Canada
Charlo Barbosa Bets On The Future Of Esports In Smaller Markets
Every year the line gets a little thinner between reality and the virtual world. That is certainly the case when it comes to the growth of Esports worldwide and the commensurate growth in fantasy sports gambling associated with it. For now, such activities are generally allowed worldwide but are not entirely welcomed by the authorities. A lot of what is happening in this space is that a lot of early adopters are hoping to stake their claim on Esports fantasy gambling while it is still in its infancy and then taking it big time once the idea catches on.
One of those early adopters is Charlo Barbosa, who is betting heavily on markets such as India and the Philippines as a way of refining his business model in these now-opening venues. Once everything is running smoothly and the regulatory picture refines itself further, he hopes to capitalize upon his experience by taking his ever-growing Esports empire into the big money markets elsewhere in the world.
Simply put, it is less costly to enter these largely unexplored markets than it would be to jump into the arena against big money operators already entrenched in more established territories. Building up a subscriber base and developing an innovative approach is what Barbosa is banking on in his quest to challenge for a spot at the biggest tables.
While there is plenty of money to be made in the fantasy Esports arena, a lot of players are counting on this leading to bigger things down the road. For now, the regulatory structures are not in place to effectively oversee actual gambling on the blossoming numbers of Esports leagues. Once this hurdle is crossed, however, the fantasy Esports impresarios anticipate that they will be very well-placed to transition right into the expanded opportunities which will be on offer.
Among all the stakeholders, the sense is pretty near universal that this is largely a waiting game for now, especially in markets such as India which does not allow online gambling activities. Fantasy betting is operating in a somewhat gray area legislatively speaking, and the government seems inclined to let this continue while it studies the situation.
Yet the main concern of narrowly-focused Esports companies such as Barbosa’s GoodGamer is that a lot of competitors are stretching the definition of fantasy gambling to where it may become indistinguishable from actual online gambling. This in turn could lead to the proroguing of the entire fantasy gambling space if it were to become a problem or lead to some sort of scandal. Barbosa and many others are quick to point out that they are operating by the book and have no interest in letting the industry devolve into the Wild West.
Their desire is for an orderly and ever-expanding digital footprint that runs an honest game and provides great value for its growing list of subscribers. The truth is that time and demographics are on the side of anybody who gets into the virtual sports industry early.
Traditional sports are gazing in alarm at the increasingly aged demographic of their fans. The next generation seems much more interested in online leagues where they themselves can participate as equals and not merely spectate as someone who is not athletic enough to be on the field.
For Barbosa, the patient nurturing of GoodGamer is merely a small delay in his quest to erect the next great sporting empire. With the youth of today competing via smartphone, it is only a matter of time until his bet on the future begins to pay enormous dividends to the ones with the foresight to see where the future is heading.
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.
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.
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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