Canadian Soccer on the Line: Ontario Launch Remains uncertain, Crucial Week Ahead for Soccer Enthusiasts in Canada
Every Thursday, Sports Handle dishes out all the latest sports betting news in Canada, spotlights the Game of the Week, and takes a look ahead at some of the most intriguing Canadian games to bet on for the weekend.
The hottest Canadian sports stories this week
- PointsBet, FanDuel Discuss Best Strategies for Conquering Ontario Sports Betting Market
- PROLINE+ Now Offering Pre-match NFL Player Props
- This Week's Top NHL Bets: Avalanche Near Undefeatable At Home
Game(s) of the week
The Canadian men's national soccer team is battling to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, with three games lined up over the next seven days. They're currently anchored at the top of the eight-team table with 16 points (4-0-4), ahead of the USA by 1 point. Mexico and Panama are locked at third with 14 points apiece.
The top three countries in the table secure a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The fourth-place team is afforded a shot at a spot in the event via an intercontinental playoff. The odds below are from PROLINE.
Canada Soccer reveals World Cup Qualifiers squad for 2022#CANMNT 🍁 https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/status/1484320073436313600
- Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) Jan 24, 2022
Jan 27 - Honduras (+260) vs. Canada (+100)
Canada and Honduras tied 1-1 in Toronto in early September, and the Canadians aim to avenge the embarrassing 8-1 humiliation they suffered during the 2014 World Cup qualifying game in Honduras. COVID-19 has claimed star fullback Alphonso Davies, who tested positive and is now battling myocarditis. The 21-year-old Alberta native has 10 goals and 15 assists in 30 caps for Canada.
Jan 30 - Canada (+185) vs. US (+125)
Tempers are expected to flare in this eagerly awaited match against the US at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, but COVID-19 restrictions might dampen the Canadian fans' enthusiasm. The venue, built for 24,000 spectators, can only accommodate 12,000 due to health and safety constraints. The teams tied 1-1 in Nashville back in September. The forecast for the day hints at freezing temperatures of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Odds for the third game on Feb 2 against El Salvador have yet to be announced.
Gaming Americas Panel on Ontario Launch
A Gaming Americas panel talked about the pending launch of Ontario's regulated online gaming market on January 26, 2022. The group discussed the potential launch date for the market but didn't confirm one because they haven't heard any updates from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or iGaming Ontario. However, they did agree that ensuring a safe and proper launch was the top priority. The panel also discussed the potential impact of a June provincial election on the market's timeline. Many industry insiders believe a market launch in March is possible, but the reality is still uncertain.
Other news from theScore
TheScore Bet has become the first prospective private market operator in Ontario to receive RG Check iGaming Accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council. This program aims to offer the best and safest experience possible for players. TheScore Bet elected to undergo the accreditation ahead of its home province's expected online sports betting and iGaming launch.
The Canadian province of Saskatchewan recently negotiated a historic 50/50 revenue-sharing deal with the government. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority announced it would launch sports betting at both its casinos and online gaming portal this summer. No vendor information has been revealed, but an announcement is expected in February. As of now, sports bettors in Saskatchewan can only place $100 wagers at retail locations through SPORT SELECT.
- In a strategic discussion, PointsBet and FanDuel are exploring strategies to dominate the Ontario sports betting market.
- PROLINE+ is now offering pre-match NFL player props, expanding their betting offerings.
- This week's top NHL bets highlight the Avalanche's near-undefeatable home record.
- Highlighting the Canadian sports scene, the men's national soccer team aims to qualify for the World Cup, with the odds from PROLINE for their upcoming games against Honduras and the USA announced.
- Myocarditis, a heart inflammation, has sidelined star fullback Alphonso Davies for the soccer team's World Cup qualifiers.
- Sports Handle also covers the upcoming launch of Ontario's regulated online gaming market, a potential summer sports betting launch in Saskatchewan's casinos and online gaming portal, and TheScore Bet receiving the RG Check iGaming Accreditation ahead of Ontario's expected online sports betting and iGaming launch.
