Canada
Half of Ontario sports bettors plan to wager on Super Bowl LVII
In the lead up to Super Bowl LVII, a new survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows that half of Ontarians who bet on sports (49 per cent) are planning to place a wager on the NFL championship.
The survey found that four in 10 (39 per cent) Ontario adults believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes. This jumps to three-quarters (73 per cent) of those who bet, and 9 in 10 (91 per cent) of those who bet on sports regularly. This false belief can increase risk as it can lead to over confidence and influence some to bet more than they can afford to lose.
Additional risk is associated with the consumption of substances that can impair judgement and decision-making. Over three-quarters of those who bet (77 per cent) plan to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other substances during the Super Bowl.
The survey found that three-quarters (74 per cent) of respondents will watch the game at home this year and over half (53 per cent) will do so with friends or family. Those who bet say they tend to bet more than usual around these relations (47 per cent), even more so if they are younger (59 per cent of those aged 18-34).
Of those who bet, one-quarter have felt the need to bet more to get to the same level of excitement (25 per cent) and have bet more than they could afford to lose (24 per cent).
Staying Onside
Encouraging news from this survey is that 88 per cent of this year’s Super Bowl bettors plan to employ at least one strategy to manage their gambling risk. About four in ten (38 per cent) say they will stay within a pre-set betting limit, with a third (34 per cent) indicating they always view sports betting as entertainment, not as a way to win money. A quarter (24 per cent) commit to never betting while intoxicated, and a fifth (21 per cent) to not betting if feeling depressed or anxious.
Online, six-in-ten (63 per cent) sports bettors have used at least one responsible gambling feature on sportsbook websites. Among younger players, a fifth (22 per cent aged 18-34) utilize personalized spending reports (win/loss information, time and money spent) to curb their risk.
“It’s positive to see the majority of Ontario’s sports bettors using the extra bench strength of responsible gambling tools, both on and offline,” says Shelley White, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “The excitement of the big game, being with friends and family, and substance use can all influence how we play. And betting more than one can afford to lose can have a devastating impact. Having a plan in place to manage risk and protect yourself is key to enjoying the game.”
How Ontarians plan to bet on the Super Bowl
While more than half (54 per cent) will place a single bet on the outcome of the game, a quarter (24 per cent) are betting on each outcome of the game through multiple sportsbooks.
- 46 per cent will bet with friends
- 41 per cent will bet on a legal sportsbook website
- 36 per cent will buy sport-based lottery tickets
- 29 per cent will bet in a pool
- 20 per cent will bet on whatever sportsbook website has the best odds
How much Ontario Super Bowl bettors plan to wager
- 54 per cent say they will bet $50 or less
- 26 per cent say they will bet between $50 and $100
- 19 per cent say they will bet $100 or more
RGC tips for safer sports betting
- Be mindful and plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food.
- Limit your alcohol and/or cannabis intake.
- Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost.
- Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed.
- View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money.
- And remember there is no way to predict the outcome of the game.
Methodology
An online survey of 1,001 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between January 6-8, 2023, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
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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.
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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.
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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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