Canada
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto Announces Launch of Poker Room

The new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto has recently announced that it will be launching its Poker Room later this summer. Also, its brand-new 400-room hotel will also commence operations with an August 1, 2023 launch date. The company said reservations for The Hotel are now open and can be booked.
The first phase of Great Canadian Toronto opened on June 20, unveiling a new gaming floor featuring 4800 slot machines, 145 table games, a variety of dining options and a 3800-space parkade. The opening of the poker room and hotel are the next significant milestones in the destination’s development, followed in the coming months with the opening of a state-of-the-art 5000-person entertainment venue, additional dining options and retail.
As part of the Great Canadian Toronto’s commitment to responsible gambling, the property also features two PlaySmart Centres on the gaming floor, filled with engaging interactive tools and valuable responsible gambling resources available for all players, including information on how to participate in OLG’s voluntary My PlayBreak program if they choose to take a break from gambling.
The new poker room will cater to the market’s vibrant poker community. When complete, the poker room will offer 30 tables on a completely private floor with electronic table games and slots available for those waiting and “No Limit” and “Limit” stakes at varying levels, setting the stage for thrilling gameplay. The addition of larger poker tournaments will also be a main feature in the new poker room.
For players seeking an elevated gaming experience, the poker room will include four tables situated in a semi-private area. This exclusive section will cater to higher stakes games and final tables, creating an intimate setting for discerning players.
The introduction of poker at Great Canadian Toronto will also provide exciting opportunities for poker players at Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel (Great Blue Heron). Both properties will offer entry into some of Canada’s largest poker tournaments, further solidifying their positions as premier poker destinations. Additionally, with combined “Bad Beat” Jackpots connecting players from both Great Canadian Toronto and Great Blue Heron, the properties will aim to establish themselves as a leading destination for both local and international poker enthusiasts.
The much-anticipated opening of The Hotel at Great Canadian Toronto on August 1 marks an opportunity to cater to both leisure and business travellers. With 400 well-appointed rooms, The Hotel promises an extraordinary experience, blending modernity, comfort, and excitement under one roof.
Nestled just minutes from Toronto Pearson Airport, nearly half of the guest rooms boast breathtaking views of the legendary Woodbine Racetrack. These spacious accommodations range from 400 square feet to 840 square feet and include several accessible rooms and suites, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of guests.
Each guest room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities including a 55” Smart TV, in-room safe, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridge, and a coffee maker, providing convenience at their fingertips.
For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, prestige suites offer an array of additional features including a separate living room, a fully equipped kitchenette with a full-size fridge and microwave, and a spacious bathroom featuring a separate tub and shower.
Canada
Soft2Bet’s Brand ToonieBet Named an Official Sports Betting and Casino Partner of the CFL

ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s premier sportsbook and online casino brand tailored for Canadian players, has been named both an Official Sports Betting Partner and an Official Online Casino Partner of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
The multiyear partnership also establishes ToonieBet as an Official Partner of the CFL’s championship game, the Grey Cup. Fans from coast to coast to coast annually gather for Canada’s largest single-day sporting event to celebrate an incredible season, and to witness one team earn the right to hoist the iconic trophy. The 112th Grey Cup will be played at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday, November 16.
Fans in Ontario aged 19-and-over will be able to responsibly wager on CFL games through ToonieBet with access to in-game betting and futures. The collaboration will also explore exciting branded online casino experiences on the ToonieBet platform to entertain existing fans and engage new ones.
ToonieBet’s partnership with the CFL underscores Soft2Bet’s ongoing commitment to Canadian sports fans and a further investment in the Canadian sporting tradition, as the deal marks Soft2Bet’s second sports partnership in the country within the last three months, following ToonieBet’s designation as the Official Online Casino Partner of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which was recently expanded with a full sportsbook offering.
“This partnership is for the fans. Together with ToonieBet, we will unlock exciting avenues of entertainment, delivering new products, responsible gaming options and unique activations, to better serve the future of fandom. In the stadium, at home or online, we’re doubling down on engagement and innovation like never before,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.
“Partnering with the CFL will elevate our robust offerings in the Canadian market and allow us to continue building our passionate sports and online gaming community in Ontario. Our team at ToonieBet is deeply committed to building a premium fan experience, while delivering exceptional customer hospitality and ensuring both responsible and safe game play,” said Steve Spindler, ToonieBet’s Canadian Country Manager.
“We are proud to partner with the CFL and its local teams. This partnership goes beyond visibility – it’s about building relevance and establishing a real connection with fans. Aligning with one of Canada’s most trusted leagues allows us to strengthen our bond with Ontarians and deliver a best-in-class sports betting and gaming experience through ToonieBet,” said Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet.
Additionally, ToonieBet has been designated as an Official Authorized Gaming Operator of the CFL, allowing Soft2Bet to deliver best-in-class gaming experiences with official CFL data and statistics to sports fans and sportsbook users across Ontario through the ToonieBet platform.
ToonieBet will also serve as the presenting partner of CFL Fantasy, and the Game Tracker in Ontario on CFL.ca and LCF.ca, in addition to being the CFL’s odds provider on the league’s digital scoreboard.
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.
Canada
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.
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