

Canada
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto Announces Launch of Poker Room
The new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto has recently announced that it will be launching its Poker Room later this summer. Also, its brand-new 400-room hotel will also commence operations with an August 1, 2023 launch date. The company said reservations for The Hotel are now open and can be booked.
The first phase of Great Canadian Toronto opened on June 20, unveiling a new gaming floor featuring 4800 slot machines, 145 table games, a variety of dining options and a 3800-space parkade. The opening of the poker room and hotel are the next significant milestones in the destination’s development, followed in the coming months with the opening of a state-of-the-art 5000-person entertainment venue, additional dining options and retail.
As part of the Great Canadian Toronto’s commitment to responsible gambling, the property also features two PlaySmart Centres on the gaming floor, filled with engaging interactive tools and valuable responsible gambling resources available for all players, including information on how to participate in OLG’s voluntary My PlayBreak program if they choose to take a break from gambling.
The new poker room will cater to the market’s vibrant poker community. When complete, the poker room will offer 30 tables on a completely private floor with electronic table games and slots available for those waiting and “No Limit” and “Limit” stakes at varying levels, setting the stage for thrilling gameplay. The addition of larger poker tournaments will also be a main feature in the new poker room.
For players seeking an elevated gaming experience, the poker room will include four tables situated in a semi-private area. This exclusive section will cater to higher stakes games and final tables, creating an intimate setting for discerning players.
The introduction of poker at Great Canadian Toronto will also provide exciting opportunities for poker players at Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel (Great Blue Heron). Both properties will offer entry into some of Canada’s largest poker tournaments, further solidifying their positions as premier poker destinations. Additionally, with combined “Bad Beat” Jackpots connecting players from both Great Canadian Toronto and Great Blue Heron, the properties will aim to establish themselves as a leading destination for both local and international poker enthusiasts.
The much-anticipated opening of The Hotel at Great Canadian Toronto on August 1 marks an opportunity to cater to both leisure and business travellers. With 400 well-appointed rooms, The Hotel promises an extraordinary experience, blending modernity, comfort, and excitement under one roof.
Nestled just minutes from Toronto Pearson Airport, nearly half of the guest rooms boast breathtaking views of the legendary Woodbine Racetrack. These spacious accommodations range from 400 square feet to 840 square feet and include several accessible rooms and suites, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of guests.
Each guest room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities including a 55” Smart TV, in-room safe, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridge, and a coffee maker, providing convenience at their fingertips.
For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, prestige suites offer an array of additional features including a separate living room, a fully equipped kitchenette with a full-size fridge and microwave, and a spacious bathroom featuring a separate tub and shower.
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.
BCLC
BCLC Celebrates its 40th Anniversary With New Scratch & Win that Lets Winners Give Back

BCLC has launched a Scratch & Win ticket that is a win-win for both the Top Prize winner and their registered B.C. charity of choice.
The Greater Good Giveaway ticket offers a Top Prize of $10,000 for the winner and $10,000 for their registered charity of choice, selected from a list of British Columbia charities on CanadaHelps.
Thomas D’Cruz from Richmond is the first Top Prize winner for Greater Good Giveaway. D’Cruz selected the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation to receive the $10,000 charity prize, sharing that he “wanted to help children.” The winning ticket was purchased at Walmart on Alderbridge Way in Richmond.
There are over 12,000 registered B.C. charities on CanadaHelps for Top Prize winners to select from that support a variety of different causes, including arts and culture, education, social services and more.
“At BCLC, we believe that when we share the wins, we feel more connected to each other, our communities and our province,” says Natasha Questel, BCLC Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice President of Marketing. “Our players have shared that they are interested in different types of prizing that go beyond a dollar amount, so as we celebrate our 40th anniversary we’re thrilled to launch the Greater Good Giveaway – a ticket that allows our players the chance to support causes that resonate deeply with them, and aligns strongly with our social purpose – to generate win-wins for the greater good.”
Greater Good Giveaway tickets are $2 each and are available for purchase at lottery retailers across the province. For full details on the Greater Good Giveaway ticket, including how to play, please visit our website.
In 2024, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $137 million in winnings from Scratch & Win.
Since 1985, BCLC has delivered more than $29 billion to the provincial government to support communities, provincial programs and services, charities and major events that have helped shape B.C.
The post BCLC Celebrates its 40th Anniversary With New Scratch & Win that Lets Winners Give Back appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Adam Fonsica Co‑Founder & COO at Random State
Random State obtains Ontario iGaming licence

Random State (“RS”), the Swedish studio behind next‑generation iLottery and multiplayer bingo content, has been granted a Gaming‑Related Supplier – Manufacturer licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The approval, effective 14 May 2025, authorises RS to offer its games and platform services to licensed operators across Ontario.
“Securing the Ontario licence is a milestone our entire team has worked tirelessly toward,” said Adam Fonsica, Co‑Founder & COO at Random State. “Ontario not only validates the quality and integrity of our technology; it provides a launchpad for our broader North‑American expansion. We can’t wait to introduce our eInstant titles and multiplayer bingo hub to Ontario players later this year, together with a soon‑to‑be‑announced operator.”
The licence clears the way for RS to roll out its full product portfolio in Ontario:
Interactive eInstants – instant‑win games that re‑imagine traditional lottery mechanics with modern gameplay and rich visuals.
Multiplayer bingo – a complete suite of 90-, 75-, 80/60/40‑ and 30‑ball variants, featuring progressive jackpots, Pot Booster and real‑time chat hosting.
Turn‑key iGaming platform – advanced Player Account Management (PAM), certified RNG, gamification engine and a WYSIWYG game‑configuration tool that lets operators launch new games in minutes.
Random State expects its first Ontario go‑live in Q3 2025, delivering both eInstants and multiplayer bingo on day one.
The post Random State obtains Ontario iGaming licence appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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