DraftKings Ontario Online Sports Betting and Casino Now Live
- DraftKings Ontario launched its iGaming and online sportsbook services this afternoon
- The online sports betting operator received a license to operate in Ontario last week
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has awarded 36 licenses so far
DraftKings announced its official Ontario sports betting launch this afternoon.
The online sports betting and iGaming operator announced the launch of its online sportsbook and online casino products in Ontario, Canada, at 1 p.m. EST.
DraftKings Ontario Sportsbook Is Available Now
“DraftKings’ entry into Canada with our online sportsbook and online casino products is a significant milestone in our expansion efforts as we reach nearly 40-percent of Canada’s total population,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings co-founder, chairman and CEO, in a press release. “We look forward to providing the passionate fanbase in Ontario with the most entertaining and responsible gaming experience possible.”
DraftKings today announced the launch of online sports betting and iGaming in Ontario. In the announcement, CEO and Chairman Jason Robins noted DraftKings will reach nearly 40% of Canada's total population.
— RLinnehanXL (@RLinnehanXl) May 18, 2022
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) awarded DraftKings an iGaming license on Friday, May 13. The license will be active for two years and is set to expire on May 13, 2024. It’s the 36th license to be awarded by the commission so far.
DraftKings Ontario joins the likes of Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, theScore, and PointsBet as operational in Canada.
DraftKings Ontario Officially Pulls Plug on DFS
With the issuing of its new license, DraftKings announced over the weekend it would soon be pulling its daily fantasy sports contests (free and paid) before sports betting is launched.
It sent out a notice to players over the weekend informing them that the change would be effective as of May 17.
The company announced it would be pulling its DFS operations from Ontario in early April, and they will no longer operate paid or free daily fantasy contests for the time being.
Neither DraftKings or FanDuel offer DFS in the province.
Ontario Sports Betting
Ontario launched single-game regulated online sports betting on April 4. While single-game retail sports betting has been allowed in the country since August 2021, this is the first time regulated, private online sportsbooks have been able to accept single-game bets.
Online sports betting handle figures for the province and its licensed operators have yet to be made public.
Ontario has always been the most desirable province to allow single-game online sports betting. It’s the highest populated province in Canada, with 13.4 million residents according to the 2016 Canadian Census, and was always expected to be the focus for sportsbook companies to kick off regulated online sports betting in the country.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees single-game sports betting in the province and has so far issued 36 iGaming licenses.
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
