Canada
Dire Wolves signs MSI as Hardware & Display Partner to power performance across all rosters

The partnership between the world’s most trusted gaming brand and the most successful esports organisation in Oceania will equip all Dire Wolves’ rosters with cutting-edge hardware and support to further empower the ANZ Esports scene.
Dire Wolves, the most successful esports team in Oceania, is pleased to reveal a partnership with world leading gaming technology brand MSI. The partnership will span all nine of Dire Wolves’ powerhouse rosters, and see MSI represented in major leagues across the region including the League of Legends Circuit Oceania (LCO). MSI will empower Dire Wolves’ players and streamers with its industry leading hardware to power their competitive performance and content creation, including displays, gaming chairs, components and more.
Dire Wolves, historically known as the best League of Legends team in Oceania, has expanded in recent years to a multi-disciplinary organisation. In February, Dire Wolves acquired legendary organisation AVANT Gaming, uniting their teams under the Dire Wolves brand and creating the ultimate Oceanic esports team. In addition to its League of Legends roster, Dire Wolves now has top performing teams in VALORANT, CS:GO, FIFA, NBA 2K, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Apex Legends. MSI will be showcased across all rosters, as well as the Dire Wolves Stream Team which is famously home to leading content creators across the ANZ region.
The partnership represents MSI’s continued commitment to supporting esports and gaming communities around the world. A mainstay in the global ecosystem for over 35 years, MSI has supported esports and gaming events, teams, and competitions of all levels including grassroots collegiate programmes through to some of the world’s largest and most prestigious leagues, tournaments and teams. The partnership with Dire Wolves will further expand the brand’s presence in Oceanic esports, which continues to thrive with the 2021 launch of the LCO, and the newly opened Spark Esports Hub in New Zealand’s iconic sport stadium, Eden Park.
Jeremy Tate, Marketing Manager ANZ, MSI shared, “It’s long been our mission at MSI to deliver the ultimate in-game advantage for esports competition, and today we take another exciting step down that path in partnership with the Dire Wolves – who share a common passion for winning and pushing the envelope of performance. In turn, MSI is thrilled today to announce our support of the Dire Wolves esports team.
The partnership offers incredible collaboration between the talented ranks at Dire Wolves paired with our award winning gaming hardware at MSI, and sets the stage to raise the bar and elevate esports to new levels within the region. The team will game and compete utilising cutting edge hardware and gaming technology from MSI, helping to unlock the very best from players when it matters most in competition and practice. This significant shared core attitude is instrumental, and allows us to innovate, outplay and drive our goals further together in esports.”
Jason Spiller, Owner, Dire Wolves, said “MSI has an incredible legacy in the esports and gaming space in every corner of the world, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have their expertise and hardware onboard across the entire wolf pack. Our teams have a jam-packed competitive calendar for the rest of the year and beyond, and knowing we have the very best hardware and support gives us the confidence to perform at the highest level, and hopefully bring home more trophies!
2021 has already been a landmark year for Oceanic esports with the launch of the LCO and the new Eden Park facility acting as a central hub for the community, and having the support of global leaders like MSI shows that the world is taking note.”
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.
-
Canada5 days ago
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration
-
Central Europe6 days ago
Change of Chairmanship in the GGL Board of Directors as of 1 July 2025
-
AGCO5 days ago
MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition
-
Australia6 days ago
L&GNSW Launches Compliance Campaign
-
Balkans4 days ago
BFU and Elitbet Extend Their Partnership Until 2028
-
BetConnections5 days ago
TaDa Further Strengthens its Presence in Brazil with LatAm Leader Betconnections
-
Brazil4 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