Connect with us

Canada

UNLV in Collaboration with iGaming Academy Launches New Training Program

Published

on

 

 

UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) and iGaming Academy have collaborated to introduce “ElevateRG”. This will bring UNLV’s flagship responsible gaming curriculum online for the first time.

The new ElevateRG training program will bring IGI’s world-renowned responsible gaming (RG) training to gaming industry staff and learners across the US and worldwide. The first course, now available, is fully interactive, providing a uniquely engaging learning experience that can be accessed from any location.

The development of the ElevateRG online training program has been overseen by UNLV’s Jennifer Shatley, a highly-respected RG leader with 25 years’ career experience, notably with Caesars Entertainment.

“What sets our RG training apart is how operationally-focused it is. Gaming staff deserve better than just a brief overview of the risks. Our training demonstrates the practical actions that gaming staff can take within their roles to proactively promote responsible gaming to minimize gambling-related harm,” Shatley said.

ElevateRG is designed to prepare staff and equip learners with both the broad knowledge and the practical experience required to tackle real-life situations that may arise over the course of their day-to-day working practices.

In addition to RG, UNLV and iGaming Academy plan to launch a full range of vocational and industry-specific training courses to help address the current unprecedented demand for staff resources across the US industry, covering land-based, online sportsbooks, and other gaming categories.

“For land-based casinos, IGI has long represented the ‘gold standard’ in RG training – and now it’s easier than ever to supply for staff,” said Jaime Debono, iGaming Academy’s Managing Director.

“As the online industry continues to expand, operators will benefit from having access to best-in-class training in an online format that’s easy to include within their onboarding and refresher programmes.”

The ElevateRG training program will be available in a new online format and will include numerous courses designed to cover responsible gaming across all levels, from a comprehensive introduction for front-line staff to managers and leadership versions. Refresher training variants will also be available.

“With the specificity, convenience, and scalability of this training well ahead of anything available in the market, this truly is a ‘game-changer’ for responsible gaming training in the US,” said Debono.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Canada

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

AGCO

MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

AGCO

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending