

Canada
Bucks, Lakers, Clippers Favorites To Win NBA Championship
NBA’s proposal to resume the 2019-20 season with 22 teams shifts odds while favorites remain the same, according to TheLines.com
LAS VEGAS — The Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers odds to win the 2019-20 NBA Championship shifted at legal sportsbooks across the country after the NBA announced its new 22-team playoff format, but the trio remains the betting favorites, according to TheLines.com, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting markets.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, during a meeting with the NBA’s Board of Governors, proposed a format that will include the 16 teams that would have qualified for the playoffs when the season was postponed on March 11 as well as six additional teams that will be included in a play-in tournament for the eighth and ninth seeds. The games would be played at Disney World in Florida, and the league is targeting July 31 to resume the season, according to reports.
The significantly altered format changed the betting odds at DraftKings and FanDuel, which represent the two market leaders in the legal online sports betting market, as well as other major books. The Bucks reopened at +250 on DraftKings — paying $250 for every $100 bet — and +200 on FanDuel. The Bucks were +250 on DraftKings and +240 on FanDuel when the season was postponed. DraftKings left the Lakers unchanged at +250, and FanDuel’s line moved to +250 from +270. The Clippers were also unchanged at +333 by DraftKings but moved to +325 from +340 on FanDuel. The Brooklyn Nets were by far the biggest movers — moving to +8000 (DraftKings) and +5000 (FanDuel), from +20000 and +21000, respectively — on the slim hopes of a return by star Kevin Durant.
“The Bucks, Lakers, and Clippers were always going to remain favorites, but the prospect of some stars returning from injury, especially Kevin Durant of the Nets, significantly altered the lines,” said Brett Collson, betting analyst at TheLines.com. “The specific target date for the resumption of the season also gives bettors something to look forward to. Factor in pent-up demand and the next two months should spur huge interest in futures betting.”
The Denver Nuggets reopened at +3000 (DraftKings) and +2500 (FanDuel) — changing from +2000 at DraftKings and holding steady at FanDuel — making the Nuggets the favorite among teams that play in legal sports betting jurisdictions. DraftKings left the Philadelphia 76ers at +3000, and FanDuel left the line unchanged at +2500.
Odds on other teams in legal U.S. betting markets and expected to play in the 22-team reopening include:
- Indiana Pacers (+10000 DraftKings and +10000 FanDuel, from +8000 DraftKings and +10000 FanDuel)
- Portland Trail Blazers (+17000 DraftKings and +20000 FanDuel, from +20000 DraftKings and +21000 FanDuel)
To access the updated lines for every NBA team, and for more analysis, visit TheLines.com/odds/finals.
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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