Canada
Sweepstakes Casinos Are A Top-Tier Choice

Online casino gaming has always been a big deal in the U.S., but the industry’s popularity has seen a massive resurgence over the past few years. This becomes increasingly evident as more and more states open their doors to virtual casinos. But what do you do if you live in a state that doesn’t have online casino gaming on its horizon for the distant future? The perfect solution is sweepstakes casinos.
If you haven’t heard of them before, sweepstakes casinos are an alternative to traditional, real-money online casinos. In fact, many iCasino enthusiasts would say that they aren’t merely an alternative but a bona fide casino gaming option in their own right.
These kinds of online casino platforms can provide countless hours of entertainment and net you tidy sums of winnings. But here are the two best things about sweepstakes casinos: they offer free gameplay, and you can still play sweepstakes online for money.
How Do Sweepstakes Casinos Work?
Sweepstakes Casinos utilize two different types of virtual currencies for their games: Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins are for free gameplay. They are given freely through site promotions and giveaways, and they can also be purchased through the sweepstakes casino’s online store.
The other virtual currency, Sweeps Coins, cannot be purchased and can only be obtained through giveaways and promotions. They are also given as a bonus when players purchase a Gold Coin package.
For example, if you were to purchase a $10 Gold Coin package, you would be given a large number of Gold Coins; the specific amount depends on the sweepstakes casino at which you are playing. In addition to the Gold Coins, you would also receive 10 Sweeps Coins that can be used to play any of the sweepstakes casino’s numerous games.
So what sets these precious Sweeps Coins apart from Gold Coins? Sweeps Coins won through casino gameplay can be exchanged for some fabulous prizes, such as gift cards and cash prizes. They are typically redeemed at a rate of $1 USD per 1 Sweeps Coin.
Because Sweeps Coins themselves cannot be purchased and can only be received through gameplay, giveaways, and promotions, they are treated as sweepstakes entries. In fact, like actual mail-in sweepstakes contests that have been popular for decades, players at many sweepstakes casinos can mail handwritten requests for more Sweeps Coins entries, and they will be added to the player’s account freely.
Where Can You Play Sweepstakes Casinos?
Everywhere! Well, nearly everywhere. While traditional, real-money online casino legislation is moving at a snail’s pace, sweepstakes casinos are legal in 48 states across the U.S. The only states that do not permit sweepstakes casino gaming are Washington and Idaho.
Players in other states, however, can enjoy slot games and table games designed by some of the most respected software developers in the industry. Developers like NetEnt, Spinomenal, Microgaming, and Playtech design games for wildly popular online casino brands such as Caesars and BetMGM, and many of their most popular slot titles are available across a number of sweepstakes casino sites.
So, whether real-money online casinos are available or not, give sweepstakes casinos a spin. You’ll get the same great gameplay you’re used to from traditional casinos, you can still win cash prizes, and best of all, it’s free.
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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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