

Canada
Pickswise Showcases Roster Of New Talent In Marquee Daily & Weekly Sports Betting Shows
Pickswise, a leading U.S. digital and mobile platform for free betting analysis and advice, has unveiled two new digital betting shows, headlined by top hosts and analysts. Airing on the Pickswise YouTube channel, the daily program Let’s Bet It and weekly NFL show Pickswise Playbook feature expert commentary and insights from Pickswise’s burgeoning talent roster, including hosts Chris Rose and Lauren Jbara, former NFL player Ross Tucker, former NFL front-office executive Jim Monos, and betting analysts Jared Smith and Alex Glaze.
One of the fastest-growing publishers of betting content in the country, Pickswise is designed to provide simple, free, actionable insights to the 97% of bettors who say they are interested in research and analysis before placing a wager, and 80% who say they trust content from outlets not directly affiliated with a sportsbook.
Featuring Jbara, Smith and Glaze, Let’s Bet It airs daily and includes expert analysis, predictions, lighthearted entertainment and special guests like Monos to provide unique insights around all of the day’s top sporting events.
Pickswise Playbook focuses on professional football, offering betting insights and football analysis every Thursday from Rose, Tucker and Smith.
“It has been amazing to see such a unique collection of talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together and gel so quickly,” said Dan Pozner, Spotlight Sports Group’s VP of Content. “In order to stand out from the crowd in the increasingly competitive world of betting content, it’s crucial to find the right mix of personalities, styles and levels of expertise. These six amazing broadcasters have already begun to form magnetic chemistry, which results in a one-of-a-kind presentation.”
Pickswise’s roster of experts features:
- Chris Rose, who has served as a play-by-play commentator for the NFL and MLB, as well as a studio host for several critically acclaimed programs, including NFL GameDay Prime with Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and Intentional Talk on MLB Network.
- Lauren Jbara, who has worked as a sideline host and reporter for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons, United Shore Professional Baseball Team and most recently the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rapids on Altitude TV.
- Ross Tucker, a former NFL offensive lineman and All-American from Princeton turned businessman and game analyst for the Philadelphia Eagles, CBS Sports and Westwood One.
- Jim Monos, the former Director of Player Personnel for the Buffalo Bills and longtime NFL scout, with a long track record of helping draft key players for multiple franchises.
- Jared Smith, who has more than 10 years of experience in sports media and nearly two decades as a sports bettor.
- Alex Glaze, an award-winning reporter who spent the past four years working as a sports anchor, host and reporter for Atlanta’s NBC affiliate, where he also created his own sports betting show.
“The opportunity to reunite with [Chris] Rose and be a part of Pickswise Playbook alongside him and Jared was just too good to pass up,” said Tucker. “Collectively, we have decades of sports and betting knowledge, and our goal each week is to arm bettors with informed insights and analysis to help enhance their play and hopefully come out on top.”
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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