Canada
CGS focuses on pillars of business with ‘Leadership & Growth’ conference track
The highly anticipated Canadian Gaming Summit is fast approaching, promising an exciting lineup of events. In addition to an innovative exhibition floor, insightful panels and expert speakers, industry delegates will have a valuable opportunity to delve into the essential pillars of prosperous business decision-making through the dedicated conference track called ‘Leadership & Growth’.
Taking place on the last day of the event (Thursday, 15th June) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the ‘Leadership & Growth’ conference track will provide delegates with a diverse collection of insightful discussions on topics such as Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority’s (SIGA) unique business model and how socially responsible gaming practices can be utilized to drive growth. Additionally, there will be a variety of exclusive roundtable discussions on regulatory and market developments, the intricacies of several Canadian provinces and the work of First Nations-led businesses and sports teams.
With a wealth of talent and ideas emerging in Canada, embodying strong leadership and innovative growth strategies, industry startups will get the opportunity to compete at the inaugural Canadian Gaming Summit ‘First Pitch’ competition, which shines a light on the best and brightest of the region.
Whittling the extensive list of applications down to just five, the finalists will present their product in front of a live audience and judging panel consisting of Benjie Cherniak (Principal, Avenue H Capital), Scott Secord, (Partner, Cardinal Sports Capital), Emily Mcllquham (Investment Analyst, Relay Ventures), Mohit Kansal (Managing Director, Clarivest) and Dani Lipkin (Managing Director Global Innovation, TMX Group)
The ‘Responsible gaming as a foundation for growth’ panel, will explore the importance of social responsibility in the Canadian gambling market. The industry-led panel will explore the benefits of incorporating social responsibilities and how player protection can drive growth through improved relationships with players and provincial regulators.
The panel will consist of Nav Sandhawalia (Chief Compliance & Risk Officer, Niagara Casinos), Aaron GlynWilliams (Director, Social Responsibility, OLG), Shelley White (CEO, Responsible Gaming Council), Dan Spencer (Director of Safer Gambling, EPIC Risk Management) and Jacob Coin (Executive Advisor to Chairman, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians), with Martin Lycka (SVP American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Entain) moderating the panel.
Closing the conference agenda is the panel ‘Social responsibility & ESG: Championing from within’, which will highlight the necessity of meaningful ESG implementation as the gaming industry continues to grow. Canada is built upon its heterogeneous society and environmental values and therefore it is imperative for operators and regulators to encompass diversity, inclusion and sustainability to ensure survival and longevity.
The expert-led panel will consist of Paul Pellizzari (VP Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock), Catherine Meade (VP Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, OLG), Chuck Keeling (Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, Community and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation) and Anna Eleazer (Head of Diversity & Inclusion, BetMGM), with Russell Mifsud (Director & Gaming Lead, KPMG) moderating the panel.
Across the event, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a diverse selection of other conference tracks around Payment & Compliance, iGaming, Sports betting as well as exclusive industry roundtables.
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.
-
Esportes da Sorte4 weeks ago
Esportes Gaming Brasil, the group behind Esportes da Sorte and Onabet, announces Hugo Baungartner as Executive Director for Institutional Relations and Partnerships
-
Africa4 weeks ago
Cross Switch Bolsters African Footprint with Strategic Partnership with Pesawise
-
Australia4 weeks ago
ACMA Imposes Fine of $500,800 on PointsBet
-
Baltics4 weeks ago
Modern Oracles & Smart Payments: Finrax’s Vision for Blockchain, AI & Beyond
-
Africa4 weeks ago
QTech Games wins Leader in Online Casino at the 2025 SBEA+ Eventus Awards
-
Australia4 weeks ago
ACMA Imposes $1 Million Fine on Unibet
-
Asia3 weeks ago
PAGCOR CHAIRMAN, ENTIRE BOARD TENDER COURTESY RESIGNATION
-
Balkans3 weeks ago
EGT Digital at Belgrade Future Gaming 2025: Get ready to be fascinated