- Private sportsbooks are allowed to enter the Ontario online sport betting market on April 4th.
- US sports betting operators are expected to dominate the Canadian sports betting landscape with DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM.
- Prior to April 4th government run provincial sites operated like a monopoly with ProLine+ in Ontario and PlayNow in British Columbia.
April 4 will mark the launch of private or commercial sportsbooks entering Canada, starting with Ontario. The opening of commercial iGaming allows big players such as PointsBet, BetMGM Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and more to enter the Great White North’s sports betting industry.
One of the most significant changing factors that led to this was the passing of Canada’s sports betting bill C-218, which removed the federal prohibition on single-game betting throughout Canada. This was a major restriction for sportsbook operators and sports bettors who couldn’t wager on one single game at a time.
Ontario Online Sports Betting Market Opens Up
Ontario sports betting apps are now live! This news won’t come as a surprise to many as the Canadian Gaming Association estimates $10 billion is wagered annually via illegal offshore sportsbooks. Now the government and legal sportsbooks want a piece of the pie with the legislation, similar to what is happening in the U.S. Various U.S. states are currently in the process of their own state launches. Earlier this year we saw New York online sports betting go live, followed by Louisiana sports betting apps being available shortly after.
One of Canada’s most noticeable sports brands theScore resisted many multiple offshore sports betting partnerships in the past. Owner John Levy now has a licensed sportsbook theScore Bet. With thousands of Canadians already plugged into theScore app one can only imagine the conversion rate from readers to sports bettors with this loyal Canadian brand.
“We’re thrilled to be one of the first operators to receive an internet gaming operator certificate of registration from the AGCO as we prepare for Ontario’s new regulated market,” said John Levy, CEO, theScore. “We’ve been and will continue to be at the forefront as regulated internet gaming is introduced in Ontario and are beyond excited to be able to bring theScore Bet to our home market on April 4. Finally, the countdown to launch has begun.”
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ontario?
Ontario now offers regulated sports betting. Anyone who wishes to place a bet will be able to do so by utilizing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and ProLine+, its commercial gambling service. Last year, single-game sports betting began in Ontario. and commercial sportsbooks will be allowed to operate from April 4.
Bridging the knowledge gap in Canadian sports betting
A study recently conducted in Canada by Deloitte Consulting has determined that sports betting on single-event fields would yield a cumulative $28 billion in legal-market wagers within five years of legalization. In the same study, Deloitte highlighted an extreme awareness gap that only 192.% of adults are aware that single-game sports betting is allowed now.
A Regulated iGaming Canada Market
Beginning on April 4, the AGCO will grant private operators registered under its program that have signed agreements with iGO a license to start gambling in the province. Depending on these agreements, the private sector will run iGaming service venues in the marketplace.
“Consumers can be assured that companies who successfully enter the new Ontario market will have met rigorous standards of game and operator integrity, fairness, player protection, and social responsibility, allowing all players to play with confidence,” says Martha Otton, iGO Executive Director. “Prevention of underage access, ensuring compliance with applicable laws including anti-money laundering rules and regulations, and measures to enable more responsible gambling are just a few of the assurances consumers can expect in the new market as of April 4.”
“Today, most internet gaming by Ontarians takes place on websites not conducted and managed by the province,” states Otton. “Our new internet gaming market will give consumers enhanced entertainment choice, support the growth of a new, legal market and generate revenue that can help fund programs and services that benefit all of us.”
Canadian Sportsbook Brand Ambassadors
BetMGM sportsbook has extended its horizons to Canada, with a partnership deal to make their star, Connor McDavid, an ambassador. McDavid is not only the captain of the Edmonton Oilers but also the league’s MVP.
Meanwhile, Australian brand PointsBet has secured a partnership with none other than The Trailer Park Boys. A smart move by PointsBet who clearly knows their target audience.
DraftKings expects to match 66% of its US market share total in Canada
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has a clear vision for DraftKings Sportsbook Canada. Estimating that its online sports betting and iGaming companies had a combined market share of 30% for the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2021 yet it had more conservative estimates for Canada, expecting that combined market share globally to be between 10% and 20% by maturity, implying that DraftKings’ guidance was for achieved parity in market share between 50 – 66% upwards in Canada by end of Q4.
“Ontario is a clear positive, but it will be interesting to see how DraftKings fares in a less US-centric market where global operators such as bet365 and Super Group have a very strong existing presence,” he added.
Ontario Online Sports Betting FAQ
How many online sportsbook will be coming to Ontario?
As many as 30 online sportsbook operators have applied for licenses in Ontario.
Is online sports betting legal across Canada?
Yes, single-game wagering was the last domino to fall to make online sports betting legal. This is a tremendous development, as prior to this, parlay wagering was the only legal way to do single-game wagers. Now, every state can choose to permit single-game sports wagering, both online or at retail facilities. Sportsbooks launched on August 27, 2021, and state-level government agencies are free to negotiate licenses with sportsbooks.
Will there be sportsbook apps in Ontario?
The Ontario provincial government has already made it possible to place mobile sports wagers via apps and devices. Currently, state-owned organizations including PROLINE+ are active. With DraftKings, FanDuel, and other platforms anticipate Ontario to have online and mobile sportsbooks ready soon.
Will I need to make a sports betting account separate from my DraftKings DFS account in Ontario?
You can’t bet with DraftKings or FanDuel using your DFS account. You can link your sports gambling and fantasy accounts by using the same email.