Stake Ontario

Stake Ontario - Coming to Ontario in 2025?

Stake.ca is expected to launch in Ontario this year! Here is the current status:

✅ The site is live but displays ‘Coming Soon,’ so there’s no exact launch date yet.

✅ The General Manager for Stake Ontario, Kris Abbott, is working closely with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to launch Stake.ca in 2025.

Why Is Ontario So Strict on Gambling?

Ontario is stricter on gambling compared to other Canadian provinces because it opened its market to private operators, whereas most provinces are in a grey area. This means Ontario had to create strict regulations to ensure fairness, prevent fraud, and generate tax revenue.

Unfortunately, with this consumer protection they frustrated many players when they took them off from stake.com as you can see here. Forum member "Hypeko" says:

"All players bet with stake because it was special unlike any other online casino out there. The vip level bonuses are what set stake from other sites apart. To take away that away from players and make them start over with such short notice is obsurd. It’s not okay!!!"

Detailed Regulatory Framework

According to the AGCO's Internet Gaming Operator Application Guide, operators must undergo a comprehensive application process. This includes entity disclosure, detailed documentation, and continuous compliance checks to maintain their registration.

Comparison with Other Provinces

Ontario enforces more rigorous standards than other Canadian provinces, many of which allow "grey market" operators to function with less oversight. These provinces may not have the same level of consumer protection, which Ontario aims to address through its stringent regulatory measures.

Commitment to Integrity

The AGCO’s framework not only focuses on consumer protection but also on maintaining the integrity of the gaming industry. This includes measures to prevent money laundering, ensure the fairness of games, and safeguard vulnerable populations from gambling-related harms.

Licensing Process for Online Casinos in Ontario

The licensing process can take anywhere from six months to over a year. Here's how it works:

1. Pre-Application Preparation: Operators must gather and prepare comprehensive documentation, including financial records, business plans, and responsible gaming strategies. These documents must demonstrate the operator’s capability to meet Ontario’s regulatory standards, particularly in areas such as anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, player protection measures, and overall business integrity.
2. Application Submission: The application process involves submitting a detailed application package to the AGCO. This package includes the aforementioned documentation and a non-refundable application fee. The application must also include an entity disclosure, outlining the organizational structure, key personnel, and any relevant corporate history that might affect the approval process.
3. Comprehensive Review Process: Once the application is submitted, the AGCO conducts an exhaustive review. This review includes background checks on key individuals and entities associated with the applicant, financial audits, and an assessment of the operator's ability to adhere to Ontario's rigorous regulatory requirements. The AGCO may request additional information or clarifications during this stage to ensure full compliance.
4. Approval and Operating Agreement: If the application passes the review stage, the AGCO grants a provisional license, allowing the operator to proceed with setting up operations. Following this, the operator must enter into an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO), which outlines the specific terms and conditions for offering gaming services in the province.
5. Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring: The responsibility of maintaining the license extends beyond the initial approval. Operators are subject to regular audits, reporting requirements, and compliance checks by the AGCO. These ongoing assessments ensure that the operator continues to meet all regulatory standards, including updates to responsible gaming measures, financial stability, and adherence to AML regulations.

The Demand for Stake in Ontario

Everyone in Ontario seems to be waiting for Stake to launch. We see this from the active forum discussions both on the Stake forum and in Reddit posts:

In this Reddit post, you can see that TH3_BE4R is quite frustrated:

"I’ve literally been waiting over 2 years for Ontario to have Stake back after it was banned. I asked Eddie on a live stream and all he said was that it was coming soon. In 2022 the website said coming 2023. And now it's stuck on "Coming 2024", but we all knew it never came in 2024. I wish there were more updates on what’s going on with this, but it would be resonable to expect stake.ca to go live in 2025. There is a huge market in Ontario for Stake, especially with Drake being a staple to their marketing as his hometown is Toronto. I just want some updates. I love Stake exclusives and want to play again. I won my first big win on Stake’s Plinko."

This post reflects the broader sentiment among many Ontarians who are eager to see Stake.ca launch. The platform’s unique offerings, such as Stake exclusives and popular games like Plinko, combined with its association with high-profile figures like Drake, have created a strong demand in Ontario. The delay in the launch only seems to make the anticipation unbearable.

Given the existing fanbase and the strong brand presence, particularly with local icons like Drake, it’s clear that Stake.ca will take over the market in Ontario as soon as it launches. Everyone is just waiting for the floodgates to open.

What Games Will You Be Able to Play at Stake.ca?

We can just take a look at the Stake.us game selection to get an idea. Stake.us features most of Stake’s casino games, minus the sports betting. So we can assume that Stake.ca will have a similar setup. Here's a preview of the games you can expect to be available at launch:

• Slots

  You have all the popular slots on Stake. And it seems like every big streamer uses Stake.com when playing due to the game selection. You'll find titles from Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Twist Gaming, Massive Studios, and 40 more game providers.

• Live Casino Games

  You also have all your live dealer games like Live Roulette, Baccarat, Dragon Tiger, Sic Bo, and many more. All hosted in real-time by professional dealers.

• Table Games

  Traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps will likely be available in their digital forms.

• Game Shows

  Interactive game shows like Crazy Time, Mega Wheel, Snakes & Ladders, Sweet Bonanza Candyland, Treasure Island, and many more live game shows.

• Stake Originals and Provably Fair Games

  All of Stake’s games are provably fair, so you never have to worry about playing rigged games.

• P2P Poker

  Stake also offers Poker now. Real cash games and poker tournaments vs other players. The poker client still has some room to grow, but Eddie, one of the founders of Stake, says that they will develop it to compete with the biggest platforms out there.

• Sports Betting

  Stake.ca is also expected to offer sports betting along with the rest of the games from Stake.com. So if you're a sports bettor, you have good stuff to look forward to.

• Esports Betting

  Stake also offers Esports betting on games like Call of Duty, CS2, Dota 2, FIFA, NBA2K, Valorant, and many more.

Can You Play on Stake.com with a VPN if You Live in Ontario?

As of January 1, 2025, this is no longer possible. Stake now requires Level 2 KYC, including ID verification. If your ID is issued in Ontario, you won’t pass Level 2 verification. Instead, join the waiting list, and we’ll notify you when Stake.ca goes live.

If you're outside Ontario, you can play without using a VPN. Sign up here.

Crypto Casinos and Ontario Regulations

Ontario requires all transactions to be conducted in Canadian dollars (CAD). This means Stake.ca will not accept cryptocurrencies.

The most likely payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Interac, Neteller, Skrill, INSTADEBIT, ecoPayz, and iDebit. However, these are only educated guesses at this point—we’ll update this section once we get confirmed details.

Why Should You Play at Stake Ontario When It Launches?

Generous Bonuses and Rewards: Stake Ontario is expected to offer a wide range of bonuses that reward your loyalty. This includes weekly and monthly bonuses, as well as random bonus drops, ensuring that you’re always getting the most out of your gaming experience.

Exclusive VIP Program: As a VIP player, you’ll enjoy benefits like rakeback and cashback on losses, starting from the Bronze level. Higher-tier VIPs can also look forward to daily reload bonuses, making Stake a top choice for frequent players.

Extensive Game Selection: Stake.ca will feature an impressive selection of games, including top slots from developers like Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming. You can also enjoy live casino games with real dealers, traditional table games, and a robust sports betting platform covering events from Soccer to Esports.

Active Community and Social Features: Engage with other players through Stake’s interactive live chat feature. Plus, participate in weekly events for a chance to win big, including a weekly draw where you could win up to $5,000.

Trust and Security: Stake.ca will operate under strict regulations enforced by AGCO and ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. The platform will also offer tools to support responsible gambling, helping you manage your gaming habits effectively.

Quick Questions and Answers about Stake Ontario