Soft2Bet, an established turnkey solutions provider in Ontario, entered a licensing partnership with World Poker Tour as the iconic gaming brand prepares to launch its first online sportsbook and casino product in the province.
Key Takeaways
- Soft2Bet’s technology and platform will fully power WPT Royale.
- The new product is expected to launch in the province in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.
- Ontario is an attractive regulated jurisdiction for the collaboration.
Soft2Bet chief commercial officer Andrew Cochrane told Covers in an exclusive interview Tuesday that the Europe-based company will provide its licensed platform and technology to create “WPT Royale,” which will offer iGaming users a localized feel.
“Soft2Bet’s award-winning platform will power a WPT-branded casino and sportsbook experience built specifically for Ontario players,” Cochrane said. “The product will carry the look and feel of World Poker Tour, with casino and sports betting at the centre of the launch. It will run on Soft2Bet’s existing Ontario software infrastructure, supported by compliance controls, player protection, payments and managed operations.”
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Gamification feature
Soft2Bet, which powers Ontario-regulated iGaming operator ToonieBet, said it plans to debut WPT Royale in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.
“This gives WPT a branded presence in Ontario through a platform and licence structure already built for the local market,” Cochrane said.
Through the licensing agreement, the WPT-branded online sportsbook and casino will feature Soft2Bet's Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) technology, which uses gamification to attract, reward, and retain players.
“MEGA Clawee turns standard bonuses into an interactive, 3D arcade-style claw machine experience and helped Soft2Bet win ‘Industry Innovation of the Year’ at the SBC Awards Europe 2026,” Cochrane said. “The engine brings the feel of a classic claw machine into the online gaming experience, adding a casual arcade layer that can support player acquisition, retention, and lifetime value.”
Recognizable brand
WPT’s venture into Ontario's sports betting and online casino industry comes after more than 20 years of building one of poker's most recognizable brands, with 150 countries televising the company’s high-stakes tournaments and events.
WPT helped popularize several poker pros, including Gus Hansen, Phil Ivey, and Mike Sexton, and the tour has awarded more than $1.5 billion in prize money worldwide.
“We’re excited to partner with Soft2Bet for the launch of the WPT Royale brand in Ontario, a key regulated gaming market for WPT Royale,” WPT Royale’s Quyen Nguyen said. “Following a competitive evaluation process, Soft2Bet stood out through its technology, operational expertise, and proven track record. WPT Royale represents an important expansion beyond poker, bringing the trusted WPT experience into casino and sportsbook verticals while delivering a new entertainment destination for Players.”
Attractive market
WPT and Soft2Bet are teaming up in a robust and competitive jurisdiction that Cochrane said is still very attractive to operators and providers.
“iGaming Ontario’s latest market performance report shows 34% year-on-year revenue growth and revenue above CAD $4 billion,” Cochrane said. “By pairing WPT’s global brand recognition with Soft2Bet’s licensed Ontario technology, local operating setup and player protection controls, the partnership gives WPT a strong route to capture Ontario’s growth potential.
“It also positions the WPT-branded casino and sportsbook to compete for market share against established operators in the province.”
Quickly expanding
Soft2Bet has seen rapid growth, reporting 88% year-over-year revenue growth and a 96% increase in EBITDA in 2025. Its focus on immersive, engaging MEGA products helped increase screen time by 400% compared to the previous year, and the provider has developed more than 12,500 games.
Expanding in Ontario is a key strategic regional move for Soft2Bet, which is also conducting a soft launch of its U.S. sports betting and online casino product Betinia in New Jersey through a partnership with Caesars Entertainment. ToonieBet became the official online casino partner of the Canadian Football League last year and recently deepened its ties with an exclusive deal with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“The WPT partnership is a logical next step, showing how Soft2Bet can support major entertainment brands with existing platform technology, local market knowledge, and managed services,” Cochrane said. “The collaboration also shows why globally recognised brands with strong North American heritage can use Soft2Bet as a trusted technology and operating partner.”
