

Canada
RAPTORS UPRISING CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF THE TURN TOURNAMENT POWERED BY AT&T
Raptors Uprising GC, NBA 2K League affiliate of the 2019 NBA champion Toronto Raptors, defeated Wizards District Gaming, NBA 2K League affiliate of the Washington Wizards, in a 2-0 series (56-51 and 54-51) to win the NBA 2K League’s THE TURN Tournament powered by AT&T. Raptors Uprising GC become the first team in NBA 2K League history to win the first two tournaments of the year after capturing THE TIPOFF Tournament powered by AT&T in June.
Undefeated in regular season action, Raptors Uprising (13-0) entered the second in-season tournament with a bye into the Round Of 16 as the first-placed seed. On Thursday, Raptors Uprising cruised to a 2-0 series sweep (91-69 and 81-52) over Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai, winning each game by an average margin of 25.5 points, before eliminating 2019 NBA 2K League champions T-Wolves Gaming in a 2-0 quarterfinal series (77-50 and 62-58) on Friday. Earlier this afternoon, Raptors Uprising defeated THE TIPOFF losing finalist Kings Guard Gaming in a 2-1 semifinal series (72-60, 58-73 and 63-56) to book the team’s second Finals appearance in franchise history.
Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey, the franchise’s first-ever draft pick, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, averaging 28.8 points and 8.6 assists through 9 tournament games including averaging 26.0 points per game in THE TURN Finals. With the accolade, the 30-year-old point guard becomes the first multi-tournament Most Valuable Player award winner in NBA 2K League history after winning THE TIPOFF MVP last month.
For the second consecutive year of THE TURN, the NBA 2K League implemented an “Archetype Ban,” introducing an added layer of team strategy as specific player archetypes were limited based on the selection of the opposing team. This year, up to six archetypes were banned in a three-game series with each ban impacting both teams.
All teams participated remotely from their respective local markets for a total prize pool of $260,000 USD, the league’s biggest prize pool ever. All five Raptors Uprising players that featured in THE TURN competed from the team’s residence and state-of-the-art training facility known as the Bell Fibe House, located in Toronto. After winning 8 of the team’s 9 games at THE TURN, Raptors Uprising take home $117,000 USD in prize money, with losing finalist Wizards District Gaming receiving $52,000 USD while Kings Guard Gaming and Jazz Gaming each receive $22,100 USD after finishing third and fourth in the tournament. Raptors Uprising will also receive THE TURN championship plaque, one of three plaques awarded to the three in-season tournament champions that altogether form THE BANNER CHAIN powered by AT&T.
With the conclusion of THE TURN, the NBA 2K League’s regular season will resume on Tuesday, July 28. League teams will continue participating in regular season gameplay remotely through the end of the regular season in Week 14 (August 4-7). Games will continue to be broadcasted live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels starting 7 p.m. ET every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with a minimum of four distinct matchups each night.
Raptors Uprising (13-0) return to regular season action in Week 13 when they face Kings Guard Gaming (9-4) on Wednesday, July 29.
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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