Ontario an ‘attractive market’ for international operators

iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, has confirmed that the launch date for its regulated igaming market will be for April 4.

From April 4, private gaming operators that have registered with the AGCO and have executed an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario can begin to offer its games to players within the region.

With a fixed date now set, the latest edition of the CasinoBeats 100 Club has us delving deeper into Ontario as we asked our members of the potential of the market once live.

Razvan Haiduc, CEO, Armadillo Studios, remarked that Ontario will be “among the most exciting markets” to open up in 2022, with new regulation set to bring with it “increased responsibility and stability” for the local industry.

He concluded: Business plans can be made and acted upon without the constant spectre of regulatory disruption. Players can be actively protected from predatory practices, while at the same time enjoying high-quality entertainment in a controlled and respectful environment.

Unlike some other regulations that came into force in 2021, Ontario seems to be acknowledging market realities while at the same time providing a proper safety net for at-risk gamblers. It also (at the time of this writing) doesn’t limit the number of operators that can apply for a licence, unlike the approach that is commonly taken in the US.

This route should ensure that the market grows into a vibrant, active and innovative environment, where operators can grow, and players can enjoy gambling responsibly.”

The original version of this interview was published by Casino Beats under the title CB100: Ontario an ‘attractive market’ for international operators.