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For Adam Rubin, success was secondary to maintaining roots in Canada – and reconnecting with old friends during Covid
By GERRY POSNER Could you predict an Adam Rubin? Not likely. If you asked him, he would have said not at all. But Adam, the youngest child of Chuck and Naida Rubin (neither of whom is exactly unknown to many readers of the JP&N) has carved out a path which is truly remarkable in many ways.
The grandson of Sam Rubin, a farmer from near Fort William, Ontario (as it was then called), Adam was what he calls a Ramah School dropout after Grade 1. He did, however, manage to complete Laidlaw Elementary School and later was one of a handful of Jewish boys at St. Paul’s High School. He was active in Kadima and BBYO and also was a camper at BB Kenora.
Then, in a an unusual step at that time, he left Winnipeg and headed east to study Economics and Political Science at McGill, living with two close friends form Winnipeg: Eric Corne and Jon Pesochin. Following graduation, Rubin headed to the University of Ottawa for an MBA. His roommate was another Winnipegger, Matt Golden. There is a theme here which Adam is quick to stress. He says, “I am still very close with Matt, Phil, Eric and Jon to this day (Phil being Phil Haid). One of the things I treasure most about Winnipeg is the lifelong friendships that have been nurtured by that city. In fact, as I am now middle aged, I look back with tremendous fondness and admiration for the strength of community Winnipeg has. It’s one I have not seen replicated.”
The education of Adam Rubin then expanded to include law school at the University of Calgary. Rubin thus had the package of business and law, on top of which he also completed the Advanced Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School. Upon graduation from law school, he entered the work force during the dot.com boom – followed by its bust. Rubin joined a boutique law firm specializing in corporate finance and securities law in Calgary where he was responsible for taking companies into the public domain. As Rubin reflects, “I took many of those high- flyers from the cradle to orbit – and then to the grave, in three or four years.” Ultimately, Rubin wanted to develop his business side and in particular to build businesses and foster their growth. He joined a top energy company at the time – Nexen, a Calgary based corporation with a global presence. As Rubin notes, however, the “oil patch was a strange place for a Jewish boy from Winnipeg.”
In 2007 Adam took what was supposed to be a two-year assignment in Dallas to help run Nexen’s US operations, so off he went with his former wife and four-year-old daughter, Sam. Two years turned into five years and, even with his success at Nexen, Adam had an opportunity in 2012 to join Venari Resources LLC, a private equity funded offshore exploration company in Dallas. Adam served as Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary for Venari. He and a few of his colleagues were responsible, among many other duties, for helping to raise $2.4 billion from leading private equity firms. Adam was a founding member of the largest private equity- backed start up in the oil and gas sector at the time. You could say Adam had come a long way from his grandfather Sam Rubin’s farming career, but they likely had the same work ethic. The business took off like a rocket ship, Adam states, but it also fell back to earth and, in 2019, the company’s assets were sold.
And so, in 2020 (just before the pandemic hit), Adam Rubin was unemployed for the first time in his life. Rubin was delighted to be in that position. He had what he calls “catching up time” with his buddies. Adam also did what many other parents were forced to do – he became a teacher to his son, as in Grade 3 science, geography and social studies. Adam describes that as a special time for him, also noting that time included tasting defeat in a 100 yard dash with his now 17-year-old daughter Samantha (named for his grandfather, Sam Rubin).
The big thing that was very special for Adam during Covid was reconnecting with his old friends as they all hit 50. The group – which included Avi Gesser, Matt Golden, Phil Haid, my son Ari Posner, Cory Pollock, Jason Klapman, Danny Stoller, also two guys from Saskatchewan and Alberta – Terry Levitt and Rob Eichelson, would meet online. The “prairie boys”, as they referred to themselves, tried to help each other navigate the new normal. They became coaches, mentors, cheerleaders and even entertainers for one another. They created a contest with each other to name that tune, with music provided by Ari.
And, what this all says to Adam is “It reminds me and affirms the great character of Winnipeg. Good people come out of that town. … Honestly, I think the best asset I have is having had the opportunity to be raised in Winnipeg. It’s the foundation for what makes our group who we are.”
Today, Adam is back in action working as General Counsel with another private equity portfolio company, owned by the Blackstone Group. This company is one of the largest manufacturers of highly engineered structures for the telecom and utility industries in the United States. He still makes every effort to return to Winnipeg to see his family, either in the city or at the family cottage at Matlock. He is thrilled that his oldest child, Sam, is a first year student in the Faculty of Arts at Western University. What he delights in most is watching his child come to realize the benefits of being in Canada.
Features
The Moneymaker Poker Tour 2025 Is Coming To Canada
This year, the highly acclaimed Moneymaker Tour is finally coming to Canada for the first time. Previously hosted just across the US, the Moneymaker Tour’s Canadian leg marks only its second time abroad. The first time was last year’s Moneymaker Tour Aruba, which was held in October. During this leg, the Caribbean island country also hosted a USD$200,000 (CAD$285,527) guaranteed Main Event.
Following this successful overseas experience, the team behind the Moneymaker Tour, led by its namesake, Chris Moneymaker himself, will host 23 events in Kahnawake, just some minutes from downtown Montreal.
Chris Moneymaker and his poker legacy
A certified living poker legend, Chris Moneymaker is credited with kickstarting the early 2000s poker boom. A former accountant who qualified via (what was then relatively new) online satellite means, Moneymaker went on to win the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event with a USD$2.5 million (CAD$3.5 million) prize. His win marked a turning point in the industry, as it convinced thousands that poker was now more accessible and promising than ever. Since then, Moneymaker has won multiple bracelets and has been included in the Poker Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Moneymaker has expanded his presence on the felt as a poker pro for ACR Poker, which is the US’ leading online poker site. Since 2001, it’s been known for its huge tourneys, secure gaming and banking methods, and an impressive roster of poker personalities. Moneymaker was officially brought on in this capacity in 2021. In recognition of Chris’ influence, the site has even begun hosting special weekly promotions called The Sunday Moneymaker, which offer supersized guarantees of up to USD$300,000 (CAD$428,397). This is, of course, aside from the Moneymaker Tour itself, which is also hosted in partnership with the operator across several US cities, nearby territories, and now in international locations, like Canada.
What to expect from the Moneymaker Tour in Canada
Set to be held from May 7-20, the Canadian leg of the Moneymaker Tour will be hosted in cooperation with local casino and cardroom Playground. As mentioned above, there will be 23 events, during which there will be a USD$980,343 (CAD$1.4 million) guaranteed prize pool across the board. From May 16 onwards, the events will be dedicated to the Main Event, where there is a USD$350,122 (CAD$500,000) guarantee.
Designed to provide an opportunity for poker players of all skill levels and backgrounds to experience their own extraordinary poker wins inspired by Moneymaker, the tour’s events notably feature considerably lower buy-ins. In the Canadian leg, for instance, the Main Event’s buy-in is only USD$805 (CAD$1,150). With this in mind, reports state that players from across Canada, the US, and other neighboring countries are expected to join in.
Per executives behind the Moneymaker Tour, this foray into the Canadian poker scene will ideally set the scene for future activations. That said, whether the tour will extend to other provinces is yet to be determined, considering that there are varying stances on gambling. For instance, in Alberta, there are still some delays in regulatory gambling launches. This has pushed back the legal release of potential gaming opportunities, especially in iGaming. However, since most citizens and legislators see the value in exploring this issue positively, it bodes well for any future poker events, including Moneymakers’.
Features
How to Determine the Best Canadian Online Slot Sites for Your Needs
Your choice of online slot site may be different between winning and losing. More and more Canadian online slot sites have been added to the market quickly, so finding a site that works best for you is pivotal. That diversity also means that not all sites are equal. Find one that has an assortment of games, and the security features you want, and is simple and user-friendly, depending on your taste. Here we are going to look at how you can get yourself lost in online slots in Canada and what makes a game juicy.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Canadian Online Slot Sites
There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when picking the best Canadian online slot sites. Knowing about these factors can help you have a safe and pleasant gaming experience.
1. Licensing and Regulation:
One of the first things you need to look at is if the site has a license or not. All good Canadian slot sites should hold licenses from respected and well-known authorities like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. This means that the site must meet very high standards of fairness and security.
2. Game Selection:
Online slot gaming is all about variety. Choose online slot sites that offer a wide variety of reputable developer games. Some of the most popular providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech, produce games with stunning graphics and exciting gameplay features. Experiencing other sites with their wider game libraries makes for a nice change too.
3. User Experience:
A simple and easy-to-use user interface makes your game more enjoyable. Check how user-friendly the website is, the game loaders, and the management of your account. In contrast, top Canadian slot sites with beautifully crafted websites save players from technical issues and dispense with the mindset that you are here to play.
4. Easy Payments:
Payment options should be secure and easy to use. Make sure the site allows for plenty of payment options—credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Also, make sure the site has implemented encryption to help secure your financial transactions and personal information.
5. Customer Service:
Good customer service can go a long way. Choose Canadian slot sites that provide professional support for assistance by live chat, email, or even phone if necessary. Great customer support ensures that if you face any kind of problem, it gets resolved as soon as possible.
To make it easier for you to locate and select the top Canadian online slot sites that meet these points, check out New Online Casinos. From the reviews and comparisons that this resource provides, you will be able to notice which sites really hit all those crucial aspects with other elements of playing games, only adding a cherry on top!
Top Red Flags in Canadian Slot Sites to Watch Out For
The main point is to avoid landing on sites that purport themselves as Canadian slot sites but are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing.
- No Licensing: Make sure the online casino is licensed to ensure fair play.
- Unrealistic Bonus Offers: Unrealistic Bonus Offers are also another warning sign, as too-good-to-be-true bonuses with high minimum turnover requirements may be designed to make players lose their money.
- Low Ratings: The poor user reviews may have an issue with customer support or even fairness.
- Limited Payment Options: Moreover, there are limited payment options and vague security measures to ensure your financial safety.
To avoid getting into trouble and to ensure that you have a safe experience with online slots in Canada, always take these aspects under the microscope.
Conclusion
The best online slot sites in Canada will have their game selection well-cataloged, helping you to browse the hundreds of options and figure out which are right for you. If you take all of these into consideration, you should be able to find a site that offers some fun and safety. Keep your eyes open for red flags all the time and use services like New Online Casinos to help you pick new casinos.
Features
Fitzdares Exiting March 31, Stake.ca Prepares for Highly Anticipated Launch
Ontario’s rapidly evolving online betting industry faces another significant shift as British bookmaker Fitzdares has confirmed plans to permanently withdraw from Ontario by March 31, 2025. The unexpected exit comes after two challenging years for Fitzdares, which struggled to establish a foothold in Ontario’s increasingly crowded and competitive gambling landscape.
UK-based Fitzdares, known for its premium betting experience and personalized service, entered the Ontario market in early 2023. Despite hosting exclusive Toronto events and significant investment in local marketing efforts, the bookmaker struggled to establish a foothold. Recent industry data shows Fitzdares captured less than 0.2% of Ontario’s betting volume, placing it well behind established competitors BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.
Fitzdares confirmed it had stopped accepting deposits as of March 10 and will halt all new wagers by March 24. So if you’re signed up with Fitzdares, you have until midnight on March 31 to withdraw any remaining balances before the platform officially shuts down.
The departure of Fitzdares highlights the tough realities operators face in Ontario—a market that has rapidly expanded since its regulation began in April 2022. Today, more than 50 licensed brands compete fiercely for local bettors’ attention, making differentiation critical for success.
Amid this shifting landscape, anticipation is steadily building around the return of Stake.com—this time under its new Canadian-specific brand “Stake.ca.” Stake previously operated in Ontario but was forced to suspend services due to stricter licensing requirements introduced by iGaming Ontario and AGCO, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Now, after a lengthy hiatus and extensive preparations, Stake is gearing up to re-enter the province legally and fully regulated under its new Canadian-facing brand: Stake.ca.
Stake.ca has already launched an informational portal at StakeOntario.com, providing regular updates on regulatory progress and launch details. While an exact launch date hasn’t been publicly confirmed yet—currently listed simply as “coming soon”—the platform is widely expected to go live later this year.
Industry insiders point out that Stake is making significant investments to ensure full compliance with Ontario’s stringent regulatory standards. The company recently hired Canadian iGaming veteran Kris Abbott as its representative for Canada, demonstrating a clear commitment to successfully navigating local licensing procedures.
Stake originally gained global popularity through its innovative cryptocurrency-friendly betting model, extensive game library—including exclusive original titles—and robust sports betting markets featuring live streaming and unique betting experiences like Plinko and Crash games. While Ontario currently restricts crypto gambling transactions, industry experts predict Stake.ca will initially offer CAD-based payments with potential crypto integration down the line if provincial regulations evolve.
Stake.ca’s return has Ontarian gamblers fired up. Online forums and social feeds are packed with bettors hyped about its exclusive casino games, VIP rewards, live-streamed sports, and especially the real-time chat where you can talk to other members directly.
For now, Ontarian bettors will have to wait just a little longer—but when Stake.ca finally goes live later this year, it could significantly reshape the province’s online betting landscape once again.
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