Canada
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto from Great Canadian Entertainment to Open in the Summer

The 33-acre entertainment resort taking shape on the outskirts of Toronto is to open this summer as the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto complete with a Las Vegas-style casino and a 5,000-seat live entertainments venue.
A $1 billion project from local casino operator Great Canadian Entertainment, the destination facility is being built next door to the existing Woodbine Racetrack at the intersection of Highways 401 and 427 and will additionally offer multiple on-site dining options and a new parkade as well as an integrated 400-room hotel.
Situated in the Etobicoke neighborhood of the Canadaâs largest city, the 24-year-old Woodbine Racetrack is to remain open until the modern Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto begins welcoming patrons. Great Canadian Entertainment, which is already responsible for 25 facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, began work on the newest gambling venue for Toronto in 2021 following its acquisition by a fund affiliated with American private equity behemoth Apollo Global Management Incorporated.
Great Canadian Entertainment is to additionally utilize its Great Canadian Rewards loyalty program to publicize the range of exclusive promotions and offers coming to its Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto venue. The operator introduced this scheme for its Ontario-based customers in August so as to provide such patrons with the best hotel booking rates alongside the chance to receive special discounts and perks including gaming credits and comp dollars that may be redeemed at a range of participating restaurants.
Finally, Great Canadian Entertainment will be bringing a PlaySmart Centre to its Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto development in partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) Corporation. This responsible gambling amenity is to be tasked with providing customers with all of the knowledge and tools they need to build and maintain positive playing habits.
âWe see this as an unprecedented opportunity to introduce an entirely new world-class experience in Canada that will bring together the best in casino gaming, exceptional live entertainment, dining and accommodation in one very special place,â Matthew Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer for Great Canadian Entertainment, said. âWe are very excited to reveal more about what this landmark destination will feature and what our guests can expect in the coming weeks, including the announcement of an opening date. This project has been several years in the making and we are thrilled that we are close to bringing it to life.â
Canada
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.
âThe submission of our licensing application to access Ontarioâs regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Companyâs 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,â 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.
âOntario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. Weâre excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and weâre looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,â said Clemes.
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 âResilient regulation: Exploring what works, why and whatâs nextâ, the event brings together global regulators and thought leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks can evolve to meet todayâs 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.
âThis yearâs 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,â Haden said.
âI 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.â
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 Torontoâs waterfront.
Canada
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.
âWe couldnât be more excited to expand our partnership with Play Alberta. This partnership is about more than just putting a name on the field â itâs 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, weâre creating new ways for fans to connect with our team and experience the game day atmosphere in a whole new way,â 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.
âSince Play Albertaâs 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,â 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. Edmontonâs home opener at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium is slated for Thursday, June 19 against the Montreal Alouettes.
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