Latest News
Anzu Appoints Former Activision Blizzard Executive Ruben Dehouck as a New Strategic Advisor
The world’s leading in-game advertising platform Anzu.io today announced the appointment of Ruben Dehouck as a Strategic Advisor. Ruben has a long and successful track record in the video game industry, having spent more than ten years at Activision Blizzard in various globally operating roles. During his tenure there, Ruben led marketing operations for the industry-leading Call of Duty franchise, was in charge of commercial operations for the breakthrough kids video game franchise Skylanders, and owned strategic partnerships with key industry partners, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo.
Dehouck joins an impressive group of strategic advisors for Anzu, including David Sable, Takuya Banno, and Jamie Gutfreund. The vast experience that Dehouck brings will contribute to Anzu’s overall gaming strategy and strengthen the company’s position specifically within the AAA gaming segment. Asked about his perspective on the exciting future Anzu is creating, Dehouck said, “In-game advertising offers developers and publishers a compelling new revenue stream, but only if it’s done right. Anzu’s cutting-edge tech solution ensures non-intrusive, blended real-world advertising in video game ecosystems. It’s a solution that understands and respects gamers’ expectations. I’m excited to help drive in-game advertising to new heights and leverage the enormous appetite of leading global advertisers to build meaningful relationships with the ever-growing, 3 billion plus global video game audience.”
Anzu has already launched campaigns with global brands, including Vodafone and Samsung and game companies such as Ubisoft. And the in-game advertising company continues to focus on its commitment to bringing innovative changes to the ecosystem. Its partnership with CHEQ provides the first-ever ad verification solution for console gaming, while its partnership with Kantar’s project Moonshot enables brands to measure advertising campaign effectiveness accurately. Additionally, advertisers and game developers can feel confident when working with Anzu as it is the first company of its kind to earn an ISO 27001 Certification.
Anzu, the winner of this year’s ESI Clutch Digital competition, has also attracted the attention of those in the esports arena. A few months ago, Anzu signed a partnership deal with Berlin-based esports venue developer VERITAS. More recently, the company expanded its exclusive partnership with Axis Games to bring the first-ever programmatic in-game ads to a live esports tournament.
As the company continues to carve out its path, Dehouck will be a key advisor. Anzu Co-founder and CEO Itamar Benedy said, “We are thrilled to have Ruben on board. He brings a wealth of experience, and his knowledge, which sits at the intersection of gaming, advertising, and strategic partnership development, will be invaluable to us as we move forward.”
Gambling in the USA
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Unveils Expanded Non-Smoking Gaming Floor

Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel has officially opened its newly expanded non-smoking gaming floor, marking a significant milestone in the property’s continued commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
Located adjacent to the hotel lobby, the new, larger non-smoking slot floor will feature nearly 400 of today’s most popular slot machines in a fresh, modern environment designed exclusively for non-smoking guests. This addition enhances the casino’s dedication to providing smoke-free gaming options in a luxury setting. For convenience and ease of access, non-smoking guests can also take advantage of the smoke-free entrance via the hotel’s valet parking.
This new space complements Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s existing fully enclosed, non-smoking slot area near Falls Buffet and Snoqualmie Café & Deli, offering guests even more choice and accessibility when it comes to their preferred gaming environment.
In addition to these gaming enhancements, all restaurants on property are 100% non-smoking, making Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel a premier destination for guests seeking an elevated, smoke-free entertainment and dining experience.
“We’re thrilled to offer our guests even more smoke-free options. The expansion of our non-smoking gaming floor reflects our ongoing efforts to listen to our guests and create an atmosphere that’s both exciting and comfortable for everyone,” said Mary Lou Patterson, CEO of Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel.
The post Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Unveils Expanded Non-Smoking Gaming Floor 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.
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