BetNova is Ontario’s newest online casino and sportsbook, which officially launched on 9 April, adding momentum to the province’s fast-growing regulated iGaming sector.
Goldrush Canada Ltd. will operate the brand, which is a subsidiary of Goldrush Gaming Group, a South African-based and largest independent gaming operator. Its portfolio includes casino, bingo, and online gaming. Goldrush Canada secured approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in August 2025.
Ontario was the first Canadian province to open a legal market for private online gambling operators, launching its regulated iGaming framework in 2022. All operators are overseen by AGO and iGaming Ontario (iGO) and are required to hold both AGCO registration and iGO operating agreement.
Additionally, the framework aims to provide a safe, regulated alternative to offshore gambling sites, protecting consumers against fraud and problem gambling while generating provincial revenue to support public services. Operators must also embed responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion programmes, deposit and time limits, staff training, and access to support services. This ensures compliance with AGCO and iGO standards.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has generated more than CAD4 billion ($2.9 billion) in gross gaming revenue in 2025, with nearly CAD100 billion ($72.5 billion) in wagers placed, a 26 per cent increase from the previous year, as reported by several media outlets.
Gaming and betting portfolio
According to BetNova, it offers a wide range of slots, table games, and live dealer titles from leading suppliers such as Bragg Gaming Group, Evolution, Hacksaw Gaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Relax Gaming. This diverse supplier base strengthens BetNova’s competitive edge in content variety.
On the sportsbook side, BetNova heavily highlights soccer betting markets, which would appeal to Ontario’s diverse player base and international audiences. But it will also cover North American sports, such as basketball, hockey, and football, though on a limited basis.
Still, the platform compensates for it with esports betting options aimed at younger demographics. Crash-style games and niche titles, for example, cater to players seeking fast-paced, non-traditional formats.
Competitive landscape
Ontario’s iGaming market continues to attract new entrants. Absolutebet Corp secured AGCO approval last September, while sports streaming giant DAZN prepares to launch DAZN Bet. Higher Roller Technologies is still awaiting approval. Other global operators already active include Bet99, Caesars Casino & Horseshoe Online Casino, Bally’s Canada Inc., and Apollo Entertainment Ltd.
As of early 2026, Ontario’s commercial iGaming ecosystem comprises 48 operators running 82 sites, according to iGO. The figure reflects recent exits, including Rivalry, which closed operations in February.
With the rise of operators, differentiation becomes difficult. Compliance with AGCO and iGO standards also requires significant investment, while operators must balance local preferences for hockey, basketball, and football with global offerings such as soccer and esports.
Despite Ontario’s regulated appeal, unlicensed offshore sites still capture 59 per cent of Canada’s overall online gambling market, according to Blask.
Market shifts
While new brands enter, others exit. European operator Casumo announced it will leave the province’s regulated market by 30 April, with complete account closures scheduled for 14 May 2026, citing market challenges. The company plans to continue offering services elsewhere in Canada.
Rivalry’s closure earlier this year reduced esports-focused competition, creating space for BetNova and similar operators to capture that niche.
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