Canada
AGCO wins International Association of Gaming Regulators’ (IAGR) Regulatory Excellence Award

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been awarded the International Association of Gaming Regulators’ (IAGR) Regulatory Excellence Award for its work on developing and implementing the regulatory framework for Ontario’s new internet gaming (igaming) market that launched earlier this year.
The honour was announced October 19 at the IAGR’s Annual International Regulatory Awards Gala Awards Event, A Kickstart for Collaboration: Sparking Innovation in Regulatory Practice, in Melbourne, Australia. This award is presented for “excellence in gaming policy and regulation recognizing an outstanding contribution and achievement by a regulator in advancing efficient and effective gambling policy and regulation”. Gaming regulation is a complex and distinctive discipline, and the awards aim to recognize teams who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in international gaming regulation. The AGCO played a key role as part of a large team led by the Ministries of the Attorney General and Finance to develop a strong, responsible internet gaming model to combat the illegal market.
“This award recognizes the exceptional skill, commitment and energy that was required from the AGCO team to launch a new regulated igaming market in Ontario, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement would not have been possible without our partners at the Ministry of the Attorney General, ” said Tom Mungham, Registrar and CEO of the AGCO. “Before the launch of the new competitive igaming market last April, residents of Ontario wagered significant amounts each year on igaming websites with limited consumer protection and responsible gambling measures. Many players who accessed these sites were not aware they were in fact unregulated. We are honoured to be recognized on the international stage for our efforts to serve the people of Ontario.”
“Congratulations to the team at the AGCO on their well-deserved award for regulatory excellence,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “My team was honoured to work with AGCO in developing a strong, responsible, competitive internet gaming model that effectively combats the illegal market, attracts investment and creates good jobs.”
“On behalf of the panel of judges and the IAGR Board, congratulations to The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario,” says Jason Lane, IAGR President and award judge. “The scale and breadth of the regulatory reform coupled with the detailed evidence of enhanced delivery of the new licensing regime made AGCO’s nomination a standout.”
The AGCO’s igaming framework developed in Ontario is the first of its kind in Canada, meeting the unique legal obligation of the province to conduct and manage gaming, while creating a competitive market to bring private operators (and their players) into the regulated sphere.
Throughout the development of the regulatory framework for igaming, the AGCO closely engaged with a broad range of stakeholders – including policy, legal and communications teams with the Ontario government and experts from the responsible gambling, sports integrity, and anti-money laundering communities – to ensure that Ontario’s market is attractive and competitive while also establishing high standards for responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity. The result is a robust and balanced regulatory framework, evidenced by the number of operators and suppliers that have already entered the market or are currently in the application process, as well as feedback received by industry and consumers in the first few months since the market launched.
Canada
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
Canada
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
-
Latest News6 days ago
Proper Loud and Galactic Announce Groundbreaking Global Partnership to Launch the World’s First Socially-Driven Prediction Market Platform
-
eSports7 days ago
TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered
-
Gambling in the USA7 days ago
ETPL APPOINTS LONDON-BASED OAKVALE CAPITAL AS EXCLUSIVE INVESTMENT BANKER TO LEAD CAPITAL RAISE AND GROWTH STRATEGY
-
Gaming5 days ago
Monster Energy and Call of Duty Unite Again with Exclusive In-Game Rewards and Expanded Program Timing
-
Latest News5 days ago
Woodbine partners with 1/ST for Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Qualifier
-
Gambling in the USA6 days ago
Aristocrat Interactive™ to Showcase Innovative iLottery Solutions at NASPL 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show
-
Canada5 days ago
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario