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
Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario

Maverick Games has launched sports betting operations in Ontario, through a partnership with Delasport.
Maverick Games will offer Ontarian players a premium sports betting experience, built on Delasport’s superior technology and known for its unique innovative features that players love including personalization, recommendations, gamification, quick bets, player engagement features, and more.
Maverick Games is the second brand to launch on Delasport’s technology in Ontario, with another full turnkey brand set to go live soon. Delasport also recently unveiled its innovative sports betting jackpot network game, SuperPot. The company will showcase this unique product at the Canadian Gaming Summit next month and begin rolling it out to Ontarian operators shortly thereafter.
“We are proud to see Maverick Games live and thriving with our one of a kind sportsbook solution at its core. They have been a fantastic partner from the start, and this launch further demonstrates how fast and efficient our technology is when paired with a clear vision and strong collaboration,” said Rosaire Galea Cavallaro, VP of Business Development at Delasport.
“Maverick Games’s sports vertical is a major step forward for us and launching it with Delasport has been the right move from day one. The platform’s performance and flexibility allow us to deliver the kind of user experience we believe Ontario players deserve. We’re excited to now bring that vision to life,” CEO Matt Rathbun said.
The post Maverick Games Launches Sports Betting Operations in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino

Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the casino business and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino (Hastings) in the City of Vancouver from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (Great Canadian Entertainment).
“We are thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, and we are eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as working with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City. We believe that this opportunity is historic for us in many ways, and we look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course,” said Jen Thomas, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
“We are excited about working with TWN on their potential acquisition of the casino operations and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino. Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN’s traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale,” Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment.
The agreement is subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement. Once a definitive agreement has been executed by the parties, it is anticipated that the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by gaming regulatory and other authorities, including certain approvals by the City of Vancouver given its ownership of the real property. It is expected that Great Canadian Entertainment will provide transition services to TWN for a period of time following the anticipated closing.
The post Tsleil-Waututh Nation Signs MoU to Acquire Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Ben Clemes
High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario

High Roller Technologies, operator of the premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta, announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application in Ontario, Canada, targeting the launch of its flagship brand HighRoller.com in the second half of 2025.
“The submission of our licensing application to access Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is an important milestone in our Company’s journey. Once our application is approved, we anticipate that we will have the opportunity to launch our online casino product into the market later this year,” said Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller.
Ontario is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the world as measured by gross gaming revenue. In 2024, regulated online gambling operators within the province generated approximately $2.3B in gross gaming revenue, and growth continues to be recorded in the first half of 2025. Recently, the province of Alberta passed enabling legislation to establish a regulatory framework for online gambling. Once available, the Company also intends to pursue licensure in Alberta to expand its regulated market footprint in Canada.
“Ontario is missing an elegant brand like High Roller. We’re excited to roll out the red carpet for our new customers, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our tremendous product,” said Clemes.
The post High Roller Submits Gaming License Application in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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