Canada
Leading Esports Sportsbook and Media Company Rivalry Announces Stephen Rigby to Join Its Board of Directors

PMML Corp., the parent company of Rivalry, an internationally-regulated sports betting and media property, announced today that Stephen Rigby has accepted a nomination to join its board of directors (the “Board”). Mr. Rigby’s directorship, which is slated for approval at the Company’s next shareholder meeting, represents a critical step in Rivalry’s journey to becoming a global player in regulated online sports betting and is a signal of confidence toward its business model and positioning.
Serving in one of the most senior leadership roles in the gaming industry in Canada, Mr. Rigby was most recently President and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for five years. He was responsible for the operation and transformation of Canada’s largest provincial gaming company. Prior to that, he held the Deputy Ministerial position of National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada in charge of the provision of strategic policy and operational advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Mr. Rigby was also previously President of the Canada Border Services Agency, leading the trade and security management of all Canada’s international borders.
“I’m thrilled that Stephen Rigby has agreed to join our board of directors. He has remarkable experience leading the largest regulated gaming business in Canada and will be an invaluable member of our organization as gaming regulations continue to evolve here in Canada and around the world,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “His decision to join Rivalry at this time marks an important inflection point in our business. Stephen brings significant strategic and operational experience that we are confident will help further execute on our vision to provide the safest and most engaging sports betting and sports media experience in the world for a new demographic coming into the fold of sports betting.”
“I’m very excited to be joining the board of such a dynamic homegrown international player in the sports betting industry. Rivalry’s integrated media and betting strategy is forward looking, and gets me inspired about the opportunity ahead not just for Rivalry, but the industry as a whole. I am thrilled to collaborate with such a motivated and hands-on team,” said Stephen Rigby.
It is expected that Mr. Rigby will be nominated for election to the Board at the Company’s next meeting of shareholders and his appointment to the Board remains subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders and receipt of all required regulatory approvals.
Powered by WPeMatico
Canada
Soft2Bet’s Brand ToonieBet Named an Official Sports Betting and Casino Partner of the CFL

ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s premier sportsbook and online casino brand tailored for Canadian players, has been named both an Official Sports Betting Partner and an Official Online Casino Partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
The multiyear partnership also establishes ToonieBet as an Official Partner of the CFL’s championship game, the Grey Cup. Fans from coast to coast to coast annually gather for Canada’s largest single-day sporting event to celebrate an incredible season, and to witness one team earn the right to hoist the iconic trophy. The 112th Grey Cup will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday, November 16.
Fans in Ontario aged 19-and-over will be able to responsibly wager on CFL games through ToonieBet with access to in-game betting and futures. The collaboration will also explore exciting branded online casino experiences on the ToonieBet platform to entertain existing fans and engage new ones.
ToonieBet’s partnership with the CFL underscores Soft2Bet’s ongoing commitment to Canadian sports fans and a further investment in the Canadian sporting tradition, as the deal marks Soft2Bet’s second sports partnership in the country within the last three months, following ToonieBet’s designation as the Official Online Casino Partner of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which was recently expanded with a full sportsbook offering.
“This partnership is for the fans. Together with ToonieBet, we will unlock exciting avenues of entertainment, delivering new products, responsible gaming options and unique activations, to better serve the future of fandom. In the stadium, at home or online, we’re doubling down on engagement and innovation like never before,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.
“Partnering with the CFL will elevate our robust offerings in the Canadian market and allow us to continue building our passionate sports and online gaming community in Ontario. Our team at ToonieBet is deeply committed to building a premium fan experience, while delivering exceptional customer hospitality and ensuring both responsible and safe game play,” said Steve Spindler, ToonieBet’s Canadian Country Manager.
“We are proud to partner with the CFL and its local teams. This partnership goes beyond visibility – it’s about building relevance and establishing a real connection with fans. Aligning with one of Canada’s most trusted leagues allows us to strengthen our bond with Ontarians and deliver a best-in-class sports betting and gaming experience through ToonieBet,” said Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet.
Additionally, ToonieBet has been designated as an Official Authorized Gaming Operator of the CFL, allowing Soft2Bet to deliver best-in-class gaming experiences with official CFL data and statistics to sports fans and sportsbook users across Ontario through the ToonieBet platform.
ToonieBet will also serve as the presenting partner of CFL Fantasy, and the Game Tracker in Ontario on CFL.ca and LCF.ca, in addition to being the CFL’s odds provider on the league’s digital scoreboard.
The post Soft2Bet’s Brand ToonieBet Named an Official Sports Betting and Casino Partner of the CFL appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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.
-
Canada6 days ago
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration
-
AGCO6 days ago
MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition
-
Central Europe7 days ago
Change of Chairmanship in the GGL Board of Directors as of 1 July 2025
-
BetConnections6 days ago
TaDa Further Strengthens its Presence in Brazil with LatAm Leader Betconnections
-
Balkans5 days ago
BFU and Elitbet Extend Their Partnership Until 2028
-
Australia7 days ago
L&GNSW Launches Compliance Campaign
-
Brazil5 days ago
SkillOnNet Expands Nolimit City Partnership to Enter Brazil
-
Eastern Europe6 days ago
Totogaming Joins Cernica Pantelimon RunFest: Not Just Present, But Fully Participating