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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Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Alex Malchenko Head of Sales at Evoplay
Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Caesars Entertainment to expand its footprint in the Canadian market, following its initial entry earlier this year. The partnership integrates 20 of the studio’s top-performing titles onto Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in Ontario, including fan-favourites such as Hot Triple Sevens, Triple Chili, and The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy.
Having announced its official entrance into Ontario in March, the collaboration with Caesars marks a significant step in Evoplay’s local strategy. Further standout releases, such as Inner Fire Bonus Buy and Hot Volcano, also launched as part of the initial package, with additional player favourites, including Fruit Nova and Ice Mania.
The collaboration underlines Evoplay’s commitment to working with leading operators to deliver high-quality content tailored to regional audiences.
Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, said: “Launching with Caesars in Ontario marks a key milestone in our North American strategy.
“It reflects both the strength of our portfolio and our commitment to providing innovative, high-performing content to operators of the highest caliber.”
Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital, said: “Evoplay brings a fresh and dynamic approach to online gaming, which we’re excited to offer to our players in Ontario. This portfolio of standout titles adds to our growing content library and furthering our ongoing goal of delivering top-tier entertainment experiences to our players.”
The post Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO

The iGaming Ontario Board of Directors has announced Joseph Hillier as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 8, 2025. Joseph’s depth in the Ontario igaming market combined with successful public and private sector careers make him the ideal President and CEO at this critical point in iGaming Ontario’s growth.
Joseph was most recently Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Secretary at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), where he delivered significant strategic and regulatory initiatives across the province’s alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing sectors. Prior to the AGCO, he served as Chief of Staff to Ontario Attorney General Hon. Doug Downey and led the development, launch and implementation of Canada’s first private sector-driven igaming market and the creation of iGaming Ontario. Joseph also spent more than a decade working in the financial and legal services sectors.
The Board expressed its sincere thanks to David Smith for serving as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since Martha Otton’s retirement.
The post iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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