Canada
BettingUSA report: education key to unlocking US sports betting market
Operators, suppliers and regulators share their thoughts on where the industry is at three years after PASPA was repealed
BettingUSA.com has produced a special report looking at how the industry can maximise the full potential of legal sports betting in the USA.
The nline and mobile sports betting comparison site has spoken to operators, suppliers and regulators to determine the key challenges the industry has faced in the early days.
These industry leaders have also provided their thoughts on how they can be overcome and what lessons can be learned from the progress made in the three years since PASPA was repealed.
Ultimately, these experts and BettingUSA.com believe education, technology and responsible gambling will be the key to the USA becoming the largest legal sports betting market in the world.
Here are some key insights from the report:
“Education is a big obstacle in every state you launch. And it really plays itself out because sports betting is not a national opportunity; it’s very much state-by-state. It’s an entirely new process and each time you need to make tweaks to appeal to the consumer. It’s always going to rear its head, too.” – Patrick Eichner, PointsBet
“As the competition is moving at lightning pace, we are doubling down on product this year, with a significant investment into growing our UX, product and development teams as we grow from a single state operator to a national, multi-state one.” – Daniel Graetzer, Carousel Group
“American sports are perfect for in-play betting, and this combined with the reams of data that is available means that players will quickly come to expect these markets and odds, so long as the enabling legislation in each state allows for them to be offered remotely.” – Simon Nobel, Champion Sports
“The market for sports betting is significant and in high demand. It would be foolish to think that we shouldn’t be as serious about sports betting as we are with casino gaming. Just like casinos, sportsbooks must be tightly regulated to ensure that there is integrity in the system.” – Douglas Harbach, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
The report also provides insight into the role that media companies will play in the sports betting space and how affiliates are helping to educate players about legal online sports betting.
The full report can be found here.
Mike Murphy, Founder of BettingUSA.com, said: “We created this report to gauge where the legal sports betting industry is at three years after PASPA was first repealed.
“While tremendous progress has been made to date, it is clear the sector is not without its teething issues especially when it comes to technology, regulation, safe gaming and education.
“From the experts we have spoken to, it seems these challenges can be overcome and if we are able to do so, the US will undoubtedly become the largest legal betting market in the world.
“This report provides tremendous insight from those at the cutting edge of the industry and their thoughts will undoubtedly shape the direction we take over the next three years.”
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
-
BetConnections6 days ago
TaDa Further Strengthens its Presence in Brazil with LatAm Leader Betconnections
-
Brazil5 days ago
SkillOnNet Expands Nolimit City Partnership to Enter Brazil
-
Balkans5 days ago
BFU and Elitbet Extend Their Partnership Until 2028
-
Baltics4 days ago
Betsson Lithuania Extends Sponsorships with FK Žalgiris and Lithuanian Basketball Federation Until 2027
-
EurAsia5 days ago
Amusnet Sponsors the Most Traded NFT Collection at the Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025
-
Ivan Dutra6 days ago
Luckbet Announces Vitor Paulin as its New Chief Marketing Officer