

Canada
SeventySix Capital Unveils Sports Advisory Venture
SeventySix Capital, the sports venture capital company that invests in sports tech, esports and sports betting companies, announces its SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory venture (“Sports Advisory”). It advises top sports executives, leagues, organizations and athletes across the evolving landscape of sports management with a focus on esports, sports betting, media and social responsibility.
The Sports Advisory will be led by sports industry veteran, Dan Bravato, whose diverse background includes Van Wagner Sports, Dan Gilbert’s Family of Companies, Manchester City, and most recently, his own agency, Pitch 15 Sports Group. Bravato’s experience across the team, agency, brand, and startup sectors of the sports industry strongly positions him to lead the entire portfolio of practice areas.
“The mission of this organization aligns perfectly with the trajectory of the sports industry,” said Bravato. “SeventySix Capital’s experience across these sectors, coupled with our managing directors and alliance partners’ collective expertise, has us poised to help organizations and executives be on the forefront of this sports revolution.”
To date, the Sports Advisory has attracted industry experts to lead as Managing Directors for various practice areas. Leading the esports practice will be Bravato’s co-founder of Pitch 15 Sports Group, Chris Yortsos, whose esports agency has worked with esports franchises/teams, traditional sports leagues and brands. Evan Davis, former Vice President and General Counsel of Rivers Philadelphia Casino, will lead the sports betting practice. General Partner of SeventySix Capital and former NBC, Comcast and Altice executive, Michael Schreiber, will lead the media practice along with Managing Director Rick Alessandri, formerly of ESPN, Univision and currently part of Turnkey Sports.
In addition to the practice leaders, the Sports Advisory is partnering with renowned business executives to help advise its client roster.
This list includes:
Joanne Pasternack, Senior Advisor, Social Responsibility
-President and Chief Impact Officer of Oliver+Rose and Former Vice President of Community Relations for the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers
Eric D. Darr Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Esports
-President of Harrisburg University
Len Perna, Alliance Partner
-Turnkey Sports, Chairman and CEO
Lovell Walker, Alliance Partner
-Founder of Onward and formerly MGM Head of Esports
Aljit Joy, Operating Partner
-Founder of Cirquare and formerly the founder of Comcast Innovation Labs
Ari Roitman, Alliance Partner
-Pivot Sports Group and formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles and Major League Baseball
“As one of the leading venture capital investors in the sports industry, we have a window into what is happening next,” stated Wayne Kimmel, Managing Partner of SeventySix Capital and Chairman of Sports Advisory. “The Sports Advisory business has enabled us to activate our vast network of experts and work with sports leagues, teams, universities, athletes and media companies to become their trusted advisor and help them be one step ahead of their competition. Like on the venture capital side of the business, our Sports Advisory team led by Dan Bravato, is composed of passionate, smart, and nice people who want to change the world.”
About SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory
SeventySix Capital Sports Advisory is a sports consulting group of experts focused on bringing the emerging innovations and technology to sports executives, leagues, organizations and athletes. The Sports Advisory works side by side with these change makers across the evolving landscape of sports, including esports, sports betting, media and social responsibility.
About SeventySix Capital
SeventySix Capital is a sports tech venture capital company that invests in passionate, smart and nice entrepreneurs who are launching game-changing tech startups in the sports tech, esports and sports betting industries.
SeventySix Capital’s Athlete Venture Group allows players to invest, learn, and work directly with top sports tech startups and entrepreneurs. The firm aims to bridge the gap between athletes, entrepreneurs, and investors by creating opportunities for athletes to become tech investors and for entrepreneurs to access the financial and social capital that professional athletes have to offer.
Additionally, SeventySix Capital has a strategic partnership with Rubicon Talent, a sports marketing and talent agency based in New York City with a wide range of clients including NFL and NBA stars, Hall of Famers, MVPs, Heisman Trophy winners, Olympic icons, media personalities, and celebrity chefs. Click here to learn more about SeventySix Capital.
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.
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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