Canada
Fandom Invests in Video Across Its Portfolio of Brands with New Original Content Slate
On the heels of its recent acquisition of leading gaming and entertainment brands including GameSpot, Metacritic and TV Guide, Fandom is investing in its new portfolio with a slate of original video content that superserves fans and unlocks new branded content opportunities for advertisers. Beginning in May with the launch of seven new shows, Fandom is delivering against consumer and advertiser demand with more short-form original video content across its brands, made “for gamers, by gamers” including destination programming and personality-hosted shows.
Both endemic and non-endemic advertisers can target and engage with fans, particularly gaming audiences, across their entire consumer journey including reference, news, reviews and ratings. This new slate of video content offers additional branded content opportunities for partners looking to authentically reach true gaming and entertainment fans at scale.
“Gaming is our largest and fastest growing audience, eclipsing 150 million monthly visitors, so we’re doubling down on our gaming content with this new original programming lineup,” says Michael Chiang, Chief Business Officer, Fandom. “The acquisition of these leading editorial brands created new avenues for us to serve fans and clients in even more immersive ways, and our fan-first, premium content allows us to authentically connect with our audiences and truly stand out in the digital media space.”
In May, Fandom will release five fan-focused original shows on GameSpot’s YouTube channel that explores every aspect of the world of video games including:
- The Kurt Locker: With his distinctive style and personality, GameSpot Senior Producer Kurt Indovina explores current trends in gaming, as well as their impact on gaming culture and gamers themselves through unique video essays that are approachable, cozy, and kinetic. The Kurt Locker premieres on May 2 with new episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays.
- No Hud: Premiering on May 3 and airing every Wednesday, GameSpot examines new ways to play video games that make them feel fresh and new.
- Experts React: This limited-run series calls on various experts – from sword masters and viking historians to tattoo artists – to break down and analyze the hottest gaming titles for an in-depth analysis of how close games come to reality. Experts React premieres on May 4 with new episodes airing Thursdays.
- Spot On: A weekly premium news show airing Fridays hosted by GameSpot’s Managing Editor Tamoor Hussain & Senior Producer Lucy James. Spot On premieres on May 5.
- How It Saved: Hosted by Dave Klein, GameSpot’s Senior Producer, How It Saved shows how specific games have pulled franchises back from the brink of failure, or reversed the fortunes of entire companies. The first episode premiering on May 7 will be “How Resident Evil 4 SAVED Resident Evil”. New episodes of this limited series will air Sundays.
- Metacritic Review Lab on Fandom Entertainment’s YouTube channel: With the massive data-set of Metacritic’s review aggregator, plus Fandom’s own in-house critics and data experts, the Metacritic Review Lab sorts through the noise of varied critical opinion and fan sentiment to bring you the clearest, fairest evaluation of new movie release’s quality that you can find online. Metacritic Review Lab premieres in May with 2-3 new episodes debuting each month. Upcoming episodes include reviews of Fast X, The Little Mermaid, Across the Spiderverse and Indiana Jones 5.
- Honest Trailers Presents on Screen Junkies’ YouTube channel: With over 1 million views each week, Fandom is giving its Emmy-nominated “Honest” series a fresh spin with new formats including celebrity biography, TV theme songs, and commercial advertising. Honest Trailer Presents premieres on May 2 with new episodes airing monthly on Tuesdays.
- GameSpot Insider: GameSpot Insider is a quarterly limited series that pulls back the curtain on some of the most beloved video game studios in the world. With unique access, we delve deep into the creation of some huge, eagerly anticipated titles. Each episode leverages the talents of GameSpot’s seasoned writers, interviewers, and editors to deliver a documentary-quality viewing experience that is informative, insightful, and entertaining. It will also be part of a wider content rollout that includes written articles.
- Challenge Accepted: GameSpot talent and content creators are tasked to come up with the most creative solutions to out-of-the-box gaming challenges in Challenge Accepted. From getting your entire team to rage quit, to beating Mario with a Guitar Hero controller, to coaching your mom through her first Call of Duty deathmatch, we’ll push GameSpot employees, influencers, and content creators to their absolute limit with challenges they’ve NEVER faced before.
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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