Connect with us

Canada

The Sand Dollar Lounge to open at the Plaza Hotel & Casino Classic Vegas bar and music venue to open in the fall

Published

on

 

A longtime Las Vegas icon for live music and craft cocktails, The Sand Dollar Lounge will open a second location inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino this fall, bringing to downtown Las Vegas a venue dedicated to late-night live music and entertainment.

In 1976, the Sand Dollar Blues Bar opened its doors, and almost instantly became one of Las Vegas’ most iconic bars. Some of the greatest blues legends, as well as many other famous musicians, graced its stage for more than 30 years. People like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and even Mick Jagger would swing into the Sand Dollar when they were in Las Vegas. In 2007, the Sand Dollar Blues Bar closed its doors, but it was resurrected in 2009, when The Sand Dollar Lounge opened on Spring Mountain Road honoring the tradition and history of the iconic Vegas venue. In 2015, the Sand Dollar Lounge was taken over by the current owners Nathan Grates and Anthony Jamison with an eye on bringing back and building on its original luster.

Now the iconic venue will open The Sand Dollar Downtown, a second location in a similarly iconic Vegas destination, the Plaza Hotel & Casino, which dates to the Rat Pack era as well and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The Sand Dollar Downtown will be in a nearly 5,000 sq. ft. space adjacent to the Plaza’s casino floor. It plans to offer its full menu of craft cocktails with pizzas made by Pop Up Pizza at the Plaza. Live music, both local acts and other headliners, will take the stage in the evenings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

“The Plaza is known for its vintage Vegas character and is proud to partner with a legendary Vegas venue like the Sand Dollar,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “The opening of the Sand Dollar at the Plaza will create a late-night destination for live music unlike any other in downtown Las Vegas.”

“We are very excited to be expanding The Sand Dollar legacy into Downtown Las Vegas with the Plaza,” said co-owner Anthony Jamison.

“Sand Dollar Downtown will be focused on recreating the classic age of electric blues and Rock ‘n Roll in the Downtown corridor,” added Nathan Grates.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Ben Clemes

High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Canada

IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto

Published

on

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.

The post IAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Alberta Gaming

Edmonton Elks, Play Alberta Connect on New Partnership

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending