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How do US and UK online casinos differ?

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Online casinos are popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States. While they generally work in the same way, there are some significant differences between them which we’ve decided to take a look at here.

What’s Different?

The main difference between UK online casinos and those in the US are regulatory bodies. In the UK, all online casinos must possess a valid license from the UK Gambling Gambling, the United Kingdom’s main regulatory body for all things gambling. According to SmartphoneCasinos.co.uk, a popular casino review site in Great Britain, obtaining such a license has become incredibly difficult, and operators need to prove their eligibility to provide a safe and fair gambling experience in more than one aspect of their operations. Meanwhile, in the United States, this is a little more complicated as it will depend on each individual state, most of which have their own regulatory bodies which determine various factors at the online casino.

The game selection is also very different between American and British online casinos. In the UK, games at online casinos are usually provided by some of the big-name developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playson, Big Time Gaming, Playtech, Blueprint Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Wazdan, and so many others. The games at US casinos, however, are all developed by independent studios. Yet, some popular UK developers have begun offering their games to US casino sites which have helped diversify the US offering.

Promotions and bonuses between those in the US and UK work differently too. You’ll find that US online casinos tend to offer bigger promotions and bonuses than the bonuses found at UK websites. Both have terms and conditions that you must follow, but the UK casino promotions are generally much more restrictive than those in the US.

Finally, it’s important to point out that the most successful online casinos in the UK are owned by big-name brands like BGO, Aspire Global, 888 Holdings, Genesis Global, and so many others. In the US, however, most sites are independent, making them much more unique than those in the UK.

What’s Similar?

Despite their differences, US and UK online casinos work very similarly. You both have to register and create an account to play at an online casino, and you’ll have to make deposits using approved payment options.

UK and US online casinos all tend to offer similar games too including video slots, jackpots and classic table games. However, the variety of games available will depend entirely on the individual online casino. Since UK online casinos tend to have more game developers, UK casino sites may likely offer more games than their US counterparts.

Both UK and US online casinos must follow strict rules and regulations. Casinos in the UK must follow the rules set out by the UK Gambling Commission which involve age limitations on those who can be added to VIP schemes, limitations on promotions including how many times the bonuses must be wagered and whether or not there are win caps.

Meanwhile, gambling in the United States is incredibly restricted due to tight regulation – in most US States, online gambling still hasn’t been legalised, but other gambling-related activities are completely fine. The regulation varies between the US States, but it seems that more states have begun green-lighting online gambling, so we may soon see more UK game developers and casino operators launch in the US.

Online gambling in the UK has been legal for a very long time, but in the US, it’s still growing and changing. There are plenty of differences between online casinos in the two countries but they both mainly offer customers a chance to play great games and maybe make some wins too.

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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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