Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/02/21
Hard Rock Casino Ottawa becomes sponsor of PWHL’s Ottawa Charge
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced that the ice hockey team Ottawa Charge will be entering a partnership with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
The collaboration is part of Hard Rock’s CA$350 million construction project. Guests will soon enjoy a revamped space, including new restaurants and gaming spaces. Construction began in 2023 and is expected to produce significant tax revenue for the Province of Ontario and the federal government.
“There is plenty to be excited about in Ottawa! Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa and the Ottawa Charge are two dynamic brands in our nation’s capital, and we are thrilled to partner with the team to offer premier entertainment options for thrill seekers in eastern Ontario and beyond,” said Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa President, Christine Crump.
Hard Rock’s alliance with Ottawa Charge will include in-arena experiences for Charge fans and additional social media contests, allowing fans to win even more game-day experiences.
“Hard Rock is synonymous with legendary moments and leading entertainment—the same energy we strive to bring to Ottawa Charge fans every game,” said Erin Thompson, Ottawa Charge Team Director. “Together, we’re excited to deliver more unforgettable experiences to Ottawa and continue building the passion that makes our city so special.”
North Star Network acquires Canadian casino platform Bojoko
The sports media network North Star Network has announced its acquisition of the online casino group Bojoko and its assets.
Bojoko launched in 2017 and has since operated in the United Kingdom and Canada. It offers players in the region access to a variety of casino games, bingo, and sports betting options.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bojoko into the North Star Network. Bojoko has built an excellent reputation in the industry for its user-driven approach, commitment to true quality, and innovative platform,” said North Star Network co-founder and CEO Julien Josset. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to expand our influence in the iGaming industry, giving us an instant footing in the casino vertical.
The deal between North Star Network and Bojoko benefits both parties, allowing them to expand their presence in the iGaming sphere and extend their services to operators globally.
“This is a monumental step forward for Bojoko. Since day one, our goal has been to empower players with expert insights and easy tools that allow them to make informed choices,” Bojoko co-founder and CEO Joonas Karhu began. “With North Star Network backing us, we’re now in a position to enhance our solutions, expand, and bring our expertise in the online gambling space to new audiences worldwide. This partnership opens the door for unprecedented growth and innovation.”
Political betting intensifies on Ontario sportsbooks
Current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the Canadian nation on January 6, announcing that he would be stepping down from his position as leader of the Liberal Party. Since then, the race to replace Trudeau has been heating up.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford appears to be the favorite to win the Ontario election as his Progressive Conservative Party leads the polls. Still, as it becomes closer to election day, Ontario sportsbooks have decided to join in on the action.
BetMGM has offered a betting market on who will come second in the Ontario Legislature. The Liberals are at -278, the NDP is at +175, the Conservatives are at +2000, and the Green Party has odds of +10,000.
For the race to become the next Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Polierve leads BetMGM’s betting odds at -325, followed by the Liberal Party at +225. Fanduel Canada appears to have similar odds, with the Conservatives leading at -400 and followed by the Liberals at +250.
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
