Canada
Emerchantpay and Pinnacle Celebrate One-year Partnership Milestone for Operator’s Entry into Ontario

emerchantpay, a leading global payment service provider and acquirer, announced that it will further support well-established gambling operator Pinnacle in the Ontario market. The announcement comes as the two businesses celebrate the one-year milestone of this strategic partnership facilitating the operator’s expansion in Ontario.
The two brands are strengthening their longstanding collaboration to increase Pinnacle’s iGaming coverage, building on its advanced payment proposition through emerchantpay’s in-house acquiring capabilities and online payment solutions. Pinnacle boasts a wealth of expertise spanning more than two decades as a premier online sportsbook and casino operator. emerchantpay remains a key payments partner for Pinnacle, offering dedicated support, pivotal insights and strategic advisory on payments best practices. Their united efforts have contributed to Pinnacle’s successful launch and continued growth in the Ontario market.
emerchantpay has enabled Visa Original Credit Transactions (OCTs), while closely collaborating with local issuers to enhance payment acceptance for Pinnacle. Furthermore, emerchantpay has implemented robust risk management protocols that are fully aligned with the regulatory requirements set by Ontario authorities. These protocols encompass the establishment of deposit limits for players and the assurance of the protection of both consumers and operators. These are just two examples demonstrating the comprehensive support that emerchantpay has provided in line with Pinnacle’s expansion objectives in the Ontario market.
As part of the collaboration, emerchantpay processes deposits and withdrawals via credit and debit cards for Pinnacle’s users in Ontario, guaranteeing a seamless, payment journey across all touchpoints in the payment flow.
Alexander Berrai, Deputy CEO at emerchantpay, said: “We’re pleased to announce the successful global partnership between emerchantpay and Pinnacle. As we continue to facilitate their strategic expansion in Ontario, we remain committed to delivering innovative payment solutions. By combining emerchantpay’s dedicated approach, gambling industry expertise and customer-centricity with Pinnacle’s established market presence, we’re poised to deliver secure, efficient and frictionless experiences in Ontario’s sought-after iGaming market.”
Isabelle Delisle, Director of Payments at Pinnacle, said: “Partnering with emerchantpay has been instrumental in Pinnacle’s successful launch in Ontario. emerchantpay’s expertise in the local payments regulatory framework helped streamline our entry into this market. We are delighted to continue our partnership with emerchantpay and look forward to expanding our international growth journey.”
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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
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