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Mohegan Tribe and Yale University Announce Major Initiative to Combat Problem Gambling

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Leaders from the Mohegan Tribe and leaders in psychiatry at Yale University announced a new initiative to combat problem gambling. Under the partnership, the Mohegan Tribe will fund work at Yale University that will result in the creation of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) digital intervention aimed at expanding treatment options for individuals suffering from problem gambling.
This work will include developing digital therapeutic tools, such as a CBT-based mobile app, to ensure greater access to care for traditionally underserved populations, giving them skills and techniques to treat their problem.
Under the initiative, Yale will build on decades of CBT research and methodology to develop state-of-the-art tools specifically designed to address problem gambling. Their work will include rigorous clinical trials and peer-reviewed data, ensuring any eventual treatment options are safe and effective for public use. The resulting products will be made broadly available to the public, helping ensure greater access for individuals who traditionally may have faced barriers to such treatment.
Pursuant to state legislation providing for contributions to support problem gambling, the Mohegan Tribe will contribute over $2 million to Yale’s School of Medicine to develop and make available a mobile app-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program aimed at treating gambling disorder. This funding comes in addition to the Tribe’s annual contribution of nearly $300,000 to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, part of more than $10 million the Tribe has contributed toward problem gambling investments since first opening its casino. The Tribe is also a major supporter of the National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) and founding member of the NCPG President’s Circle Club.
“The Mohegan Tribe has a long history as a leader in combating problem gambling, and a long history partnering with Yale University to improve public health in Connecticut and beyond,” said James Gessner Jr., Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe. “This new partnership with Yale is the next frontier in promoting responsible gambling, and we are excited for Yale to lead the way in supporting problem gambling programs in Connecticut and nationally through its work.”
John Krystal, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to leverage Yale’s longstanding excellence in the fields of cognitive behavioral therapy and substance use disorders to develop new treatments for individuals suffering from problem gambling.”
Marc Potenza, co-director of Yale’s Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, said Mohegan Sun’s renewed support for research builds on its long history of giving to the program, which has facilitated a better understanding of the characteristics of people with gambling problems.
“This new gift will allow for the development and testing of an innovative app-based intervention that we envision will help many people in Connecticut and beyond,” Potenza said.
Brian Kiluk, associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, noted that Yale has been a leader in creating an effective computer-based therapy program to treat substance use disorders, and is now eager to put this experience to use in developing treatments for individuals suffering from problem gambling.
“Using digital platforms such as mobile phones to provide treatment offers the potential to get help to more people,” said Kiluk. “The hope is to identify effective new ways to expand access to treatment as easily and seamlessly as possible and provide a means to help improve the lives of people with gambling problems, their loved ones, and their communities.”
“As Connecticut took steps to modernize its gaming industry, I said repeatedly that we must also do more to combat problem gambling – and that’s precisely what this new initiative from the Mohegan Tribe and Yale will do,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Our state and local economies are stronger because of the steps we took last year on sports and online betting. Now, this new initiative from the Mohegan Tribe and Yale will help broaden the tools and resources available for anyone impacted by problem gambling.”
“We are grateful for Mohegan’s support and partnership with NCPG. Over the years, we have been fortunate to have Mohegan officials serve on our board of directors and provide their time and expertise to address these important public health challenges,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council of Problem Gambling. “Problem gambling is not unique to any one state, and Mohegan’s recognition that these tools and resources must be readily available is a heartening step by one of our leading operators in the United States.”
“This partnership exemplifies the unified commitment needed to modernize responsible gaming and problem gambling resources for today’s expanding industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Building a sustainable marketplace is dependent on innovative leadership and productive collaboration among our industry, advocates, researchers and anyone with a vested interest in gaming. The Mohegan Tribe’s investment today is an important step toward protecting all customers.”
“This joint effort with Yale is first of its kind. We recognize modernizing gaming comes with additional responsibility to our community and we have readily doubled down on our support to promote responsible gaming,” said Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan. “In addition to this initiative, we will continue to provide our long-standing support for programs and services for problem gambling, including employee training programs, funding for the 24-hour counseling phone line and live chat program designed to help those struggling with this problem.”
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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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