Gambling.com Group Limited has entered a collaboration with online sports betting and iGaming operators in Ontario, Canada.
“The launch of regulated online sports betting and iGaming is a major milestone and achievement for Ontario’s gaming industry,” Gambling.com Group CEO, Charles Gillespie, said in an April 1 press release. “The province is taking the right approach by keeping the barriers to entry low and allowing a variety of operators to enter the market.”
Licensed online sportsbooks and casinos are expected to debut April 4, the release stated.
According to Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the province can earn nearly CA$1 billion in online gaming revenue within its first year of operation, according to the release. The report went on to predict the area’s ability to double within five years. The group serves a one of the largest of its kind in North America.
The Canadian-based agency also launched its website, OntarioBets.com in November 2021 ahead of, and in correlation with the new release. The free website serves as a comparison generator for the legal online sportsbooks and casino market, offering real-time data related to online gambling within the Canadian province.
The site also features guides on how to bet, live betting odds and independent reviews from independent online sportsbooks and casino users, the release stated.
“This will foster competition and ultimately benefit consumers as the operators with the best products rise to the top,” Gillespie said. “Gambling.com Group is well positioned to help operators and customers succeed in this new and exciting market.”
Counting a population of 12 million adults, Ontario is projected to become a significant competitive player against U.S-based sports betters, according to the release. The agency is supported by Canadian-based licensed online gambling operators, including national and international websites such as Bookies.com, Gambling.com, RotoWire.com and Bonus.ca.
“It is thrilling to have a market open date for Ontario, marking the first licensed sports betting and online casino market in Canada,” said Caroline Smart, vice president at Gambling.com Group, in the release. “After many years of only having one legal option through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the robust offerings in the Ontario marketplace will ensure there is a lot of choice and opportunity for customers. With passionate sports fans and some of the most storied NHL franchises, we believe that Ontario will quickly become one of the largest markets in North America and Gambling.com Group is prepared to help consumers navigate their new world of options.”