Canada
Zynga to Celebrate Pride Month With LGBTQIA2S+ Inclusive In-Game Events, Social Spotlights and More
Throughout Pride Month in June, Zynga Inc., a global leader in interactive entertainment, will kick off a celebratory lineup of in-game features, employee spotlights and social integrations across several titles to promote LGBTQIA2S+ inclusivity, diversity and belonging. LGBTQIA2S+ refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit and countless ways in which people self identify.
To support LGBTQIA2S+ causes, zPride, a Zynga employee resource group, is donating a total of $50,000 to several non-profits. Gifts of $20,000 each will support Brave Space Alliance, the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center, and the LGBT Foundation, a U.K.-based charity that delivers services, advice and support for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, zPride is joining Gay Gaming Professionals as a corporate sponsor with a $10,000 donation for its scholarship program that helps marginalized and LGBTQ2SA+ students interested in gaming careers.
“I am honored to support zPride’s thoughtful approach to raising awareness through sponsorships that are intersectional, global and upstream,” said Vijay Pendakur, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of Zynga and the Executive Sponsor for zPride. “At Zynga, we are committed to equity and inclusivity while supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community throughout gaming and beyond.”
As part of the commemoration, Zynga welcomes all players to join in on the inclusive fun with the following in-game events and social features:
FarmVille 3
Month of June
During Pride Month, FarmVille 3 will spotlight four lovable characters who identify as LGBTQIA2S+: Bobbi Stitch, Ginny Glaze, Chad Wood and Carlos Cardova. As FarmVille 3’s iconic stylist, Bobbi says the best accessories in life are inclusivity, togetherness and acceptance. An award-winning grill master, Ginny is firing up Pride Month with her message that love is love regardless of our differences. Chad, the farm’s resident lumberjack, invites everyone to join him in chopping down biases and planting seeds of love. Carlos is a brilliant and creative ice-cream maker who hopes we can melt our differences and create the perfect scoop of diversity and equality.
Game of Thrones Slots Casino
June 4 – 6 // June 25 – 26
To celebrate Pride Month, Game of Thrones High Heels! // Pride 2022 Throughout the month of June, Rollic invites High Heels! players to #PlayWithPride as they strut down the festive runway with brand new characters, new themed accessories and an exclusive Pride heel design! The special in-game event also includes limited-time gift boxes to collect, a new friendly pet to adopt and an exclusive new bonus level full of Pride.
Hit It Rich! Casino Slots // Elvira’s Pride Parade A special guest is coming to Hit It Rich! Casino Slots – Elvira! For a limited time in honor of Pride Month, players can join Elvira’s Pride Parade in-game, spinning their way through different challenges and earning rewards along the way. Those players who complete the SlotVenture challenge will earn a huge jackpot at the end!
Wizard of Oz Slots Pride month is hitting the Emerald City! To celebrate, Wizard of Oz Slots is treating players to special bonus #PlayWithPride challenges and rewards, including a raffle for a RARE Rainbow Pack at the end of June. WWF 2 // Rainbow Challenge In celebration of Pride Month, Words With Friends 2 invites players to complete special in-game events and earn unique rewards to show their pride. From June 6 to 12, players can engage with a special Solo Challenge where they can advance along the Pride Parade Route against community members to earn unique badges. From June 15 to 19, players can match wits with the couple Gia & Fia to earn a specially themed profile frame. In addition, Words of the Day throughout Pride Month will highlight diverse words.
Zynga Poker Zynga Poker is inviting players to show their pride with a special celebration in-game for the month of June. Kicking off on June 1, players can send high value, pride-themed table gifts to their poker buddies, ranging from Pride cocktails to chips and flags. Players can also express themselves while at the virtual tables with a special Pride emote that will be available for a limited time.
Month of June
June 8 – 13
Month of June
June 6 – 12 // June 15 – 19
Month of June
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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