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XB Net pens exclusive long-term deal with NYRA to secure status as premier North American racing supplier

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New York Racing Association agrees exclusive broadcast and content rights with leading Stateside supplier after Belmont Stakes success

XB Net, a product of 1/ST TECHNOLOGY’s world-class data and media management service, has agreed to exclusive new deal terms with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to bolster their ongoing partnership for the content rights, data, odds and signals from a host of top-class racecourses.

This agreement comprises broadcast and video streaming distribution rights from NYRA which feature over 1,000 days of racing each year from 18 racetracks, and showcase marquee venues such as Belmont Park, Aqueduct, and Saratoga – the three largest thoroughbred tracks in the state of New York.

The contract incorporates exclusive international broadcasting rights for the United Kingdom & Ireland, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Africa, thereby broadening the appeal and scope of North American racing via XB Net’s growing global group of partners.

This breakthrough partnership also leverages natural synergies in content-provision between NYRA and The Stronach Group’s 1/ST RACING venues, including Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, whose innovative content and betting services XB Net represents. Their flagship television simulcast program has been seen to good effect on Sky Sports and its At The Races digital channels in recent months, providing viewers with high-class nightly coverage.

XB Net’s broader provision of live pictures, data and betting services from an unrivalled network of over 50 North American tracks (accounting for roughly 90% of U.S. horse racing) enables its operator partners to flexibly fill their daily programming schedules with a steady stream of rapid-cycle betting opportunities that are proven to increase activity and engagement for new and existing customers alike.

1/ST TECHNOLOGY is the digital arm of The Stronach Group, horse racing’s largest racing and gaming company and the leading provider of premium content for North American horse racing.

Tony Allevato, NYRA Chief Revenue Officer & President of NYRA Bets, said: “NYRA is pleased to expand our partnership with XB Net to further broaden the international reach of North American thoroughbred racing. Sports fans and bettors around the world can look forward to even more coverage of top quality racing from the best venues in the United States.”

Simon Fraser, Senior Vice President of International at XB Net, added: “It’s great to see NYRA and the 1/ST RACING racetracks working in unison to return value back to North American racing in these challenging times. Securing this long-term collaboration confirms XB Net’s commitment to the sport and our wider status as the leading international provider of North American racing. This deal is a ringing endorsement of our business model and the combined diligence of our multi-faceted team.

“During the present pandemic, North American racing has been one of very few elite sports that has been able to maintain both a solid timetable and a high bar for quality and data integrity with fast-settling content that can fill the gaps for live sport, wherever you set your scene on the map. Record engagement levels around the Belmont Stakes proved another eloquent case in point – it’s fantastic to see the sport’s popularity surge.”

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration

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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.

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MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition

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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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AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

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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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