Canada
Industry heavyweight Haig Sakouyan joins Strive Gaming
Highly experienced executive has been appointed Vice President of Client Success as platform provider continues to build its management team
Strive Gaming, the first player platform business designed specifically for the modern, multi-state requirements of leading North American operators, continues to build its senior leadership team with the appointment of industry veteran Haig Sakouyan as Vice President of Client Success.
Haig has more than 19 years’ experience in the online gaming and gambling sectors and over that time has been involved in more than 18 retail and online launches across the US for both casino and sportsbook.
This has enabled him to gain unrivalled expertise in customer success, managed services, product and operations. As Vice President of Client Success, Haig will be responsible for providing an excellent service and experience to Strive Gaming’s B2B customers and their end users.
He joins Strive Gaming from Bally Interactive, a subsidiary of Bally’s Corporation, via its Bet.Works acquisition. Haig was hired as the Vice President of B2B and was responsible for partners such as Elite Casino Resorts, theScore and Rushmore Gaming in addition to overseeing all BallyBet B2C launches.
Prior to that, Haig was Director of B2B Services at Rush Street Interactive, the company behind the BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse brands.
Haig becomes the first employee of Strive Gaming’s Canadian entity, based out of Vancouver BC. Strive Gaming now consists of multiple entities based in the US, the UK, Malta and other locations in order to deliver a world-class product and service to its partners.
The appointment comes as Strive Gaming continues to progress with its plan to provide “performance at scale” to operators targeting regulated US states. Strive Gaming already holds licenses in Colorado and Arizona with multiple licence applications underway in additional states.
Max Meltzer, Chief Executive at Strive Gaming, said: “Haig is an experienced and respected executive within the industry and is a key hire for us if we are to deliver on our slogan of ‘performance at scale’.
“His involvement in the launch of 18 retail and online sportsbooks and casinos gives him unrivalled insight into the process operators must go through and from this he will be able to ensure our partners receive the best service and support in the market.
“Haig joins Strive Gaming at a time when there is incredible momentum behind the business with licences already secured in Arizona and Colorado and with applications in progress in other states, and I look forward to working closely with him as we move towards going live with our first partners.”
Haig Sakouyan, Vice President of Client Success at Strive Gaming, said: “I am thrilled to join such an incredible team and to be able to use my years of experience to help Strive Gaming’s operator partners leverage the full power and potential of its cutting-edge platform.
“This is an organisation that has made clear its ambitions and goals for the fast-growing US and Canadian markets, and I am honoured to be playing a part in what will undoubtedly be a hugely successful story for the company.”
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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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