Canada
Exclusive Relax Gaming interview: Getting ready for the US
With plenty of talk ongoing about Relax Gaming’s exciting plans for the US, we thought it would be the perfect time to get a few minutes in with Relax Gaming’s CEO, Simon Hammon.
In his latest exclusive interview with Gaming Americas, we were delighted to talk about the brand’s exciting plans for what will no doubt one day be one of the world’s biggest iGaming markets – as well as when we should expect Relax’s first debut. Read on to find out more!
Word on the street is that Relax Gaming has ambitious plans for the US market this year! Can you tell us more to give our readers some exclusive insight?
Truthfully, Relax has ambitious plans not only for the US but the world over. We’re planning our entry into America in the coming months and have lots of new ideas for the market. Following our recent advent across Ontario and LatAm soil, we feel ready to take on the US while expanding our foothold across all these new territories. Audiences can expect to see our top-performing games, varied content from our partner studios and games tailored specifically to the market based on in-depth demographic research.
Talk us through the potential for the US – how big an iGaming market do you believe it can be?
The shift from traditional, physical casinos to online was sped up amongst American players during the pandemic, and it’s safe to say that this will continue at pace well into 2023. I believe the US market has the potential to surpass many current landmark territories and take its place as a key jurisdiction for all serious game providers in the industry.
With Relax’s extensive European legacy – what differences do you see when it comes to US player preferences and are you planning on tailoring any upcoming releases to better suit the market?
From our research, we can see numerous differences between EU-based and US-based players, mainly with respect to themes and playing styles. That said, America is a vast and dynamic market that has numerous pockets of unique demographics within it, many of which possess contrasting qualities. On a general level, however, we can say that Americans are widely into land-based slots, which trickles into their approach to digital games. This is evident in their enjoyment of classic themes and lower bet sizes with patterns that result in prolonged play.
Looking at the heritage of slots in the US – one can argue that it’s all about the likes of Las Vegas, Atlantic City and machine-based slots – is that something your team will be taking inspiration from?
Our inspiration is drawn from within the industry as well as externally; from pop culture, film, art and even new fields of technology. Machine-based slots offer a theme of their own that can appear in our titles to some degree, as we like the challenge of giving classics our own spin.
Onto jackpots – Relax is certainly well known for Dream Drop! Are you planning on rolling out Dream Drop in the US?
While the Dream Drop Jackpots mechanic is performing exceptionally well in Europe and we’re confident that it would prove popular in the American market as well, our initial rollout plans solely involve our slots portfolio for the time being. As things gradually develop across the US, we’ll be in a better position to introduce new products and mechanics.
Last but not least, can you share any initial states that you expect to go live in first?
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are high on our list for initial execution while all other regulated markets in the content will form part of our long-term growth strategy. Each state has it’s own enticing qualities and we’re excited to see our titles break through the market across the continent.
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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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