Since it first opened for official business on April 4 2022, Ontario’s regulated market has proved itself as one of the leading up-and-coming regions in the global igaming space and Blueprint Gaming was one of several suppliers that recognised the potential the significant market holds.

The AGCO initially certified over 50 of Blueprint’s highly engaging games such as ‘The Goonies’ and ‘ted’, helping Blueprint Gaming fulfil its aim to be regulated for its international expansion. Bolstering its drive into the territory, there was also an adaption of the studio’s well-known branded ‘Deal or No Deal’ games, based on Canada’s equivalent show Le Banquier.

Jackpot King, an updated version of Blueprint’s progressive jackpot system, has also resonated with Canadian players, according to the supplier. Rebranded as Jackpot Royale, it has been modified to work with the specific requirements and liquidity of the various provinces within Canada.

Fast forward to early 2024 and this initial influx of Blueprint’s extensive portfolio has secured itself a strong foothold in Canada, strengthening its already leading position in the region with players accustomed to Blueprint’s signature gameplay. There are now over 197 games certified and live to date with over 20 leading operators such as OLG and Loto- Quebec.

“We recognise we are trying to penetrate a market that has traditionally enjoyed a strong land-based presence,” explained Blueprint’s Director of Marketing and Relationships, Jo Purvis. “But our content has resonated well since our entry with games like ‘Rise of Atlantis’, ‘Wolf Legend’ and ‘Bison Rising Megaways’ all returning strong numbers in the past 18
months or so.

“While we’re not omni-channel in Ontario, we still proved capable enough to perform very well indeed and it’s a challenge we’ve welcomed. We’ve had great confidence in our library of legacy games which have been incredibly well supported by our recent roadmap of releases – King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas Jackpot Royale and Crabbin’ for Christmas Jackpot Royale both lent their considerable weight to our Canadian portfolio.”

Consistency is key, as is the quality of games in any market, but what Blueprint has strived to do is carefully select the titles that will engage Canadian players. Purvis added: “Going forward, we’ve got high hopes for the rest of our 2024 roadmap. It’s a schedule that differs from what we’ll take to market in the UK, for example, as the demographic is very much its own, so we’re well aware that we need to provide the slot experiences that players in Ontario are looking for.

The games that have seen Canadian success and those on the future roadmap will go to new and existing partners with Blueprint’s dedicated team focused on growing both relationships and revenues. The day-to-day management of operators falls under the responsibilities of both Georgia Parry and Kane Holland, both of whom Blueprint explained “exhibit a track record of
building long-term success stories with Blueprint partners”.

That team is backed by an expanded portfolio of upcoming titles, with titles like Gold Strike Jackpot Royale and ‘The Goonies: Hey You Guys! Megaways’ set for release soon.