The Canadian province of Ontario has officially opened its regulated online gambling marketplace. This launch marks the culmination of nearly three years of work following the province’s government declaration in 2019 to end the lottery’s online gambling monopoly. The government passed legislation in 2020 to establish a licensing system.
Last fall, the province released its final standards for online gambling and gaming. The rules for online gaming include a prohibition on automatic play and a minimum spin speed of 2.5 seconds for slot machines.
Ontario iGaming, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), will be responsible for overseeing the new market, as well as issuing licenses to operators and suppliers.
Prior to the market opening, Ontario iGaming issued a number of licenses, with many major brands receiving authorization to operate in the province.
PointsBet, theScore, Rivalry, Rush Street Interactive, Bet365, FanDuel, and 888 have all been granted licenses to offer online gambling in Ontario, while suppliers such as Inspired Entertainment, Play’n Go, and High 5 Games have also been approved to partner with licensed operators.
The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) cautioned businesses seeking permits to halt operations before the market opened, or their applications would be denied.
The AGCO detailed plans to collaborate with law enforcement to “take decisive action to address any remaining unauthorized Ontario market activity” in its “Assisting Internet Gaming Operators with Registration” instructions.
All companies that applied for registration before April 4th were obligated to stop operating in Ontario the moment the AGCO approved their registration.
Among the operators that went live on the day of Ontario’s launch was PointsBet, which initiated online casino and online sports betting operations through its subsidiary PointsBet Canada.
“Just after midnight this morning, PointsBet Canada became one of the first private sports betting firms to accept legal wagers,” said Scott Vanderwel, CEO of PointsBet Canada.
“On behalf of the entire PointsBet Canada team, we are incredibly enthusiastic about the official opening of the Ontario sports betting market.”
Before the launch, FanDuel Group, owned by Flutter Entertainment, stated they would also be accepting bets starting today, after receiving a permit to offer sports betting and online casino in Ontario.
“We are delighted to establish an office in Canada and bring FanDuel’s top-tier sports betting and casino to Canada’s passionate sports enthusiasts,” said Amy Howe, CEO of FanDuel.
Its a momentous occasion for the Canadian gaming sector. We’re thrilled to provide Canadians with amusement and secure sports wagering experiences.
High 5 Games, a content provider, affirmed that its games are live with numerous operators on the inaugural day of authorized online gambling in Ontario.
“Our games have been featured in numerous Canadian land-based casinos for years, and now Ontario players can engage in them online at secure gaming platforms they recognize and trust,” stated Tony Singer, Chief Executive Officer of High 5 Games.
“The potential for growth within the Canadian market is substantial, and we’re enthusiastic about expanding our presence in Ontario and beyond.”
Gambling.com Group, an affiliate firm, also declared that it will be providing marketing services to licensed online sports betting and online casino operators in Ontario commencing today.
In preparation for this launch, the group established OntarioBets.com in November 2021, a complimentary website that enables players in the province to compare authorized online sportsbooks and casinos.
“The commencement of regulated online sports betting and online casinos is a significant event for the Ontario gaming industry,” remarked Charles Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Gambling.com Group.
“The province has effectively facilitated entry for companies into the market. This will foster competition, which is advantageous for consumers as the most exceptional companies will ascend to prominence.”
The company is truly adept at assisting operators and clients in achieving success within this fresh and thrilling marketplace.”
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