Several Operators Go Live on Opening Day of Ontario’s iGaming Market

The much-anticipated iGaming market launch in Ontario took place yesterday, April 4th, 2022, and several operators showed up to the occasion. Debuting their online gambling products on opening day were FanDuel, BetRivers, Rivalry, 888Holdings, BetMGM, and theScore, among others.

These operators, who had previously received licenses from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), launched their respective sports betting, online casino, and esports offerings.

What’s Available for Bettors in Ontario?

FanDuel announced that its sportsbook and casino apps are now available in the province. IGT’s PlaySports platform powers the company’s sportsbook and, according to FanDuel, offers bettors “elevated betting features including Same Game Parlay bets, Odds Boosts, Data Visuals, and Streaming options, to augment Canadians’ engagement with the sports they love.”

The sportsbook is now available for download via iOS and Android for customers located anywhere inside Ontario’s border. The casino offering will also be available on those mediums as well as on desktops. Players will be able to enjoy 250+ games across live dealers, live game shows, slots, and table games such as blackjack and roulette.

Rush Street Interactive’s (RSI) BetRivers online casino also launched on opening day. Both the brand’s website and mobile apps are now accepting wagers in Ontario.

Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, said the company was “thrilled to bring millions of Canadian gaming enthusiasts into the expanding BetRivers community.”

“….through our array of proprietary betting options, fast and easy payouts, or efficient and helpful customer support, we are confident BetRivers will become Ontario’s preferred online casino and sports betting destination.”

Rivalry Corporation, 888 Holdings, and BetMGM have also launched their services. Unlike others, Rivalry is primarily an esports operator and one of the only local operators to launch on Monday.

Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry, said the company aims to be the sportsbook for the next generation “through engaging content and innovative experiences, which entertain and create loyal fans of Rivalry who come back for more.”

Ontario is Rivalry’s second regulated market after the operator received approval in Australia earlier this year.

888 Holdings has made its 888casino, 888sport, and 888poker brands available for residents in the province.

Itai Pazner, CEO, 888, said: “We are excited to launch in Ontario under a local license, enabling us to leverage our full suite of data-driven marketing capabilities to build awareness of our differentiated and content-rich products in the province.” Ontario represents the largest growth market for the operator, which already has a major presence across Europe.

BetMGM has partnered with hockey players Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid to promote the launch of its sports betting and iGaming platform in what has become its first international market.

“Today marks a significant milestone for BetMGM and a momentous occasion for sports fans and online players in Ontario,” said Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM CEO.”

“We’re confident that customers in Canada will enjoy the unique, interactive, and world-class experience that only BetMGM can provide.”

Making their debut alongside these companies are theScore and High 5 Games, among others.