Canada
Save the dates, 23-24 June – Sports Betting & Casino North America (virtual conference)

GamingAmericas.com announces virtual edition of inaugural event in North America
We are honored to announce the launch of Sports Betting & Casino Summit North America. The inaugural edition which will take place between 23-24 June, will be hosted in a virtual layout while paving the way for a live conference in 2021
The virtual conference is designed to bring together regulators, operators, suppliers, marketing managers, C-Level Executives, policymakers, and more for two days of quality online learning and networking.
The main topics of the conference include the restart of the gambling industry in the U.S.A. and Canada, with emphasis on both land-based and online activities, but also stressing on the significant challenges and opportunities the market can offer.
“We are launching Sports Betting & Casino Summit North America in order to bring our boutique-style format to the region and also encourage quality learning and networking possibilities. Our plans included this expansion in 2021, however, due to the current situation, we are offered a unique opportunity to prove ourselves in the region. We are also keen to plan some live conferences in the U.S. and Canada, starting next year”, stated Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at Hipther Agency.
The news has been well taken in the States and the experts are already excited to be part of this inaugural event which will welcome participants remotely.
Jeremy Kleiman, Gaming Attorney and Member at Saiber LLC: “In a crowded gaming industry conference space, Hipther Agency distinguishes itself by offering unique, intimate, boutique-style conferences focused on the practical aspects of the business. I’ve attended several of their events in Central Europe and am excited the Hipther team is coming to the US to inaugurate the virtual Sports Betting & Casino Summit North America. I’m sure it will be a ‘don’t miss’ event.”
Bill Pascrell, III, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc.: “The entire team at the Hipther Agency has a history of exemplifying exceptional professionalism at their events for the gaming industry. They are the ultimate professionals with a keen ability to synthesize all the major components of a must-attend gaming conference, superb content, impactful networking opportunities, and world-class hospitality. Their entrance into the US with be transformational”
Among the initial announced speakers and moderators, you can find Dr. Laila Mintas (Advisor and C-Level Executive at Dr. Mintas Consulting), Katie Lever (Chief Legal Counsel at Drew Las Vegas), Daniel Wallach (Founder at Wallach Legal LLC), Jaka Repanšek (Media and TECH Law Expert), Dr. Joerg Hofmann (Partner at MELCHERS LAW) and the above mentioned Jeremy Kleiman (Gaming Attorney and Member at Saiber LLC) and Bill Pascrell, III (Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc.).
More speakers and moderators are being added daily so make sure to visit, the event’s official website frequently for updates or subscribe to our social media channels: summits.gamingamericas.com
For further sponsorship/speaking and marketing inquiries, make sure to reach out to Andrada Bota (B2B Sales Executive at Hipther Agency).
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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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