The first retail sportsbook in Ontario, Canada could open by September. Niagara Casinos has begun hiring for sports betting positions. That would be in time for the NFL season, which is generally the most lucrative time for the industry.
Ontario’s online sports betting and iGaming market opened April 4, but the retail versions of sportsbooks have lagged behind. However, that is changing.
Besides Niagara Casinos advertising for sportsbook supervisors and “ambassadors,” it has also announced it was promoting Greg Yeti to director of sportsbook. Great Blue Heron Casino in Port Perry has also begun advertising for a sportsbook supervisor.
Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns told Sports Handle, “There is a desire to try and have everyone up and running by September, which has always been the agenda that people were shooting for.”
Burns added, “Some are working hard to try and get there. I understand they’re getting closer to getting agreements in place between OLG and casino operators. I can only hope it’s soon. I think everybody would like to be able to have a sportsbook on their property and offer a sportsbook onsite. Unfortunately, it’s taken too long. I hope they make it,” i.e. launching by next month.
Online sportsbooks are already up and running in the province. Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), which manages the two Niagara Falls casinos, and operates PlayFallsview. It was the first land-based operator to be issued a license by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
When that happened, Rich Roberts, president of Mohegan Digital, told Sports Handle: “We’re taking advantage of our Fallsview name, which is arguably the most recognized casino property in Ontario, and really building a product that reflects what Fallsview is — an extension of the property.” He added, “Think of this as Fallsview in your pocket. When you leave the casino, you bring the brand with you. And the goal is for the brand to bring you back to the casino.”
