In a move that reshaped the Canadian gaming landscape, the province of Ontario officially launched its regulated iGaming market on April 4, 2022. This milestone ended the government’s longstanding monopoly over online gaming and opened the door to private operators who meet strict regulatory and technical standards.
As the first province in Canada to take this step, Ontario’s new framework brought a competitive, regulated environment to millions of eligible residents — and signalled a broader evolution in how iGaming is managed in North America.
From Monopoly to Managed Market
Prior to regulation, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) was the only legal provider of internet gaming in the province. All other platforms operated in a legal grey zone — accessible to users but not licensed or regulated within Canada.
The launch of Ontario’s new framework, overseen by iGaming Ontario (iGO) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), brought much-needed clarity and structure to the industry. Operators could now enter the market legally, provided they met compliance, technical, and responsible gaming standards.
A Model Built on Control and Competition
The Ontario model is unique in North America. Rather than issuing standalone licenses, operators enter into commercial agreements with iGO, which conducts and manages the market on behalf of the provincial government. This structure allows for:
Centralized oversight of player protections and compliance
Revenue sharing with the province
A competitive landscape where multiple brands can coexist legally
This approach contrasts with U.S. states, where each operator typically partners with a local land-based casino or tribal entity under a state-issued license.
The Scale of the Opportunity
With nearly 15 million residents and a strong digital infrastructure, Ontario represents one of the most attractive regulated iGaming markets in North America. The market includes:
Online casino games: Slots, table games, video poker, etc.
Sports betting: Single-event betting, parlays, live betting
Poker: Including pooled liquidity through approved networks
At launch, dozens of private operators had already been approved to go live, signalling strong interest in what is expected to become one of North America’s most competitive and dynamic iGaming markets.
Strong Focus on Player Protection
Ontario’s regulatory model places significant emphasis on responsible gaming, player verification, and data privacy. Operators are required to implement:
Age and identity checks during registration
Deposit and time limit tools
Self-exclusion programs
Secure data practices and clear marketing standards
These safeguards are not only required by law — they are central to earning and maintaining public trust.
Impact on Operators
For operators, Ontario offers a clear, compliant pathway to a large and engaged player base. But the bar is high. Platforms must demonstrate:
Technical resilience and uptime
AML and fraud monitoring systems
Seamless KYC processes
Game fairness and certification
At Boyd Interactive, our B2B solutions are purpose-built for this type of environment. From Player Account Management (PAM) to secure cashier systems and content integration, we offer a modular approach that supports rapid and compliant market entry.
Challenges and Opportunities
Launching in Ontario is not without challenges. The regulatory and technical onboarding process is rigorous, and the market is already crowded with experienced brands. Success depends on:
Localized user experience and support
Strong game content strategy
Brand differentiation
Reliable, compliant platform infrastructure
However, the long-term opportunity remains substantial. With more Canadians embracing digital gaming, and with potential regulatory expansion to other provinces, Ontario is a proving ground for what may follow across the country.
A New Era for Canadian iGaming
Ontario’s launch reflects a global shift: regulators are seeking to replace grey market activity with managed frameworks that protect players, generate public revenue, and support a sustainable industry.
By bringing private operators into the fold, Ontario has laid the groundwork for a modern iGaming ecosystem that balances innovation with integrity.
At Boyd Interactive, we see this as more than a milestone — it’s a model. One that affirms the importance of stability, transparency, and technical excellence.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s iGaming launch was more than just a regulatory event — it was the start of a new chapter for gaming in Canada. With structure, compliance, and competition now in place, the market is poised for long-term growth.
For operators looking to expand into Canada, Ontario is now the benchmark. And with the right technology and strategic approach, it’s a market rich in potential.