Canada
Conference agenda set to shine light on Lotteries and Regulatory bodies at upcoming Canadian Gaming Summit

British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Ontario Lottery & Gaming (OLG) and The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), are amongst the many leading Canadian lotteries and regulators that are set to take the stage at this year’s Canadian Gaming Summit, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (June 14th – 15th).
With the Canadian Government establishing the provincial Crown Corporations, many companies such as BCLC and OLG, find themselves in the unique position of being a lottery as well as their own provincial regulators.
Across the conference agenda, representatives from crown corporations will be exploring the omnichannel experiences between lotteries and regulators and how this long standing relationship has positioned lotteries as a staple of Canadian gaming. Additionally, there will be a variety of wider panel discussions on topics such as First Nations business models, Canadian Law and the role innovative technology and improved regulations have in protecting players.
Kicking off the first day is an opening remarks segment by President & CEO of Ontario Lottery & Gaming, Duncan Hannay. Since launching Ontario’s first lottery in 1975, OLG has become an industry juggernaut in the Ontario market, responsible for the province’s lotteries, casinos and slot machines. As a member of the crown corporation and overseeing their in-house regulators AGCO, Hannay is the ideal speaker to present attendees with a comprehensive introduction to both lotteries and regulators.
Representatives from Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan and BCLC will explore compliance models and regulations as they continue to differentiate between provinces, in the opening keynote panel, “Collaborating for the Canadian gamer: comparing provincial models on compliance, RG, licensing and more”.
Both Marie-Noelle Savoie (Chief Compliance Officer, BCLC) and Steve Tunison (Vice President of Gaming, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan), will also discuss the intricacies of being both a lottery and a regulator and explore the avenues in which the industry can utilize innovative technology and compliance regulations to further protect and benefit Canadian players. Regulatory expert Earle G Hall (Chairman, International Gaming Standards Association) will moderate the keynote panel.
Leading authority Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), have made waves within the Canadian industry as they perfected the Gaming Framework Agreement propelling themselves into the digital gaming space whilst also incorporating an innovative business model that continuously gives back to local communities.
Opening the second core day of the event with an exclusive keynote fireside chat “First Nations partnerships: the SIGA model in action”, SIGA representatives Patricia Cook (Vice President of Corporate Affairs) and Desiree Gervais (Vice President of Human Resources), will discuss the path which led to SIGA positioning themselves as a dominant force within the Canadian landscape and how to utilize regulatory frameworks to spur company growth, innovation and player satisfaction.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “Despite the Canadian gaming landscape evolving so dramatically over the years, Crown Corporations have remained a staple of the industry. With many provinces taking different approaches to regulation, the Canadian landscape offers a unique perspective that many attendees can learn from as more provincial markets emerge.”
Additional lottery and regulatory experts will feature across the event on panels such as “Ontario – One Year Later”, which will feature contributions from Doug Downey (Attorney General of Ontario), Martha Otton (Executive Director, iGaming Ontario) and Dave Forestell (Board Chair, iGaming Ontario) and the panel “Bringing emerging technology and innovation to land-based gaming” in which Thy Prak (AVP Gaming Operations, SIGA) and Larry Flynn (Former SVP Gaming, OLG) will feature.
Furthermore, attendees will be able to hear from a variety AGCO representatives such as Christopher Hovius (Senior Counsel), Derek Ramm (Director Anti-Money Laundering) and Brent McCurdy (Deputy COO) and OLG representatives David Fraser (Senior Dir cGaming), Aaron GlynWilliams (Director, Social Responsibility), Catherine Meade (VP Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility) and Sunil Chand (VP Cyber & Information Security).
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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