

Canada
Gradual Re-Introduction of Professional Sports is a Boon for the Betting Industry
Casinos and gambling have been large markets for many years, but sports betting has a been a slow growing segment; until recently. The slow growth of sports betting in years past is, in large part, attributable to numerous legal restrictions across most states as well as a lack of access due to insufficient technological infrastructure. Now, the sports betting market is changing and growing rapidly. For example, after an agreement between Caesars Entertainment and Disney-owned ESPN, which made Caesars, through its sports betting partner, William Hill, a co-exclusive partner for gambling link-outs from ESPN, Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg expressed a positive outlook for the market. “We think there’s a lot of money to be made here over time, and we’re seeing a lot of interest from non-gaming operators… We have not seen a growth opportunity in this space in quite some time, so it’s an adjustment for analysts to look at a hyper-growth piece of a business that has been mature… We’re in the very early stages of legalization of sports betting,” Tom Reeg explained according to CNBC. FansUnite Entertainment Inc., Caesars Entertainment, Inc., MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Limited, DraftKings Inc.
As the legal system slowly becomes more friendly towards online sports betting, states around the country look towards the young and growing industry to raise tax revenue. Recently, the advancement of sports betting in Illinois took place, vastly expanding the mobile wagering options available to the state’s 12.7 million residents. Furthermore, data from Odds.com and published by Forbes showed that Illinois is poised to generate upwards of USD 73 Million in taxable revenue if the estimates of a USD 488 Million annual market come to fruition. The 15% tax levied on gaming revenue could see this number rapidly increase once measures to allow online and mobile offerings are put in place.
FansUnite Entertainment Inc. announced earlier last week that, “McBookie Ltd (“McBookie”) has continued its impressive performance since becoming part of FansUnite.
The Scottish based operator increased its overall year-over-year (“YOY”) turnover for the months of July and August by 108% – from $3M CAD to $6.3M CAD, with 78% of the turnover growth led by the return of sport.
The increase resulted in a YOY increase in Gross Gaming Revenue over the same period of 412%, resulting in gross gaming revenue of $371K for July and August 2020 and a gross margin of $161K. During the same period last year the platform generated $72K in gross gaming revenue resulting in a gross margin loss of $66K.
With the strong results over the last two months, McBookie is preparing to continue the positive trend with the return of the English Premier League and the other major European leagues in the coming weeks.
‘We are very pleased that McBookie has been able to continue its strong 2020 performance despite the slowdown in sports betting from the global pandemic,’ said Scott Burton, CEO of FansUnite. ‘The figures for the past 60 days have been exceptional and continue to validate our belief in this leading B2C betting brand and the management team behind it. For the duration of 2020, major European leagues are set to begin again and present a great opportunity for McBookie to capture the attention of new and existing customers. We will work directly with McBookie in ensuring their presence in the U.K. expands and they are in a position to service this growing user base of bettors.’
‘The team at FansUnite has worked very hard to improve all aspects of our business since joining FansUnite and it is great to see that replicated in the numbers,’ said Paul Petrie, founder and Director of McBookie. ‘With just one month to wait until the whole of Scottish football is back, having the resources and expertise of FansUnite helps puts us in an excellent position to continue building on our recent success.’
While the return of sport has provided an uptick in betting volume, casino turnover during the two-month period was strong as well with $3.1M wagered. McBookie will be looking to build on these numbers with the recent launch of a Live Casino product earlier this month.
‘After launching a successful Virtual Sports betting offering in March, we decided to expand our platform with the addition of a Live Casino,’ continued Paul Petrie. ‘It represents another betting alternative for our loyal customers and helps us diversify our revenue stream.’”
SOURCE FinancialBuzz.com
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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