Canada
The Plaza Hotel & Casino to welcome Yellowstone actor Forrie J. Smith for special appearance on Dec. 9 as part of NFR events New daily giveaways announced for the Downtown Christmas Expo
On Friday, Dec. 9 at 5:15 p.m., prior to its live viewing party of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Plaza Hotel & Casino will welcome Montana cowboy and Yellowstone star, Forrie J. Smith, for a special appearance.
Smith has become a well-established cowboy TV star, playing bunkhouse veteran Lloyd Wheeler on the hit television series Yellowstone, airing on the Paramount Network. Now, Smith will host a talk show/television series titled Ramblin’ with Forrie J., debuting New Year’s Day on Wild Rides TV.
On Dec. 9, Smith will appear prior to the live streaming of the ninth round of NFR in the Plaza’s showroom to promote his new series and to introduce its theme song, titled “Well-Oiled Machine.” Co-written by songwriter/producer J. Michael Harter and former PBR Finals Bull Rider/Musician Beni Paulson, it will be performed on stage at the Dec. 9 event by Harter and Smith, who contributes meaningful narration.
The Downtown Christmas Expo takes over the Plaza’s third floor convention space from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 1-10. The carefully curated shopping event features a diverse array of apparel and accessory designers, artisans, jewelers, and Western couture. With dozens of Western industry vendors, including its top makers and trend setters, the expo showcases exclusive looks and products. The Downtown Christmas Expo is a marquee part of the memorable Western experience that takes place in Las Vegas every December. Admission to the expo is free and parking is validated with a purchase.
All attendees aged 21 and over at the Downtown Christmas Expo are eligible to sign up for a daily giveaway. Prizes will include dinner for two at Oscar’s steakhouse, free pizza at Pop Up Pizza, and a gift certificate to the Sand Dollar Downtown for its holiday themed Sippin’ Santa event this month. Vendors will also be giving away gift certificates to be used for their merchandise. Winners are selected daily at 4 p.m. and do not need to be present to win but prizes will have to be picked up onsite.
Previously announced, the Plaza’s CORE Arena will host several rodeo events, free to attend, including:
- Las Vegas Stars Tie-Down and Breakaway, Dec. 4-9
- U.S. Shootout Finals, Dec. 8-11
- Big Time Barrel Racing Championships, Dec. 4-6
- Rope for the Crown – Dec. 2-3
Also free to attend, Ropesmart Ropes For The World Dummy Roping will be held in the entry hall of the Plaza’s convention space, Dec. 8-10.
The Plaza will also again host the Diamonds in the Desert Premier Horse Sale in its showroom Dec. 3. The public as well as horse brokers and buyers from across the country are invited to attend the sale that will feature live and online bidding on 75 performance horses of all disciplines. Previews and meet & greets with the horses will occur Dec. 1 – 2 in the CORE Arena.
The Plaza will offer free shuttle service to and from the NFR’s evening events at Thomas & Mack Center and a free rodeo watch party sponsored by American Hat Co. starting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 1-10.
After the evening’s rodeo events conclude, guests can enjoy craft cocktails and live Western-themed entertainment at The Sand Dollar Downtown, including headliners like Sam Riddle, Lennon Roach, Davey & The Midnights, Thrillbilly Deluxe, and Outlaws & Angels. The full lineup of country music acts performing nightly at 10 p.m., Dec. 1-10 is online at https://thesanddollarlv.com/downtown/#events. There is no cover for the shows, and guests must be 21 years or older.
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Aaron LaBerge
PENN Entertainment Launches Stand-alone iCasino App, theScore Casino, in Ontario

PENN Entertainment announced that it has launched theScore Casino, a new stand-alone iCasino app in Ontario. The dedicated online casino experience leverages the popular theScore brand, which has been a mainstay in the Ontario market for decades. Now available on Android, iOS, and desktop, customers can login using their existing theScore Bet credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across online gaming platforms.
theScore Casino operates on the same cutting-edge proprietary technology platform as PENN’s online Hollywood Casino, which launched as a standalone product in the US in December. The product was recently ranked by Eilers & Krejcik as the #2 overall iCasino product in the US.
theScore Casino, also available within theScore Bet app, offers a variety of online slots, table games, and live dealer content, including original titles from PENN Game Studios, the company’s in-house game development studio. theScore Casino also includes bespoke live dealer tables and exclusive games such as Blue Jays Blackjack, an original title leveraging theScore Bet’s partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“We’re excited to introduce our dedicated iCasino product in Ontario under the well-known and trusted theScore brand. We’ve built a strong online gaming foothold in the Ontario market and are primed to deliver an even better casino experience with our proven stand-alone app. Our customer-friendly platform features more than 1200 games, dozens of original titles and intuitive game play that distinguishes our product and positions us for even greater success,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Interactive at PENN Entertainment.
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Canada
ELK Studios Expands Partnership with SkillOnNet to Ontario Market

PlayOJO, SlotsMagic and SpinGenie to carry ELK Studios’ games in Ontario
Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet and innovative Swedish game creator Elk Studios have cemented their longstanding partnership with the launch of ELK’s groundbreaking portfolio in the Ontario market.
ELK Studios is responsible for some of the industry’s most innovative and engaging online casino games. Now, players at SkillOnNet’s Ontario-licensed casinos, PlayOJO, SlotsMagic and SpinGenie, will be able to experience the feature-packed delights of hit titles like Nitropolis, Tinkerbot and Pirot, as well as new release Orbitfall, and the studio’s signature X-iter and CollectR mechanics.
The expansion marks a milestone for ELK Studios as it continues to grow its footprint in regulated markets worldwide. SkillOnNet recently successfully launched the studio’s portfolio in the Spanish and Mexican markets through its Spanish-language brands and expects the studio’s games to make a similarly immediate impact with Ontario players.
Ontario has become a hugely important growth market since the province launched regulated online gaming in 2022. It was worth $2.4 billion in 2024, with $63 billion in wagering, the lion’s share coming from online casinos.
Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “ELK Studios is known for its high-quality games that blend unique storytelling and humour with high levels of engagement and playability, which is why we’re delighted to introduce them to Ontario. We believe they will perform successfully, as they have in other markets around the world.”
Vaida Cirtautaite, CCO at ELK Studios said: “SkillOnNet has been an invaluable partner in our growth journey, and we are thrilled to expand our collaboration into Ontario. We’re excited to bring our innovative games to a new wave of players in this dynamic market.”
The post ELK Studios Expands Partnership with SkillOnNet to Ontario Market appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license

Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application
Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.
As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.
Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.
In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.
Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”
Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”
The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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