In a market that’s witnessing unprecedented growth, BetMGM’s progressive jackpot in Ontario has just shattered previous records, climbing beyond CA$1.6 million. This remarkable milestone comes as Ontario’s online gaming sector continues its explosive expansion, with total wagers reaching an impressive $7.84 billion in January 2025 alone. For players across the province, this growing jackpot represents not just an opportunity for a life-changing win, but also reflects the maturing of Ontario’s regulated online casino environment.
Record-Breaking Jackpot Opportunity for Ontario Players
The current CA$1.6 million progressive jackpot stands as the highest ever offered by BetMGM in Ontario, available to anyone playing on either BetMGM Casino or Wheel of Fortune Casino platforms within provincial boundaries. What makes this particularly exciting is that the pot continues to grow with every non-winning spin, creating a snowball effect that has captured the attention of casual and serious players alike.
“This represents a significant milestone for BetMGM Casino in Ontario,” said Matt Prevost, chief revenue officer at BetMGM.
We are dedicated to offering players the best iGaming experience, which includes a wide variety of games, jackpots, and readily available responsible gambling tools.
For context, this massive jackpot isn’t BetMGM’s first major payout in Ontario. In April 2022, shortly after launching in the province, the operator awarded a substantial jackpot of $643,412.32 to an Ontario player who wagered just $1 on Viking Riches, an exclusive BetMGM title developed by Entain Win Studios. That win marked BetMGM’s first major jackpot in Ontario, setting the stage for even bigger payouts to come.
How BetMGM’s Progressive Jackpot System Works
Understanding what makes this CA$1.6 million jackpot possible requires a look at the mechanics behind progressive jackpots. Unlike fixed jackpots that offer predetermined prizes, progressive jackpots grow incrementally with each wager placed. At BetMGM, the current record-breaking pot comes from a networked pool connected to 19 exclusive games developed in-house by Entain, BetMGM’s parent company alongside MGM Resorts International.
This jackpot network is particularly appealing to players because it offers multiple entry points across various games with different themes and gameplay mechanics. Each time someone plays one of these linked titles without triggering the jackpot, a percentage of their wager feeds into the growing prize pool. This system has proven enormously successful, delivering life-changing sums to lucky winners while keeping gameplay exciting even during extended periods without major wins.
Compared to industry standards, BetMGM’s progressive jackpot structure ranks among the most lucrative in North America. While some Canadian online casinos offer overall payout rates (RTP) as high as 98.65%, progressive jackpot games typically feature slightly lower base RTPs to accommodate the growing jackpot contribution.
Popular Games Feeding the Massive Jackpot
Players chasing the CA$1.6 million prize have numerous options to choose from, with 19 different slot games currently contributing to the progressive pot. Among the most popular titles are Bison Fury, which features stunning North American wildlife visuals and bonus features; MGM Grand Millions, themed after the iconic Las Vegas casino; and Loot’en Khamun: The Dead Sea Scrolls, an Egyptian-themed adventure.
Other notable games in the progressive network include Melon Madness, a colorful fruit-themed slot, and Viking Riches – the very game that delivered that first major Ontario jackpot in 2022. Each game offers unique features, volatility levels, and bonus mechanics, allowing players to find an experience that matches their preferences while still giving them a shot at the shared progressive jackpot.
What distinguishes these titles from others in the market is their exclusivity to BetMGM platforms. Developed specifically for BetMGM by Entain’s in-house studios, these games cannot be found at competing online casinos, giving the operator a competitive edge in Ontario’s increasingly crowded marketplace.
BetMGM’s Growing Track Record of Major Payouts
The current CA$1.6 million progressive jackpot builds upon an already impressive payout history for BetMGM in Ontario. Over the past year alone, the company has distributed approximately CA$14 million in progressive jackpot winnings to Ontario players, demonstrating both the popularity of these games and the realistic winning potential they offer.
BetMGM awarded the largest prize in U.S. online casino history
These Canadian successes mirror BetMGM’s achievements south of the border. In 2023, the operator paid out the largest iGaming jackpot in New Jersey’s history, an eye-watering US$6.5 million. That same year, BetMGM also set records in West Virginia with a $923,347 payout, further cementing its reputation as a leader in progressive jackpot offerings across North America.
“In 2021, BetMGM awarded the largest prize in U.S. online casino history,” noted Matthew Sunderland, VP of Gaming at BetMGM in a previous statement.
We’re proud of today’s announcement and look forward to many more years of providing mind-blowing jackpot prizes to Canadian players.
Expanding Gaming Library and Exclusive Content
Beyond its progressive jackpot network, BetMGM continues to build one of North America’s most comprehensive online casino libraries. The platform currently boasts over 5,400 games, ranging from slots and table games to live dealer experiences – a significant advantage in a market where game variety drives player engagement.
Within this extensive collection, BetMGM’s exclusive jackpot network stands out with more than 25 jackpot-linked titles. These proprietary games represent a strategic advantage in Ontario’s competitive landscape, where operators struggle to differentiate themselves beyond standard bonuses and promotions.
The company’s content strategy aligns perfectly with broader industry trends. In January 2025, online casinos accounted for 83% of Ontario’s total online gaming handle and 70% of the gross gaming revenue (GGR). This dominance stems largely from the diverse array of games available – including slots, live dealer experiences, and table games – that appeal to different player segments.
Responsible Gaming at the Core of Operations
While jackpots and game variety drive excitement, BetMGM has maintained a consistent focus on responsible gaming initiatives. The operator provides Ontario players with an extensive array of tools designed to encourage safer play patterns and prevent problematic gambling behaviors.
Central to these efforts is GameSense, a highly regarded program initially developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. This comprehensive approach to responsible gambling was first introduced in British Columbia casinos in 2009 before expanding to cover all forms of legal wagering, including online platforms.
In the most recent problem gambling study carried out in 2014, the number of problem gamblers in the province actually shrank.
“GameSense has been enormously successful,” noted Kahlil Philander, BCLC’s director of social responsibility.
The program takes a holistic approach to gambling harm reduction, teaching players about the differences between chance and skill-based games, the true odds of winning, and encouraging a “fun first” mindset rather than viewing gambling as a potential income source. By integrating GameSense into both its digital platforms and physical MGM properties, BetMGM ensures consistent responsible gambling messaging across all customer touchpoints.
Ontario’s Evolving Regulatory Landscape
BetMGM’s operations in Ontario exist within a carefully regulated environment overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This regulatory framework aims to balance market growth with consumer protection, ensuring operators maintain high standards of integrity and responsible conduct.
The relationship between operators and regulators isn’t always smooth sailing, however. At the end of March 2025, the AGCO fined BetMGM Canada CA$110,000 for alleged violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming – a reminder that even major operators must navigate carefully within regulatory boundaries.
Despite occasional regulatory challenges, Ontario’s iGaming market continues to flourish. The province has successfully transitioned from a gray market dominated by offshore operators to a regulated ecosystem that provides better consumer protections while generating significant tax revenue.
The Future of Online Gaming in Ontario
Looking ahead, BetMGM’s record-breaking progressive jackpot is just one indicator of Ontario’s bright future as a premier online gaming jurisdiction. Industry analysts project continued growth, driven by technological innovations, increased operator competition, and evolving player preferences.
Players can anticipate even more engaging experiences as operators integrate emerging technologies. Virtual reality games, AI-driven personalized recommendations, and more sophisticated live dealer experiences are all on the horizon, promising to elevate the online casino experience beyond its current capabilities.
For BetMGM specifically, the ongoing success of its progressive jackpot network suggests further investment in exclusive content and jackpot-linked games. As the jackpot continues to grow beyond CA$1.6 million, it not only increases excitement among current players but also attracts new customers curious about potentially life-changing wins.
The BetMGM mobile app, available for download in Canada on both iOS and Android devices, further extends the operator’s reach by allowing players to access these jackpot opportunities anywhere within Ontario’s boundaries. This mobile-first approach aligns with broader consumer trends, as players increasingly prefer the convenience of smartphone and tablet gaming over traditional desktop experiences.
With record-breaking online gaming revenues, expanding product offerings, and a commitment to responsible gaming, BetMGM’s CA$1.6 million progressive jackpot represents not just a potential windfall for one lucky player, but a symbol of Ontario’s emergence as one of North America’s most vibrant regulated online gaming markets.
