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OpenBet Appoints DAZN and American Gaming Association Execs To Reimagine Sports Betting Entertainment

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Florian Diederichsen and Jessica Feil join leading sports betting provider ahead of exciting period of change for company

OpenBet, the world leader in sports betting entertainment and the sports betting business of Scientific Games Corporation, has appointed two highly-experienced executives to its senior management team in a move that reinforces the quality of opportunity and exciting future that lies ahead for the company.

Florian Diederichsen joins OpenBet from DAZN as Chief Technology Officer, tasked with evolving OpenBet’s modular sports product offering and accelerating the next generation of sports betting entertainment through the use of cutting edge technologies. Diederichsen has a wealth of experience having held CTO roles at several major sports organizations, including DAZN where he oversaw the development of the company’s OTT sports service, as well as Perform, where he was responsible for technical operations of its global sports content and video services.

Jessica Feil joins OpenBet from the American Gaming Association (AGA) to become OpenBet’s VP, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance as the business prepares for exponential US and international expansion in 2022 and beyond. Jessica most recently held the position of Vice President, Government Relations & Gaming Policy Counsel at the AGA, where she was one of North America’s leading legal and regulatory experts. Jessica started her career at Ifrah Law, where she advised clients on a variety of areas including regulation, compliance and licensing.

These two senior appointments form part of OpenBet’s ongoing strategy of investing in people to create value for its customers. The leading provider of sports betting technology, content and services is doubling down on operational excellence to create competitive advantage and mastermind thrilling betting experiences for billions of fans that will drive the next wave of industry innovation.

Jordan Levin, CEO of OpenBet, said: “Bringing Florian and Jessica to the OpenBet team changes the game and is testament to the vision we have here at OpenBet. The appointment of two highly-skilled and respected individuals demonstrates the ambition we have to deliver the next generation of sports betting entertainment to operators and bettors worldwide. As we drive for hyper-differentiation, and with legislation moving at a pace, we can entrust both Florian and Jessica to help take OpenBet forward in their respective fields that will add significant value for our global customer base.”

Florian Diederichsen, Chief Technology Officer of OpenBet, said: “I’m delighted to have joined OpenBet and thoroughly looking forward to the next chapter of my career. The ambition shown by the OpenBet team, the quality of the management team truly excites me and I’m ready to raise my game to implement the vision required to take sports betting to a new level. Development work is already underway behind the scenes that will revolutionise the future of sports betting entertainment and I cannot wait to share our innovative concepts with the marketplace.”

Jessica Feil, VP, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance at OpenBet, said: “OpenBet’s determination to expand across the globe and deliver sports betting entertainment to billions of players worldwide is unrivalled. With legislation moving quickly within the U.S. and globally, I’m looking forward to providing valuable support and expertise to aid the company’s aggressive growth strategy. Compliance and regulatory affairs are incredibly important aspects of sports betting and OpenBet continues to set the standard of delivering the safest and most reliable experiences for players to enjoy cutting-edge entertainment.”

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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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