Key Takeaways:
- When it comes to sports betting, not every province is on the same page.
- Since Bill C-218 was passed on August 27, the Canadian sports betting scene appears to be changing by the minute.
Since the Canadian Parliament decriminalized the federal level of single-event wagering last summer, provincially run lotteries in Canada are now offering single-game betting to customers. However, the Alcohol or Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario are still working on the legal framework that will govern how private sportsbooks can operate in Ontario.
According to widespread speculation, the Ontario market could be opened up to private sportsbooks in the first quarter of 2022. While PointsBet and Penn National Gaming have committed to being in Canada PointsBet by establishing a Canada division and PNG by acquiring the Score other major operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and Hard Rock, are also preparing to enter the market.
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Here’s a breakdown of each province’s current sports betting arrangement:
Northwest Territories
Population: approximately 140,000 people combined.
There are no professional sports teams. The northern regions of Canada are so sparse that it’s difficult to envision any future professional sports teams or sportsbooks establishing themselves there. But, on the other hand, Locals place bets on when the ice on the Yukon River will melt in the spring.
Ontario
Population: around 15 million people.
Professional sports teams include:
- The Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL).
- The Toronto Argonauts (CFL).
- The Toronto Raptors (NBA).
- The Toronto Rock (NLL).
- The Toronto FC (MLS).
- The Ottawa Senators (NHL).
- The Toronto Blue Jays (MLB).
- The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL).
- The Ottawa Redblacks (CFL).
British Columbia
The population of nearly 5.2 million people.
- Vancouver Canucks (NHL),
- Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS),
- Vancouver Warriors (NLL),
- British Columbia Lions are professional sports teams (CFL).
Canada’s Atlantic Region
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation and its Pro-Line Platform are available in all of Canada’s Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland and Labrador, though only parlay wagering is currently available in Nova Scotia.
“On August 27, players in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador were able to wager on single-event sports,” ALC Communications Strategist Greg Weston told Sports Handle. “To determine what products will be offered to players, each province makes informed decisions based on various factors such as legislation, regulations, and their gaming strategies.” As well, bill C-218 and single-event sports betting will be evaluated and discussed with Nova Scotia’s new government.”
Source: sports handle
