Single-game sports betting is now legal in Canada, and this is huge news. Some of North America’s biggest sportsbooks have announced plans to launch in Ontario in 2022. Ontario residents will soon be able to place bets from their phones on all the latest sporting events.
The Launch of Sportsbooks in Ontario
While the Canadian federal government legalized single-game sports betting, there are still some hoops to jump for it to be available in the province of Ontario. The licensing process began in the winter of 2021. Many top American online sportsbooks are set to make the jump across the border. Who comes in will depend on which sportsbooks Ontario gives licenses to. Residents can expect those approved to launch sometime in 2022.
Top Projections for Online Sportsbooks in Ontario
BetRivers
BetRivers Sportsbook Ontario has received a license and is set to start receiving bets in February 2022. This is an expansion from Rush Street Interactive and is the name the company has chosen to represent their Canadian division. This site currently has a play money sportsbook site set up for prospective bettors to get a feel for their platform.
DraftKings
It is pretty much a guarantee that the biggest online sportsbook in the United States will expand into the Canadian market. While the site started as a daily fantasy sports platform now also offers an online casino and sportsbook. DraftKings consistently rates among the top mobile sportsbooks in the US.
FanDuel
FanDuel Sportsbook is another successful US sportsbook that is going to launch in Ontario. Their welcome bonuses are expected to be offered, including risk-free betting and deposit matching.
BetMGM
The online version of the famous MGM casino is a respected brand among American online sportsbooks. BetMGM currently offers US customers $1,000 bonuses, and they will also offer this bonus to Ontario residents. The bonus is a risk-free bet, so your money will be returned even if you lose.
Caesars
William Hill Sportsbetting combined with Caesars to create Caesars Sportsbook, offering one of the best online betting experiences in North America. Many expect Caesars to expand into Ontario when legally allowed to do so.
Ontario Sports Teams to Bet On
Ontario will be a hotbed for sports wagering with several large franchises and sports organizations. But it might look a little different from betting in the United States. The last few years have seen a serious decline in professional hockey. Hockey doesn’t rack up a lot of bets in North America. NFL football and NBA basketball are the most popular sports bets in the United States. The Canadian market might change that.
With two major NHL teams, Ontario expects to bring in a massive volume of NHL bets. The province is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the second biggest hockey team located in the biggest hockey country. The Ottawa Senators will also pull in big numbers. While it’s not as popular as the Leafs, it’s still a hot spot for wagers in Canada’s capital city.
Summary
Online single-game sports betting is legal in Ontario. Licensing of individual sportsbook operators is the responsibility of the province. Ontario residents can expect to see more betting options appear as the Ontario government issues licenses in the coming months. Most platforms expect to launch sometime in 2022.
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