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Zynga to Celebrate Pride Month With LGBTQIA2S+ Inclusive In-Game Events, Social Spotlights and More

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Throughout Pride Month in June, Zynga Inc., a global leader in interactive entertainment, will kick off a celebratory lineup of in-game features, employee spotlights and social integrations across several titles to promote LGBTQIA2S+ inclusivity, diversity and belonging. LGBTQIA2S+ refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit and countless ways in which people self identify.

To support LGBTQIA2S+ causes, zPride, a Zynga employee resource group, is donating a total of $50,000 to several non-profits. Gifts of $20,000 each will support Brave Space Alliance, the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center, and the LGBT Foundation, a U.K.-based charity that delivers services, advice and support for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, zPride is joining Gay Gaming Professionals as a corporate sponsor with a $10,000 donation for its scholarship program that helps marginalized and LGBTQ2SA+ students interested in gaming careers.

“I am honored to support zPride’s thoughtful approach to raising awareness through sponsorships that are intersectional, global and upstream,” said Vijay Pendakur, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of Zynga and the Executive Sponsor for zPride. “At Zynga, we are committed to equity and inclusivity while supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community throughout gaming and beyond.”

As part of the commemoration, Zynga welcomes all players to join in on the inclusive fun with the following in-game events and social features:

FarmVille 3
Month of June

During Pride Month, FarmVille 3 will spotlight four lovable characters who identify as LGBTQIA2S+: Bobbi Stitch, Ginny Glaze, Chad Wood and Carlos Cardova. As FarmVille 3’s iconic stylist, Bobbi says the best accessories in life are inclusivity, togetherness and acceptance. An award-winning grill master, Ginny is firing up Pride Month with her message that love is love regardless of our differences. Chad, the farm’s resident lumberjack, invites everyone to join him in chopping down biases and planting seeds of love. Carlos is a brilliant and creative ice-cream maker who hopes we can melt our differences and create the perfect scoop of diversity and equality.

Game of Thrones Slots Casino
June 4 – 6 // June 25 – 26

To celebrate Pride Month, Game of Thrones Slots Casino will send players on a special Pride-themed quest hosted by the House of Martell. Throughout the month of June, this limited two-day event will feature Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand as players spin their way through different slot machines to earn extra coins.

High Heels! // Pride 2022
Month of June

Throughout the month of June, Rollic invites High Heels! players to #PlayWithPride as they strut down the festive runway with brand new characters, new themed accessories and an exclusive Pride heel design! The special in-game event also includes limited-time gift boxes to collect, a new friendly pet to adopt and an exclusive new bonus level full of Pride.

Hit It Rich! Casino Slots // Elvira’s Pride Parade
June 8 – 13

A special guest is coming to Hit It Rich! Casino Slots – Elvira! For a limited time in honor of Pride Month, players can join Elvira’s Pride Parade in-game, spinning their way through different challenges and earning rewards along the way. Those players who complete the SlotVenture challenge will earn a huge jackpot at the end!

Wizard of Oz Slots
Month of June

Pride month is hitting the Emerald City! To celebrate, Wizard of Oz Slots is treating players to special bonus #PlayWithPride challenges and rewards, including a raffle for a RARE Rainbow Pack at the end of June.

WWF 2 // Rainbow Challenge
June 6 – 12 // June 15 – 19

In celebration of Pride Month, Words With Friends 2 invites players to complete special in-game events and earn unique rewards to show their pride. From June 6 to 12, players can engage with a special Solo Challenge where they can advance along the Pride Parade Route against community members to earn unique badges. From June 15 to 19, players can match wits with the couple Gia & Fia to earn a specially themed profile frame. In addition, Words of the Day throughout Pride Month will highlight diverse words.

Zynga Poker
Month of June

Zynga Poker is inviting players to show their pride with a special celebration in-game for the month of June. Kicking off on June 1, players can send high value, pride-themed table gifts to their poker buddies, ranging from Pride cocktails to chips and flags. Players can also express themselves while at the virtual tables with a special Pride emote that will be available for a limited time.

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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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