Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has expanded its reach after securing a supplier licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), marking its official entry into the Canadian market.

The licence allows Evoplay to offer its gaming portfolio to Ontario’s licensed operators, bringing its innovative titles to one of North America’s most dynamic regulated markets.

As a province with a strong player base and well-established iGaming framework, Ontario represents a key opportunity for Evoplay’s continued global expansion.

With a diverse portfolio of slots, table games, crash, and instant games, Evoplay is known for delivering engaging content that resonates with modern audiences.

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This move reinforces the company’s commitment to entering new regulated markets and working closely with local partners to provide high-quality gaming experiences.

With further growth plans on the horizon, Evoplay continues to strengthen its global footprint, bringing its signature gaming experiences to new audiences worldwide.

Ihor Zarechnyi, CCO at Evoplay, said: “Receiving an Ontario licence is a significant milestone for us as we expand into North America.

“Ontario’s iGaming market has grown significantly, and we’re excited to bring our content to local players while building strong partnerships with operators in the region.”

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has successfully validated its Random Number Generator (RNG) system in compliance with Brazilian technical standards, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting operators in the emerging market.

With RNG validation complete, Evoplay’s games content is now in the certification process, with the first approvals already granted. These developments position the studio to bring its trusted and high-performing portfolio to Brazil, meeting the region’s regulatory requirements and increasing demand for localised content.

Brazil’s evolving iGaming landscape offers significant opportunities for operators, and Evoplay is ready to empower them with engaging and compliant content tailored to local market needs. This milestone reflects the studio’s focus on expanding its presence in regulated markets.

As part of its broader strategy, Evoplay is dedicated to building meaningful partnerships with local operators, offering tailored solutions that foster growth and sustainable success in the Brazilian market.

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Ihor Zarechnyi, CBDO at Evoplay, said: “Achieving RNG validation is a critical step in our strategic plans for Brazil. With its immense potential, the market presents a fantastic opportunity, and we are fully committed to delivering content that adheres to all technical and regulatory standards.

“With the first game certifications also complete, we’re excited to collaborate with operators to provide premium gaming experiences that resonate with local players and drive long-term success in this dynamic region.”

Evoplay recently announced the launch of its lottery products in partnership with EQL Games. What has the initial market response been like, and how do you see the products evolving?

We view the partnership with EQL Games as an exciting development, as it represents our first steps in the US lottery market. While it’s still too early to assess the market response, EQL is one of the largest independent providers of games in the US lottery market. Integrating our products into their US portfolio provides lotteries with access to super competitive content and lays the foundation for future growth, opening the door to broader opportunities.

Evoplay is famous as an award-winning iGaming studio that produces innovative games that many operators across the globe take up. However, as newcomers to the very different lottery market, we are taking a strategic, step-by-step approach to building visibility and establishing a strong presence. Not all of our games are appropriate for the far more conservative iLottery market – we are, therefore, modifying our most popular instant win games as well as developing specific ‘lottery friendly’ content to establish a lottery focussed portfolio of games that support safer gaming initiatives while still being attractive to players.

In October, Evoplay will be attending the World Lottery Summit in Paris, where we will showcase our lottery games and ideas. This engagement is vital to our strategy to expand our network and explore new partnerships.

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How would you evaluate the current landscape of the US lottery market? Are there any new partnerships on the horizon for the US market?

There are two factors currently impacting the US lottery market. First, retail sales are down, with most lotteries reporting significant declines in draw-based game sales for this fiscal year (FY25), mainly due to the lack of massive jackpots seen in FY24. Second, there’s increased competition for gambling dollars as states legalise online sports betting, bringing faster casino-style games to mobile devices. The attractive sign-up bonuses from online operators are drawing younger players away from traditional lottery games.

While North America’s iLottery sales are expected to reach $17.7 billion by 2032, this won’t fully offset the decline in draw-based games. To compete, lotteries must offer similar opportunities while leveraging their trusted branding. Evoplay can help by providing games that are not only safe but also appealing. This approach is already attracting interest from potential partners, and we expect that number to grow.

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When introducing a long-established product like lottery, how do you ensure it resonates with new players while maintaining engagement from your core audience?

To engage new players as well as our existing audience, we’ve begun by transforming our popular instant games, such as Penalty Shoot-out, along with flagship titles like Adrenaline Rush and Star Guardians, into captivating lottery experiences. Unlike traditional lotteries, our games will offer a unique blend of excitement and entertainment, appealing to players who enjoy both casino dynamics and large jackpotswhile retaining familiar elements that resonate with our loyal audience.

By turning our popular titles into innovative lottery games and introducing entirely new ones, we aim toimpact in both the iGaming and lottery markets. We’re confident that our audience and newcomers alike will be curious about these new games, and we’ll further boost interest through various promotions. Evoplay’s products will deliver a unique gaming experience, combining nostalgic charm with modern appeal, ensuring they resonate with different player types worldwide. When players discover they’re not only having a great time but also having a chance to hit the jackpot and make their dreams come true, they won’t be indifferent.

In which global markets is the lottery experiencing the most growth, and where do you see the biggest opportunities?

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Right now, the American (both North and South) market is at the forefront of online lottery growth, and there are huge opportunities here. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many players from retail to online platforms, leading to a clear increase in lottery participation globally. In the US, new online and sports betting laws have further accelerated this growth.

Asia is also a significant growth market, as is Latin America, which is becoming more accessible for operators. But if you ask me to pinpoint the biggest area for opportunity, I’d definitely say it’s the US. I believe our partnership with EQL Games is the first step for Evoplay to enter this market and sets the stage for future growth and success.

We are also focused on expanding our presence in other key markets, including Europe and beyond, where there are many lottery fans. The open data for 2024 highlights the growing potential in these regions, particularly in the top five countries by revenue, whichthe United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada lead. . This landscape presents us with numerous opportunities to leverage.

What does the future of the lottery look like to you?

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As the lottery evolves, it will increasingly have to take on some of the characteristics of an online casino. To stay relevant, lotteries must enhance their game offerings and refresh their image to attract younger players, as most current participants are still 50 and older. This transformation is already underway and is set to accelerate, creating significant opportunities for innovative companies like Evoplay.

While engaging a younger audience is essential, prioritizing player safety remains crucial. This can be achieved by crafting games that encourage responsible play, offering captivating formats and dynamic gameplay that keep players engaged without compromising their well-being.

I believe the future of lotteries is bright as we innovate and adapt to the evolving preferences of players. Instant win games are poised to gain traction, potentially shifting the current balance from traditional lottery ticket sales to a greater emphasis on instant win formats by 2030.