Canada
Why States Need to Look at Pennsylvania and New Jersey When it Comes to iGaming

iGaming seems to be increasing in popularity on a daily basis in the United States. For those states who are yet to commit to legalizing online gambling but may be considering it in the future, they only need to look at Pennsylvania and New Jersey for great examples of how it is done successfully. Even states that have recently introduced new iGaming laws to allow people residing in each state to legally participate in iGaming, should take a look at both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
It should come as no surprise to find New Jersey online casinos and sports betting leading the way in terms of success. New Jersey legalized online gambling in 2013 and their laws are now among the least restrictive in the US. New Jersey led the way for the introduction of online sports betting having won a lawsuit in 2018. Up until that point, it was only in Nevada where it was possible to legally place a sports wager online.
So, New Jersey has been at the forefront of iGaming for some time and they have some impressive figures. As of March 2021, gambling revenue in New Jersey increased 119.8% year-on-year, with the total market revenue for the month of March 2021 totalling $359.3 million. The sports betting segment is proving to be extremely successful and revenue has bounced 360.9% year-on-year to $60.8 million.
One of the many reasons why iGaming has been so successful in New Jersey is due to the quality of the online casinos and sportsbooks. We are talking some of the biggest names in the world of gambling and New Jersey is home to the likes of Golden Nugget Casino, Caesars Casino, BetMGM, Unibet, 888, Borgata, and DraftKings.
Thanks to regulation by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, iGaming is safe in New Jersey and that plays a big role in public confidence when it comes to online gambling.
States wanting to introduce or develop their iGaming revenue should also pay close attention to Pennsylvania. Much like New Jersey, Pennsylvania online casinos feature many of the big-name brands, including BetMGM, Sugarhouse, PokerStars, BetRivers, BetAmerica, DraftKings, Unibet, FanDuel, and Caesars. Having a selection of high-quality casinos means people are more likely to be tempted into playing online games for real money. The more depth and quality of iGaming options available, the more chance there is of people playing.
Online gambling has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2017 and this has allowed the state to build up confidence over time. That is something other states need to understand when looking at the progress made in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board are responsible for the safety of players in PA and they ensure iGaming websites can be trusted. Building this trust also takes time but once it is in place, people feel relaxed and confident about online gambling.
All legal iGaming websites in Pennsylvania will have the PGCB logo on their site. Introducing a simple way to let people know a website has been checked and is safe is a great idea and should be followed by other states wanting to introduce iGaming.
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Canada
Soft2Bet’s Brand ToonieBet Named an Official Sports Betting and Casino Partner of the CFL

ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s premier sportsbook and online casino brand tailored for Canadian players, has been named both an Official Sports Betting Partner and an Official Online Casino Partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
The multiyear partnership also establishes ToonieBet as an Official Partner of the CFL’s championship game, the Grey Cup. Fans from coast to coast to coast annually gather for Canada’s largest single-day sporting event to celebrate an incredible season, and to witness one team earn the right to hoist the iconic trophy. The 112th Grey Cup will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday, November 16.
Fans in Ontario aged 19-and-over will be able to responsibly wager on CFL games through ToonieBet with access to in-game betting and futures. The collaboration will also explore exciting branded online casino experiences on the ToonieBet platform to entertain existing fans and engage new ones.
ToonieBet’s partnership with the CFL underscores Soft2Bet’s ongoing commitment to Canadian sports fans and a further investment in the Canadian sporting tradition, as the deal marks Soft2Bet’s second sports partnership in the country within the last three months, following ToonieBet’s designation as the Official Online Casino Partner of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which was recently expanded with a full sportsbook offering.
“This partnership is for the fans. Together with ToonieBet, we will unlock exciting avenues of entertainment, delivering new products, responsible gaming options and unique activations, to better serve the future of fandom. In the stadium, at home or online, we’re doubling down on engagement and innovation like never before,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.
“Partnering with the CFL will elevate our robust offerings in the Canadian market and allow us to continue building our passionate sports and online gaming community in Ontario. Our team at ToonieBet is deeply committed to building a premium fan experience, while delivering exceptional customer hospitality and ensuring both responsible and safe game play,” said Steve Spindler, ToonieBet’s Canadian Country Manager.
“We are proud to partner with the CFL and its local teams. This partnership goes beyond visibility – it’s about building relevance and establishing a real connection with fans. Aligning with one of Canada’s most trusted leagues allows us to strengthen our bond with Ontarians and deliver a best-in-class sports betting and gaming experience through ToonieBet,” said Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet.
Additionally, ToonieBet has been designated as an Official Authorized Gaming Operator of the CFL, allowing Soft2Bet to deliver best-in-class gaming experiences with official CFL data and statistics to sports fans and sportsbook users across Ontario through the ToonieBet platform.
ToonieBet will also serve as the presenting partner of CFL Fantasy, and the Game Tracker in Ontario on CFL.ca and LCF.ca, in addition to being the CFL’s odds provider on the league’s digital scoreboard.
The post Soft2Bet’s Brand ToonieBet Named an Official Sports Betting and Casino Partner of the CFL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
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