PlayCanada estimates that Ontario’s new online gaming market could create 2,600 jobs when it goes live April 4. Half those jobs could be high-quality with better-than-average salaries, the news outlet reported, and at least 30 operators will be entering the market.
PlayCanada tracks the Canadian gaming market. It compiled its report from data gained from economists and industry insiders.
PlayCanada managing editor Robyn McNeil, who also wrote the report, commented, “The truth is that online casinos and sportsbooks often act as a tide that lifts all boats, expanding the market to the benefit of all industry stakeholders.”
Dustin Gouker, who is in charge of the Play network of news sites, said, “Land-based casino operators will have to adjust, but the introduction of private online gambling operators should be a net benefit for Ontario and beyond. Ultimately, the benefit of regulated, private online gambling operators to the economy will be tangible.”
Among operators that have been approved are LeoVegas Group, Play’n GO, Rush Street Interactive, Gaming Realms, Bragg Gaming Group, 888 Holdings, Inspired Entertainment and Kambi.
DraftKings and FanDuel, which also plan to enter the market, have decided not to offer daily fantasy sports contests in the province.
FanDuel announced it wouldn’t offer DFS “due to a change in government regulations.” It also stated: “Ontario residents can participate in daily fantasy contests while physically located in other provinces and within US states where daily fantasy is permitted,” adding, “Additionally, Ontario residents will be able to utilize the FanDuel Sportsbook and Casino products launching in Ontario beginning April 4th.”
DraftKings issued a similar announcement.
Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns explained: “So you can’t ‘mingle’ players from other jurisdictions with players from Ontario,” adding, “There are legal issues unresolved around having international liquidity in Ontario which we hope are resolved in the coming months. This is the most significant barrier to offering DFS.”
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) offered a clarification: “At this time, Ontario players can only participate in games with other players located in Ontario. Choosing whether or not to offer pay-to-play fantasy sports is an individual business decision that rests with registered operators. Free-to-play fantasy sports have been and will continue to be allowed to be offered after the new iGaming market launches on April 4, 2022.”
In a related development, Google has begun accepting ads on regulated sportsbooks in the Ontario sports betting market. Google will allow gaming ads from lotteries and private licensed operators.
This is a positive development for legal operators, since Google will not be accepting ads from gray market operators.
