This week, Ontario’s list of regulated iGaming and sports betting operators expanded even further as Bally Bet has also announced its entry into the market. The gaming leader has announced that it has been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to join the jurisdiction. And once it goes live, locals will be able to enjoy its numerous premium iGaming and sportsbook offerings.
Ontario’s market for private gaming operators is the first of its kind in Canada, and before its launch in April this year, it was in the making for several years. It is overseen by the AGCO and its subsidiary iGaming Ontario, and so far, the regulator has licensed more than 20 operators and 20 websites that are now live in the jurisdiction.
Expanding into New Territories
Bally Bet is now of the many other sportsbook and gaming brands to join Ontario’s regulated market. Its license was approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario on June 30, 2022. The gaming giant will be able to operate in the jurisdiction until at least June 29, 2024, as its license is a two-year one. If the company wants to extend it has to apply once more.
According to the AGCO, Bally Bet’s license will also cover its four domain names, which feature its ballybet.ca, ballycasino.ca, ballysbet.ca, ballyscasino.ca, and last but not least Bally Bet mobile app. Soon Ontarian gamblers and sports bettors who are at least 19 years of age will be able to enjoy the operator’s broad selection of products online.
Besides Ontario, Bally Bet has also been approved to join New York State’s mobile sports betting market. The market launched in January, but the sportsbook shared that it will delay its launch until later this year. In May, the company said that it is aiming for Q2 2022 launch, however, the deadline was not met. The corporation maintains that it should launch soon.
Firm Grip on the Market
Meanwhile, AGCO is ruling the new iGaming market of Ontario with a firm hand. Last week, the regulator issued a monetary fine to DraftKings, which is one of the locally certified brands. The penalty was concerning breaching the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming’s Standard 2.05, as the rule forbids advertisement of inducements, bonuses, or credits unless it is on the company’s official website.
According to the AGCO, the standard was breached between May 19 and May 31, 2022, when the sportsbook broadcasted several gambling inducements. It promoted boosted odds for hockey matches during the NHL playoffs aired on both TV and social media channels. Due to that, the company was issued a Notice of Monetary Penalty of CA$100,000.
On Monday, the Ontario regulator also informed the public that it has appointed Josée Turcotte as the newest member of its Executive Management Team. She will serve as Chief Legal Officer and will take over her new responsibility from July 18, 2022. Ms. Turcotte will bring in plenty of experience as previously she served on the Executive & Risk Committees of HSBC Bank Canada
