Government to Establish a Competitive Market for Online Gambling Industry in Ontario

Ontario’s conservative government has presented its 2019 provincial budget, which details the plans to end the current online gambling monopoly. The budget includes the government’s wish to establish a competitive market for the online gambling industry which includes casino-style gaming and sports betting. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is currently the only operator that can offer iGaming through the playOGA.ca website.

Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League (NHL), said that he supports the government’s initiative. “There are two NHL franchises in Ontario and two right on the border with the US. [Therefore] Ontario is a very important market for the NHL,” Bettman said. “Accordingly, the NHL does not object to the Province of Ontario’s initiative to offer single event wagering when it is permitted.”