards Stadium in Arlington Texas. A milestone and star-studded event, the awards hosted some of the biggest faces from esports and beyond with the likes of Riot Games, 100 Thieves and Discord all picking up awards. The 2021 Esports Awards campaign also saw over 20 million total viewership, 1 million hours watched and 10 million votes cast.
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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