On April 4, 2022, Ontario became the first Canadian province to open its internet gaming market to private operators under a regulated framework. The launch marked a significant departure from the provincial monopoly model, and it introduced a new era of consumer choice, commercial opportunity, and regulatory oversight in Canadian iGaming.
Now, twelve months later, Ontario stands as a leading regulated iGaming jurisdiction in North America — demonstrating what’s possible when market liberalization is paired with strict governance and player protection.
A Year of Rapid Growth
In its first year, Ontario’s iGaming market exceeded expectations in nearly every respect:
Dozens of operators were approved and launched platforms.
Hundreds of games were made available to players, from classic slots to live dealer experiences.
The player base expanded rapidly, with millions of active accounts created.
Provincial revenue from iGaming contributed to public programs and services.
While precise revenue figures continue to be released periodically by iGaming Ontario, early reporting showed a robust mix of casino and sports betting activity — with casino representing the larger share of player spend.
What Ontario Got Right
Several factors contributed to the success of Ontario’s first year:
1. A Competitive but Controlled Market
Unlike some U.S. states that issue limited licenses tied to land-based casinos, Ontario created a broad and open market where any qualified operator could apply. At the same time, all operations must run through iGaming Ontario (iGO) — ensuring that activity is centrally managed, tracked, and regulated.
2. Clear Player Protections
From Day One, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) mandated strict controls around:
KYC and identity verification.
Responsible gaming tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits.
Advertising standards to prevent misleading claims or targeting vulnerable populations.
This foundation helped build trust among consumers and media alike.
3. Brand Familiarity Meets Local Adaptation
Many of the brands that launched in Ontario were already familiar to players through unregulated channels. Their transition to regulated operations meant that users could now enjoy trusted platforms with the protections of a legal, local framework.
Boyd Interactive was among those embracing this shift — bringing its Stardust Online Casino to Ontario with a product tailored for the market, built on the same platform and operational standards used for our B2B partners.
Challenges Along the Way
No major regulatory shift is without growing pains. Some of Ontario’s early challenges included:
Player confusion during the transition from grey market to regulated offerings.
Delays in onboarding new operators due to high compliance standards.
Tight restrictions on advertising, which caught some brands off guard.
In addition, many operators — especially those unfamiliar with North American compliance frameworks — have found Ontario’s regulatory requirements to be strenuous and resource-intensive. From rigorous auditing to responsible gaming controls, meeting the bar is no small feat.
That said, these challenges are a reflection of the market’s maturity and the province’s commitment to integrity. At Boyd Interactive, we’ve found Ontario’s structure demanding but navigable — thanks to our deep experience building and operating within regulated North American jurisdictions.
Impact on the Broader Industry
Ontario’s model has not gone unnoticed. Other Canadian provinces, as well as U.S. states considering further iGaming expansion, are closely watching how Ontario balances:
Public revenue with private competition
Consumer freedom with regulation
Operational innovation with responsible play
For technology providers like Boyd Interactive, this reinforces the need for modular, compliance-ready platforms that can scale across jurisdictions while adapting to local rules.
Our experience supporting partners in regulated U.S. states has proven directly applicable in Ontario — from our Player Account Management system to integrated casino and sportsbook modules.
What’s Next for Ontario?
As the market matures, we can expect:
Consolidation as stronger brands outperform niche entrants.
More local partnerships with sports leagues, broadcasters, and media.
Enhanced loyalty programs that blur lines between online and land-based experiences.
Increased regulatory sophistication around data, marketing, and new technologies.
Operators will need to differentiate not just on games or bonuses — but on trust, UX, and longevity.
Final Thoughts
One year in, Ontario has proven that a regulated iGaming market can thrive when built with care, clarity, and collaboration. Players are better protected, operators are competing fairly, and the province is benefiting from new revenue streams.
At Boyd Interactive, we see Ontario not just as a success story — but as a blueprint. For governments, it shows how to modernize gaming responsibly. For businesses, it highlights the importance of flexibility and compliance. And for players, it’s proof that a better, safer iGaming experience is possible.