Canada
Getting ready for Ontario! Exclusive Canada interview with Evoplay
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!
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AGCO
AGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served Relax Gaming Limited and Arrise Solutions Limited with Orders of Monetary Penalties of $40,000 each. The penalties follow an AGCO investigation that found games created by these companies were available on unregulated gambling websites accessible to Ontario players. Operators of gaming websites that are accessible within Ontario must be registered with the AGCO.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is built on clear, enforceable standards that require operators to include strong consumer protections, such as game integrity and responsible gaming safeguards. Unregulated gaming sites do not guarantee player protections or information security and increase the potential risk of harm to players and criminal activity, such as money-laundering and match-fixing. That is why the AGCO actively works to combat unlawful gaming in Ontario.
Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions are both registered by the AGCO to create and supply slot and casino-style games for play on Ontario’s regulated gaming sites. The AGCO prohibits companies operating in the regulated iGaming market from offering their products to unregulated gaming websites available to Ontario players. Supplying games to such sites helps to sustain unregulated gaming operations.
The AGCO aims to disrupt unregulated gaming and its supply chains to safeguard Ontarians and maintain gaming integrity in the province. The agency monitors the market for regulated entities supplying the unregulated sector.
Following notification from AGCO investigators, both companies cooperated fully with the investigation and took prompt action to restrict access to their games by Ontario players on unregulated sites.
“Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is built on clear rules designed to protect players and hold companies accountable. Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO.
The post AGCO Takes Enforcement Action Against Two Companies for Allowing Their Games on Unregulated Gaming Websites appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Acquisitions/Merger
Petroglyph Development Group Completes Acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Great Canadian Entertainment (Great Canadian) confirmed the successful closing of PDG’s acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, B.C. This transaction follows PDG’s recent acquisition of Chances Maple Ridge, marking another significant milestone in the Nation’s expanding portfolio of gaming and hospitality assets in British Columbia.
Snuneymuxw respectfully acknowledges the Kwikwetlem First Nation, on whose territory Great Canadian Casino Vancouver operates. The Nation looks forward to establishing a meaningful and lasting relationship with the Kwikwetlem people as PDG assumes stewardship of the property.
“The completion of this acquisition reflects the sustained effort and vision of Snuneymuxw people across generations. We are building an economy that is ours, one that funds our priorities, honours our responsibilities to neighbouring communities and creates opportunity for our people long into the future,” said Chief Michael Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver is one of Metro Vancouver’s most established entertainment destinations, offering gaming, dining and live entertainment, including The Show Theatre.
“Building the Snuneymuxw economic portfolio is grounded in a vision of sustainable, self-determined growth and in the belief that meaningful economic development is built on strong Nation-to-Nation relationships. Operating on Kwikwetlem territory is a responsibility we take seriously, and we look forward to building a partnership that reflects that,” said Erralyn Joseph, President of PDG.
First announced on December 19, 2025, this is the fourth transaction completed between the two companies. With the addition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, PDG’s gaming portfolio now includes Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria, and Chances Maple Ridge, establishing its position as the largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada.
“This transaction is another milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Petroglyph Development Group and the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and we’re grateful for another successful closing. With this representing our fourth completed transaction with PDG, it speaks to the trust and confidence we have built together. I’d like to thank everyone from our respective teams for their hard work, and I look forward to seeing the properties thrive under PDG’s leadership,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
For PDG, the closing marks the latest step in a period of sustained and strategic growth.
“We are building a diversified, sustainable portfolio, while continuing to deliver real benefits for the communities where we operate. Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has long been an important part of the Coquitlam community, and that will not change,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG.
McMillan LLP acted as legal counsel to Great Canadian. McCarthy Tétrault LLP served as legal counsel, and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. acted as financial advisor to PDG. The transaction has received all required regulatory approvals and all closing conditions have been satisfied.
The post Petroglyph Development Group Completes Acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Canada
RESPWNED partners with LOTUS 8 to bring GIRLGAMER festival to Winnipeg in 2026
RESPWNED and LOTUS 8 have signed a partnership to launch the GIRLGAMER Winnipeg Festival in 2026, marking the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival brand’s expansion into Canada.
RESPWNED manages the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival brand, while LOTUS 8 is a Canada-based company focused on event development and partnerships. The companies said they will jointly develop and deliver the Winnipeg event, combining global esports IP management, event production, commercial partnerships, and local execution.
“This partnership represents an exciting milestone for GIRLGAMER as we continue to expand globally and bring our platform to new audiences,” said Tiago Fernandes, Managing Partner at RESPWNED. “Canada is a dynamic and fast-growing Esports market, and we are proud to collaborate with LOTUS 8 to deliver a meaningful and impactful event experience.”
Steven Vuong, representing LOTUS 8, added: “We are thrilled to partner with RESPWNED to bring the GIRLGAMER Festival to Canada. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of building inclusive, high-quality esports experiences while creating strong commercial and community value. Together, we are laying the foundation for a standout event in 2026.”
The GIRLGAMER Winnipeg Festival is planned as a family-oriented event with business networking, brand activations, and community programming, and is expected to include international and local talent. Additional details, including dates, venue, and participating partners, will be announced in the coming months.
The post RESPWNED partners with LOTUS 8 to bring GIRLGAMER festival to Winnipeg in 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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