Gigadat: Canadian operators are missing out massively without Interac payments
In iGaming, the importance of localising content and experiences cannot be overstated. Payments, in particular, stand as perhaps the most critical element of the user experience that must be adapted to local preferences.
Players view payments as central to both convenience and trust between themselves and operators. As such, the payments experience demands significant attention and investment.
Gigadat provides payment solutions for regulated iGaming operators in Canada, with a strong focus on localisation through its Interac offering. As Canada’s interbank network for electronic payments, Interac is a vital component of the country’s financial infrastructure.
Gigadat recognises its importance and ensures its availability in iGaming environments.
Speaking to Canadian Gaming Business, Cliff Nywening, Gigadat’s COO, emphasised that operators not offering Interac are leaving a substantial portion of the market untapped.
“Gigadat was one of the first payment providers in Canada to bring Interac solutions to the gaming industry, and we continue to lead in this space. It’s still an evolving market. Interac is free and clear, and we’re always delivering the latest and best solutions.
“If an operator is still relying solely on credit card payments, I believe they are overlooking a massive market segment and not addressing the preferences of end users.”
Nywening cautioned operators that adapting to user demand is essential for survival. In an intensely competitive market like Ontario—with more than 80 brands—the need to respond to consumer preferences is even greater.
Image: Gigadat
“I firmly believe that end users determine which payment options will dominate in a given market. Operators must listen to their customers and provide the methods they want to use, rather than forcing them into systems the operator prefers,” he added.
While Interac offers clear benefits, Nywening acknowledged that iGaming transactions carry inherent risks as part of a high-risk vertical. He explained that Gigadat prioritises strong AML and KYC procedures, stressing that operators must complete thorough due diligence at the point of customer registration to avoid compliance failures.
“You need to know that a customer is registered for auto deposit, which ensures funds cannot be redirected to someone else,” he said. “We’ve provided API tools for merchants to validate users. The more validation completed before withdrawal requests, the smoother the process. If KYC checks are added only during withdrawal, that’s when friction arises.”
Currently, Ontario is the only province with a regulated private-sector iGaming industry. While Gigadat does not work with Crown corporations, this limits its reach.
However, developments in Alberta—expected to launch a private market in 2026—signal new opportunities for Gigadat and the broader North American industry. Nywening hopes Alberta’s model will closely align with Ontario’s to enable smoother market entry.
“We’re optimistic that Alberta will adopt Ontario’s framework as other provinces come online. If Alberta’s regulations differ dramatically, it would be difficult for operators to adjust,” he said. “There seems to be a gentleman’s agreement between the provinces to harmonise, reducing friction when moving from Ontario to Alberta.
“With 10 provinces and two territories, having completely separate policies would be unmanageable. Some differences are likely, but consistency is key.”
Nywening spoke with CGB shortly before Gigadat’s participation in SBC Summit 2025 (16–18 September), where the company planned to network and highlight Canada’s presence on the global stage.
Looking ahead, he also noted opportunities in emerging payment technologies: “We’ve heard about real-time rail in Canada, but it’s still some way off. Open banking is another development we’re studying to understand its potential impact. New payment rails continue to appear.
Despite global innovations, Nywening stressed the importance of retaining a Canadian focus.
“As we adopt new systems, we must avoid changes that alienate Canadian consumers. Localisation remains the key to success. Careful evolution is welcome, but we won’t abandon a proven model just to add products that work globally but fail locally.”
He concluded: “Payments are both a science and an art. Psychology plays a role, as does testing and iteration. Sometimes a small adjustment can reduce engagement, only for it to rebound later. It’s fascinating to watch how user experience evolves in response.”
