888 granted iGaming License to Go Live in Ontario

888 Holdings is the latest operator set to go live in the Ontario sports betting market on April 4. 888 was granted an iGaming license by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

“We are delighted to have been awarded a license by the AGCO and look forward to launching in the market when it officially opens,” Itai Pazner, CEO of 888 Holdings, said in a media release. “As a group, our focus is on strengthening our presence and offer to customers across key regulated markets. To that end, Ontario represents an attractive long-term growth opportunity for 888 and this is an extremely strategically important milestone for us.

“As we prepare for launch in the coming weeks, we are excited to bring all of 888’s leading products and games to new audiences across the province, providing our unique and differentiated experiences to players.”

888 Holdings plans to offer its content-rich casino, sport and poker products located across Ontario. All of its games are powered by its proprietary technology. Around the globe, 888 has licenses in 19 locally regulated markets, including seven states in the U.S. with revenues from locally regulated and taxes markets representing 74% of 2021 revenue.

Recently 888 has been awarded for its products. In 2021, the company was named the Casino Operator of the Year at the EGR Operator of the Year Awards and was also recognized as the In-House Product of the Year. The company was also named the Casino Operator of the Year in 2020 at the Gaming Intelligence Awards.

Six Approved Operators

The recent addition of 888 means six operators have now been granted licenses by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. PointsBet Canada, theScore Bet, Rivalry Corp., NSUS Ltd. (online poker, a Caesars Interactive Entertainment Inc. Company), Annexio Ltd. (LottoGo, a lottery gaming company with offices in London, Australia, Jersey and Isle of Man) are the five others.

These operators can officially launch their gaming platforms on April 4. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission hopes the new market with more operators will curtail illegal gambling and provide a safe and regulated environment for its residents.

“Consumers can be assured that companies who successfully enter the new Ontario market will have met rigorous standards of game and operator integrity, fairness, player protection and social responsibility, allowing all players to play with confidence,” Martha Otton, iGO Executive Director said in a media release.

“Prevention of underage access, ensuring compliance with applicable laws including anti-money laundering rules and regulations, and measures to enable more responsible gambling are just a few of the assurances consumers can expect in the new market as of April 4.”

“Today, most internet gaming by Ontarians takes place on websites not conducted and managed by the province. Our new internet gaming market will give consumers enhanced entertainment choice, support the growth of a new, legal market and generate revenue that can help fund programs and services that benefit all of us.”