Last week in a conversation with Canadian Gaming Association President & CEO Paul Burns, he mentioned we would likely be seeing other operators entering the Ontario sports betting space this week.
Well, a rather significant new player, Betway, owned by Super Group, the international online and gaming brand, has become the latest company to be registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as an internet gaming operator.
More big names, like DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario, are coming soon. A source from BetRegal tells us it will be operating before the CFL season starts, which is June 9. That makes sense of course since BetRegal is the official sport gaming partner of the CFL. And it has exclusivity with that deal.
Operators who have successfully registered with the AGCO must also execute an Operator Agreement with iGaming Ontario before they can legally operate in the province. iGaming Ontario was established by the province in 2021 to conduct and manage internet gaming in the province when provided through private gaming operators.
Since the market launched on April 4, there are now 21 gaming sites legally operating in Ontario, according to the iGaming Ontario website.
MaximBet Arriving Soon as Well?
In a news release Wednesday, MaximBet announced the first partnership between an active pro baseball player and a sports betting brand.
The Colorado Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon is the player. The deal includes personal appearances, special promotions, and “money can’t buy” experiences.
MaximBet, owned and operated by Carousel Group, is currently live in Colorado. It will be debuting in Indiana and Iowa next, and soon, Ontario. Details for these markets will follow soon, the company said in the release.
Makes one wonder who MaximBet Canada would approach for a similar arrangement if/when it is set up in Ontario, and what Jays player would be an ideal partner? Our money is on Bo Bichette, if the sports betting company decides to take that route in Ontario.
OpenBet Grows Canadian Footprint with Hire
With OpenBet hiring Stewart Groumoutis as its new vice president for commercial in Canada, it appears the company is making the effort to maximize its commercial opportunities in Canada, especially Ontario.
The hire is interesting because of Groumoutis’ background (10 years) with the British Columba Lottery Corp. as director of eGaming.
OpenBet’s product is used by some of the world’s biggest sports betting brands, lotteries, casinos and tribal operators.
