AbsoluteBet Joins Ontario’s Thriving iGaming Industry

On September 5th, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario licensed AbsoluteBet Corp to open shop in Ontario. The operator applied to enter the Ontario iGaming market on August 27, and its entry makes it the 50th regulated iGaming operator to hit the Ontario iGaming scene. The Toronto based operator looks set to go live in December 2025, with a mobile first gaming platform.

Having launched in 2024, this independent gaming company is bound to bring a new approach to what is already a diverse and colourful market. And the iGaming scene in Ontario is constantly expanding, with Betsafe and Betiton launching this year. The province now has 87 licensed gaming sites run by 50 operators, and it is steadily growing.

iGaming Growth in Ontario

Since the ACGO opened Ontario’s iGaming market, the province has just gone from strength to strength. In 2025, Betiton, Betsafe, and now AbsoluteBet have all obtained iGaming licenses and joined the bustling industry in Ontario.

Betsafe, operated by Betsson Group, went live with a sportsbook and casino gaming platform. Betiton obtained a licence in late 2024. The gaming platform, operated by Aristocrat Interactive, went live in December 2024.

Considerations for Operators in Ontario

Ontario’s diverse iGaming scene has been 3 years in the making, and, what started out as an unprecedented experiment is very much paying off. At the end of the fiscal year (March 31), the market recorded a 32% increase from the previous year. While some months have seen dips in the number of players, the average revenue per active player has increased. Another interesting finding, which mobile-first operators like AbsoluteBet will absolutely love, is that mobile devices are very much the primary access point for gamers.

Over 70% of gamers used mobile devices to place bets or play casino games. Sports betting, which was limited to parlays but opened to straight bets across Canada in 2021, also saw some interesting trends. Canada’s appetite for sports betting is quite heavily fixated on live betting. Live betting accounted for over 50% of all sports wagers.

But, while it is a booming economy, it is not plain sailing for all. Not by any means.

Operators That Have Left Ontario

Soon after entering the market, William Hill and Mr. Green both exited Ontario in August 2022. In 2023, Coolbet also withdrew, citing aggressive competition. Another big player, Unibet, departed Ontario in 2024. The platform, owned by Kindred, was among the first to enter the province, alongside Caesars, 888, BetMGM,  DraftKings, FanDuel, and other big brands.

They pinned it to low profitability and intense competition. Then, Fitzdares, a UK operator, left the market in March of 2025. Again, their statements also pointed towards a heavily congested and difficult market.

iGaming Operators Leaving Ontario

• 2022: William Hill and Mr Green (same parent company)
• 2023: Coolbet
• 2024: Unibet
• 2025: Fitzdares

But that is not the only reason why some operators have found it difficult to cope in Ontario. The Ontario market comes with a strict set of laws that sportsbook and online casino operators must adhere to. Ontario uses a revenue sharing model, whereby operators have to pay approximately 20% of their gross gaming revenue. They have to integrate mandatory responsible gambling tools and give clear access to Ontario’s problem gambling helpline, Connex Ontario.

Why Some Operators Struggle in Ontario

The most difficult part, for operators, is that Ontario forbids promoting bonuses or inducements of any kind. That is not to say Ontario sports betting and casino gaming platforms do not provide any bonuses. They are allowed to give players bonuses. They just cannot advertise these publicly. Also, they cannot make any adverts targeting minors or high risk groups. Endorsements with influencers, celebrities, athletes or youth are not allowed either.

It puts more emphasis on operators linking up with registered game suppliers. Or, understanding the Canadian gaming and sports betting preferences. Or just focus on a particular niche, such as partnering with Canadian brands, providing niche games or creating a unique UX.

Yet Ontario Is Still Hot Territory

There are definitely more going in than out in Ontario, and the increase in yearly revenue backs a positive rise in Ontario’s iGaming industry. Ontario based companies like AbsoluteBet show that smaller players, or independents, have confidence. And going up against operators like Betsafe, owned by Betsson, which has 20 more brands, Ontarians are spoiled for choice when it comes to diversity of games and iGaming experiences.

High Roller Technologies, a company that owns 2 casinos (High Roller and Fruta), applied for an ACGO licence in May. The Las Vegas based company is targeting a 2025 launch in Ontario. But in the same statement, High Roller also said it would look to expand in Canada, setting its sights on Alberta.

Recent Developments in Alberta

It is no secret that Alberta was open to the idea of opening its iGaming industry for private operators. In the same month that High Roller applied for Ontario, the Legislative Assembly in Alberta passed Bill 48. With it, the iGaming Alberta Act was approved, and it will mirror Ontario’s regulatory structure. The market is expected to launch in 2026, and it will end the legal monopoly held by the state-run Play Alberta.

Where the Other Canadian Provinces Stand

While Alberta seems set to follow in Ontario’s footsteps, other provinces are, for the meantime, remaining cautious. Loto-Quebec owns the monopoly in Quebec, and the province has not started any proceedings to open its gaming market. Similarly, British Columbia has Play Now, which also runs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In the Atlantic Territories, the ALC runs the provincial lotteries and online gaming products.

However, with 2 precedents for other provinces to consider, Alberta’s venture forward may prompt other provinces to give serious thought to the benefits of giving private operators a head start.

What to Expect From AbsoluteBet in Ontario

A Toronto based independent company, AbsoluteBet shows a lot of promise. Ontario gamers have responded to homegrown operators well, as seen with NorthStar Gaming, Bet99, or Sports Interaction.

The December launch, alongside the impending addition of High Roller, shows that optimism is high among operators. Ontario’s iGaming landscape is attracting both operators and game suppliers, with Evoplay, a crash game and casino games developer, reaching a deal with Caesars to bring its offering to Ontario.

Naturally, these new operators and brands will also be eyeing up the opportunity to roll out into Alberta too, with that market set to open up in the near future. The scene is also strictly regulated, with a focus on keeping players safe and raising awareness for responsible gambling. So, with an eye on the future, Canada’s online gambling sector is on the cusp of a new growth phase.