This guide provides an overview of LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group, outlining its history, growth trajectory, and strategic expansion into regulated markets, including its operations in Canada. You will learn about the company's origins, key acquisitions, and how its brand portfolio has evolved over time. Additionally, the guide compares LeoVegas Sportsbook with other Canadian betting operators—Sports Interaction and Stake—highlighting differences in mobile experience, betting markets, bonuses, and payment options.
History and Growth of LeoVegas
LeoVegas is operated by LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group, which was founded by Gustaf Hagman and Robin Ramm-Ericson, who launched their first offering in Sweden in 2012. By 2014, LeoVegas Group received a gaming license in the U.K. and subsequently expanded to Denmark while releasing the LeoVegas Sportsbook and LeoVegas Online Casino.
LeoVegas Group was listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier in 2016. In that same year, It began several strategic acquisitions of gaming operators, casino game studios, streaming platforms, and other gaming groups, including Casino Grounds, Royal Panda, World of Sportsbetting (which gave LeoVegas a gaming license in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany), Pixel.bet, and British Rocket X.
By 2019, LeoVegas had launched in five new markets, including Spain, and founded the Brands of Leo, creating its own multi-brand platform. As LeoVegas celebrated ten years of operation in 2021, the Group became part of MGM Resorts International, its biggest partnership.
Over 2021-2022, LeoVegas Group broadened its reach worldwide. In 2023, the group acquired Push Gaming, launched LeoVegas.de in Germany, introduced the Expekt sports brand in Denmark, and unveiled BetMGM in the UK. In 2024, BetMGM entered the Netherlands and Sweden, while LeoVegas secured a leading U.S. sportsbook platform from Tipico Group to power its proprietary international sportsbook.
LeoVegas in Canada
Adding to its global portfolio, LeoVegas now offers a dedicated Sportsbook and Online Casino in Canada. Canadian bettors can access sports betting, live casino games, and over 3,000 slots.
Global Presence and Expansion
Geographic Reach
LeoVegas operates across key international locations. It has a strong presence in the Nordic region (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland), in major European markets (United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain), and in North America (Canada). The LeoVegas online casino and sports betting services help position the brand as a global entertainment company alongside renowned names like MGM Resorts International —often prompting questions such as “Who owns LeoVegas?” and underscoring their reputation among the most recognizable resort brands.
Expansion Strategy
The Group targets expansion into regulated international markets. It plans to strengthen its online gaming presence globally by investing in proprietary sports betting platforms. Its strategy focuses on creating immersive gaming experiences similar to those in the MGM Resorts portfolio.
LeoVegas Brands
LeoVegas
The namesake brand includes LeoVegas online casino and LeoVegas Sports Book in national and international locations (UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Spain, Italy, Chile, Peru, and Canada).
BetMGM
Since striking a deal with MGM Resorts International, LeoVegas has offered BetMGM Sportsbook and casino in the UK, the Netherlands, and Sweden, leveraging MGM Resorts' international interactive technology. As part of the MGM Resorts portfolio, it contributes to the group’s pursuit of targeted expansion in regulated international markets.
BetUK
A dedicated sports betting platform offering several betting markets and live betting through its own sportsbook technology, adding to the group's online gaming presence globally. Its operations are transparently documented in the company's public filings and reflect management's current expectations.
Royal Panda
An online casino brand founded in 2014 and later acquired, Royal Panda is integrated within the LeoVegas Group.
Pink Casino
Pink Casino, launched in 2012 as a female-first online casino brand in the UK, is part of the LeoVegas Group.
21.co.uk
Combining live casino, casino, and sports betting services—including the UK’s only live TV show dedicated to gaming—21.co.uk is a part of the LeoVegas group’s online gaming offerings.
Slot Boss
A live casino and slots platform focused on releasing new casino game titles (including Megaways and progressive jackpots), Slot Boss adds to the group's comprehensive online gaming portfolio.
expekt
Founded in 1999 and acquired in 2021, expekt remains primarily a sports betting brand within the LeoVegas group, contributing to its global online gaming presence. The brand's operations support the group’s strategy for targeted expansion.
GoGoCasino
Launched in 2019, GoGoCasino features a modern “Swipe & Play” interface designed to enhance user experience, aligning with the LeoVegas Group’s digital innovation strategy.
How LeoVegas Compares to Other Sportsbooks in Canada
LeoVegas' namesake, LeoVegas Sportsbook, is available across all of Canada. Its track record includes winning numerous awards. Most recently, in February 2023, LeoVegas won the 'Online Casino of the Year' award at the 2023 Global Gaming Awards in London. In October 2023, LeoVegas won 'Operator of the Year' at the EGR Operator Awards 2023.
It is always good to read real LeoVegas user reviews when comparing sportsbooks.
The following table compares LeoVegas to other popular betting sites in Canada, including Stake Sportsbook and Sports Interaction:
| Aspect | LeoVegas | Sports Interaction | Stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Modern, mobile-first platform with integrated sports & casino. Available across all of Canada. | One of Canada’s oldest sportsbooks (founded in 1997), it is known for its live streaming and straightforward betting experience. It is available across Canada. | Canada's largest Crypto-sportsbook offering fast deposits/withdrawals and crypto features operates under an offshore license (Curacao). Not available in Ontario. |
| Mobile Experience | Native mobile apps (iOS and Android) that mirror the desktop site. | Offers native mobile apps on iOS and Android that mirror the desktop site. | It does not have mobile applications, but it can be accessed in mobile browsers on iOS and Android. |
| Betting Markets | Provides betting markets for all major and niche sports. | Provides betting markets for all major and niche sports. | Provides betting markets for all major and niche sports. |
| Bonuses & Promotions | It provides LeoVegas welcome bonuses, parlay bonuses, odds boosts, a VIP program, and other timely bonuses. | It provides welcome bonuses, parlay bonuses, odds boosts, a VIP program, and other timely bonuses. | Features the most extensive bonus programs of all sportsbooks in Canada. Wagering requirements and the difficulty of bonus offers are substantially more difficult than those of other brands. |
| Payment Options & Regulation | It accepts Interac, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallets; it is fully licensed and regulated in Canada, offering strong consumer protection. | Fully regulated across Canadian provinces and territories with standard payment methods. The site has fewer payment options than its competitors. | It primarily supports cryptocurrencies for rapid deposits and withdrawals. It operates under an offshore (Curacao) license, which is less consumer protection by default. |
Odds Comparison
Now, we will compare the odds at these sportsbooks. Remember that any betting platform could offer better odds on any betting market on any given day. Just because one sportsbook outperformed the other in this example does not mean the sportsbook's odds will always be better or worse than its competitors'.
| Sportsbook | Point Spread(Wizards / Detroit) | Moneyline(Wizards / Detroit) | Total Points Line | Over / Under Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeoVegas | Wizards: +15 @ 1.88 Detroit: -15 @ 1.90 | Wizards: 7.00 Detroit: 1.11 | 235 | Over 235: 1.92 Under 235: 1.89 |
| Stake | Wizards: +15 @ 1.88 Detroit: -15 @ 1.90 | Wizards: 7.40 Detroit: 1.10 | 233.5 | Over 233.5: 2.11 Under 233.5: 1.77 |
| Sports Interaction | Wizards: +14.5 @ 1.87 Detroit: -14.5 @ 1.95 | Wizards: 8.00 Detroit: 1.09 | 235.5 | Over 235.5: 1.91 Under 235.5: 1.91 |
Which Sportsbook Wins?
- Moneyline Bet (Washington Wizards):
- LeoVegas: A $100 bet at 7.00 returns $700
- Stake: A $100 bet at 7.40 returns $740
- Sports Interaction: A $100 bet at 8.00 returns $800
Value Insights
Moneyline Focus:
The most potential profit on a single $100 bet, Sports Interaction’s Wizards moneyline at 8.00 is the best option, providing a higher return than LeoVegas (7.00) and Stake (7.40).
Other Markets:
In the point spread market, the odds are very similar between LeoVegas and Stake (both at 1.88 for Wizards), with Sports Interaction slightly lower at 1.87. For total points, Stake’s odds on the over (2.11) are the highest, but they still don’t match the high multiplier available on the moneyline at Sports Interaction.
Conclusion on LeoVegas Ownership and Growth
LeoVegas Group, owned by MGM Resorts International, has grown through strategic acquisitions and expansions into regulated markets, notably Canada. It stands out for its mobile-first platform, broad gaming offerings, and regulatory compliance. Competing effectively with brands like Sports Interaction and Stake, LeoVegas continues to position itself prominently in the global online gaming and sports betting industry.
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
