Canada
MOTORSPORT GAMING STARTUP GRIDRIVAL ADDS INDUSTRY EXPERTISE TO ADVISORY BOARD
Ahead of its Daily Fantasy Sports launch, the world’s only multi-series fantasy motorsports gaming platform brings in sports betting, venture capital and motorsport executives hailing from NASCAR, Sharp Alpha and Menlo Ventures
GridRival, the sports betting startup dedicated to motorsports, has bolstered its advisory board with top-tier executive talent from the fields of iGaming, strategic investment and motor racing.
The fastest growing fantasy league game for race fans, which is set to launch its Daily Fantasy Sports offering this summer, welcomes seasoned iGaming investor Lloyd Danzig to its advisory team. Joining Danzig is Joe Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR, plus highly experienced tech investor and Menlo Ventures partner Mark Siegel.
“We are delighted to have welcomed Lloyd, Joe and Mark to our team of advisors as we prepare to launch our daily fantasy product,” says GridRival CEO Ross Fruin. “Their collective expertise in motorsports, and respective networks within the iGaming industry, are proving invaluable as we grow and offer greater value to the ever-increasing motorsports fan community.
“Our app, which already boasts 200,000 users, makes motorsport fans’ favorite series more exciting, more engaging, and more social.
“The new additions to our advisory team will allow us to capitalize on the untapped potential of motorsports fans as we move into the real-money gaming space.”
As Managing Partner of venture capital and advisory firm Sharp Alpha Advisors—an early investor in GridRival—Lloyd Danzig has forged a reputation as a thought leader on innovation and investment in the sports betting industry.
“With interest in motorsports at an all-time high and the gaming industry placing a premium on untapped audiences, the opportunity is ripe for an authentic fantasy sports and fan engagement app built specifically for racing fans,” says Danzig. “GridRival finds itself in exactly the right position to capitalize on this inflection point.”
Joe Solosky offers over a decade of experience in sports and sports betting, having worked in executive positions at Sportradar and the New York Yankees before joining NASCAR.
“In my time at NASCAR, I have seen how much the legalization of sports betting and gamifying the race day experience has helped grow the sport and industry overall,” says Solosky.
“GridRival is a platform I have advocated for since my time at Sportradar, and in my capacity now realize its potential to be a market leader to deliver a product to an underserved audience at scale – passionate motorsports bettors worldwide.”
As a partner at one of Silicon Valley’s oldest and most reputable venture capital firms for over a quarter of a century, Mark Siegel offers a wealth of experience on building and raising capital for tech startups.
“GridRival has already done a remarkable job of growing its user base and community,” says Siegel. “With more capital, it can truly take advantage of a category that is very favorable because it is so underserved.”
The GridRival app, launched in 2021, has gained popularity with motorsport fans due to its combination of fantasy league gameplay, detailed performance data, in-depth research tools and social features. It currently offers competitions based on Formula 1 and MotoGP, and this year plans to expand to offer real-money contests across multiple race series.
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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