Alberta iGaming Corporation CEO hints at spring/summer market launch at ICE Barcelona
Alberta is said to be a week away from APIs for centralized self-exclusion platform
Operator contracts said to be drafted over the next four-six weeks
We might be looking at a Spring/Summer launch for Alberta’s new iGaming market, according to Alberta iGaming Corporation Interim CEO Dan Keene, who hinted at that during a roundtable discussion at ICE Barcelona on Tuesday.
A view of the FanDuel logo on the boards during an NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in Boston. FanDuel is expected to be a player in Alberta when that market opens. (Image: Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
That’s according to a senior industry source, who attended the discussion on the topic of Alberta’s regulatory vision. Keene was “hinting strongly” Tuesday that the Alberta government wants the market open by spring or summer so it can then ramp up to the start of the new NFL season.
The Alberta iGaming Corporation was set up in the iGaming Alberta Act, or Bill 48, passed by the provincial government last year. New operators need to enter into an agreement with Alberta iGaming Corporation after getting a license from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).
Right now, the only platform where Albertans can legally place an online bet is the government’s PlayAlberta.ca platform. There’s a robust gray market currently operating in Alberta with dozens of legal offshore sportsbooks not licensed by the AGLC that remain accessible to residents there. Alberta’s gaming net operating income hit $1.57 billion in 2023-24, its highest level in seven years. Nearly 65% of Albertans aged 15 or over reported gambling activity in the past year.
Alberta Market Launch Closing in Fast
The source also told Casino.org that Keene said that Alberta is a week away from APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for centralized self-exclusion, and that operator contracts will be drafted over the next four to six weeks. A centralized self-exclusion system was reported last week as being a key foundation of the new iGaming market.
The Ontario iGaming market has been live for almost four years, and there’s just now talk about a self-exclusion system for players being launched by iGaming Ontario sometime this year.
Operator Contracts About to be Drafted
Last week, it was reported that Alberta was opening preregistration for operators looking to enter the market, with the proposed tax rate looking to be 20% on 97% gross gaming revenue (GGR).
In Ontario, operators pay a flat 20% tax on non-adjusted gross gaming revenues.
Operators are also looking at $200K fees, including a $150K annual license fee plus a one-time $50K application fee.
A senior industry source told Casino.org that the operators he was speaking with were a “little put off” with the Alberta government’s plan, and its projected rollout. The source believes some operators were “broadsided” with both the higher tax rate as well as the requirement for an SOC audit (a third-party independent examination that evaluates security controls and security architecture to protect customer data and systems), which would likely add a minimum of $1 to $2 million to market entry costs.
Operators “Broadsided”
“There’s no value, they don’t need a SOC audit,” said the industry source. Most of the European operators the source communicated with said they had never heard of an SOC audit.
“That’s a real cost problem, maybe not for big guys, but for small or medium operators. Taking a million dollars off the top, or $2 million off the top, is really going to hurt them,” he said. “The province was a little disingenuous on the tax rate. The operating tax rate isn’t 20% when you take three points off the top, it’s more like 22.5, so that’s not helpful.”
Operators take a whole laundry list of factors into consideration when deciding whether to go into a jurisdiction.
Alberta’s consultation was pretty weak,” the source said. “They didn’t talk to the operators about the business structure. They talked about RG and centralized self-exclusion, but they never talked to them about all of these costs that they’ve added. They told us it was going to be a 20% tax. That’s not a great way to start. When a government agency tells you trust us, we are going to give you the straight goods, and they don’t, that has everyone feeling a little uneasy.”
FanDuel, BetMGM, theScore Bet, BetRivers, DraftKings, and NorthStar Bets are expected to be among the first operators to enter the Alberta market.
48 licensed igaming operators currently doing business in the province
DAZN Bet is coming to Ontario; with the news the global sports streaming and entertainment giant has secured an igaming license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. DAZN Bet’s online sports betting and gaming platform will soon go live in a crowded Ontario igaming marketplace.
A DAZN television microphone is seen during the Serie A 2025/2026 football match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico. Rome (Italy). DAZN Bet just launched in Ontario. (Image: Elianton/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
DAZN Bet will be launched in Ontario in partnership with Pragmatic Group to integrate sports betting into DAZN Group’s live sports streaming platform.
First reported by Covers, DAZN Bet still needs to finalize its operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. Then a launch date can be released to the public.
48 Licensed Betting Operators
According to iGaming Ontario, there are currently 48 licensed operators in the province, with 82 sports betting and online casino websites. That doesn’t include the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s Proline platform.
DAZN Bet was launched with Pragmatic Group, a platform technology and content provider for the betting and gaming industry, in April 2022. The business, leveraging the DAZN customer base, focuses on in-play betting, is headquartered in Gibraltar.
Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group has said in the past the future is the convergence of sports media and betting.
Live NFL and Soccer
DAZN Canada was launched in 2017, and offers live and on-demand coverage of major events. It’s the exclusive home for NFL Game Pass in Canada. For fans that means access to every pre-season, regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl game live, plus NFL RedZone and NFL Network, with no blackouts.
Same deal for soccer fans. DAZN has exclusive rights to UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and Bundesliga, Serie A matches and World Cup qualifiers.
Impatient finger-tapping, waiting on Alberta’s market launch
Premier Ford’s Niagara Falls casino gambit
It’s tough to chop down 2025 Canadian gaming stories to a Top 5, but we’re game to give it a try anyway.
Another year on the Canadian gaming front comes to a close. Here are our Top 5 stories for 2025, with eye on what to expect in 2026. (Image: Unsplash)
For example, whatever happened to the National Sports Betting Solution, initiated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) last Spring, aimed at competing with the private sector operators by rolling out a new cohesive national sports betting solution? BCLC and ALC said they were partnering up to build the new “best in class” platform and were conducting a request for proposal via the MERX platform on behalf of BCLC. Closing date for proposals got pushed to May 5.
“Atlantic Lottery, along with the other provincial lotteries partnering on this RFP, continue to finalize an agreement as part of the standard procurement process,” a spokesperson from ALC told us just before Christmas. “The results will be publicly posted when a successful proponent has been identified.”
That easily would have made our Top 5, if the crown corporations got it going.
It’s kind of gone down the rabbit hole,” said an industry source. “If this is how long it takes for you (lottery corporations) to make decisions no wonder you have 11% market share in sports. It shouldn’t take this long to evaluate and decide.”
1. Canadian Gaming: Hello, Alberta?
It was in the heat of June that we last got an on-the-record update from someone representing the Alberta government about the launch timing of a new igaming regulatory regime in that fine Western province. Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, stood up in front of a crowd at the Canadian Gaming Summit, the annual industry get-together shindig, in Toronto, to update the crowd there.
How many operators will jump in right away? Ontario currently has 48 licensed igaming operators, according to the iGaming Ontario site. How close will it be to the Ontario model? We know Albertans love their gaming.
There’s lots of you today that want me to tell you about our advertising, about our tax rate, about things like that,” said Nally then. “We haven’t answered those questions yet. So in terms of next steps, we’re participating in consultations.
“In term of timeframes, I can’t give you a month, but I can tell you early next year, we’re going to be cutting the ribbon on iGaming in Alberta, and we’re very excited to be able to offer that. We’re going to have more to share with you in the near future.”
2. How’s Ontario Faring? A Billion Reasons Why It’s Going Well
As a senior industry source told us last week, the more restrictions you place on the marketplace in a jurisdiction, the less consumer demand is met. He was speaking about why there hasn’t been the upswell of support for legalizing prediction markets in Ontario, like we’re seeing in the U.S., with FanDuel and DraftKings rolling out their own versions of what Polymarket and Kalshi have been doing.
Ontario never capped the number of licensees here, and, boy, has that been reflected in the provincial financial summaries released by iGaming Ontario on a monthly basis. Let the market determine where the players are going to go, not governments or regulators. That’s why you have the mess you have in many U.S. jurisdictions, as prediction markets collide with sportsbook operators, the industry source said.
November was a doozy. Total cash wagers that month were at CAD $9.33 billion, another record for the province, up one per cent from the previous high set in October. Total non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) also set a record, at CAD $406.2 million, a big 10% jump from the previous month.
3. Dougie’s Niagara Falls Casino Gambit
We’ll work to get a Mohegan statement in the New Year, but how would you have liked to have been sitting in their offices when Ontario Premier Doug Ford rolled out his big plans to radically expand Niagara Falls into a casino hub in a news conference earlier this month? There are currently two Niagara Falls casinos – Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara. Mohegan has a revenue-share agreement with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation through 2040 to operate those.
Ford’s looking to change the landscape. His Progressive Conservative Party was elected to another majority government in February. Ford’s been really outspoken about bolstering Ontario’s economic standing in light of the damage U.S. tariffs have inflicted on the province and turning Niagara Falls into more of an international Las Vegas-style casino hub, with all the other entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants that would accompany that, and all the potential tax revenue, is a big part of that.
The risk in building out Niagara Falls comes down to the fact it will have a cascading impact (litigation?) on operators like Great Canadian Entertainment with its Woodbine Toronto property and Caesars wth the casino in Windsor. Not to mention, of course, Mohegan.
Mohegan: Pick It Up
“All the big casinos in Las Vegas, we’re serious,” said Ford during a news conference earlier this month. “It’s happening. Get on board, come and put in a proposal, and tell us how you’re going to build a billion dollar casino, hotel with attractions, with cinemas inside, with live theater. That’s what we’re looking for. Casino itself is good, but it’s everything else that comes along with the casinos.
Mohegan is ragging the puck (hockey parlance, meaning pass the puck more). They got to make a decision. You’re either on board or you’re out. Simple. I’m tired of screwing around. We have to build Niagara. We have to invite other casinos in, and (Mohegan) better come to the table. We’re working with them. We’re doing everything we can, but we’ve been working with them for about two years. Now, enough is enough, and we’re moving with you or without you. I prefer to move with you, but if you don’t move, we’re going ahead.”
Your move, Mohegan.
4. Great Canadian Entertainment Unloads Multiple Properties
Also, on the Canadian casino news front, it seemed every month for awhile there we were writing on another Great Canadian Entertainment B.C. casino being sold to a First Nation. Five properties alone have been sold to Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
The Casino Vancouver deal this month was the fifth major casino acquisition in B.C. for the Snuneymuxw involving Great Canadian. Casino Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Elements Casino Victoria, River Rock Casino Resort, and Chances Maple Ridge have also been sold to PDG. Great Canadian Entertainment also announced the sales of Elements Casino Chilliwack to Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd., and Hastings Casino in Vancouver to Tsleil-Waututh Nation in 2025.
Again, getting a comment about actual intentions is like pulling teeth, but we’ll keep trying. Makes you wonder about Ford’s comments about Niagara Falls casino expansion, and Great Canadian Entertainment’s plans for that once it shakes out more.
5. Canadian Lottery Coalition and the Liquidity Question
As reported in Canadian Gaming Business on Dec. 23, three lottery corporations (BCLC, ALC, and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries) filed an appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada over an Ontario Court of Appeal decision in November opening the doors for Ontario-based online poker and daily fantasy sports (DFS) players to compete against people outside Canada. Casino.org earlier wrote about the likelihood of a Supreme Court appeal here.
“I think this thing has zero chance in Supreme Court,” said an industry source.
In that landmark decision, the Ontario Court of Appeal, in a 4-1 ruling, decided that Ontario can legally offer international liquidity — a ruling that will shake up the igaming industry in the province. The President of iGaming Ontario, Joseph Hillier, referenced that huge potential impact in our talk with him the week before Christmas. Big revenue boost coming for Ontario, plus it opens the doors to interprovincial cooperation via liquidity when Alberta opens up.
Canadian Gaming Bonus: National Advertising Legislation Coming
The federal Liberal Party currently has a minority government, just one seat away from a majority (and an intrepid inside-the-Liberal-Party source tells us to expect another Conservative MP to cross the aisle and join the Liberals in 2026, giving them the majority government they seek).
Why do we mention this? Because the National Advertising Standards Bill, sponsored by Senator Marty Deacon (now Bill S-211) , has been bandied about in Canada’s Parliament since the Montreal Canadiens last won an NHL playoff series, it seems. There’s always the risk a minority government gets taken down by a non-confidence vote, so Deacon we are sure really wants to see the Bill cross the goal line.
Bill S-211 is having a second reading in the House of Commons, after having already passed through the Senate. Parliament is set to return on January 26.
B.C. man charged with money laundering after lengthy police investigation
Luxury cars and $17k in cash seized
14 individuals charged in 2024
B.C. police they have arrested a man after discovering an alleged illegal gambling house in the Saanich area on Vancouver Island.
A 55-year-old B.C. man has been charged with money laundering after an illegal gaming house arrest. Image: Shutterstock
According to a statement by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s Joint Illegal Gaming Investigation Team, a 55-year-old man from Esquimalt is facing multiple charges after an investigation going back to January 2024 found “substantial evidence” that multiple individuals were involved in the operation of an illegal gaming establishment.
Significant Evidence
In August 2024, JIGIT, with the help from the CFSEU-BC Island Team, CFSEU-BC Uniform Gang Enforcement Team, the Saanich Police Department and the Victoria Police Department executed multiple search warrants in Saanich and Victoria.
Fourteen people were arrested after that enforcement action in 2024.
After the warrants were issued, officers seized two poker tables, several thousand poker chips, multiple electronic decides used by alleged managers of the gaming house, ledgers, tax documentation and around $17,000 in cash.
Luxury Vehicles
Subsequent search warrants led to the seizure of a 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, a 2020 Land Rover, and a 2014 Mercedes SL550 as proceeds of crime.
After the investigation, Bryan William Toth on Nov. 21 was charged with keeping a common gaming house, possession of proceeds of crime, and money laundering. Toth turned himself in yesterday and was released on conditions until his next court appearance.
“These results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to disrupting criminal enterprises operating in British Columbia,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer of CFSEU-BC. “Illegal gaming houses are often intertwined with organized crime, and this investigation sends a clear message: CFSEU-BC will continue to investigate, dismantle, and hold accountable those who profit from criminal activity.”
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan issues CAD $2.2 million in community grants in Q2
Charitable gaming grants are funded by earnings generated from Saskatchewan’s gaming industry operators
Saskatchewan saw a slight decrease in charitable gaming grants handed over by Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) in Q2 2025-26, compared to the previous quarter, according to a statement issued by the crown corporation.
Exterior shot of Casino Regina. Image: Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan.
LGS issued CAD $2.2 million in charitable gaming grants to community groups across the province compared to $2.49 million in Q1.
More than 1,000 groups and organizations in Saskatchewan were given grants.
LGS runs the province’s gambling scene, overseeing lotteries, games like Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and Western Max, casinos and online gaming.
“Charitable gaming grants are one of the ways our government delivers for the people of Saskatchewan,” Minister Responsible for LGS Jeremy Harrison said. “This latest round of grants helped support more than 1,000 charitable and nonprofit organizations involved in a diverse range of activities, including arts, culture and sport, hospital foundations, service clubs and more.”
LGS Tops Up Money Raised
Groups in more than 200 Saskatchewan communities received charitable grants – around $490,000 were distributed to groups in Saskatoon, around $370,000 went to groups on Regina, with more than $188,000 going to groups in Prince Albert and surrounding area, more than $89,000 to the Meadow Lake area, more than $132,000 to the Humbolt, Melfort area, more than $103,000 to the Yorkton, Melville area, more than $133,000 to the Swift Current area, and more than $40,000 to Weyburn, Estevan and the surrounding area.
The grants are paid to groups and organizations that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities like bingo, raffles, poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. LGS tops up what these groups and organizations raise from their activities. The grants are equal to 25% of the net revenue raised by each charitable event – to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.
The charitable gaming grants are funded by earnings generated from Saskatchewan’s gaming industry operators including VLTs, casinos, lotteries and PlayNow.com. The amount of the grant that is given to the charitable group or organization is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization.
Maximum of $100,000 Per Group
“This grant enhances our ability to offer inclusive and comprehensive training opportunities to ensure swimmers of all backgrounds have the chance to excel,” said Saskatoon Goldfins Swim Club General Manager Jennifer Robinson, one of the recipients of a grant. “Through the generosity of the grant, we have been able to support athletes at prestigious events such as the Saskatchewan Summer Games, Canada Summer Games, North American Indigenous Games and Canadian National Championships, and contribute to the success of swimmers at the World Aquatic Championships and the Olympic Games.”
B.C. First Nation completed two other casino acquisitions earlier this year
River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge the latest to be sold by Great Canadian Entertainment
Snuneymuxw First Nation has announced it has acquired two more British Columbia casinos from Great Canadian Entertainment, the latest in a series of deals that’s fast building the First Nation’s casino property portfolio.
Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation comments on the latest deal between PDG and Great Canadian Entertainment that sees the First Nation acquire two more B.C. casinos. Image courtesy Snuneymuxw First Nation.
A deal announced in June saw Great Canadian Entertainment sell Casino Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. (PDG). PDG is a wholly owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Then, in September, Great Canadian Entertainment announced it was selling another property – Elements Casino Victoria – to PDG.
The latest deal involves the sale of River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge to PDG.
Deal Subject to Regulatory Approvals
With the announcements, upon closing, and with the deal subject to regulatory and other approvals, PDG will become one of the largest casino operators by revenue in B.C. and the largest Canadian Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada.
“Our growing partnership with Great Canadian Entertainment has brought us to what was envisioned by our Ancestors and guided by decades of Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “By securing ownership in four thriving casino operations, we are realizing a dream of long-term economic independence and creating lasting prosperity for our people and the communities we serve.
Largest Casino Operator by Revenue
“Nation-to-Nation collaboration benefits all of us. We respectfully acknowledge Musqueam, on whose territory River Rock Resort Casino is located, and the Katzie, whose territory includes Chances Maple Ridge. Snuneymuxw looks forward to continuing our conversations with both Nations and exploring the economic development opportunities before us.”
Snuneymuxw is a First Nation of the Coast Salish People, located in the center of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet and the Howe Sound.
Big Shift in B.C. Gaming Landscape
“We believe that this milestone represents a major shift in British Columbia’s gaming landscape,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG. “Under Snuneymuxw ownership, the wealth these properties generate will continue to fuel local growth and reinvestment. Guided by our snawaylth, they will deliver world-class hospitality and entertainment grounded in respect for the interconnectedness of all life.”
Oilers’ Draisaitl and Flames’ Wolf will help highlight AGLC social responsibility programs
Draisaitl betting favourite for league MVP
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), looking to capitalize on the start of a new season, have announced they have agreements with Oilers’ forward Leon Draisaitl and Flames’ goalie Dustin Wolf to act as safe play ambassadors for the AGLC’s Play Alberta igaming platform.
Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers hits the ice for the pre-game warm up against the Florida Panthers in Game Five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place in Edmonton last June. Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images.
Responsible Gambling Messaging
The two NHLers were signed to help highlight the AGLC’s social responsibility programs, GameSense and Self-Exclusion.
Both players will be featured in marketing efforts that remind players of all the tools and resources available to them so they can keep a check on their gambling practices, whether that’s bet, loss and deposit limits, voluntary breaks from a casino or online wagering, or Reality Checks.
Also, as part of the partnership, there will be exclusive meet and greets between sports fans and social media followers and the two players during the new season.
Draisaitl an MVP Betting Favourite
“The addition of two new elite athlete ambassadors will help connect Alberta sports fans to Alberta-based teams with some of the most exciting, show-stopping performers this province currently has in it,” said Dan Keene, Vice President, Gaming, AGLC.“Leon and Dustin are competitive, world-class professionals who give Play Alberta deeper opportunities to remind legal-aged Albertans of the responsible gambling features and tentpole matchups on the sports calendar.”
Play Alberta is the only platform where people in the province can go legally bet on sports and play casino content online. Play Alberta has over 434,000 registered player accounts.
Deposit Limits
On the NHL MVP futures betting front, at BetMGM, Draisaitl sits at +1000. Linemate Connor McDavid has the shortest odds there at +190, followed by Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche at +475, the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov at +800, and Nikita Kucherov of the Lightning at +1000.
“I’m excited to strengthen my ties to the community through my relationship with Play Alberta. It’s great to work with a local brand that promotes responsible gambling and creates meaningful ways for me to engage with fans—whether it’s through meet and greets or other exciting events,” said Draisaitl, in a statement.
Oilers a Cup Favourite
Wolf is a 2025 Calder Trophy finalist for rookie of the year. The Oilers are a Stanley Cup favourite at DraftKings, at +800, after the Hurricanes, at +750. The Flames? Not so much, at +10000.
Play Alberta generated $275 million in net sales in 2024-25, an increase of $35 million from the previous fiscal year, according to AGLC data.
19% of Canadians and 26% of Americans bet on sports in the past year
NHL remains top sport to bet on or play fantasy sports in among Canadians
NFL remains top sport among Americans both for sports betting and fantasy sports
There are a lot of things that divide Americans and Canadians these days. Their collective love for sports betting and fantasy sports isn’t among them, according to Canadian market research and analytics company Leger.
Caesars Sportsbook in Las Vegas. A new study by Canadian market research firm Leger says Canadians tend to be more bothered with sports betting ads than Americans. Image/Mark Keast
NHL No. 1 for Canadian Bettors
Leger, based in Montreal, specializes in providing consumer insight, data analytics, customer experience measurement, strategic consultation, and AI-powered market research services to helps clients make more informed decisions.
From Aug. 29 to 31, 2025, the company says it surveyed 1,621 Canadians and 1,015 Americans, 18 years of age, on their sports betting habits, and their involvement in fantasy sports – timely since at that time NFL season was about to kick off.
Fantasy Sports
The results aren’t going to surprise people. There are slightly fewer sports bettors and fantasy sports players in Canada and the U.S. compared to one year ago, however they both remain popular activities. Nineteen per cent of Canadians and 26% of Americans have bet on sports in the past year, compared to 21% and 30% respectively from last year.
This was a surprise, considering how much of a betting bethemoth the NFL is – the NHL remains the top sport to bet on or play fantasy sports in among Canadians. Forty-one per cent of Canadian sports bettors have bet on the NHL in the last year, compared to 26% for the NFL, and 21% for the NBA. Thirty-two per cent of Canadian fantasy sports players played NHL fantasy hockey.
Americans Betting More on Baseball
However, the NFL remains the top sport among Americans for both activities – 52% of American fantasy sports player played fantasy NFL football, and 59% of American sports bettors bet on the NFL last year.
Canadians don’t bet on the NFL as much anymore – a drop from 37% last year.
But Americans are betting more on the national past time – betting on MLB increased among Americans year-over-year (40% over the past year, an increase from 28% last year).
Betting Likely to Increase
Among those who intend to continue betting this fall, their betting activity is likely to increase compared to last year, especially in the U.S. – 56% of American NBA bettors, 42% of American NHL bettors, and 45% of American NFL bettors from last year who intend to continue to bet this year said they will increase their betting spend.
The issue of sports betting ads was an interesting part of the study. Canadians are more likely to feel there are too many sports betting ads – 75% of Canadians and 59% of Americans, an increase from 52% in the U.S. last year.
Forty-nine per cent of bettors in both countries say real-time odds shown on screens increase their likelihood of betting on the game.
Which Canadian provincial jurisdictions will follow Alberta?
Will other jurisdictions partner with Ontario’s AGCO for a faster igaming market launch?
As summer turns into fall, storylines on the Canadian igaming start to take shape. The launch of a new, Ontario-style, open regulated market in Alberta where prominent operators like FanDuel, Bet365, DraftKings, PointsBet Canada and theScore Bet look to hop in with both feet is at the top of most people’s priority list.
Will other gaming jurisdictions look to partner with the AGCO to launch their own competitive, regulated igaming market? Image/Shutterstock.
Alberta Market Launch in 2026
The exact timing of that launch is anyone’s guess. At the Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto in June, Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, told the audience that the province couldn’t yet offer up an exact launch date but that it would be “early next year.”
When Casino.org reached Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns today and asked him if he heard about an exact date, Burns said he hadn’t heard anything new.
Exact Timing is Anyone’s Guess
“The province is continuing to do their work,” Burns said. “There are a few stages they need to work through, and there are no timelines to those stages. We are assisting them as best we can. We want them to get it right. As time ticks on regulatory standards will be shared, but we have to get more into the process to get a better idea of what timing is.”
So, nobody knows for sure, outside of the Alberta cabinet, probably. Like in Ontario, with the government-owned Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, operating PROLINE, Alberta has Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). The AGLC operates the province’s Play Alberta digital casino and sports betting platform.
Ontario has its own regulator – the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Alberta is going to have its own regulator when its new regulatory regime is launched – Alberta iGaming Corporation, a new government agency established under Bill 48 (the iGaming Alberta Act).
Piece of the Action
But what about other Canadian provinces? One senior industry source raised an interesting scenario – instead of creating their own regulator, other provinces, seeing the revenue that Ontario’s igaming market is generating for government coffers via fees and taxes, would potentially want to fast-track their own launch by tying their wagon to the AGCO.
The Ontario model, which went live in April 2022, by anyone’s standards, has been a success.
In age of revenue uncertainties due in large part to U.S. trade tariffs, and no sign of that abating, Ministers of Finance in other Canadian provinces are no doubt looking at the Ontario igaming model, saying we want a piece of that action.
Adopting the Ontario Gaming Model
The industry source told Casino.org that it wouldn’t surprise him if in the next few months we started to see memorandums of understanding between other provinces and Ontario where those other jurisdictions hop on the AGCO coattails and launch their other markets with the AGCO as the regulator.
Ontario currently has 50 licensed operators doing business in the regulated market, and in July showed a 4% month-over-month increase in total wagers (CA $7.56 billion). Ontario currently taxes igaming and sports betting operators at a rate of 20%.
20% Tax Rate
“Now that they’ve got a case study in Ontario, it’s like there’s gold in those hills, and we might as well go get some … let’s just cut and paste Ontario or do some kind of a business arrangement with Ontario,” the source said. “So we’ll have a harmonized standard. The AGCO could be the regulator [in the other jurisdiction]. [iGaming Ontario] could have a satellite office in the other province so that they could be the operator in that jurisdiction.
“There are simple solutions to have people opt in on the Ontario system, that’s a win for the industry, a win for both Ontario and whatever other province, and a win for citizens there, because then they’ve got a regulated system, and they’re collecting some tax revenue.”
It’s a scenario that Burns sees as a real possibility, as opposed to the other jurisdiction setting up its own regulator.
Political Will and Courage?
“It’s entirely possible,” he told Casino.org. “It really only takes will and courage on behalf of the provinces. But it also comes down to practicality, especially for smaller provinces. Regulated gaming is different in every province. So we start with the ability to look at igaming models, what would work for that jurisdiction, and how to regulate or oversee it. But we do need harmonized regulations and technical standards in Canada, making it easier to do business across the country.”
A harmonization of the market would allow small market jurisdictions that have like standards to access products and innovation and equipment. It would allow regulatory best practices to be shared across the country. It’s the evolution of where the industry is going, Burns added.
Finding Common Ground
“Are Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island each going to set up a regulator for igaming [like in Ontario and soon, Alberta]?” he said. “They didn’t do it for lottery, so why would they?
“But each province has gaming regulators, so could they go and look to another province to provide that service for them? I think that’s part of what the conversation has moved to in Canada, considering this trade war and provinces trying to break down barriers. Finding common ground is now part of the conversation and must be part of the conversation.”
Gold in Those Hills
There’s a model in the gaming industry you can point to – GLI doing independent laboratory testing for game technology. GLI has a universal standard for sports betting and igaming product testing and certification.
Maybe a provincial government says, let’s use the regulatory structure of another government to help us out. Is there political will to do it?
“I think the time’s never been better to have these discussions,” said Burns. “I think it’s a very real possibility. It should be considered. Why couldn’t this level of regulatory compliance extend to another government? It’s not for every province, but it could be for some.”
Giving Smaller Provinces Access to Market
PlayNow out west is another case study – owned and operated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, with Manitoba and Saskatchewan buying a commercial service from BCLC, accessing PlayNow to provide regulated igaming for their jurisdiction.
“This isn’t far-out thinking,” he said. “I don’t see why all of these things shouldn’t be on the menu with governments. We’re going to help put it there, because we would like to see regulatory harmonization, make it easier to do business in this country and provide better choices for these smaller market jurisdictions to access this regulated product and have a regulated environment. The concept is worth an evaluation.”
Loto-Québec is reporting YoY revenue growth of more than 11% for the first quarter of the current fiscal year
The crown corporation reports much of the growth is due to improved performance in its casino hall business
Loto-Québec’s digital gaming platform is also on the upswing
Loto-Québec is reporting an 11.1% hike in total revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-2026 (April 1 to June 30), compared to Q1 2024-2025.
Loto-Québec reports a big increase in total revenue for Q1 FY 2025-26. (Image: Loto-Québec)
Total revenues are reported at CA$766.5 million, a $76.8 million hike over the same period last year.Consolidated net income was CA$384.4 million, a $34.7 million (9.9%) increase year over year.
We’re sustaining last year’s momentum and posting increased results after one quarter thanks to our teams’ steady commitment, efficiently managing several simultaneous initiatives,” said Loto-Québec President and CEO Jean-Francois Bergeron.
Last year’s momentum was marked by total revenues of CA$2.993 billion, an increase from the $2.932 billion reported the previous fiscal year.
Big Jump in Casino Hall Business
Net income last fiscal year was CA$1.518 billion, a slight uptick from the $1.511 billion reported for FY 2023-2024.
In Q1 2025-2026, the lottery sector generated revenues of CA$236.3 million (+7.8%). The casino and gaming hall sector had revenues of $323.4 million (an increase of 17.6%), and the gaming establishment sector (games offered outside their own buildings, including sports betting, video lottery terminals in bars, as well as bingo and Kinzo halls) recorded revenues of CA$212.2 million (+5.7%).
“We’ve made some exciting announcements this quarter, including the conference centre expansion at the Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy, which will help reinforce Gatineau’s position as a top business tourism destination,” Bergeron said. “Another announcement was the return of a highly popular comedy event on the grounds of the Hôtel-Casino de Charlevoix resort—Loto-Québec fait son Juste pour rire—that enhances this beautiful region’s entertainment offering.”
CEO: Digital Platform Growth
Some notable highlights in the quarter: a record CA$2,513,553 progressive jackpot was won at poker at Casino du Lac-Leamy on April 16. One month later, a visitor to the Outaouais region stopped at the casino and won CA$2,211,553 playing a slot machine.
Gaming tables made their appearance at gaming halls, a new interlocation progressive jackpot in poker, and the addition of an optional wager in blackjack were other highlights, the crown corporation said in a statement.
“Our digital platform continued gaining traction with increased results for both lottery and casino games,” said Bergeron. “This success stems from a diversified, up-to-date and responsible offering. It’s a promising start to the year, and I’m convinced we’ll continue delivering results that will make us all proud since they benefit all of Québec.”
On the Quebec budget front, CBC is reporting that schools could be shut down due to budget constraints. In June, the provincial government reported that the deficit is smaller than expected for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. One hundred percent of profits from Loto-Québec operations go back to the province.
Quebec Online Gaming Coalition Response
And this response today via LinkedIn from the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, launched in May 2023 when Betway, Bet99, DraftKings, Entain, Flutter, Games Global, Rush Street Interactive and Apricot Investments came together, committed to working with the Quebec government and local stakeholders to develop a new regulatory framework for the province, that competes with government-owned Loto Québec, the only legal entity for online gaming.
“Once again, we can see that the Quebec government does not put priorities in the right place when it comes to supervising gambling: they are relentless in the bingo of seniors, but they are leaving thousands of young people without supervision on online gambling platforms.”
Evoplay debuts online casino content in the Ontario market with Rivalry deal
Rivalry down the road after operational restructuring
Evoplay is officially introducing twenty titles from its casino game library into the Ontario market via a new partnership with Rivalry, the Toronto-based igaming operator.
Popular Slot Titles
Evoplay is an igaming development studio based in Limassol, Cyprus, that secured an igaming license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario in March 2025.
Through the partnership, some of Evoplay’s more popular titles, The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy, Hot Triple Sevens and Hot Volcano, will now be available to players in Ontario.
International Expansion Plans
“Going live in Ontario is a fantastic achievement for us. Integrating our portfolio with Rivalry is an important step in our commercial trajectory, and we are excited to introduce our content to their customers,” said Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, to iGB.
“We have high expectations on Ontario and this is the first step into this exciting and fast-moving market. We are confident that our diverse games offering will resonate with local players.”
Rivalry is a sports betting and media company offering regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports and casino for the digital generation. While based in Toronto, the company operates in 20 countries.
First-Mover Advantage
“Our goal is to deliver the most entertaining and differentiated casino experience in Ontario,” said Steven Salz, CEO at Rivalry. “Partnering with Evoplay allows us to introduce high-quality, innovative content that will resonate with our players and keep them coming back.
“We feel honoured to be the first operator to offer Evoplay’s titles in Ontario and look forward to a successful partnership.”
Evoplay’s library includes not only slots but also table games, classic and instant games.
New Direction for Rivalry
Rivalry is down a new road, a new operating structure, completing a product, brand, and marketing overhaul going into 2025.
In its Q1 2025 financial results, net revenue was CA$1.3 million, and operating expenses decreased 58% year over year to CA$4 million in Q1 2025. Net loss reduced by 43% to CA$3 million, from CA$5.2 million in Q1 2024.
Canada’s gaming industry stands as a vibrant and dynamic sector, marked by innovation and creativity. At the heart of this bustling scene, one game developer emerges as the most significant player, setting the standard for excellence and scale.
This entity not only contributes to the national economy but also shapes global gaming trends, earning the title of Canadian Gaming Royalty. Here are some of the best and biggest developers available in this country.
NetEnt
NetEnt stands as a titan in the online casino world, renowned for its innovative and visually stunning slot games.
With a commitment to digital entertainment, NetEnt has produced some of the most iconic titles in the industry. “Gonzo’s Quest” revolutionized slot gameplay with its Avalanche feature, while “Starburst” remains a favorite for its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay.
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The developer also made waves with “Mega Fortune,” a game famous for its record-breaking progressive jackpots. NetEnt’s dedication to quality and player experience cements its status as a leading force in game development, consistently delivering games that captivate and entertain players worldwide.
Play’N Go
Play’N Go has carved a niche for itself with its engaging and innovative slot games. The developer is best known for the “Rich Wilde” series, including the standout title “Book of Dead,” which has become a staple in online casinos due to its exciting gameplay and potential for big wins.
“Troll Hunters 2” and “Rally 4 Riches” are other notable mentions, showcasing Play’N Go’s ability to blend captivating themes with unique game mechanics. The company’s games are characterized by their high-quality graphics, immersive soundtracks, and smooth performance across devices, ensuring a top-tier gaming experience for all players.
Playtech
Playtech is a powerhouse in the gaming industry, offering a vast portfolio of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer experiences. Among its most celebrated titles is the “Age of the Gods” series, which provides players with a thrilling mythology-themed adventure and the chance to win progressive jackpots.
Playtech’s partnership with DC Entertainment has also led to the creation of popular superhero-themed slots like “Justice League” and “The Dark Knight.”
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is the undisputed leader in the live casino sector, providing an unparalleled live gaming experience that mimics the feel of being in a real casino. The company’s game show-style titles, such as “Dream Catcher” and “Monopoly Live,” offer a unique and engaging twist on traditional casino games.
Evolution Gaming’s strength lies in its high-quality streaming, professional dealers, and a wide variety of games, including live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. This focus on quality and player experience has solidified Evolution Gaming’s position at the forefront of live casino gaming.
Yggdrasil Gaming
Yggdrasil Gaming is known for its visually stunning and innovative slot games. Titles like “Vikings Go Wild” and “Joker Millions” highlight the developer’s talent for creating engaging narratives and compelling gameplay mechanics.
Yggdrasil’s commitment to innovation is evident in its in-game promotional tool, BOOST, which enhances player engagement and retention.
IGT
International Game Technology (IGT) is a veteran in the gaming industry, with a rich history of delivering high-quality slot machines and online games.
IGT’s portfolio includes classics like “Cleopatra” and “Wheel of Fortune,” which have stood the test of time and remain popular among players for their engaging gameplay and potential for big payouts.
The developer’s commitment to innovation is also evident in its progressive jackpot network, offering life-changing wins. IGT’s extensive experience and dedication to gaming excellence make it a respected and influential player in the casino game development arena.
Novomatic
Novomatic is a global gaming giant, known for its blend of traditional slot machines and modern online slots. The “Book of Ra” series is among its most famous contributions, captivating players with its Egyptian adventure theme and lucrative free spins feature.
Novomatic’s games are characterized by their straightforward gameplay, classic themes, and the potential for substantial wins, making them a hit among traditionalists and new players alike. The company’s consistent delivery of high-quality games has earned it a loyal following and a prominent place in the gaming industry.
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Betsoft
Betsoft has established itself as a leader in 3D cinematic gaming, offering a range of visually stunning and immersive slot games. “The Slotfather,” “Good Girl Bad Girl,” and “Greedy Goblins” are standout titles that showcase Betsoft’s creative prowess and innovative game mechanics.
The developer’s Slots3™ series has redefined online slots with its engaging narratives, character-driven stories, and interactive bonus rounds. Betsoft’s dedication to excellence and innovation in gaming design ensures a memorable and high-quality gaming experience for all players.
NextGen
NextGen Gaming is renowned for its innovative slot games that combine traditional gameplay with modern features. Titles like “Foxin’ Wins” and the “Medusa” series have garnered a loyal fan base due to their engaging themes, innovative features, and potential for big wins.
NextGen’s approach to game development focuses on enhancing player experience with features like Slide a Wild and DynaReel, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay. The developer’s commitment to quality and innovation has made its games a must-play for slot enthusiasts around the world.
Quickspin
Quickspin stands out for its passion for creating high-quality, story-driven slot games. “Big Bad Wolf,” known for its innovative Swooping Reels feature, and “Sakura Fortune,” with its captivating narrative and beautiful graphics, exemplify Quickspin’s ability to blend engaging stories with exciting gameplay.
The developer’s focus on quality over quantity has resulted in a portfolio of games that are highly anticipated by players and praised for their creativity, immersive narratives, and innovative features. Quickspin’s dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences is evident in every title they release.
Summary
The landscape of online casino gaming is rich and diverse, with each developer bringing its unique flair and expertise to the table. From the immersive live dealer experiences to the thrilling adventures of slot games, these creators have set the bar high, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital entertainment.
Their contributions not only enrich the gaming community but also drive the industry forward, ensuring that players have access to a wide range of high-quality, engaging, and innovative games.
