Canada
LIV GOLF IS HERE, BUT CAN YOU BET ON IT?
The biggest off-course news in professional golf came this week with the official launch of the LIV Golf Tour and the defections from the PGA Tour of stars Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickleson and others, but betting on the upstart venture in the United States is an easy proposition, according to TheLines, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.
With the first event of LIV Golf’s debut tournament in London underway, legal wagering on the event is limited in the United States despite legal wagering available on PGA Tour events, like this week’s RBC’s Canadian Open. So what’s the difference and why isn’t wagering widely available on LIV golf? It comes down to regulation.
Up until very recently, LIV Golf didn’t have a governing body or an integrity policy, and regulators need to see both when asked to approve wagering. As a result, many books were reluctant to even ask.
As of Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s debut for the new league, FanDuel was only approved in three states for LIV Golf betting and as a result, the operator chose not to post any odds for the first event. BetMGM had approval in more states but also did not offer odds.
DraftKings was approved in Illinois, Oregon, Ontario, Connecticut, Arizona, and Wyoming. BetRivers/PlaySugarHouse only had wagering available for LIV Golf in Connecticut and Ontario for both traditional golf markets and winner of the four-man team format.
“Sportsbooks couldn’t even provide proper notice to sports betting regulators to approve LIV golf because the new tour was still getting its golf operations organized at the last minute,” said Stephen Andress, managing editor of TheLines. “Asking regulators to allow odds was pointless until LIV established a governing body and an integrity policy.”
Integrity has another meaning for some when it comes to this new threat to the PGA Tour. It is financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
LIV Golf, led by former star Greg Norman, has received plenty of criticism for sportwashing – using hundreds of millions of dollars to lure players to play in the tour in an attempt to clean up the country’s tarnished reputation on human rights. In comments related to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Norman said, “we all make mistakes.”
Mickelson, who removed himself from the public eye months ago after his comments related to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf became public, committed to LIV Golf this week and reportedly will be paid $200 million. Johnson is set to earn more than $100 million guaranteed from LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour announced Thursday that all players committed to LIV Golf have been suspended from further competition. But Johnson, Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and others who have bolted for the new circuit will be eligible to play in next week’s U.S. Open as the major championship is conducted by the United States Golf Association, not the PGA Tour.
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.
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.
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.
-
Esportes da Sorte4 weeks agoEsportes Gaming Brasil, the group behind Esportes da Sorte and Onabet, announces Hugo Baungartner as Executive Director for Institutional Relations and Partnerships
-
Africa4 weeks agoCross Switch Bolsters African Footprint with Strategic Partnership with Pesawise
-
Asia3 weeks ago
PAGCOR CHAIRMAN, ENTIRE BOARD TENDER COURTESY RESIGNATION
-
Australia4 weeks ago
ACMA Imposes Fine of $500,800 on PointsBet
-
Africa4 weeks ago
QTech Games wins Leader in Online Casino at the 2025 SBEA+ Eventus Awards
-
Baltics4 weeks ago
Modern Oracles & Smart Payments: Finrax’s Vision for Blockchain, AI & Beyond
-
Australia4 weeks ago
ACMA Imposes $1 Million Fine on Unibet
-
Balkans4 weeks ago
EGT Digital at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025: Get ready to be fascinated
