Amid the launch of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, ESE is looking to leverage its video game and esports experience to “service registered iGaming companies.”

While many operators and suppliers have sought to bring their offer to Ontario, ESE differs, debuting an entirely new business segment based on its hopes for the Canadian province, as well as the company’s broader, global iGaming ambitions.

ESE Entertainment CEO Konrad Wasiela, a former Canadian football cornerback, will lead the company’s new iGaming division, calling Ontario an “opportunity that cannot be ignored.”

“The announcement that Canada will launch a new iGaming market in Ontario is ground-breaking,” he said.

“This opens an opportunity that cannot be ignored. Our company has the infrastructure and solutions to provide tier-one services to iGaming companies around the world.

“We believe this is an excellent opportunity for ESE to expand its offering into iGaming and leverage our complementary expertise in esports and gaming.”

Off the back of this announcement, the company, which is currently trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, experienced a slight share price bump, reaching a five-day high of CA$1.02 (US$0.82) on 4 April.

Going forward, ESE intends to make further progress in this space with strategic partnerships, hires and advisors throughout 2022.

All projects and engagements in the iGaming space, said ESE, will be subject to prior approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. 

Alongside its video game services provision, ESE also operates its own ecommerce channels, esports teams and gaming leagues.