Canada
Gambling Legislation by State in the US and Canada
No matter which region bettors find themselves visiting in both Canada and America, they are bound to find some sort of online gambling offered. America is quickly becoming the online gambling metropolis with Canada showing signs of following suit. More Americans are turning to their mobile devices and laptops to access online gambling in its many forms and shapes. More states are currently in the process of legalizing online gambling, launching sports betting and featuring the latest and newest online casino platforms. US players first visited online casinos that were based in places such as the Isle of Man and Antiguan 1994. In 1996, Canada’s First Nations team started online casinos in Quebec and Montreal.
States That Have Yet to Join the Online Movement
Sports betting is one of the more sought after forms of online gambling in certain states in America. California, Maine, Massachusetts, Florida, Kansas, Missouri and Kentucky are in the process of strategizing with lawmakers, senators and government to pass laws and legislature to legalize sports betting. In most of these states, bills have been proposed and voters have been tallied in favour of these referendums but lawmakers in the states are neither here nor there when it comes to finding out exactly when the industry will launch.
There are, however, states have managed to provide their residents with sports betting at land-based venues for the time being. These states have had no luck with getting the gambling legislature to approve online wagering. New York, Mississippi, Arkansas, Maryland, North Carolina and New Mexico have all tried to get the sports betting scene online, but to no avail. Even though voters have declared that they would want online sports betting offered in these states it seems unlikely that this goal will come to fruition soon.
States That Have Launched Online Wagering
Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are the only states where all three forms of online gambling are being offered presently. The five states all offer their players and residents Online Sports Betting, Online Poker and Online Casinos. New Jersey who generates over $225 million per annum has been identified as the state with the biggest online gambling market in the U.S. Indiana, New Hampshire, Iowa, Oregon, Colorado, Rhodes Island, Tennessee, Montana, Illinois and Washington D.C have all managed to successfully launch a legal and regulated online Sports Betting industry but not much else. In most of these states the online option was made available as a result of the lottery already being played in the respective state. Most establishments where the lottery is allowed will not be permitted to conduct any other forms of online gambling from their premises. However, land-based operators have inked lucrative and strategic partnership deals with premium sportsbook providers such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Pointsbet.
Lottery
The lottery the only game of chance that is allowed to be played legally in all the states in the U.S and Canada, with the latter offering some of the best Canadian casino websites run by off-shore operators to cater the gambling market. In Georgia, the Lottery Corporation allows patrons to play other forms of online games such as Fantasy 5, Mega Millions and Powerball. Keno games are also allowed in conjunction with Georgia Lottery Corporation’s Diggi Games. In Illinois, Lotto and Mega Millions tickets went on sale in March 2012; along with this the site also sold Powerball tickets. It was in April 2014 that the first record amount of $36.9 million in online ticket sales was announced, after just two years of the game offering going live. In 2014, Michigan announced that its first online tickets were sold for a game called instant Keno. The tickets could be purchased by residents via their mobile devices and computers. Later, in 2016, the Mega Millions 47, Powerball and Fantasy 5 tickets were available online to anyone older than 18, which is the legal lottery gambling age. In Kentucky, in 2016, online ticket for daily draw games and jackpots were finally made available. The state took a total of 3 years and some months to design the game’s intricate system, which does not allow winners to access their winnings, because of the very strict laws regarding money laundering in the state.
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.
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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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