Canada

FORMER BOXING WORLD CHAMPIONS SUGAR RAY LEONARD AND SUGAR SHANE MOSLEY AND SPORTS AGENT RAY LEONARD JR. TO FORM KO KINGS SIMWIN SPORTS OWNERSHIP GROUP

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2023

SimWin Sports, the world’s first virtual sports league that provides daily fantasy players and esports fans with the ability to watch, predict, collect, play, and earn, today announced the latest addition to its impressive lineup of celebrity ownership groups. Famed athletes and entrepreneurs “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Ray Leonard Jr., and “Sugar” Shane Mosely have joined forces to form the KO Kings team ownership group in the SimWin Sports Football league to deliver sports to the metaverse.

“Our new ownership group’s outstanding professional accolades in boxing and the sports and entertainment industries and their commitment to our vision speak volumes about SimWin’s long-term vision in the metaverse,” commented SimWin Founder and CEO David J. Ortiz. “We are thrilled to welcome Sugar Ray, Ray Jr., Sugar Shane, and of course, the KO Kings to SimWin. We look forward to seeing the KO Kings’ debut and the remainder of star-studded teams.”

With prestigious sports roots, the trio aims to represent a diverse fanbase that reflects each owner’s background. Sugar Ray, Leonard Jr., and Sugar Shane are aligned with SimWin’s goal of furthering minority ownership in sports. The virtual sports league proudly emboldens the growth and advancement of minority-owned businesses as part of its mission. Two-thirds of SimWin’s football team owners are minority businesspeople, including Magic Johnson (LA Magic), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Rare), Jerry Rice (Mississippi GOATs), Marshall Faulk (San Diego Battleships), Dr. Jen Welter (Hollywood Valkryie), Susanne de Passe (Beverly Hills Revenger) and more.

Sugar Ray Leonard is a retired American professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever. Leonard won several world titles in different weight classes and had legendary fights against Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and Wilfred Benitez. After retiring from boxing, Leonard became a successful businessman, forming a long-term partnership with Skechers, boasting philanthropic efforts, and thriving as a boxing analyst for HBO Sports. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 and has received numerous other honors for his achievements in the sport of boxing.

Ray Leonard Jr. is a former two-sport Division I collegiate athlete and former sports agent for some of the biggest names in sports. Known to light up a room when he walks in, Ray is a top motivational keynote speaker, radio host, actor, and award-winning business executive. Leonard recently started Ovationz, a two-sided marketplace that connects talent with event organizers, party planners, and meeting hosts to create outstanding virtual events.

Sugar Shane Mosley is a retired American professional boxer with world titles in three different weight classes. Shane turned professional in 1993 and quickly established himself as a formidable fighter, winning his first world title in 1997. He went on to have legendary fights against Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. Mosley retired from boxing in 2020 with a record of 49 wins, ten losses, and one draw, and he is considered one of the greatest boxers of his era.

“The KO Kings are excited to bring that knockout punch and boxing discipline to Sim Win Sports,” said Leonard Jr. “The Leonard Sports and Entertainment team are putting the rest of the virtual sports world on notice that we’ve come to knock out the competition.”

Canada

Hard Rock Bet Brings World-Class Sports Betting and Online Casino to Ontario

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

hard-rock-bet-brings-world-class-sports-betting-and-online-casino-to-ontario

Hard Rock Digital announced the official launch of Hard Rock Bet in Ontario, Canada, marking the company’s first international market expansion and bringing its award-winning mobile sportsbook and online casino platform to players across the province.

Hard Rock Bet enters Ontario with a differentiated offering that combines a premium online sportsbook experience with one of the largest online casino selections in the market, featuring more than 3000 games, including top slots, table games, and live dealer content from leading providers. The platform delivers an intuitive player experience, fast deposits and withdrawals, and parlay wagering across fan-favorite sports from around the world. Ontario players will have access to exclusive Legendary Reward Drops at launch, as well as online Unity Points, which can be redeemed in the Hard Rock Bet Reward Store.

The Ontario launch reflects Hard Rock Digital’s commitment to building a truly local presence in Canada. Hard Rock Bet draws on the legacy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, which has established itself as a trusted destination in the province. The company has an Ontario-based marketing team and a 24/7 local customer support operation to provide players with around-the-clock service.

“Expanding into Ontario with Hard Rock Bet marks the first time we’ve brought our platform to an audience outside the US. We’re excited to introduce Ontario players to a premium entertainment experience that reflects the energy and service synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. And by investing in local talent, local partnerships, and localized customer support, we’re creating an experience designed specifically for Ontario players,” said Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director & CEO of Hard Rock Digital.

“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has the reputation of bringing people together for amplified entertainment experiences, and we’re excited to see that spirit extend into the digital space. The launch of Hard Rock Bet is a natural next step for the Hard Rock brand in Ontario, and we look forward to building on that connection with guests and players over time,” said Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.

The launch will also be supported by connections to Toronto’s iconic music scene, including a collaboration with Canadian artist Choclair that remastered a celebrated 20-year-old track, “Let’s Ride,” to celebrate Hard Rock Bet’s arrival in Ontario.

Hard Rock Bet is available for download via iOS and Android and can also be played on desktop via HardRockBet.ca.

The post Hard Rock Bet Brings World-Class Sports Betting and Online Casino to Ontario appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

1X2 Network

1X2 Network launches in Alberta iGaming market with seven operators

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2026

Wladimir P.

1x2-network-launches-in-alberta-igaming-market-with-seven-operators

Supplier says its slot content is live across most tier-one Alberta brands, extending its Canadian footprint to three provinces.

1X2 Network has gone live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market.

The supplier said the rollout covers the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands. It added that its content has secured homepage placement across operator lobbies since the market opened, with Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers featuring on the homepages of most operators in the province.

The Alberta launch follows 1X2 Network’s existing presence in Ontario and Quebec. The company said Alberta will be treated as a core market for future game releases, with new titles included in its ongoing release schedule for the province.

Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.

“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”

The post 1X2 Network launches in Alberta iGaming market with seven operators appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

1X2 Network

1X2 Network goes live in Alberta as North American expansion gathers pace

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

1x2-network-goes-live-in-alberta-as-north-american-expansion-gathers-pace

1X2 Network has deepened its commitment to North America by going live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market. The rollout spans the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands and reinforces the supplier’s decision to make the region a primary focus for the year ahead.

Since the market opened, 1X2 Network content has secured prominent homepage placement across operator lobbies, giving its studios immediate visibility with Albertan players from day one. Leading the way is Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers, the network’s flagship title, which currently features on the homepages of most operators in the province.

The launch builds on the momentum 1X2 Network has established in Ontario and Quebec, where its content has resonated strongly with local players. On the back of that success, the supplier has confirmed Alberta as a core market for all future game releases, ensuring new titles reach Albertan players as part of its ongoing release schedule.

Alberta represents the latest step in a wider North American growth strategy, with its Canadian presence now spanning three provinces.

Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.

“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”

The post 1X2 Network goes live in Alberta as North American expansion gathers pace appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.