Dragonia Casino Gains Anjouan License for Canadian Market Entry

Dragonia Casino has secured a gaming license from the Offshore Finance Authority of the State of Anjouan, enabling its full-scale entry into Canada's regulated online casino landscape. The operator, backed by a consortium of European i Gaming investors with roots in Malta-based development firms, positions itself as a premium platform emphasizing diverse game libraries and robust player safeguards. This development bolsters competition in Ontario's maturing iGaming sector, where licensed operators now exceed 50, fostering innovation while adhering to stringent provincial standards set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Player Options: Dragonia introduces over 8,000 titles from 100+ providers, including live dealer tables tailored for Canadian preferences, potentially increasing market diversity amid Ontario's CA$22.7 billion annual handle.
• Regulatory Alignment: The Anjouan license complements AGCO requirements, ensuring compliance with geo-fencing and self-exclusion protocols, which could accelerate approvals for similar offshore entrants.
• Responsible Gaming Focus: Integration of mandatory deposit limits and third-party verification tools addresses rising harm prevention demands, benefiting regulators monitoring player protection metrics.

Dragonia Casino's license acquisition marks a pivotal step for new entrants navigating Canada's fragmented regulatory environment. Anjouan, a Comoros Islands jurisdiction recognized for its efficient processing—typically 4-6 weeks—and low 0% corporate tax on gross gaming revenue, has emerged as a gateway for operators targeting tier-1 markets like Ontario. Established in 2022, the Offshore Finance Authority emphasizes anti-money laundering measures and RNG certification, aligning with AGCO's technical standards under the Gaming Control Act. Dragonia's parent entity, EuroGaming Ventures Ltd., holds preliminary ISO 27001 certification for data security, drawing from its experience powering white-label platforms in the EU.

The platform's debut in Canada follows Ontario's 2022 iGaming liberalization, which has generated CA$2.1 billion in revenue for the province in the past fiscal year. With mobile penetration at 85% among Canadian adults, Dragonia prioritizes seamless app integration, supporting CAD transactions via Interac and e-wallets compliant with FINTRAC guidelines. Market implications extend to intensified rivalry against incumbents like Bet365 and PointsBet, as Dragonia's 200% welcome match up to CA$1,000—subject to 35x wagering—targets mid-tier spenders seeking variety beyond traditional slots.

For players, this entry promises elevated standards in harm minimization. Dragonia deploys AGCO-mandated tools such as real-time spending trackers and mandatory breaks after 60 minutes of play, partnering with the Responsible Gambling Council for self-exclusion syncing across platforms. Regulators gain from the influx of vetted operators, easing oversight burdens while expanding tax contributions projected at CA$50 million annually from new licenses. Industry stakeholders, including software suppliers like Pragmatic Play and Evolution, anticipate ripple effects, with Dragonia's API integrations facilitating faster content rollouts.

Launch preparations indicate a soft rollout in Ontario by November 15, 2025, pending final AGCO registration, followed by phased expansion to Quebec and British Columbia pending federal harmonization. This move underscores broader trends in offshore licensing enabling compliant access to high-GDP markets, where player deposits have surged 15% year-over-year. As Dragonia embeds responsible practices from day one, it exemplifies how new operators can drive sustainable growth without compromising integrity.

Sources: GlobeNewswire, Manila Times