

Canada
Comparing US Gambling Regulations with Other English Speaking Markets
The iGaming market in the US is poised for huge growth in the near to medium-term, with this projected to grow from $74.17 billion in 2021 to a whopping $158.20 billion by the end of 2028.
This represents a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period, while the expected GGY for online gambling stateside is likely to double over the course of the reporting period.
This is despite a relatively complex set of regulatory stipulations in the US, as America’s laws are different in each state. But how exactly do the regulations stateside compare with other English speaking markets in the world? Let’s find out!
The Lack of a Central Point of Control
If we look at prominent English-speaking markets such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand, we see that each one is governed by an omni-potent and central point of control.
More specifically, the UK Gambling Commission, the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the New Zealand Gambling Commission comprehensively regulate iGaming in their relevant jurisdictions, while single bodies of legislation also exist to help license and oversee operators.
Conversely, iGaming laws pertaining to online casino gameplay and sports betting are determined at state level in North America, meaning that local authorities have the autonomy to legalise and regulate specific verticals while monetising them for tax purposes.
Interestingly, the last main federal law pertaining to gambling in the US (namely the PAPSA legislation of 1992) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018. This had previously prohibited sports betting at a national level, and more than 20 US states have since legalised this practice fully.
The Prominence of Gambling Affiliates
Given that most US states have only moved to legalise sports betting since the decision to reverse the PAPSA legislation a little over three years ago, this burgeoning market is still in its infancy stateside.
This also means that the market for iGaming affiliates remains relatively underdeveloped for now, especially when you consider the size of the North American market and the fact that the average punter loses just under $400 per annum through wagering.
Gambling affiliates operate by promoting selected gambling services and platforms, earning a fixed rate of commission when their customers click on a relevant link and open an account.
The market for gambling affiliates remains huge in countries such as the UK and New Zealand, from large-scale programs that apply huge commissions to independent entities such as Online Casino New Zealand (which also works as a reliable comparison site and serves as an affiliate for some of the leading online casinos in New Zealand).
However, operators in the US may be about to begin closing this gap, especially as brands continue to engage in high-profile mergers and acquisitions with UK firms.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. recently acquired the iconic William Hill PLC brand for approximately $4 billion, for example, offering them access to the UK firm’s proprietary technology, intellectual property and cutting-edge affiliate strategies.
The Approach to Responsible Gambling
When the UK Gambling Commission announced its core strategic objectives through 2021, at the heart of this was its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable players on these shores.
Make no mistake; responsible gambling remains a huge priority for mature markets such as the UK and Australia, whereas it’s a concept that’s still in its infancy on the other side of the Atlantic.
Once again, this is a key reason why US brands are looking to strategically partner with UK operators, with the latter having invested huge amounts of cash in developing cutting-edge responsible gambling technology.
This includes William Hill, who previously procured the independent Mr. Green brand that had developed its own proprietary responsible gambling tool. This enabled players to monitor their activity in detail and measure this against insights from the operator, in addition to affording them direct controls over deposit limits and the time spent wagering online.
We definitely expect the US to make further strides in this respect in the years ahead, particularly as the not-for-profit Entain Foundation recently launched its new responsible gambling app called “Gamble Responsibly America”.
This app is the first of its kind in the US, and may well emerge as a trail-blazer for similar entities to follow!
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.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry8 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018