Canada

Getting ready for Ontario! Exclusive Canada interview with Evoplay

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2022

As one of the industry’s most innovative gaming studios gets ready for North America, we sat down with Evoplay’s superstar CCO, Vladimir Malakchi to talk through their exciting plans for the continent, and why Ontario can be one of the industry’s most exciting new opportunities for 2022 and beyond.

With Ontario set to be one of 2022’s biggest opportunities in North America – what is Evoplay looking to bring to the table in Canada?

Canada’s gambling industry is currently developing at a faster rate than Europe’s various regulated markets, with player preferences also changing at a rapid rate. We communicate with operators who are already live in the country, and they confirm that Canadians are in search of innovation and engaging forms of entertainment, which aligns with our direction in terms of product development.

It is well known that Canadians are enthusiastic gamblers, with around 75% of all Canadians happy to give casual gaming a try as entertainment. These activities tend to be associated mainly with scratch cards and sports betting, as they tend to deliver the maximum level of anticipation and built excitement around each win. For this reason, roughly 36% of Canada’s gaming demographic prefers scratch cards, while only 22% choose casino entertainment.

This is where our pioneering portfolio comes into play, meeting the interests of a vast selection of Canadian players with our sports-themed titles and instant games. We have already prepared a superb football pack that will undoubtedly hit the spot, while our team has continued to work on eye-catching betting mechanics to fulfil the requirements of even the most seasoned bettors.

Talk us through Evoplay’s take on the Canadian slot scene – how much does it differ to the land-based heritage of the US?

At its root, the land-based scene stands at odds with the majority of markets. Canada’s iGaming industry originated from a rich culture of brick-and-mortar casinos, but its notably high-tech-oriented population has influenced the development of online gaming in the region considerably.

With Canadian players interested in cutting-edge technologies, they are more demanding of high-quality gamification, graphics, and entertainment than the average player. Since Evoplay has always been known for its innovative approach to game design in all types of games, we know where we stand with the audience and are aware of where we need to be to keep them engaged.

How do you see Evoplay’s extensive experience entertaining players in Europe and LatAm adapting to the Canadian market?

We always align with data when entering any new market, following the same protocol with Canada as we would going live in any other region. We are aware of its most common trends, though a deeper insight into players’ preferences will only be possible through partnering with operators that serve the Canadian market. Such insight will allow us to see a clearer picture of how we can adapt our products to make them even more attractive to Canadian audiences.

How fast do you see the Ontario market liberalising itself for players and operators? How can games studios differentiate themselves in what will be a highly competitive market?

With around 40% of the country’s population situated in the city, Ontario is a market with fantastic potential. According to the surveys, its GGR will be approximately $1.25 billion this year, with the tendency to rise to $1.84 billion in 2023 and $2.54 billion in 2026.

Like many other countries, Canada has various restrictions surrounding advertising and responsible gambling which are unlikely to be lifted anytime soon, but it still leaves a lot of capacity for industry development.

The launch of Canada’s iGaming market in April unleashed the floodgates, with many providers flapping to be one of the first to cast the line in this highly advantageous province. However, speaking from experience, less than half of them will have long-term stints in the market. In the meantime, we will continue to deliver state-of-the-art products that resonate strongly with players of all demographics.

Last but not least – vision 2024: what’s Evoplay’s plans for going live in both the US and Canada within the next two years?

Both markets arrive with their list of challenges surrounding legal issues, but we are now at the stage of active dialogue and laying the groundwork, and if one thing is for sure, it is that our products are extremely attractive to players in region.

As game developers go, we are very unique. The vast majority of providers can’t deliver the same level of quality and entertainment as us, and certainly not in the same timeframe that we are able to, which is extremely important for such a demanding demographic of player. I’m sure they’ll be a big part of our plans for many years ahead!

Barbarossa Dragon Empire

Peter & Sons Expands Ontario Footprint with Major Casino Time Content Deal

Published

14 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

peter-&-sons-expands-ontario-footprint-with-major-casino-time-content-deal

Peter & Sons, the innovative iGaming studio known for its signature artistic flair, has secured a landmark content agreement with Casino Time, a leading homegrown operator in Ontario.

Delivered through Light & Wonder’s premier aggregation platform, the partnership brings Peter & Sons’ library of indie-inspired titles to CasinoTime.ca. This move aligns with Casino Time’s strategy to consolidate its market-leading position as it expands its offerings from slots, live casino, and bingo into a soon-to-launch sportsbook.

Pushing Boundaries in the Ontario Market

Ontario has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic and regulated iGaming jurisdictions in North America. Through this deal, local players gain access to Peter & Sons’ most successful recent launches and seasonal hits:

Barbarossa Dragon Empire: The high-stakes third installment in the studio’s flagship franchise. This Asian-themed sequel features the “Multiplier Cannon” and a massive 40,000x win potential.
Zombie Road: A post-apocalyptic adventure on a 5×3 grid with 243 ways to win, featuring cascading reels and persistent multipliers that can reach 20,000x.
Bad Santa: A subversive, gothic-horror take on the holiday season, utilizing a Scatter Pays system and “Multiplier Jumps” for a high-volatility experience.

A Shared Vision for High-Art Gaming

Peter & Sons has carved out a unique niche in the industry by blending meticulous game mechanics with world-class art and storytelling. Partnering with Casino Time—an operator celebrated for its Canadian heritage and focus on premium player experiences—marks a significant milestone for the studio’s 2026 roadmap.

“Ontario has long been a major focus for us, and partnering with Casino Time marks an exciting milestone for our expansion,” said Yann Bautista, Founder and Commercial Director at Peter & Sons. “Their commitment to top-tier entertainment aligns perfectly with our bold vision.”

Jeffrey Holmes, COO of Casino Time, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Peter & Sons. Their distinctive artistic style and highly engaging gameplay represent a major step in expanding the premium entertainment we offer to our players.”

The post Peter & Sons Expands Ontario Footprint with Major Casino Time Content Deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Barbarossa Dragon Empire

Peter & Sons Bolsters Ontario Presence with Landmark Casino Time Content Agreement

Published

14 hours ago

January 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

peter-&-sons-bolsters-ontario-presence-with-landmark-casino-time-content-agreement

Innovative iGaming studio Peter & Sons is set to enhance its position in Ontario after signing a landmark content agreement with Casino Time, one of the region’s most respected operators.

The agreement, delivered in collaboration with Light & Wonder, represents a natural move for either party, with the operator’s flagship site CasinoTime.ca offering a broad selection of casino games including slots, live casino, and bingo. There are also plans afoot for a Casino Time-powered sportsbook as the site looks to consolidate its market-leading position and diversify its content offering.

Ontario has fast emerged as one of North America’s most dynamic, progressive iGaming regions. The state’s players can now enjoy a range of Peter & Sons fan favorites including the recent flagship launch Barbarossa Dragon Empire – the third installment in the popular series – along with seasonal offering Bad Santa and the undead antics of Zombie Road.

Renowned for its catalogue of indie-inspired creations, offbeat characters, and meticulously crafted game worlds, Peter & Sons continues to push boundaries in slot design and entertainment. By joining forces with Casino Time – a platform celebrated for its proud Canadian heritage and commitment to delivering superior experiences – the studio looks forward to building a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

Yann Bautista, Peter & Sons Founder and Commercial Director, said: “Ontario has long been a major focus for us, and partnering up with Casino Time marks an exciting milestone for our expansion in the region. Their commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment aligns perfectly with our bold vision, and we’re looking forward to sharing some of our most beloved titles with the Casino Time’s audience.”

Jeffrey Holmes, Chief Operating Officer of Casino Time added: “We are thrilled to partner with Peter & Sons, a studio renowned for its distinctive artistic style and highly engaging gameplay. As we continue to cement our leading position in the Ontario market, this agreement represents a major step in expanding the premium entertainment we offer to players.”

The post Peter & Sons Bolsters Ontario Presence with Landmark Casino Time Content Agreement appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack

Published

2 months ago

November 12, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

group-from-ts’elxweyeqw-tribe-and-great-canadian-entertainment-announce-agreement-for-the-acquisition-of-elements-casino-chilliwack

Great Canadian Entertainment and a consortium group of certain communities from the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group from Great Canadian Entertainment of Elements Casino Chilliwack, one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.

The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe constitute seven First Nation communities and are the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed. The transaction represents a transformational milestone for the communities within the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.

Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s top destination for gaming and entertainment, featuring over 300 slots, live and electronic table games, bingo, dining, live entertainment and more.

The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transitional services and support to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.

“This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people. The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.

“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.

McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.

The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.