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How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Shaping Canada’s Casino and iGaming Sector

May 30, 2025
2:45 pm

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Last Updated On 30 May 2025, 12:59 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Who’s driving the next wave of growth in Canada’s casino and iGaming industry? A big part of the answer: immigrant entrepreneurs.

They’re changing how the industry operates! Bringing in experience from markets all over the world, they’re using this to build smarter platforms, introduce fresh ideas, and help set new standards across the board.

Whether it’s game design, player experience, payments, or regulation, their influence is clear, and it’s helping shape a more competitive, inclusive, and forward-thinking iGaming landscape in Canada.

Canada is known for being multicultural, and that shows up clearly in the iGaming space. Many of the most agile, forward-thinking companies are led by individuals who’ve brought global insight with them. They understand what works in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and they’re using that knowledge to shape better player experiences here.

User experience

Platforms built by immigrant founders often prioritise multilingual support, mobile-first design, and region-specific payment systems.

Game variety

A broader cultural perspective usually means more diverse content and more inclusive themes.

Risk management

Founders with experience in heavily regulated markets bring a deeper understanding of compliance, which is crucial in a sector where rules are shifting constantly.

Take Mark Scheinberg as an example of someone who brought his unique cultural influences to the world of iGaming. Born in Israel and raised in Canada, Scheinberg co-founded PokerStars, which became the world’s largest online poker platform. Under his leadership, the company transformed online poker globally, and he later sold it for $4.9 billion.

Canada is becoming a launchpad in the iGaming world. Here’s why more entrepreneurs, especially immigrants, are choosing to build here.

Modern regulatory framework – Ontario’s open and regulated iGaming market gives operators a clear path to legal growth. No grey areas, no guesswork.
Strong digital infrastructure – Canada has excellent internet coverage, reliable cloud hosting, and access to cutting-edge tech, all of which are crucial for high-performance gaming platforms.
Skilled, diverse talent pool – From developers and designers to compliance experts and data analysts, the local workforce brings deep experience and global perspectives.
Player trust is growing – Regulation has made the market more transparent. Players feel safer, which means better retention and more stable revenue for operators.
Payments and fintech are advanced – Canada’s banking system supports fast, secure digital transactions. This makes it easier to build seamless deposit and withdrawal experiences.
Business-friendly environment – Compared to many other countries, Canada offers lower barriers to entry, startup support, and access to a range of funding channels.
Cultural diversity – Platforms built here can naturally cater to multilingual and multicultural audiences, thanks to the makeup of both the workforce and the customer base.

Behind the scenes, the industry is shifting as well. It’s not just about flashy front-end design or bold new games. The real power comes from what’s happening under the hood, and content aggregators are leading that change.

One of the names making a difference here is hub88.io, a casino content aggregator that gives operators access to a huge range of games through a single, streamlined integration. If you’re building a platform in Canada, having this kind of infrastructure behind you changes everything. It makes it easier to get started, faster to scale, and helps you stay on the right side of local rules, without the usual stress or cost.

This backend efficiency matters. In a market as competitive as iGaming, being able to launch quickly with a strong content offering is a serious advantage. Aggregators like Hub88 help immigrant-led startups scale fast without compromising quality.

What sets immigrant entrepreneurs apart is how they operate. Many are not just trying to replicate what’s already out there. They’re building businesses that reflect their own journeys; global, flexible, and deeply tuned in to what modern players want.

You see this in the way games are designed, in how platforms handle payments, and even in how customer service is offered.

Many are teaming up with leading casino providers, tapping into ready-made game libraries that help them stay fresh and stand out. These partnerships bring in everything from popular slot titles to more niche, hard-to-find games. It gives Canadian platforms a clear edge, especially when it comes to keeping players interested and sticking around.

That kind of agility isn’t easy to copy. It comes from lived experience and a deep understanding of how different markets work, something many immigrant founders bring naturally.

The influence of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada’s casino and iGaming sector is a long-term shift. These founders are building businesses that not only perform but also raise the bar for what players expect and regulators demand.

As Canada continues to expand its regulated gambling markets, the role of these entrepreneurs will only grow. And for anyone watching the future of iGaming in Canada, that’s something worth paying attention to.

How big is the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canadian iGaming?

It’s significant! From platform development to marketing and infrastructure, they’re involved at every level, and they’re the ones often driving innovation in this area.

Why are immigrant-led iGaming businesses doing so well?

Because they combine international experience with an understanding of local regulations. They move fast, adapt quickly, and build platforms that speak to a global audience.

What kinds of businesses are they launching?

Everything from casino platforms and sportsbook apps to game development studios and payment tech services.

Are these businesses working with local or international partners?

Both. Many partner with global casino providers while also building Canadian-first features like bilingual support and regional payment options.

How are they helping Canada’s industry grow?

They’re creating jobs, attracting investment, and setting new standards for quality and innovation in the market.