TORONTO, Ontario (March 1, 2021) – Torstar Corporation announced today it intends to launch an online casino betting brand in 2021 in the regulated Ontario online gaming market.
“We are excited at the prospect of participating in a regulated online Ontario gaming market with a made-in-Ontario product,” said Corey Goodman, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Torstar. “As an Ontario-based media business and trusted brand for more than 128 years, we believe Torstar will provide a unique and responsible gaming brand that creates new jobs, offers growth for the Ontario economy and generates new tax revenue to help support important programs in our province.”
The launch is pending approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the setting of a launch date by the Ontario government.
The 2019-2020 Ontario budget contained a promise to license private operators to operate in a regulated online gaming market in the province. In its latest budget, the Ontario government said it would be “introducing legislation to give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) authority to conduct and manage iGaming, in addition to having the role of the regulator.” The commission would “manage the relationship between the government and private iGaming operators.” The legislation has been enacted and is awaiting proclamation.