Casino News Canada: Playtech, Canadian Gaming Summit & AGCO CEO Covered!

Stay updated on Casino News Canada including Playtech’s Hard Rock Digital partnership, Canadian Gaming Summit highlights & AGCO’s CEO search. (Photo by Greyerbaby on Pixabay)

Today’s Canadian casino new round-up covers three online gambling news stories circulating in the headlines across the iGaming scene in the country. Namely, Playtech’s purchase of equity in Hard Rock Digital, news coming out of the Canadian Gaming Summit’s committee, and an update on the search for a replacement for the AGCO CEO who is looking to step down from his position.

Playtech Secures a Partnership Deal & Equity in Har Rock Digital

Not so long ago Playtech was hitting the headlines as a battle to take over the UK company ensued between Australian gambling brand Aristocrat and a Hong Kong hedge fund that was the talk of the industry. However, news of a sale has subsided, and instead, it is now Playtech doing the bidding!

An announcement that we didn’t see coming recently hit Canadian, US and UK headlines as Playtech confirmed it has purchased equity in Hard Rock Digital. The deal also means the game developer will supply Hard Rock online casinos with its online casino verticals, which I assume will include Playtech live dealer games via the New Jersey live dealer studio.

However, there is also another underlying story brewing here, however, it is only speculation. As Playtech appears to have some influence on the Ontario online gambling market, Hard Rock may even hit the province’s iGaming and sports betting scene. At this time, Playtech is the new operator behind NorthStar Bets after acquiring the casino’s parent company, and the company was also behind the introduction of the Mansion brand into the Ontario iGaming market.

For now, we will have to sit back and watch how the headlines unfold on this one. As mentioned, it is speculation, but at the same time a possibility. There is already a Hard Rock land-based casino in Vancouver. Hard Rock online casino is also popular in New Jersey boasting more than $229,994,923 million in revenue since it came online in the state.

Canadian Gaming Summit to Feature Top Canadian Casino Operators & Suppliers

Those connected to Canadian online gambling are getting ready for what the event organizers are describing as a thrilling experience at the Canadian Gaming Summit, Canada’s foremost gaming and betting event!

The 26th edition of the event will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 14, highlighting the ‘Leaders’ conference track. This segment spotlights prominent decision-makers and innovators from the Canadian gaming industry. This dynamic exhibition offers an array of products, services, and countless networking opportunities, along with an outstanding conference featuring a top-notch line-up of speakers, curated by SBC.

Attendees can expect valuable insights from Canada’s leading operators, including PointsBet, BetMGM, Kindred, and FanDuel. Moreover, they’ll have the unique chance to engage with regulators and network with industry peers.

The opening panel focuses on Canada’s potential as an international iGaming innovation hub, with panellists from major operators discussing strategies, regulatory collaboration, and the potential for provinces outside Ontario to chart their course. The second panel features regulators sharing insights from Ontario’s market opening and discussing lessons applicable to other provinces and territories. They’ll also examine collaboration on best practices, and expansion tactics, and analyze predictions made when the Ontario market opened.

In the closing fireside chat, Ray Pineault (Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment) and Ilkim Hincer (Hard Rock International) will delve into the convergence of iGaming, land-based gaming, and provincial lotteries. They’ll discuss capitalizing on core values, the importance of partnerships with regulators and First Nations, and the potential for omnichannel experiences.

Tickets for the event are already on sale and there is an early bird price of CA$ 795 until 14 April at which point event tickets will cost CA$ 995.

AGCO Licensing Authority Still Looking for a New Exec

As the impending retirement of CEO and Registrar Tom Mungham approaches, The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is on the hunt for a replacement.

Mungham’s journey at AGCO began in 2006 as the Director of Licensing and Registration, and he later took on the role of CEO in 2020, with the title of Registrar added to his responsibilities. However, he is set to leave the company in the fall, prompting AGCO to engage an executive search firm to assist in finding his successor.

The AGCO Board of Directors’ Chair, Lalit Aggarwal, expressed his gratitude for Mungham’s outstanding contributions and exceptional leadership throughout his 17-year career at AGCO. He praised Mungham’s unwavering commitment to the values of integrity, respect, accountability, and public interest. Wishing him well in his well-earned next chapter, Aggarwal extended the board and staff’s deepest appreciation.

Recently, Mungham was responsible for the creation and regulatory supervision of Ontario’s new online gaming market. The AGCO’s success has already earned the regulatory authority the Regulatory Excellence accolade in 2022 coming from the International Association of Gaming Regulators’.

On top of this, during his tenure at AGCO, he played a vital role in various initiatives, such as modernizing and expanding land-based gambling venues, regulating OLG lotteries, growing the charitable gaming sectors, and merging the Ontario Racing Commission with AGCO.

Under Mungham’s leadership, the agency has emphasized Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DI&A) and is presently implementing a robust, multi-year DI&A strategy.

Mungham will continue with his role during the search for his replacement, ensuring a smooth transition until his successor takes over. The AGCO looks forward to welcoming a new leader who will build upon Mungham’s impressive legacy.