Ontario Acts to Put a Stop to Online Gambling Monopoly

The government of Canada’s province Ontario has decided to introduce a brand new legislative framework that will put an end to the online gambling monopoly currently in place and open the market to operators.

The only current operator in this province is Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation that offers online gambling via PlayOGA website.

Next Year is Pivotal

After determining its budget plans to end this monopoly in 2019…

…the Government is ready to take it to the next level with 2021 budget and has confirmed that the legislation will establish a more open market.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will, if the legislation es into law, conduct and manage all online gambling activities and serve as a market’s regulator.

There will also be a dedicated subsidiary under the AGCO that would manage the relationship between the government and private licensed operators. They will also continue to consult with stakeholders on the new-look market design to make sure it reflects consumer’s likings.

Opening Up of Possibilities

The federal government will be encouraged by the Ontario government to push the legislation forward for single-event sports betting that will be introduced into the parliament of Canada.

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) has commended this initiative…

…and has said that will make sure that inhabitants of this province have access to safe and legal gambling options.

CGA president and CEO Paul Burns said:

“As we grapple with the economic recovery from novel coronavirus (Covid-19), it will be helpful for Ontario to generate revenue from the licensing and taxation of offshore online operators who qualify to operate in Ontario.

It will also allow land-based casino operators to access online gaming, enabling them to diversify their entertainment options and interact with customers outside of property walls.”

Score Media and Gaming have praised the government of Ontario. John Levy, founder and CEO, considers this a huge step closer towards a safe and regulated sports betting.

He said that Canada is theScore’s home soil and the company is willing to bring back the award winning sportsbook theScore Bet to fans in Ontario, which is a huge market with a population larger than almost all US states, but four.

“We’re also encouraged by the province’s commitment to continue to work with the federal government in their effort to legalise single-event sports wagering in Canada, where legislation to effect this change was debated in the House of Commons earlier this week,” added Levy.

Source:

“Ontario government prepares legislation to end igaming monopoly”, igbnorthamerica.com, November 6th, 2020.