DraftKings Ontario Halts Daily Fantasy Ahead of Sports Betting Launch
- DraftKings Ontario has paused Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in the province
- While DFS is unavailable, the DraftKings Sportsbook is now available in the Ontario sports betting market
- DraftKings says they will work with the provincial government to bring DFS back to Ontario
With their online sportsbook now live, DraftKings Ontario has ceased their DFS operations in Canada’s most populous province.
In an official message to DFS players, DraftKings confirmed users in Ontario will be restricted from playing free and paid daily fantasy sports contests as of May 17 at 10am ET. While the operator has suggested they will work with the provincial government to bring DFS back, they will now turn their attention towards launching the DraftKings Sportsbook in Ontario.
Catch all the details on the loss of DraftKings DFS, along with details on the recent launch of their highly-anticipated sportsbook in the Ontario sports betting market.
DraftKings Ontario Stops DFS Before Sports Betting Launch
Finalizing a move that was announced back in late March, DraftKings distributed a message confirming their DFS platform would no longer be operational in Ontario starting 10am ET on May 17. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) views DFS contests as a form of pay-to-play gambling, and as such, these contests are subject to the same rules and regulations as sports betting.
Two key issues are behind this decision:
- Ontario sports betting rules demand DFS players compete against others in the province exclusively
- Operators required to pay $100,000 in licensing fees every year and 20% of revenue to Ontario government
In their official message to players, DraftKings vowed to work with the provincial government to hopefully bring back DFS contests in the future. DraftKings DFS will continue to operate in eligible Canadian provinces and US states.
For now, Ontario sports bettors will just have to wait for the upcoming launch of the DraftKings Sportsbook.
DraftKings Sportsbook Now Live in Ontario
While DraftKings may be halting their DFS services in Ontario, their online sportsbook platform launched on May 18. New customers can start registering with the DraftKings Ontario sportsbook right now.
DraftKings is now licensed as an operator in Ontario. https://t.co/PJO66v9U7J
— RLinnehanXL (@RLinnehanXl) May 16, 2022
The DraftKings Sportsbook received an Ontario sports betting license from the AGCO on Friday, May 13. Even though an official launch date wasn’t announced in advance, the DraftKings Ontario sports betting site and mobile app are officially now available.
We’re staying up-to-date with all the latest information on a go-live time for the DraftKings Sportsbook in Ontario. Make sure you keep it locked in with Sports Betting Dime for everything you need to know about signing up with this world-class sportsbook now that it’s finally available.
Ontario Sports Betting Is Now Live
Betting with the DraftKings Sportsbook is now underway in Ontario, and there are multiple sportsbooks that have been live and accepting wagers for over a month now.
Best Ontario Sports Betting Apps
| Ontario Sports Betting Apps | Download the App |
|---|---|
| BetMGM Ontario | >>> GET APP HERE <<< |
| Caesars Sportsbook Ontario | >>> GET APP HERE <<< |
| PointsBet Ontario | |
| BetRivers Ontario | >>> GET APP HERE <<< |
| theScore Bet Ontario | >>> GET APP HERE <<< |
| Unibet Ontario | |
| 888sport Ontario | >>> GET APP HERE <<< |
Use the links in the table above to register with any one or more of these sportsbooks to see what they’re all about.
Betting responsibly on your favourite games is the best way to get closer to all the action. The loss of DraftKings DFS is obviously disappointing, but their pending sportsbook will be a perfect alternative while you wait for a potential return of DFS.
A sports fanatic and strategic wordsmith, Mitchell has been writing gaming content for over seven years. As sports betting emerges in markets across the globe, he’s ready to journey alongside those who haven’t wagered before with informative articles and comprehensive how-to guides.
