Canada
DraftKings Completes Acquisition of Golden Nugget Online Gaming
DraftKings Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. (“Golden Nugget Online Gaming” or “GNOG”) (the “GNOG Acquisition”).
The GNOG Acquisition will, among other things, allow DraftKings to leverage Golden Nugget’s established brand to broaden its reach into new customer segments and enhance the combined company’s iGaming product offerings through DraftKings’ vertically-integrated tech stack and Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s unique capabilities – including Live Dealer. The GNOG Acquisition does not include brick and mortar Golden Nugget casinos, which will continue to be owned by Fertitta Entertainment.
“Acquiring Golden Nugget Online Gaming gives us synergies across our business,” said Jason Robins, Chairman and CEO of DraftKings. “We anticipate that this acquisition will provide meaningful revenue uplift by utilizing our data-driven marketing capabilities and a dual brand iGaming strategy, gross margin improvement opportunities, and cost savings across external marketing and SG&A. I am proud to welcome the Golden Nugget Online Gaming team to the DraftKings family.”
“This will be an alliance unlike any other in the digital sports, entertainment and online gaming industry,” said Tilman Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of Golden Nugget Online Gaming. “Now that the acquisition is completed, I look forward to what the future will bring for our combined company and am confident this relationship will be a huge success.”
DraftKings will integrate Golden Nugget Online Gaming employees across its business, including Thomas Winter, who will transition to General Manager of North America iGaming, from his previous role as President of Golden Nugget Online Gaming.
Synergies and Strategic Benefits of the Acquisition
The GNOG Acquisition will deliver significant benefits to DraftKings as well as expected synergies of $300 million at maturity. DraftKings will deploy a multi-brand approach that will enhance cross-selling opportunities and drive increased revenue growth. In addition, there will be multiple channels for cost savings by, among other things, recognizing enhanced returns on advertising spending through marketing efficiencies, eliminating platform costs from migrating Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s current technology to DraftKings’ in-house proprietary platform, and reducing G&A costs, such as vendor services and duplicative overhead. Additionally, DraftKings and Fertitta Entertainment expect to rebrand certain current and future retail sportsbook locations at Fertitta Entertainment-owned Golden Nugget properties into DraftKings sportsbooks.
Combined company revenues
DraftKings expects revenue to increase from additional cross-promotion opportunities, which would be expected to complementarily grow DraftKings’ customer base by engaging existing Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s iGaming-first customers. Additional anticipated revenue synergies include potential technology and game expansion, such as Live Dealer offerings.
Marketing efficiencies
The GNOG Acquisition will allow DraftKings to drive efficiencies by streamlining marketing and capitalizing on additional cross-promotion opportunities. By deploying a multi-brand strategy and accessing Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s built-in iGaming-first customer, DraftKings expects to recognize increased returns on advertising spending and greater LTV to CAC ratios.
Technology optimization
DraftKings plans to bring Golden Nugget Online Gaming onto its in-house technology, which is expected to deliver cost savings by reducing Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s third-party platform costs, operating expenses, and vendor costs. Additionally, once integrated, customers of both brands will utilize DraftKings’ technology and have access to expanded product offerings and features, including in-house live dealer and proprietary games, as well as an overall improvement in the customer experience.
Advisors
Raine Group served as exclusive financial advisor to DraftKings, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal counsel to DraftKings. Jefferies served as lead financial advisor to Golden Nugget Online Gaming, and White & Case LLP served as legal counsel to Golden Nugget Online Gaming. Spectrum Gaming Capital acted as financial advisor and White & Case LLP acted as legal counsel to the Special Committee of Golden Nugget Online Gaming’s board of directors. Latham and Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to Fertitta Entertainment.
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AGCO
AGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served Relax Gaming Limited and Arrise Solutions Limited with Orders of Monetary Penalties of $40,000 each. The penalties follow an AGCO investigation that found games created by these companies were available on unregulated gambling websites accessible to Ontario players. Operators of gaming websites that are accessible within Ontario must be registered with the AGCO.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is built on clear, enforceable standards that require operators to include strong consumer protections, such as game integrity and responsible gaming safeguards. Unregulated gaming sites do not guarantee player protections or information security and increase the potential risk of harm to players and criminal activity, such as money-laundering and match-fixing. That is why the AGCO actively works to combat unlawful gaming in Ontario.
Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions are both registered by the AGCO to create and supply slot and casino-style games for play on Ontario’s regulated gaming sites. The AGCO prohibits companies operating in the regulated iGaming market from offering their products to unregulated gaming websites available to Ontario players. Supplying games to such sites helps to sustain unregulated gaming operations.
The AGCO aims to disrupt unregulated gaming and its supply chains to safeguard Ontarians and maintain gaming integrity in the province. The agency monitors the market for regulated entities supplying the unregulated sector.
Following notification from AGCO investigators, both companies cooperated fully with the investigation and took prompt action to restrict access to their games by Ontario players on unregulated sites.
“Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is built on clear rules designed to protect players and hold companies accountable. Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO.
The post AGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Acquisitions/Merger
Petroglyph Development Group Completes Acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Great Canadian Entertainment (Great Canadian) confirmed the successful closing of PDG’s acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, B.C. This transaction follows PDG’s recent acquisition of Chances Maple Ridge, marking another significant milestone in the Nation’s expanding portfolio of gaming and hospitality assets in British Columbia.
Snuneymuxw respectfully acknowledges the Kwikwetlem First Nation, on whose territory Great Canadian Casino Vancouver operates. The Nation looks forward to establishing a meaningful and lasting relationship with the Kwikwetlem people as PDG assumes stewardship of the property.
“The completion of this acquisition reflects the sustained effort and vision of Snuneymuxw people across generations. We are building an economy that is ours, one that funds our priorities, honours our responsibilities to neighbouring communities and creates opportunity for our people long into the future,” said Chief Michael Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver is one of Metro Vancouver’s most established entertainment destinations, offering gaming, dining and live entertainment, including The Show Theatre.
“Building the Snuneymuxw economic portfolio is grounded in a vision of sustainable, self-determined growth and in the belief that meaningful economic development is built on strong Nation-to-Nation relationships. Operating on Kwikwetlem territory is a responsibility we take seriously, and we look forward to building a partnership that reflects that,” said Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG.
First announced on December 19, 2025, this is the fourth transaction completed between the two companies. With the addition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, PDG’s gaming portfolio now includes Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria, and Chances Maple Ridge, establishing its position as the largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada.
“This transaction is another milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Petroglyph Development Group and the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and we’re grateful for another successful closing. With this representing our fourth completed transaction with PDG, it speaks to the trust and confidence we have built together. I’d like to thank everyone from our respective teams for their hard work, and I look forward to seeing the properties thrive under PDG’s leadership,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
For PDG, the closing marks the latest step in a period of sustained and strategic growth.
“We are building a diversified, sustainable portfolio, while continuing to deliver real benefits for the communities where we operate. Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has long been an important part of the Coquitlam community, and that will not change,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
McMillan LLP acted as legal counsel to Great Canadian. McCarthy Tétrault LLP served as legal counsel, and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. acted as financial advisor to PDG. The transaction has received all required regulatory approvals and all closing conditions have been satisfied.
The post Petroglyph Development Group Completes Acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
RESPWNED partners with LOTUS 8 to bring GIRLGAMER festival to Winnipeg in 2026
RESPWNED and LOTUS 8 have signed a partnership to launch the GIRLGAMER Winnipeg Festival in 2026, marking the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival brand’s expansion into Canada.
RESPWNED manages the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival brand, while LOTUS 8 is a Canada-based company focused on event development and partnerships. The companies said they will jointly develop and deliver the Winnipeg event, combining global esports IP management, event production, commercial partnerships, and local execution.
“This partnership represents an exciting milestone for GIRLGAMER as we continue to expand globally and bring our platform to new audiences,” said Tiago Fernandes, Managing Partner at RESPWNED. “Canada is a dynamic and fast-growing Esports market, and we are proud to collaborate with LOTUS 8 to deliver a meaningful and impactful event experience.”
Steven Vuong, representing LOTUS 8, added: “We are thrilled to partner with RESPWNED to bring the GIRLGAMER Festival to Canada. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of building inclusive, high-quality esports experiences while creating strong commercial and community value. Together, we are laying the foundation for a standout event in 2026.”
The GIRLGAMER Winnipeg Festival is planned as a family-oriented event with business networking, brand activations, and community programming, and is expected to include international and local talent. Additional details, including dates, venue, and participating partners, will be announced in the coming months.
The post RESPWNED partners with LOTUS 8 to bring GIRLGAMER festival to Winnipeg in 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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