LeoVegas and 888 Granted Licenses in Ontario
LeoVegas and 888 are two out of a handful of operators that have recently been granted licenses to enter the Ontario iGaming market in April.
In a press release, Gustaf Hagman, CEO of LeoVegas Group, stated;
“Over recent years, the LeoVegas brand has become the third most well-known casino brand in the Canadian market and Royal Panda has shown strong growth – a clear sign that the mobile gaming experience we offer is appreciated by North American customers.’
‘Our full focus now is to complete the process and we look forward to launch in a regulated environment. Given our track record and knowledge to operate in regulated markets we continue to have high expectations and ambitions for continued growth in the Ontario market.”
On March 14th, the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario released an updated list of operators that have received a license and plan to go live with an online casino in the province come April 4th.
| Operator | Brand | Date License was Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Annexio Limited | LottoGo | March 1 |
| Coolbear Ontario | Coolbet | March 11 |
| FanDuel Canada | FanDuel | March 11 |
| Fitzdares Canada Limited | Fitzdares | March 10 |
| LeoVegas Gaming PLC | LeoVegas | March 10 |
| NSUS Limited | WSOP | March 2 |
| PointsBet Canada | PointsBet | February 3 |
| Rivalry Ontario | Rivalry | March 8 |
| Royal Panda Limited | Royal Panda | March 10 |
| Rush Street Interactive | BetRivers | March 9 |
| Score Digital | theScore Bet | February 4 |
| Unibet Ontario | Unibet | March 10 |
| VHL Ontario Limited | 888 | March 1 |
This list includes a number of big hitters already operating on the best casino sites in the United States, including BetRivers, WSOP and FanDuel.
Other big U.S operators like BetMGM and Golden Nugget have yet to receive a license but are expected to also go live in Ontario eventually.
The iGaming market in Ontario is set to go live on April 4th; however, this date has been delayed in the past due to other boards challenging the Government of Ontario and their decision to regulate online gambling in the province.
According to new regulations, any operators applying for a license in Ontario will need to stop all offshore activities in the province.
Play’n Go provider also granted license to operate in Ontario iGaming
Software providers have also been going through the application process to offer their products in Ontario, with Play’n Go being one of the most recent providers to obtain a license.
In a press release, Sissel Weitzhandler, Play’n GO Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, said,
“Our strategy remains to engage with all regulated jurisdictions, and we thank the AGCO for our license award.’
‘The opening of Ontario’s regulated market is exciting and an important milestone in Play’n GO’s North America journey. We look forward to supporting our partners in Ontario from 4 April onwards.”
Gambling Awareness: Staying in the Green
At CanadaCasino, we believe that the best way to enjoy online gaming is to stay informed and in control. In the Canadian market, gambling should always be viewed as a form of paid entertainment, much like a movie ticket or a hockey game—never as a source of income.
The Golden Rules of Responsible Play
To keep your experience positive, we recommend following the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction:
- Set a Hard Budget: Only wager what you can afford to lose. Once that “entertainment fund” is gone, it is time to log off.
- Time Management: Use your phone or casino tools to set session timers. It is easy to lose track of time when you’re on a roll.
- Avoid “The Chase”: Trying to win back losses is the most common pitfall. Accept a loss as the “cost of play” and walk away.
- Play Sober and Focused: Never gamble when you are stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or substances.
If you ever feel that gambling is no longer just entertainment, it’s important to know that help is available. Independent organizations like GambleAware provide free, confidential advice, tools, and support for anyone looking to understand their gambling habits better or seek professional help.
Author
Marcelo is an Editorial Specialist specializing in the iGaming sector, with over five years of experience managing and optimizing more than 20 casino and sportsbook websites across global markets. He has worked with leading operators, where he focused on transparent, data-driven content strategies that promote responsible gambling. His expertise spans Web Optimization management, product coordination, and operational efficiency, ensuring consistent performance and compliance.