Hockey on Hold Amid COVID-19: NHL Postpones Operations, World Juniors Carry On

Every Thursday, this sports-centric platform will break down the recent sports betting news in Canada, delve into the Game of the Week, and provide an outlook on noteworthy Canadian games for the weekend.

Canada's Game of the Week

World Junior Hockey Championships - Czechia vs. Canada - Dec. 26

Boxing Day brings a treat for Canadian sports enthusiasts and wagerers this year as the World Junior Hockey Championships kick off, stacked against a full NFL Sunday schedule. With no NHL games on the schedule, all eyes will be on the rising stars of the hockey world. Team Canada begins group play against Czechia and the odds couldn't be more lopsided, with Canada as a -2500 favorite on the moneyline, and the total set at 7.5 goals at British Columbia Lottery Corporation's PlayNow online sportsbook[1].

In light of rising COVID-19 cases in the region, Alberta's government has announced a 50% cut in fan capacity limits at arenas[1]. This setback is a clear reminder of the ongoing pandemic's impact on sports events, making the spirit of perseverance that much more inspiring.

World Junior Hockey Championships Update

Following the announcement by Alberta's province, the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship has reduced fan capacity to 50%, effective immediately[2].

Here are the updated outright odds for the event:

Canada +115
USA +350
Russia +450
Finland +625
Sweden +675
Czechia +2,200
Slovakia +4,000
Germany +8,000

Operators Gearing Up for Ontario's Market Opening

At least one private operator is gearing up for action in Ontario as theScore Bet officially announces its GLI-33 certification for its mobile sports betting and iGaming app for use in the province[3]. Ontario is expected to open its market to private operators in the first quarter of 2022, with big names like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and PointsBet also preparing to contest the market. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the Canadian sports betting scene!

[1] - Enrichment: The Winter Olympics and COVID-19

[2] - Enrichment: Fan Capacity Restrictions Aim to Enhance Safety in the Alberta World Junior Hockey Championship

[3] - Enrichment: Ontario Eliminates iGaming Cap for Private Operators

[4] - Enrichment: Alberta's iGaming Alberta Act Bill 48

[5] - Enrichment: A Comprehensive Look at Canada's Sports Betting Regulations

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, the sports betting scene in Canada remains active, with Sports Interaction securing the official betting partnership for the Canada Lacrosse League.
With the NHL on a brief hiatus, the World Junior Hockey Championships serve as a focal point for sports betting this holiday season, with Team Canada being a heavy favorite on the moneyline, according to the odds at British Columbia Lottery Corporation's PlayNow online sportsbook.
As the World Junior Hockey Championships progress, updated outright odds show Canada as a +115 favorite to win the tournament, followed closely by the USA at +350.
TheScore Bet, one of the anticipated entrants in Ontario's sports betting market, has recently secured its GLI-33 certification, gearing up for action upon the market's expected opening in Q1 2022.
In light of increasing COVID-19 cases, fans attending the World Junior Hockey Championships in Alberta are now being limited to 50% seating capacity, as announced by the province's government.
Among the names expected to compete in Ontario's sports betting market upon its opening are well-known industry leaders such as FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and PointsBet.