Aristocrat Casinos Exit as Ontario iGaming Reshapes

Two Aristocrat Interactive–powered online casinos, Betiton and MagicRed, have abruptly exited Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, ending operations for local players and prompting iGaming Ontario (iGO) to strip both brands from its official active operator list.

The two platforms, run by AG Communications Ltd. (Aspire Global) and launched only months apart in late 2024, relied on Aristocrat’s white-label solution—an offering that supports numerous brands across global regulated markets. Despite their short-lived tenure, neither Aristocrat nor AG Communications commented on the withdrawal.

Aristocrat Stays Active in Canada Despite Exits

Although the two casinos are now offline in Ontario, Aristocrat’s broader Canadian footprint remains intact. Its subsidiaries Pariplay and NeoGames continue to supply digital casino content to multiple provincial lotteries, while NeoPollard Interactive, co-owned with Pollard Banknote, provides iLottery solutions nationwide.

Aristocrat has also strengthened ties with Canadian regulators in recent years, including a 2023 partnership with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to expand Play Alberta’s gaming catalogue and a separate collaboration with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

Importantly, Ontario’s framework still allows any licensed operator to run up to four sub-brands under one AGCO licence, meaning Aristocrat maintains pathways for future re-entry into the market.

Ontario Market Sees Net Decline in Operators

With Betiton and MagicRed shutting down—alongside Wildz Group’s complete withdrawal in October—the number of licensed operators in Ontario has edged down to 48 operators and 82 active sites, compared to 50 operators and 88 sites just a week earlier.

iGO responded to the shifts by emphasizing that churn is a natural part of a competitive, open market:

“Over 50 operators have joined Ontario’s regulated space and a few have left. That evolution is expected. Market movement encourages innovation, stronger services and a more consumer-focused environment.”

New Entrants Already Preparing to Fill the Gap

Despite the recent departures, interest in Ontario remains strong. At least three companies are in the pipeline to launch this year:

• High Roller Technologies preparing to debut absolutebet, which already holds an AGCO licence

• Goldrush Gaming set to introduce Bet Nova

• Another unnamed operator working through the final approval process

With Ontario approaching its fourth anniversary next spring, the exits of Betiton, MagicRed and Wildz mark the latest shift in a market that continues to evolve rapidly while new brands prepare to reshape the competitive landscape once again.