iGaming Ontario (iGO) has announced that iGaming will launch in the Canadian province on April 4th, 2022.
iGO, a subsidiary of The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has also revealed that all private gaming operators who have finalized their operating agreements with iGO can launch their iGaming products and services from this date.
In a statement, Martha Otton, iGO Executive Director said:
“Consumers can be assured that companies who successfully enter the new Ontario market will have met rigorous standards of game and operator integrity, fairness, player protections and social responsibility, allowing all players to play with confidence. Prevention of underage access, ensuring compliance with applicable laws including anti-money laundering rules and regulations, and measures to enable more responsible gambling are just a few of the assurances consumers can expect in the new market as of April 4.
Today, most internet gaming by Ontarians takes place on websites not conducted and managed by the province. Our new internet gaming market will give consumers enhanced entertainment choice, support the growth of a new, legal market and generate revenue that can help fund programs and services that benefit all of us.”
Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association spoke of the launch date in an email statement:
“This is another major milestone and achievement for Ontario’s gaming industry after sports betting. The move to establish a regulated iGaming market in this province will ensure that the people of Ontario have access to safe and legal gambling options online while encouraging investment and job creation in Ontario. We finally have the opportunity to safeguard the economic benefits that will start to flow to licensed gaming operators and the provincial government.”
The Ontario iGaming industry was expected to launch in December of 2021, but regulatory delays pushed that launch date back.
Many of the gambling industry’s largest operators are known to have taken an interest in launching in Ontario. Although no complete list of approved iGaming operators has been released by iGO, it’s believed that DraftKings, PointsBet, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, theScore will be part of the industry launch on April 4th.
According to the AGCO, the iGaming industry in Ontario is expected to generate gross revenues of nearly $1 billion CAD in the first year alone making it one of the most lucrative and potentially competitive markets in North America.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.