Paul Burns, who leads the Canadian Gaming Association, expressed higher-than-anticipated interest in the market. Despite initial expectations based on legacy operators like Betway and Bet365, Burns found the growing involvement of smaller and innovative players notably exciting. He appreciated the diversity of product offerings and highlighted the benefits of Ontario’s robust regulatory framework, emphasizing its alignment with best practices from global jurisdictions.
Observations from Johnny Avello of DraftKings
Johnny Avello, overseeing race and sportsbook operations at DraftKings, noted significant improvements yet acknowledged room for further growth. He pointed out surprising betting trends in Ontario, where the Chiefs garnered more NFL bets than the Bills, and the Warriors surpassed the Raptors in NBA bets. Avello accentuated the effectiveness of the DK app once bettors begin using it.
Perspectives from Aly Lalani of BetRegal
Aly Lalani, the marketing head at BetRegal, found the abundance of operational brands in Ontario’s market astonishing. While conducting reviews, Lalani noticed varying user experiences and occasional registration difficulties with some approved brands. He suggested more stringent quality checks by regulatory bodies to ensure a consistent consumer experience across all offerings.
Explore more: Ontario’s top sports betting platforms
Thoughts from Amanda Brewer of Kindred Group Canada
Amanda Brewer, managing Kindred Group’s operations in Canada, was taken aback by negative media portrayals of Ontario’s iGaming industry. She emphasized the importance of public education regarding the legality and regulation of the industry. Brewer reassured that responsible gaming standards are integral to operations and highlighted Kindred’s Player Safety-Early Detection System for monitoring at-risk behaviors.
Remarks from Nic Sulsky of PointsBet Canada
Nic Sulsky, PointsBet Canada’s chief commercial officer, was surprised by the significant engagement in tennis, golf, and European soccer, alongside the expected focus on NBA, MLB, and NHL. Sulsky credited the market-leading product offerings in these sports for this unexpected trend and emphasized the dynamic shift in betting preferences within Ontario’s market.
Insights from Tony Bitonti of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
Tony Bitonti, representing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, underscored the trust and local knowledge OLG enjoys. He highlighted the importance of their responsible gambling program, PlaySmart, and the fact that OLG’s profits are reinvested into Ontario communities. Bitonti noted OLG’s focus on hyper-local offerings and competitive advantages rooted in their deep understanding of the Ontario market.
Reflections from Steven Salz, Co-Founder & CEO of Rivalry
Steven Salz, leading Rivalry, likened Ontario’s experience to that of U.S. state launches, with operators aggressively vying for market share. The competitive environment necessitated product differentiation and targeted marketing strategies. Salz emphasized Rivalry’s unique position targeting a digitally native generation and saw Ontario’s market growth as an ongoing inspiration.
