Canada
FACEIT launches a major update to the platform for South American CS:GO players to help improve their competitive gaming experience

FACEIT, the leading competitive platform for online multiplayer games, with over 26 million users has today announced a significant update to the platform for South American CS:GO players. The update will include an improved Matchmaking experience with language-based matching, improved translation and a better user interface to allow players to track their rank and Elo rating with ease. In addition, players will have access to the best Anti-Cheat in the market and opportunities to play against the best in the FACEIT Pro League, with a monthly prize pool up for grabs.
FACEIT’s new and improved Matchmaking system underwent several updates following a number of player surveys from the last year and input shared by the players, professional players, content creators and important community figures in the South American region. Based on this feedback, FACEIT has upgraded its Matchmaking queue technology which will now start to match players not only by their skill, but also the language they speak to make sure they are able to communicate with their teammates in their local language.
Players that purchase a premium subscription will now enjoy a new perk of getting a higher chance to be matched with other premium players to ensure higher quality match experience. The new update also brings an improved platform translation in Portuguese-Brazilian, so players can use the website in their native language, and receive localised customer service, ensuring players get accessible help in their first language. Along with a better interface to track your rank, the PLAY dashboard will provide faster access to matches.
FACEIT is also introducing a new Clan feature which includes a 100% free and unlimited lobby system allowing players to easily find other like-minded players to socialise and play FACEIT matchmaking together. Players will be able to group friends easier, and avoid having to play alone. Each clan will have its own local moderation team which will administer the space and ensure a safe, accessible and friendly environment for all clan members. Furia and 00 Nation are two of the organisations already signed up to run their own Clan.
FACEIT’s industry-pioneering anti-cheat technology will also be available for South American players. FACEIT’s best-in-class Anti-Cheat combines state-of-the-art cheat detection, unique analysis and a combination of several behavioural systems that detect and deal with cheating in real time while building a cheat detection library.
Finally, players will be able to win a number of rewards. Through missions, daily ladders and tournament players can win thousands of FACEIT Points which can be used to purchase skins or Steam gift cards. In-game items can also be won through monthly premium missions. In November the fan-favourite Gamma Doppler-Gut Knife will be up for grabs for players who complete the mission and earn over 65,000 FACEIT Points. For players who are keen to develop their skills professionally the FACEIT Pro League will offer a $12,500 (USD) monthly prize pool.
President of Digital Platform at ESL FACEIT Group, Fabio Floris commented: “Our mission is to provide the best competitive gaming experience to CS:GO players globally. South America has a very historical and deep gaming ecosystem and is one of the fast-growing regions in the world. We’re delighted to develop our FACEIT offering for this community and we hope to continue to build on this investment over the coming years.”
Players across South America can follow FACEIT on Twitter and Instagram to find out more about the updates and incentives on offer for the region.
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Canada
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened its doors with a signature guitar smash, marking the arrival of Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, a bold new destination where entertainment, hospitality, and music take center stage.
The $350 million resort brings the brand’s unmistakable energy to Canada’s capital, offering locals and visitors an immersive Hard Rock experience blending iconic music history with world-class entertainment, hospitality, dining, and gaming.
In true Hard Rock fashion, the opening festivities kicked off with the Canadian Tenors’ electrifying rendition of O Canada followed by the brand’s signature Guitar Smash, a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders took the stage to ceremoniously smash guitars, signaling the official opening of the state-of-the-art entertainment destination.
A special moment included the presentation of a $100,000 donation to Ottawa Food Bank, reinforcing Hard Rock’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
“Bringing Hard Rock to Canada’s capital is an iconic milestone for our brand. We’re proud to expand our global footprint and create a destination where locals and visitors can experience world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment all in one place,” said Jim Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International.
“Our government is thrilled that Hard Rock chose Ontario for its first fully integrated hotel and casino venue in Canada. This new entertainment and hospitality destination will draw visitors from near and far to Ottawa, create and sustain hundreds of local jobs, and provide millions of dollars for local infrastructure and community programs,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
The post Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition

PointsBet Holdings Limited announced that MIXI has received written confirmation that AGCO has no concerns with the proposed acquisition by MIXI of the shares in PointsBet Holdings Limited.
PointsBet has also received written confirmation from iGaming Ontario (iGO) in relation to MIXI’s proposed acquisition of shares in PointsBet.
Accordingly, the condition precedent to MIXI’s proposed PointsBet-Board recommended Takeover Bid relating to Ontario approvals in paragraph 4.5 of Schedule 1 of the Bid Implementation Deed dated 16 June 2025 (BID) has been satisfied.
MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid remains subject to the satisfaction of certain other limited conditions as previously announced, including a 50.1% minimum acceptance of the proposed MIXI Offer (as defined in the BID).
The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission provided its approval on 24 March 2025 for MIXI to acquire PointsBet. PointsBet confirmed that MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid is no longer subject to any gaming regulatory approvals.
The post MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casino’s gaming floor.
On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.
In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.
As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.
Based on the findings of its review, the AGCO’s Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.
A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.
“Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.
The post AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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