

Canada
US industry veteran, former DraftKings executive, Jamie Shea appointed as CMO for Strive Gaming
Jamie appointed by Strive Gaming to lead the marketing efforts of the industry’s leading B2B
Strive Gaming, the first platform business specifically set up to meet the multi-state requirements of gambling operators across North America, has announced that it is further strengthening its senior leadership team with the appointment of Jamie Shea as Chief Marketing Officer.
Jamie was formerly VP of Sportsbook Operations and VP of VIP Marketing at DraftKings, playing a critical role in its growth following PASPA’s repeal.
Prior to that, Jamie headed up several sportsbooks across Nevada including the Flamingo, Venetian, Hard Rock, and Station Casinos. Prior to the repeal of PASPA, Jamie worked with IGT to customize the IGT platform for consumption in the US market as well as leading the marketing and sales of said system, before moving to DraftKings.
In her new role as CMO, Jamie will manage all B2B marketing activities, all communication practices internally, externally and will lead the Managed Services function. The latter function is a 24/7 department of customer support agents, payment, risk & fraud agents, CRM experts, more for those customers of Strive Gaming who want this service in addition to the platform and native mobile apps the business provides.
Shea will work between Las Vegas, Nevada and Vancouver, Canada, the latter being where Strive Gaming has its main headquarters operationally in North America. Strive Gaming also has offices in the United Kingdom and Malta.
Max Meltzer, Chief Executive Office at Strive Gaming, said: “Appointing Jamie to our C-level is another milestone moment for Strive Gaming, as we build on our reputation for being the number one B2B player platform in North America.
“Jamie’s extensive experience at DraftKings and unparalleled knowledge working for casino operator such as Caesars means that very few people have the same combined deep level of knowledge of acquisition, retention, cross sell across different channels as it relates physical on-premise and digital sportsbook and casino players throughout the US.
“Jamie understands platforms, technology, people and is a joy to work with which is why we all look forward to working with Jamie.”
Jamie Shea, Chief Marketing Officer at Strive Gaming, said: “Following DraftKings, of whom I had a great time at driving sportsbook revenues, there were many opportunities but nothing is more exciting for me personally than joining Strive Gaming.”
“There are lots of companies vying for media, investor, customer attention but when you’ve been part of major US operations, it becomes really easy to identify the businesses that truly have great technology. I feel I can bring so much to the journey and help Strive communicate even more succinctly why operators should be choosing to partner with us. All while helping drive efficiencies internally through our managed services team.”
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.
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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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