Ontario has emerged as the newest market for independent slot studio Thunderkick.

The Swedish game studio has launched operations in Canada’s most populous province in partnership with PokerStars and LeoVegas. Thunderkick has gained market access after receiving a license by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

“Ontario is one of the most significant strategic moves for us this year, and I think we’ll look back on it as an important marker in the company’s development,” said Thunderkick CCO Svante Sahlström. “Partnering with two prominent brands in PokerStars and LeoVegas highlights our drive to deliver on our long-term strategic goals in the continent as we continue to work towards providing the ultimate player experience.”

Thunderkick’s catalog of iGaming titles are immediately available to LeoVegas and PokerStars players across Ontario, including acclaimed titles 12 Bolts of Thunder and Midas Golden Touch 2.

Recent expansion for Thunderkick

Thunderkick’s debut in Ontario is part of the company’s effort to expand its reach in North America.

Last month, Thunderkick entered the U.S. iGaming market through a partnership with High 5 Casino. The launch marked Thunderkick’s first foray into U.S. gaming. The deal sees Thunderkick provide its portfolio of games to High 5 Casino’s free-to-play platform.

The F2P offering is also Thunderkick’s first dive into the sweepstakes business. Thunderkick creates and delivers its catalog of casino titles via its proprietary Remote Gaming server.

Thunderkick partner hit with a fine

Thunderkick is providing content to LeoVegas after the AGCO fined the operator.

Last year, the AGCO handed a $25,000 fine to LeoVegas for providing games in Ontario that were not approved by the AGCO Registrar. Bunchberry and Mobile Incorporated were also fined by the AGCO for similar infractions. Mobile Incorporated was fined $30,000 for also providing games offered by an unregistered supplier while Bunchberry was fined $15,000.