Canada
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City To Re-Open With ‘Safe + Sound’ Program And Clean Team
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced today that the property will reopen under new and thorough ‘Safe + Sound’ program guidelines to help ensure good clean fun at the resort destination.
“Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming have made a tremendous commitment to sanitary protocols and a safety-first mentality for both guests and team members,” said Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International. “We are making sure our resorts are safe and sound so our guests and team members have peace of mind when they return.”
The ‘Safe + Sound’ Reopening Plan and Protocols have been developed in accordance with guidelines provided by Hard Rock International and adopts the Atlantic City Casino Industry’s Summary Plan of Proposed Reopening Protocols in effort to take a responsible and conservative approach in providing a safe, secure and fun environment.
“We look forward to welcoming back our loyal guests and team members for an exciting summer at the Jersey Shore. Our top priority over the last several months was diligently developing new ‘Safe + Sound’ protocols ensuring a comfortable environment to stay, play and work. Included in those protocols is the requirement for all to wear masks and have their temperature scanned with thermal imaging technology before entering the property,” said Joe Lupo, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “Creating the ‘Safe + Sound’ protocols, implementing detailed training programs and carefully cleaning the property will provide the most thorough and responsible approach in Atlantic City, providing good clean fun for all.”
The ‘Safe + Sound’ program adheres to the directives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
Key Highlights
– Mandated masks for guests and team members
– Temperature check for guests and team members
– A new Safe + Sound Clean Team
– Increased quality of air circulation
– AtlantiCare partnership focused on contact tracing, training, telehealth and more
Safe + Sound guidelines and property updates include:
Personal Protection Guidelines
- All guests and team members will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings that meet CDC guidelines, except when eating or drinking. Masks will be provided to guests, as needed.
- Appropriate social distancing requirements in gaming and non-gaming areas will be required and enforced by all team members, which will include over 750 signs posted throughout the complex to help ensure adherence to ‘Safe + Sound’ Program guidelines.
- Over 200 hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed in all high-traffic, high-visibility areas such as key guest and team member entrances and contact areas such as valet, porte cochere, reception areas, hotel lobby, casino floor, restaurant entrances, meeting and convention spaces, elevator landings, pools, and exercise areas.
Thermal Imaging
- Thermal Imaging provided by CERTIFY’s SnapXT will take the temperature of all guests and team members entering the property.
- Points of entry will be limited to allow the Security Team to conduct temperature screenings. Those who display a temperature of 100.4°F or greater will be escorted to a designated area for a secondary temporal temperature screening. Those have a temperature of 100.4°F or greater will not be authorized entry to the property.
- The Hard Rock Atlantic City Security Team will be specially trained and responsible for all temperature checks, monitoring entrances/exits, reminding guests and team members of social distancing requirements, managing line queueing, and distributing PPE as well as ensuring that everyone is following the required PPE protocols.
Safe + Sound Clean Team
- More than 100 team members will be part the ‘Safe + Sound’ Clean Team to focus on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout the complex, with special emphasis on high-touch surfaces and common areas. They will be clearly visible with a lime green uniform stating, “Clean Team.”
- The team will focus especially on the deep cleaning of all gaming surfaces, chips, hotel rooms, restaurants, pool and public areas.
- A designated member from each department will meet with the ‘Safe + Sound’ Committee weekly to proactively monitor, communicate and enhance protocols.
Property & Gaming Changes
- The property has purchased over 1,000 new air filters that are frequently changed out in common areas throughout the building, with 100% outside air flow into the building which increases the quality of air circulation.
- The air quantity within Hard Rock Atlantic City provides approximately 10 to 12 air changes per hour, maximizing the exchange of fresh air.
- The property is working closely with AtlantiCare to provide a more thorough and responsible approach in COVID-19 related matters, including contact tracing, training, telehealth and more.
- The hotel will follow thorough and upgraded cleaning guidelines that includes frequent disinfecting of high touch areas as instructed by the CDC, WHO and local officials to ensure good clean fun.
- Plexiglass will be installed in the following areas: Front Desk, Cage, Wildcard Services, Sportsbook, Box Office and select Table Games.
- Guests or related guests will be required to adhere to one vacant position between slot machines and table games played unless related or together in a group. Limited occupancy based on game will take place to allow for social distancing.
- There will be a reduction in guest capacity throughout the casino that will be posted at each venue.
- Due to occupancy restrictions, guests must be 21+ to visit Hard Rock Atlantic City unless they have a hotel or restaurant reservation.
- Shows will remain dark and the Fresh Harvest Buffet will remain closed until further notice.
Team Member Protocols
- All team members will receive general health and hygiene training on COVID-19 sanitization protocols followed by a comprehensive position-specific training of their new Standard Operating Procedures.
- All team members will be required to complete a health questionnaire, prior to returning to work and before entering the property daily.
- Protective equipment will be provided to team members whose responsibilities require them as determined by health officials.
- A ‘Safe + Sound’ Committee has been created to oversee compliance of sanitization, social distancing, and reopening protocols.
- Team members will go through thorough training and will enforce and communicate required CDC guidelines.
Food & Beverage
- Restaurants will have limited occupancy to enforce social distancing guidelines.
- Restaurant venues including Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, Il Mulino, Hard Rock Cafe, Youyu Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory, Flavor Tour and White House Subs will be open with social distancing requirements in place.
- Upon reopening, Hard Rock Atlantic City Beach Bar will open at 11 a.m. daily and Hard Rock Cafe and Sugar Factory will both offer outdoor dining options.
SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
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Canada
Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack
Great Canadian Entertainment and a consortium group of certain communities from the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group from Great Canadian Entertainment of Elements Casino Chilliwack, one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.
The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe constitute seven First Nation communities and are the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed. The transaction represents a transformational milestone for the communities within the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s top destination for gaming and entertainment, featuring over 300 slots, live and electronic table games, bingo, dining, live entertainment and more.
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transitional services and support to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.
“This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people. The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
BetVictor
Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Canadian iGaming market has evolved from an emerging opportunity into one of the most competitive and innovative digital gaming arenas worldwide. Ontario’s regulated framework has paved the way for rapid expansion, attracting established international operators alongside ambitious newcomers that are carving out share through brand differentiation and data-driven acquisition.
Methodology: How Growth Was Measured
To understand which casino brands are gaining momentum and why, the award-winning Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter—a proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analytics—analyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from January–June 2024 versus January–June 2025. The results point to a vibrant, fiercely competitive landscape where execution, trust, and experience are the real drivers of sustained growth.
Brands Showing Standout Growth in 2025
Strong outperformance highlights different paths to scale
Wild Tokyo posted an extraordinary +134% YoY, showing how bold branding, a distinctive identity, and targeted acquisition can resonate with players seeking unique experiences. Clean yet edgy design, paired with robust SEO execution and engagement programs, helped the brand cut through a crowded market.
LuckyDays delivered +110% YoY by striking a balance between simplicity and substance. A minimalistic UX, a vast game library, and strong affiliate relationships have positioned it as a trusted destination for Canadian players.
BetVictor, a legacy operator with deep roots, recorded +107% YoY. Its evolution from traditional bookmaker to diversified iGaming powerhouse underscores how credibility and adaptability can translate into modern growth.
Agile mid-tier brands are also accelerating: SlotsMagic at +94% and Betibet at +88% demonstrate how focused SEO, analytics-led decision making, and smart promotional strategy can punch above weight.
Crypto-forward momentum and broader market depth
The joint rise of BetFury and SmokAce—both at +74%—signals growing acceptance of crypto and blockchain-based gaming among Canadian users, driven by transparency, fast payments, and a tech-forward ethos.
Meanwhile, Paripesa, Mond, and ComeOn maintained robust double-digit YoY growth, underscoring the market’s depth and diversity beyond a handful of headline names.
Market Maturity: Compliance, Trust, and UX Win
As more provinces explore regulated frameworks modeled on Ontario, competition is intensifying. The brands pulling ahead are those investing in compliance, transparency, and player satisfaction—prioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.
“Players are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,” says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovation—the ones achieving real, sustained growth.”
Puolakka adds: “Data doesn’t just tell us who’s growing—it shows us why. The operators succeeding in Canada are those that deeply understand their audience, use insights effectively, and build long-term value instead of chasing short-term hype.”
Trends Shaping the Next Phase of iGaming in Canada
- Branding + data-led acquisition let emerging brands challenge incumbents more effectively than ever.
- Crypto-friendly casinos are moving from niche to mainstream consideration for Canadian users.
- SEO, content strategy, and affiliate partnerships remain reliable, capital-efficient growth levers.
- Compliance, transparency, and UX are central to sustainable market share gains.
Looking Ahead
The fastest-growing casino brands capture more than impressive statistics—they reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canada’s iGaming sector is entering a phase defined by intelligent growth, regulatory maturity, and player empowerment.
As the industry continues to evolve, the Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter remains a useful compass for players, affiliates, and operators navigating this fast-changing landscape.
The post Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Canada
Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ezugi, an innovative live dealer casino supplier known for pushing the boundaries of live gaming, retention, and distribution solutions, is proud to announce a new partnership with PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site.
Through this partnership, PokerStars’ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugi’s standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.
PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the world’s leading online poker and casino brands and operates as part of Flutter Entertainment. It has grown to become the largest poker site globally, offering the widest selection of online games and hosting prestigious live tournaments.
Formed in 2012, Ezugi is a global live casino provider with a focus on meeting operator and player needs with best-of-breed localised content. The Ezugi games portfolio includes a wide range of live dealer games, many of which are unique. Ezugi became part of Evolution in 2018 and continues to build on its reputation for providing unique and innovative games and solutions for online casino and retail betting shop operators.
Gilad Ben-Ami, Chief Executive Officer at Ezugi, said: “PokerStars’ players already enjoy a wide range of live casino and online slot games from Evolution brands such as Evolution, NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming. Now Ezugi is delighted and honoured to add even more choice for PokerStars’ players with our own innovative games.”
Ben-Ami continued: “The release of Ezugi games to PokerStars clearly demonstrates the rich variety and innovative features of the Ezugi games portfolio. Ultimate Roulette is a unique multiplier Roulette that blends circus-themed fun and TV game show excitement; Revolution Roulette puts a unique spin on classic Roulette by adding special multiplier pockets to the wheel; Unlimited Blackjack allows an unlimited number of players to play at the table, while also featuring Auto-Split functionality and a choice of four side bets – Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent – a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.”
Ben-Ami concluded: “We are confident that PokerStars’ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.”
The post Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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