Canada
United Esports and DFINITY Foundation Create a Blockchain Game Development Contest with $10 Million Prize Pool
United Esports and the DFINITY Foundation have announced that independent game developers now have the opportunity to bring their dream game to life by applying to the first-ever game development competition series, with a $10 million prize pool, Achievement Unblocked.
The revolutionary new series will be hosted by award-winning esports commentator Mitch “UberShouts” Leslie and is set to premiere in late 2022.
Achievement Unblocked was created to give developers at all levels the chance of a lifetime to take control of their destiny. The competition series will follow a pool of up to 100 selected participants and teams from all levels of experience in near-real-time, as they compete and navigate their way through the often challenging world of building a compelling new game. Each developer will have to fight to impress an esteemed panel of judges to unlock additional levels of support or risk elimination. Host Mitch Leslie will guide the audience through the challenging process of game development, capture the personal stories of the contestants, and follow the exciting journey of the next big idea in game development.
“With the rise of web3, there’s never been a better time to be a gamer. I am beyond excited to take this journey with our talented developers, as they look to leverage the power of blockchain and the Internet Computer!” Leslie said.
“We are so excited to share what Achievement Unblocked has to offer with the world and are overjoyed to have such an incredible, dedicated industry professional as our host. So often we see independent game developers who want to pursue their artistic vision, struggle with a challenging, obstacle-ridden path. This is why we created this competition series, and we look forward to helping the next generation of developers break through traditional barriers and launch their games victoriously on Achievement Unblocked,” Felix LaHaye, Founder and CEO of United Esports, said.
In a new twist on the traditional “competition series,” Achievement Unblocked will provide grants, mentorship, technical support, and seminars all throughout the program, giving the competition’s top developers the ability to earn funding to support their continued efforts, as well as monetary rewards for rising to the top. But what truly sets this series apart from all other competition shows is that although elimination may signify the end of a developer’s journey on the series, it does not mean the game development, or funding, has come to an end.
As part of a larger initiative, the DFINITY Foundation and United Esports want to pave the way for independent game developers everywhere, by providing access to the funds and resources needed to turn their dream game into a reality. Currently, with $220 million available in funding, the DFINITY Developer Grant Program is catalyzing the growth of the Internet Computer ecosystem and making it accessible and approachable to more developers around the world.
For those ready to be part of the future of game development, the opportunity is now. Achievement Unblocked is currently accepting applications to join this first-of-its-kind series through March 31.
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Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the casino business and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino (Hastings) in the City of Vancouver from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (Great Canadian Entertainment).
“We are thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, and we are eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as working with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City. We believe that this opportunity is historic for us in many ways, and we look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course,” said Jen Thomas, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
“We are excited about working with TWN on their potential acquisition of the casino operations and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino. Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN’s traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale,” Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment.
The agreement is subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement. Once a definitive agreement has been executed by the parties, it is anticipated that the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by gaming regulatory and other authorities, including certain approvals by the City of Vancouver given its ownership of the real property. It is expected that Great Canadian Entertainment will provide transition services to TWN for a period of time following the anticipated closing.
The post Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
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.
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