Canada
Playmaker Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Playmaker Capital Inc., the Toronto-based digital sports media company, reports its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.
“We are very excited to share our second quarter results. Our teams are hitting on all cylinders. The organic growth of our Futbol Sites business has been exceptional and in July we added Yardbarker, a company that has experienced very strong year-over-year growth to date. Our pipeline remains robust and we have a strong balance sheet with currently over $13.0 million of cash and zero debt. We remain focused on profitable growth, both organic and through acquisition” said Jordan Gnat, Founder and CEO of Playmaker.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Figures in USD)
- Revenue – Revenue was $3.0 million in Q2 2021, compared to $nil in Q2 2020.
- Operating Income – Operating income was $0.4 million in Q2 2021, compared to operating loss of $0.1 million in Q2 2020.
- Pro Forma Revenue – Pro forma revenue was $4.2 million in Q2 2021, an increase of 244% from $1.2 million in Q2 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, pro forma revenue increased by 152% to $7.6 million from $3.0 million in the same period of 2020.
- Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA – Pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $1.6 million in Q2 2021, an increase from $8,410 in Q2 2020. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, pro forma adjusted EBITDA increased to $2.8 million from $0.3 million in the same period of 2020.
- Trailing 12-Month Metrics – For the 12 months ended June 30, 2021, pro forma revenue was $14.4 million and pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $6.0 million.
- Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents of $23.5 million at June 30, 2021 compared to $6.6 million at December 31, 2020.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- On April 1, 2021, the Company acquired Futbol Sites, a top digital sports media group in the U.S. and Latin America with a portfolio of more than 10 premium sites.
- On July 26, 2021, the Company acquired Yardbarker, a premier U.S. sports and entertainment media company, and the Morning Bark, Yardbarker’s daily email newsletter. As partial consideration in connection with this transaction, the sellers are eligible to receive an aggregate total of $4.0 million, based on Yardbarker’s performance toward an EBITDA target of $2.5 million in each of the two years following closing, as announced in a news release dated July 27, 2021.
- On a pro forma basis, Playmaker achieved record engagement metrics in the quarter across the Futbol Sites and Yardbarker owned and operated properties. Playmaker reaches more than 70 million unique users and in Q2 2021, the user base generated more than 454 million sessions, representing a 65% increase over Q2 2020. Playmaker also reaches more than 360,000 users daily via the Morning Bark.
- During Q2 2021, the Company completed an equity raise for gross proceeds of CAD $24.0 million and completed a reverse takeover of a capital pool company on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company’s shares began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange on June 3, 2021.
- On June 11, 2021, Playmaker acquired Fanáticos Por Futebol, one of Brazil’s leading and most engaging soccer news communities.
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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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