Canada
Division of Gaming Distributes Over $900K in Grants to Organizations Addressing Problem Gambling in Colorado
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, at its most recent meeting in April of 2023, approved the second distribution of Responsible Gaming Grant awards totaling $908,089 to projects directly addressing the issue of problem gambling via Colorado athlete wellbeing to combat online sports wagering harassment of college athletes, support for problem gambling for veterans and funding play legal public education campaigns.
Three project awards were granted to two organizations, the Kindbridge Research Institute and the Colorado Division of Gaming. Kindbridge Research Institute’s first approved grant funding request includes a Colorado Athlete Wellbeing Program, which will protect athlete wellbeing by providing them with educational-based resources, a Colorado Athlete Wellbeing app combined with a mental health assessment as part of the ‘pathway to treatment’ and specialized intelligence and investigative support to combat online sports wagering harassment.
Additionally, Kindbridge Research Institute’s second approved grant funding request includes a Colorado Military Problem Gaming Research, Education and Recovery Program to establish the following responsible and disordered gambling programs in the state of Colorado to assist active military personnel and veterans: 1) Veteran’s Recovery Program, 2) Colorado Military Research Fellowship and 3) ROTC Education and Awareness Program. Finally, the Colorado Division of Gaming’s approved grant request provides funding for a Play Legal, Play Responsible, Play Safe Marketing Campaign.
This is the second round of grant funding awarded in 2023. The first round awarded over $1.5 million for various projects including problem gambling counselor training and certificate programs, research on the current landscape of problem gaming in Colorado, a collegiate awareness program, a social marketing campaign and research on gambling addiction and the creation of a problem gambling center in Colorado.
“Both rounds of approved grant funding represent almost $2.5 million total in appropriated funds to support communities affected by unintended but nonetheless damaging consequences of gaming including the small percentage of vulnerable populations affected by problem gambling and college athletes who are bullied as a result of online sports wagers,” the Chair for the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, Richard Nathan, said. “Funding these projects allows for Colorado to continue to pursue its role as a model for responsible gaming in the country.”
Signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on June 7, 2022, House Bill 22-1402 established the Responsible Gaming Grant Program to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming in Colorado. The act enabled the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission to administer the annual grant program and award grants to eligible applicants from the Responsible Gaming Grant Program Cash Fund. The responsible gaming grant program is meant to provide meaningful funding and encourage prevention, education on gambling addiction, additional counselors, public awareness, treatment, recovery, data and research in Colorado.
Grant funding was approved for one year and grant recipients will present their evaluation findings to the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission at the end of the grant period. More information on the Responsible Gaming Grants Program is on the Division of Gaming’s website at SBG.Colorado.gov/Responsible-Gaming-Grants.
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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