Stay Tuned for Ontario Gambling Market Launch Date

For what seems like the umpteenth time in the last couple of months, the launch of the much-anticipated Ontario gambling market has been hit with yet another snag. 

As some feel there is no end in sight, certain stakeholders are still confident that a launch date is soon to be announced. Whichever way the wind is blowing, it is paramount so stay optimistic. The new online gambling scene in Ontario will be sure to launch at some point this year.

Plenty of delays leave a sour taste in the public’s mouth

Naturally, the process of creating a legal and fair market for online gambling sites in a major province in Canada was bound to take some time. There has been a lot of back and forth between policymakers, land-based casinos, private enterprises, and the general public. However, time and time again the embattled regulators, whose wish it is to create a sound and reliable gambling market, have come through. There was an initial launch date set for December of last year which, evidently, has come and gone in the blink of an eye. But, news coming out of the camp of proponents for a regulated gambling market have indicated that a launch date should be set before the election mid way through the year.

Regulatory limitations and bureaucratic red tape aside, there are those entities who are eager to see this deal fall flat on its face. It comes as no surprise that land-based casinos, with a vested interest in limiting new online casinos in Canada, have argued that such an expansion will only be to the detriment of these existing establishments.

Great Canadian Gaming Corporation is hellbent on hindering any progress

Most recently, the Great Canadian Gaming Corp. (GCG) released a report which outlined just how much is at stake if a new gambling market – with a core focus on online platforms – is to proceed. Much of the data compiled in this report has been up for debate and many feel the figures have only served to skew perceptions even further.

GCG operates quite a few land-based casinos in Ontario and have relied on past experience as well as case studies in areas where iGaming has come to the fore. Or at least that is what is being touted. The issues with the underlying studies is that much of what has been addressed has been taken from empirical data over the last couple of years. The pandemic has wreaked havoc with brick-and-mortar casinos and how much is due to a move online may well be up for interpretation. That being said, labour unions have also weighed in and are worried about the effect online gambling will have on jobs within the industry.

All being said, the expansion towards online gambling – specifically real money online casinos and single-event sports wagering – will certainly be welcomed by those who enjoy playing casino games, or would like to bet on their favourite teams in Ontario. Our latest news will be sure to keep you posted as to the latest developments.

With a launch date once again on the horizon, you might find yourself betting on the Blue Jays, Raptors, and Maple Leafs sooner rather than later!