

Canada
Sports betting: Saul Alvarez v Dmitry Bivol preview
Pound for pound boxing superstar Saul Alvarez returns to the ring on Saturday 7th May when taking on Dmitry Bivol at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. This is another step up in weight for the famous fighting Mexican who continues to defy logic as he aims to take the WBA light heavyweight world title. This is a fighter that won his first title at welterweight and has been a success in every weight category he has entered since. But has he bitten off more than he can chew at the third-highest division? Fight fans can’t wait to find out.
If Canelo is to add another world championship belt to his already sizeable haul, he must defeat a naturally bigger and stronger opponent who is used to trading blows with light heavyweights. Bivol knows he enters as the underdog to win this contest, but the current keeper of the WBA belt is confident he has the physical attributes to silence his doubters. Is Bivol the man to finally halt the Canelo express train?
The top sportsbooks certainly don’t think so, and traders in Las Vegas have Alvarez priced as the most likely winner of this bout. Followers of professional boxing can make their predictions at VIP sports betting sites, and there are more options available than you may think. You can keep it simple and pick the fight result – Alvarez, Bivol or the draw. There are also specials, such as the method of victory, total rounds, number of knockdowns, the bout to be won in an odd or even number of rounds or a fighter to be knocked down but go on to win.
Where does the smart money go? You’ll find out in this big fight preview, and we have enlisted the help of former professional boxer and current fight-game betting writer Frankie Monkhouse who makes his predictions. Let’s get ready to rumble.
Alvarez is creating a legacy
Canelo will duck between the ropes at the sold-out Las Vegas arena on fight night with a stunning professional record detailing 57 wins against one defeat and two draws. The only loss on his card was inflicted by the self-proclaimed “Best Ever” Floyd Mayweather, who collected a convincing points victory in Sin City. That was back in 2013, and much has changed for the beaten man since. Alvarez hasn’t lost a bout since, despite ranking among the most active fighter at championship level in the world. He is a gladiator that simply loves to compete, test himself against top-level opponents and win world titles.
Saul isn’t happy simply keeping busy and winning fights. He is determined to create a lasting legacy that will take many years to better, if possible. Since losing to Mayweather, the hit-list of Canelo includes Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Gennady Goloivkin, Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders. Both Smith and Saunders were unbeaten world champions before running into the Mexican, and he dispatched both in the kind of fashion that left followers suggesting neither will return to the top level of the sport, such was the savage beating they received.,
We last saw Alvarez in action against Caleb Plant in a bout he was expected to win, and one, he got the desired result without too much fuss. There was no lack of needle between Alvarez and Plant, but when the bell went, there was only ever going to be one winner. Canelo dominated the fight before finishing it in round 11. Caleb was dropped to the canvas twice before referee Russell Mora stepped in to save him from any further punishment.
Bivol is unbeaten
All the talk and hype pre-fight focuses on Canelo and his strengths, but what about Bivol. Who is the champion, and what does he bring to the table? The Californian-based fighter brings a perfect 19-fight record, with 11 of those wins coming inside the distance to create a 58% KO average.
He scored a stunning 12-round points decision over Craig Richards in Manchester, England, on the undercard of Derek Chisora v Joe Parker and followed that with another win on the scorecards in Russia last time out, beating Umar Salamov. He is a hard-hitting fighter, but each of his last six wins have come on points, and he’ll aim to take Canelo into the later rounds in Vegas.
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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