Canada

Entain Partners with UNLV on Women’s Innovation Igniter Program

Published

5 years ago

February 5, 2021

Entain plc and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) announced a new, groundbreaking partnership to launch the Women’s Innovation Igniter. The first-of-its-kind academic, technology, innovation and mentoring program is designed to provide UNLV undergraduate and graduate women with a pathway toward successful careers in the sports betting, gaming, and technology industries.

Entain is the global sports betting and gaming entertainment operator which jointly owns, with MGM Resorts International, BetMGM in the United States. Entain leads the betting and gaming industry through its industry leading proprietary technology that also provides the engine for the roll-out of BetMGM.

Through the Women’s Innovation Igniter initiative, Entain and UNLV will recruit, mentor, support and introduce talented women to the industry and design more inclusive working environments in historically male-dominated fields.

The program will be housed at the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, a unique innovation building featuring a state-of-the-art laboratory with an esports arena, virtual reality studio and more. The curriculum will include practical, hands-on experiences, internships, and mentoring from top executives in the industry, as well as providing the support and resources needed to bring innovations and designs to life.

In partnership with Entain and UNLV, The Women’s Innovation Igniter project will be led by Jan Jones Blackhurst, Chief Executive in Residence, International Gaming Institute and Robert Rippee, Ph.D., Executive Director, Innovation Hub. The program is set to launch in August 2021 with about 20 women in the initial class.

“Entain is the ideal partner to help us bring this groundbreaking program to life,” said Jan Jones Blackhurst. “As a leader in online sports betting and gaming, Entain will help us showcase the myriad of opportunities available in these professional fields, further develop our curriculum, and help women see career pathways in a technology led industry where they are not always well-represented.”

Last month, Entain named Jette Nygaard-Andersen its CEO, marking her out as one of the highest profile female executives in the sports betting industry. Teaming up with UNLV on The Women’s Innovation Igniter gives Entain the opportunity to continue to set precedents in the sports betting, gaming, and technology industries, and help ensure commercial success with talented women in key roles.

“We are honored to be a part of such an inspiring and pioneering program with UNLV,” said Jette Nygaard-Andersen. “Women can face many obstacles in getting traction in careers that are often or traditionally male dominated. This program will encourage women to aspire for careers they previously may not have considered, and it provides the hands-on experience they need to make the sports betting, gaming, and technology industries more inclusive.”

Entain intends to open an office at The Harry Reid Research and Technology Park with employees that will include engineers as well as software and gaming developers. Entain will seek opportunities to mentor, as well as create internships and jobs for some of these young women following the program, not just at Entain, but also with other leading companies throughout the industry.

UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park was unveiled in 2020 and provides students the resources and skills needed to accelerate the introduction of new concepts into the gaming and hospitality market, and spur creativity and entrepreneurship overall.

Canada

Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market

Published

1 day ago

July 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

altenar-joins-alberta’s-new-regulated-igaming-market

Today marks the official launch of Alberta’s regulated online gaming market, a significant milestone for the Canadian iGaming industry and an important step in Altenar’s continued expansion across North America.

Having secured approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), Altenar is fully prepared to support licensed operators entering Canada’s newest regulated jurisdiction with its award-winning sportsbook technology.

The opening of Alberta’s market establishes Canada’s second regulated online gaming province after Ontario, creating fresh opportunities for operators seeking sustainable growth within a regulated framework.

With a strong track record across regulated markets worldwide, Altenar is well positioned to help partners launch competitive sportsbook offerings that prioritize player engagement, operational flexibility and long-term success.

As competition intensifies from day one, operators will be focused on delivering high-quality betting experiences capable of attracting playersAltenar’s scalable sportsbook solution, extensive customization capabilities and regulatory expertise provide operators with the tools needed to compete effectively in this evolving market.

Matthew Ferrara, Sales Manager at Altenar, said:

“The launch of Alberta’s regulated market is an important moment not only for the province but for the wider Canadian industry. Regulation creates opportunities for operators to build trusted brands while giving players access to safer, more transparent betting environments.

“We’re excited to support our partners as they enter this new market. Success in Alberta will depend on offering a premium player experience from the very beginning – fast, reliable technology, competitive betting content and the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves. Those are exactly the areas where Altenar delivers value, and we look forward to helping operators grow sustainably in one of North America’s most promising new jurisdictions.”

Alberta represents another important milestone in Altenar’s North American growth strategy as the company continues to expand its presence in regulated markets, providing operators with the technology and expertise needed to succeed in increasingly competitive environments.

The post Altenar Joins Alberta’s New Regulated iGaming Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta

Published

1 day ago

July 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

draftkings-set-to-launch-its-online-sportsbook-and-casino-in-alberta

DraftKings is set to launch its top-rated online sportsbook and casino, along with its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand, in Alberta on July 13. Alberta will become the second Canadian province and the 34th jurisdiction across North America where DraftKings Sportsbook is available. With the launch, DraftKings Casino will be available in five U.S. states and Golden Nugget Online Gaming casino in four U.S. states, with both brands available in Alberta and Ontario in Canada.

“We’re thrilled to launch DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino, as well as Golden Nugget Online Gaming in Alberta and continue expanding our presence in Canada. Alberta is home to a passionate sports fan base, and we’re excited to bring customers across the province our industry-leading sports betting and online casino experiences. Launching during one of the biggest moments in global sports, with the World Cup taking place across North America, makes this an especially exciting time to welcome Albertans to DraftKings,” said Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings.

To celebrate the launch in Alberta, DraftKings employees will volunteer with Food Banks Alberta and present a $150,000 donation to the organization. The funding will purchase over 40,000 pounds of essential food items to be distributed through Food Banks Alberta’s network of member food banks, ensuring resources reach communities both large and small throughout Alberta. This donation will help provide essential food support, including high demand items like fruits and vegetables and baby formula to individuals and families facing hunger, while strengthening local food banks’ ability to meet growing demand.

Eligible customers in Alberta will have access to DraftKings’ comprehensive suite of sports betting and online casino offerings. From same-game parlays, live in-game wagering, and special odds boosts on DraftKings Sportsbook to thousands of casino games, including fan-favorite titles like “Wheel of Fortune – Triple Extreme Spin,” exclusive slot titles, as well as progressive jackpots across Golden Nugget Online Gaming and DraftKings Casino, DraftKings delivers one of the industry’s most robust and engaging entertainment experiences.

DraftKings leads the industry in responsible engagement by promoting customer awareness and use of budget and control tools and resources like deposit limits, cool off periods, and self-exclusion to help customers have a fun source of entertainment with a brand they can trust.

The post DraftKings Set to Launch its Online Sportsbook and Casino in Alberta appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval

Published

4 days ago

July 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

high-5-games-expands-across-alberta’s-open-igaming-market-following-aglc-supplier-approval

High 5 Games, the creator of premium casino content for the land based, online and social gaming markets announced it has secured supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), extending its games beyond Play Alberta to all licensed operators in the province’s newly opened commercial iGaming market.

High 5 Games has entertained Alberta players since 2024 through Play Alberta, the province’s government operated gaming platform, where titles such as DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and more have become established player favourites. With Alberta’s commercial market now open, that same proven portfolio is available to all licensed operators entering the province.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market will be opening on July 13, 2026, making it the second Canadian province after Ontario to welcome private sector operators. Overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), the market launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, one of the most anticipated regulated market openings in North America this year.

The approval extends High 5 Games’ regulated North American footprint, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia. Alberta players will gain access to High 5’s catalogue of player favourite titles, including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and other titles through launch partnerships with operators.

“Alberta players already know and love our games through Play Alberta, that is a head start no newcomer to this market can claim. With the open market live, every operator in the province can now offer their players the award winning High 5 titles they have been playing for years, from day one.” says Tony Singer, CEO at High 5 Games.

High 5 Games’ content is certified across New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, British Columbia and the studio has developed more than 300 games over three decades of game making.

The post High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.