Canada
MGM Appoints Tilak Mandadi as Chief Strategy, Innovation & Technology Officer

MGM Resorts International has appointed Tilak Mandadi as its Chief Strategy, Innovation & Technology Officer.
In this newly created role, Mandadi will oversee MGM Resorts’ digital strategy, driving growth and innovation through technology-led customer-centric experiences, products, and services. He will also lead corporate strategy and innovation, and will manage the company’s relationship with BetMGM, joining its Board of Directors. He will be based in Las Vegas and report to MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle. Mandadi will take over this new role on July 6.
Mandadi brings decades of experience to MGM Resorts as a strategic thought leader in Fortune-100 companies as well as start-ups, most recently serving as executive vice president of digital, and global chief technology officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Prior to his role at Disney, Mandadi led digital transformation and growth at American Express as senior vice president, Digital.
“We are incredibly proud to have Tilak join our executive leadership team to drive an essential part of our business and guest value proposition at such a critical time. Tilak’s experiences at both Disney and American Express, along with his high-caliber track record as a visionary, results-driven leader, will be invaluable as we emerge from the pandemic and continue growing our premier, global gaming entertainment business and channels through innovative, customer-centric technology platforms and an ever-expanding digital, gaming and entertainment footprint,” Hornbuckle said.
“In recent years, MGM Resorts has embarked on a dramatic transformation, which includes developing and attracting an exceptional group of renowned leaders in the C-Suite. Our team features great industry veterans with deep experience, as well as several new additions such as Jonathan Halkyard, our Chief Financial Officer, Steve Zanella, our Chief Commercial Officer and Jyoti Chopra, our Chief People, Inclusion & Sustainability Officer, all led by Bill Hornbuckle, a world-class CEO and industry leader. Adding Tilak to the management team will enhance and accelerate our growth strategies tied to innovative customer experiences and digital- and data-driven business transformation. We are committed to developing a diverse bench of executive leadership with extraordinary talent to envision, design and create the future of gaming and entertainment,” Paul J. Salem, Chairman of the Board, MGM Resorts, said.
“I’m excited to join MGM Resorts at such a transformative time for the entire industry. I’m delighted to join the management team and, along with my colleagues, create compelling and immersive customer experiences at the intersection of responsible gaming and entertainment, and build new, profitable and sustainable lines of revenue,” Mandadi said.
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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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