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US-based SIS Content Services boosted with pair of key regulatory and commercial appointments

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SIS (Sports Information Services) has announced two key appointments with Brenda Strickland and Sean Beirne joining the company’s SIS Content Services Inc. US subsidiary business as Regulatory and Business Affairs Manager and US Commercial Manager respectively.

The new appointments are a further signal of the company’s major ambitions in the growing US betting market, where it aims to capitalize on the significant opportunities available to online and retail sportsbook operators with its horse, greyhound and esports products.

Strickland will be responsible for administering and maintaining the company’s US compliance, licensing, and reporting functions. Her role is primarily focused on facilitating compliance with the various state regulatory requirements and managing internal corporate policies and procedures.

From Stratford, Connecticut, Strickland is an accomplished and experienced professional with significant expertise across compliance, legal, and operations functions within regulated industries. Prior to joining SIS Content Services, she spent nine years as Senior Paralegal and Contract Manager at Sportech.

Beirne’s primary responsibility is to build relationships with US sportsbooks and sell SIS’ live betting content. He will also be working with the team to navigate regulations to enable SIS to distribute its sportsbook content, distribute SIS’ pari-mutuel products and support the US division’s efforts to maximize horse racing rights holders’ global content distribution.

Beirne is a horse racing industry executive with over 30 years’ experience in racetrack management and operations, regulation, and education. A Kentucky native, he was most recently Director of the Equine Industry Program University of Louisville Business School and has also taken up roles as Vice President Racing & Simulcast at Mile High Racing & Entertainment, and Director of Racing, Simulcasting, Public Relations & Track Announcer at The Old Evangeline Downs. Beirne is a former Colorado State Racing Commissioner who held the position of chair for two years and vice-chair for three during his eight years of service.

The two new appointments reflect the increasing value of SIS’ products with sportsbook operators across the US and will help ensure the appropriate level of support for operator partners.

Richard Ames, CEO, SIS and President of SIS Content Services, said: “The US market presents a huge opportunity for SIS to grow, particularly with the anticipated roll-out of fixed-odds betting from state to state as well as the advancement in esports betting regulations. These two new appointments will strengthen SIS Content Services Inc. as we aim to further drive our market presence in the country.

“I believe the combination of knowledge, expertise and regulatory and commercial acumen they bring with them will prove to be of huge benefit not only to SIS Content Services but also all of our US partners.”

Michele Fischer, Vice President of SIS Content Services, said: “We strongly believe that the US will see major expansion, linked to fixed-odds horse racing and esports betting becoming increasingly adopted. With that in mind, it was always our plan to enhance our team with top-class hires from within the industry.

“Having previously worked with both individuals, I am confident each will make an immediate impact within the SIS team.”

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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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