Canada
NeoPollard Interactive Announces Addition of Pick 3 and Pick 4 to North Carolina Education Lottery’s Online Play
NeoPollard Interactive LLC, jointly owned by Pollard Banknote Limited and NeoGames S.A., announced that the North Carolina Education Lottery (Lottery) has expanded its Online Play offerings with the introduction of Pick 3 and Pick 4. Launched on February 6, 2023, these games complement the Lottery’s existing online draw game offerings of Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and Carolina Cash 5.
Powered by NPi’s NeoDraw Interactive Central Gaming System, players can now purchase Pick 3 and Pick 4 tickets for up to 14 upcoming draws. Number selection can be done in several ways: by generating a random set of numbers with the “Quick Pick” feature, by using saved favorite numbers, or by building a new set of numbers. Players can also select the Fireball add-on feature for more combinations to match and win.
The Lottery’s Online Play program has performed exceptionally well—experiencing incredible sales growth of 224% since launching with NPi in fiscal year (FY) 2020. In FY 2022, 22% of draw games sold at retail and online in North Carolina were sold through the Lottery’s Online Play program. North Carolinians benefit from this growth, with programs aimed at building and repairing schools, making college more affordable through scholarships and grants, supporting school systems with the costs of school staff and transportation, and providing a free academic preschool to at-risk children in the Pre-K program. The launch of Pick 3 and Pick 4—responsible for over 60% of the Lottery’s retail draw game sales in FY 2022—through Online Play will help increase revenues to these good causes.
“Our focus in operating the Lottery with the highest degree of integrity and security underpins our approach to delivering exceptional games to lottery players in North Carolina. The innovation we deliver through Online Play aligns with our vision to offer an entertainment experience that enriches the lives of our players and supports our commitment to increase the Lottery’s funding for education initiatives in North Carolina. We are excited to now give players the opportunity to purchase Pick 3 and Pick 4 games on web and mobile channels,” Mark Michalko, Executive Director of North Carolina Education Lottery, said.
“NPi is proud to partner with the North Carolina Education Lottery to generate essential funding for education programs throughout the state. This expanded product offering will contribute to continued revenue growth and, in turn, will elevate the Lottery’s returns to critical education programs,” Doug Pollard, Co-CEO of NeoPollard Interactive, said.
“The year-over-year growth experienced by the Lottery’s Online Play program is a testament to players’ demand for access to lottery games through their preferred channels. In North Carolina, we see over 75% of online sales occurring through mobile channels. We look forward to continued innovation and growth in the Online Play program through our partnership with the Lottery,” Moti Malul, Co-CEO of NeoPollard Interactive, said.
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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.
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.
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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