Canada
Skrill partners with Betfred USA Sports

Paysafe digital wallet continues 2020 U.S. expansion by extending global Betfred Group partnership to American sportsbook subsidiary
Paysafe, a leading specialized payments platform, today announced a new partnership for its Skrill digital wallet with Betfred USA Sports, the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of U.K.-based bookmaker Betfred Group. Building on Skrill’s long-standing payments support for Betfred internationally, the digital wallet has been added as a payment method to Betfred USA Sports’ recently launched mobile and online sportsbook for the Iowa market.
The Betfred USA Sports deal is the latest Skrill move in its ongoing expansion in the U.S. this year, following the launches of the Skrill Visa® Prepaid Card In January, the Skrill Money Transfer solution, and the Skrill Knect loyalty program, both in June. Skrill’s recent U.S. growth responds to increasing consumer demand for digital wallets, used by over a third of Americans (36%) at least monthly in Q2, according to Paysafe’s research.
Against this backdrop, Betfred USA Sports’ customers in Iowa can now benefit from the speed, security and reliability of a mobile-responsive digital wallet. Skrill’s two-decade history serving sportsbooks, including Betfred Group’s European brands since 2006, also ensures a strong wagering experience.
After uploading funds to their Skrill account via multiple options (bank and card transfer, iACH and eCash solutions), players can use the digital wallet to seamlessly make a deposit on betfredsports.com’s Iowa-facing online platform, which launched in July with the land-based Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort. Players can then wager on a comprehensive range of sports, spanning pro and college football, basketball, American and overseas baseball leagues, hockey, soccer, and mixed martial arts, among others.
Winnings can be withdrawn directly into players’ Skrill accounts. Once safely deposited, funds can be transferred in real time to customers’ bank accounts or withdrawn directly as cash at an ATM via the Skrill Visa® Prepaid Card, which syncs directly with their wallet balance. Funds can also be sent to family and friends overseas using Skrill Money Transfer.
Lorenzo Pellegrino, CEO of Skrill, NETELLER, and Income Access at Paysafe, said: “As part of our broader American expansion this year, we’re delighted to extend Skrill’s global partnership with Betfred to support Betfred USA Sports’ growth in Iowa and beyond. We’re confident that our digital wallet, which has been developed specifically for online gaming, will provide Betfred USA Sports and its players with a payment method that streamlines, simplifies and ultimately improves the wagering experience.”
Bryan Bennett, Chief Operating Officer of Betfred USA Sports, commented: “Funding accounts with multiple deposit methods sets us apart from other competitors. Skrill gives our players more flexibility by supporting popular international and local payment providers.”
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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.
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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