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THE CANADIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

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THE CANADIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

 

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) announced the appointment of four new members of the Association’s Board of Directors, which took place during the CGA’s Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2024.
Peter Czegledy, Aird & Berlis LLP
Peter Czegledy is a Partner and member of the Corporate/Commercial Group at Aird & Berlis LLP, as well as Chair of the firm’s Gaming Group, and co-Chair of the firm’s Esports & Gaming Group and Sports, Media & Entertainment Group. Peter has substantial expertise in the area of gambling and gaming law, with experience both in the acquisition/establishment phase and as ongoing corporate counsel managing compliance with applicable regulatory regimes and advising on technological applications. He is regularly consulted by governments and their regulators for policy and legal advice. He has acted in both private transactions and public procurements, and has represented a multitude of leading participants in the casino, track, igaming, mobile gambling, skills gaming and social gaming industries.
Lindsay Slader, GeoComply
Lindsay Slader is the SVP of Compliance at GeoComply, a cybersecurity and fraud prevention firm that delivers geolocation and user authentication technologies to the gaming, media & entertainment, online banking, payments, and cryptocurrency industries. Having worked in the internet gaming and digital services industries for seventeen years, Lindsay is a recognized expert in her field. Over the last decade, she has provided expert witness testimony on regulatory compliance, geolocation technologies, and her gaming industry expertise at several legislative hearings. Prior to GeoComply, she spent five years specializing in regulatory compliance and business development at Gaming Laboratories International. Lindsay’s contributions to the iGaming industry have led her to win awards such as the 2019 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 and the 2021 iGaming Business Most Influential Women.  Lindsay also currently serves on the board of directors of MVB Financial Corp.
Derek Ramm, Kinectify
Derek Ramm is the Global Head of Advisory Services at Kinectify, an AML risk management technology and advisory company that focuses on the gaming industry. He has extensive experience in the compliance and financial intelligence fields, and has brought his expertise to both the public and private sectors, providing him with a unique and well-rounded perspective to business challenges. Prior to joining Kinectify, Derek served as the Director of Anti-Money Laundering at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, where he led the agency’s AML regulatory oversight initiatives in the gaming, horse racing, liquor and cannabis industries. Derek was previously the Managing Principal at MT>Play, an advisory venture of McCarthy Tetrault that provided strategic advice to gaming organizations and governments around the world. He has also held senior roles at Canada’s federal financial intelligence unit (FINTRAC), the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and was the chief anti-money laundering officer at one of North America’s largest independent investment management firms. He was also appointed by the Government of Bermuda to serve as a Commissioner on the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission.
Terry McInally, Gateway Casinos
Terry McInally is the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Technology & Interactive Officer for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, one of the largest and most diversified gaming and entertainment companies in Canada.  At Gateway he oversees compliance, surveillance, security, AML, RG, internal audit, insurance, risk, interactive and all aspects of technology. He has 20+ years of industry experience in compliance, operations, risk management, audit, stakeholder management, business strategy development, change/project management, regulatory reform, and IT.  Prior to joining Gateway, Terry has been a gaming executive in numerous organizations including, an executive with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Managing Director and National Consulting Gaming Practice Leader for PwC Canada and a Risk & Technology Partner and Gaming Practice Leader with Richter LLP.  Along with his extensive private and public experience, Terry is also a CPA and holds a CISA and Honors BA from the University of Toronto.
In addition, Neil Erlick and Chuck Keeling were reappointed for a second three-year term.
“We are delighted to welcome Peter, Lindsay, Derek, and Terry to the Board. Their diverse expertise and insights will play a critical role in helping CGA further its mission to support a regulated and responsible industry through education, collaboration, and advocacy,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO of the CGA. “Their perspectives and regional representation will strengthen our efforts and ensure we continue making meaningful progress.”
The Full 2024/2025 CGA Board of Directors
  • Bruce Caughill, Managing Director, Canada, Rush Street Interactive
  • Peter Czegledy, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
  • Neil Erlick, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Nuvei
  • Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech
  • Dale Hooper, General Manager Canada, FanDuel
  • Chuck Keeling, EVP, SH Engagement, Community and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Entertainment
  • David Lucchese, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Everi
  • Adrianne McGrath, Vice President, Business Development, Konami Gaming
  • Terry McInally, Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Information Officer, Gateway Casinos
  • Niaz Nejad, Managing Director, Americas – Gaming, Light & Wonder
  • Bob Parente, SVP Chief Revenue Officer, Gaming, Light & Wonder
  • Derek Ramm, Global Head, Advisory Services, Kinectify
  • Lindsay Slader, SVP Compliance, GeoComply
  • Richard Taylor, President, MGE Entertainment – Fallsview
  • Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer Canada, PointsBet Canada

Canada

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.

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Canada

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.

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Canada

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.

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