Ontario Regulator Grants iGaming License to Fresh Operator

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has awarded an iGaming operator license to a new entrant targeting the province's burgeoning online casino market. Backed by a consortium with deep roots in European gaming operations, the operator plans to launch its platform in early November 2025, integrating advanced responsible gambling features from the outset. This development underscores Ontario's rapid maturation as a regulated hub, attracting international capital while enforcing stringent player protection standards.

Key Takeaways

• Market Acceleration: The license enables immediate access to Ontario's estimated CAD 2 billion annual iGaming revenue, intensifying competition among the province's 50+ licensed operators.
• Regulatory Rigor: Approval under the AGCO's iGaming framework mandates real-time monitoring and compliance with the Enhanced Player Assistance Program, setting a benchmark for newcomer accountability.
• Player Benefits: Consumers gain another vetted option with geo-fenced access, diverse game portfolios, and mandatory self-exclusion tools, fostering safer engagement.

Ontario's iGaming sector, launched in April 2022 following the province's exit from a monopoly model, has evolved swiftly into one of North America's most tightly controlled markets outside the US. The AGCO, operating under the Ministry of the Attorney General, oversees licensing through a three-tier system: operator, gaming service (for software), and gaming-related supplier approvals. This structure ensures all participants meet financial stability, anti-money laundering (AML), and responsible gambling criteria, with licenses renewable annually upon audit.

The new operator, a subsidiary of Stockholm-based Innovate Gaming Ltd—a firm with a decade of experience managing MGA-licensed platforms in Sweden and Malta—received its certificate on October 14, 2025. The parent company's ownership includes a 60% stake held by European venture capital firm NordiCap, emphasizing tech-driven expansions into regulated emerging markets. Unlike looser jurisdictions such as Curacao, Ontario's regime requires operators to register with iAGCO, the central registry for player self-exclusion, and integrate behavioural analytics to detect vulnerability early.

This entry arrives amid a competitive landscape where incumbents like BetMGM and FanDuel dominate, yet room exists for niche players focusing on localized content and seamless mobile experiences. The operator's planned debut features partnerships with European suppliers like Evolution Gaming for live dealer tables and NetEnt for slots, tailored to Canadian preferences with CAD settlements and French-language support. Launch timelines align with AGCO's 30-day operational grace period post-approval, positioning the platform for peak holiday traffic.

For regulators, the influx of vetted newcomers bolsters the ecosystem's legitimacy, with Ontario's model influencing discussions in other Canadian provinces like British Columbia, which maintains a partial monopoly via Play Now. Operators benefit from the province's 20% revenue tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), offset by marketing allowances and no corporate tax on iGaming profits for non-residents. Players, meanwhile, enjoy enhanced protections: mandatory deposit limits starting at CAD 100 daily, mandatory reality checks after one hour of play, and net win/loss statements—features that have reduced harm incidents by 15% since 2023, per AGCO reports.

Industry-wide, this license highlights Ontario's appeal as a gateway for global firms seeking a North American foothold without US complexities. With 1.5 million active users already, the market's growth trajectory—projected at 12% CAGR through 2028—promises sustained innovation, though challenges like payment processor integrations persist due to federal banking rules. As more approvals follow, the focus shifts to balancing expansion with integrity, ensuring Ontario remains a model for responsible commercialization.

Sources: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; Innovate Gaming Ltd. Press Office