Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2025/05/03
AGCO grants Gaming Corps Ontario Gaming License
Swedish-based game developer Gaming Corps has announced that it has secured a gaming license to operate in Ontario from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
The license allows Gaming Corps to distribute its gaming content in Ontario’s regulated market. The market went live in 2022, is home to over 40 licensed operators, and recorded CA$2.4 billion in revenue during its second year.
Gaming Corps disclosed that it will begin a strategic launch of content in Ontario in the future, but on its launch, it will release various sport-themed titles to meet local demand, including Hoop Champion and Shootout Champion.
When expressing his excitement over Gaming Corps’ North American expansion, CEO Juha Kauppinen said, “This license opens up significant opportunities for Gaming Corps and reinforces our commitment to working only within licensed and regulated jurisdictions. With a growing appetite for original content, we’re excited about the potential Ontario holds—both in terms of player engagement and long-term growth.”
Woodbine Entertainment Reaches Settlement Agreement with Ontario Regulator
Ontario’s gaming regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has revealed that it has reached a settlement agreement with Canadian horse racing track operator Woodbine Entertainment.
As per the agreement, Woodbine must make a CA$200,000 donation in response to AGCO’s prior investigation in 2024, which found that Woodbine had inconsistently and inadequately maintained its race tracks.
The donation will support equine aftercare and welfare after AGCO accused Woodbine of its lack of safeguarding measures, which led to a series of racehorse injuries between October and December last year.
As a result of AGCO’s investigation, the regulator found that Woodbine did not adequately maintain track equipment and that its staff lacked proper training, resulting in underwhelming care at its race tracks.
“The AGCO is committed to ensuring safe horse racing in Ontario. In line with that commitment, Woodbine has agreed to a set of enforceable actions aimed at improving track maintenance practices and protecting the welfare of racehorses competing at Woodbine,” AGCO said in a statement.
Alberta iGaming Bill Meets Opposition During Committee Discussion
Bill 48, otherwise known as the iGaming Alberta Act, has made progress in the Committee of the Whole this week after it was advanced from its second reading on April 16.
The bill, introduced by Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally, takes inspiration from Ontario’s iGaming market, which went live in 2022. One of the key driving forces behind the bill’s creation was to limit revenue lost to offshore gaming companies. With Ontario generating CA$2.2 billion in gaming revenue for its second year, Alberta is keen to follow.
The legislation recently met opposition from the New Democratic Party (NDP) during the committee hearing on Tuesday. The NDP expressed concern that the bill lacked details concerning player protection and safeguarding measures.
One NDP member, Gurinder Brar, proposed amending the bill to introduce a requirement that the province set up a dedicated responsible gambling program. Yet, the amendments were voted against 38-16, with most of Alberta’s lawmakers ready to pass the bill into legislature.
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
