Ontario's Sports Betting Kickoff: CFL Week 1 Odds, additional Web-based Wagering Platforms Operational, Conferences Going Crazy!
Each Thursday, we'll recap the top sports bettinal news in Canada, highlight the Game(s) of the Week, and look ahead at some of the most intriguing games to wager on over the weekend.
This Week's Canadian Sports Headlines
CFL Season Wagering Preview: Blue Bombers Favored to Three-Peat
Betting enthusiasts, get ready! The Canadian Football League (CFL) is back and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the favorites to win a third straight Grey Cup.
Saskatchewan Picks B.C. Lottery as Vendor for New Online Gaming Site
Saskatchewan has selected the B.C. Lottery Corporation as the vendor for its new online gaming platform. The move marks the latest development in the ever-evolving world of Canadian sports betting.
Game(s) of the Week
Dive into CFL Week 1 action with these matchups:
- Thursday, June 9
- Ottawa Redblacks at Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Odds: Saskatchewan -3.5 [1]
- Location: Mosaic Stadium, Regina
- Friday, June 10
- Toronto Argonauts at Montreal Alouettes
- Odds: Montreal favored (Toronto +4.5) [1]
- Location: Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Montreal
- Saturday, June 11
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Calgary Stampeders
- Odds: Hamilton -1.5 [1]
- Location: McMahon Stadium, Calgary
- BC Lions vs. Edmonton Elks
- Odds: BC -5.5 [1]
- Location: BC Place, Vancouver
Our fellow tipsters over at Coolbet Canada have shared their Week 1 odds:
CFL Week 1 Odds
- CGY -3(-109) 🆚 MTL +150
- WPG -9(-110) 🆚 OTT +320
- SSK -1(-110) 🆚 HAM +105
- BC -3(-105) 🆚 EDM +130
For more betting odds, check out Coolbet Canada's official tweet:
The Latest from the Canadian Gaming Association
BetRivers and Coolbet Join CGA
Welcome, BetRivers and Coolbet Canada, to the Canadian Gaming Association! Both companies have joined the national trade association as members, representing the rapidly growing Canadian sports betting, esports, and lottery industries.
Other Ontario-based members of CGA include:
- DraftKings
- Rivalry
- PointsBet
- NorthStar Gaming
- LeoVegas
- FanDuel
- TheScore Bet
More Ontario Licenses and Market Growth
BetVictor, a Gibraltar-based operator, has been granted a license by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, joining a growing list of operators eligible for iGaming Ontario. Notably, PokerStars and Pret Play Limited (casumo.com/on) are also in the process of securing their Ontario licenses.
This week, several new gaming sites appeared on the iGO website, bringing the total to 29 live gaming websites in Ontario:
- Comeon!
- Knightslots.ca
- playojo.ca
- slotsmagic.ca
- spingenie.ca
During a recent webinar, over 70 operators were reported to be in the process of obtaining an Ontario iGaming license, with the process taking anywhere between 90-120 days, according to the AGCO.
Sightline Payments and Fansunite News
FansUnite, a Canadian-based online gaming company, reported a 804% increase in revenue during Q1 over the prior year. The company is licensed as a gaming-related supplier in Ontario, with CEO Scott Burton sitting on the board of the Canadian Gaming Association.
Sightline Payments, a digital payments provider, announced the hiring of Will Hill as VP of Business Development and Tamara Tenenbaum as SVP of Business Development and Managing Director. Tenenbaum previously served as Director of Payments for Caesars, while Hill is a well-known figure in the Canadian gaming and sports industries.
B.C. Money Laundering Inquiry Update
The final report from the British Columbia public inquiry into money laundering is expected soon. The report, which was launched in 2019, delves into whether millions of dollars linked to organized crime and drug trafficking were laundered in British Columbia's gaming sector and other businesses.
Attorney General David Eby previously testified that he had seen videos of gamblers picking up large bags of cash outside local casinos and bringing them inside, leading to speculation of organized crime involvement.
Better Collective Executive Talks All Things Canada
Better Collective's Country Director of Canada, JD McNamara, spoke recently with SBC News about the company's acquisition of Canada Sports Betting, the need for a more personalized approach to the Ontario market, and the differences between sports bettors in Canada and the U.S.
In March, Better Collective acquired the assets of Canada Sports Betting for a maximum purchase price of $23.5 million (USD).
Ongoing Montreal Casino Dealer Strike
Montreal casino dealers are still on strike over working conditions and pay. Approximately 545 workers have been without a collective agreement with Loto-Quebec since April 1, 2020, and they've been striking since May 21 of this year.
The ongoing strike has resulted in staffing reductions at the Casino de Montreal, leading to speculation about its long-term impact on the gaming industry in Quebec.
Two Major Gaming Conferences Wrap Up in Toronto
SIGMA World's Gaming Festival and the Canadian Gaming Summit (CGS) concluded this week in Toronto, bringing key industry stakeholders together to connect, discuss, and strategize for the future of gaming in Canada.
SIGMA's event featured a live esports tournament, while CGS provided valuable insights into the Ontario market. Both conferences served as an excellent platform for networking and knowledge sharing among gaming industry professionals.
[1] Records and informational purposes only. For the most accurate and up-to-date odds, check with the sportsbook or the official CFL website.
- Betting enthusiasts should note the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the favorites in the CFL, aiming for a third consecutive Grey Cup victory.
- Saskatchewan has appointed the B.C. Lottery Corporation as the vendor for its new online gaming platform, a move indicative of the expanding Canadian sports betting market.
- The Game(s) of the Week include the Ottawa Redblacks facing the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats against the Calgary Stampeders, and BC Lions vs. Edmonton Elks, with varying odds provided by Coolbet Canada.
- The Canadian Gaming Association has welcomed BetRivers and Coolbet Canada as members, reflecting the growth of the Canadian sports betting, esports, and lottery industries.
- Sightline Payments has recruited Will Hill as VP of Business Development and Tamara Tenenbaum as SVP of Business Development and Managing Director, signaling potential changes in the Canadian gaming industry.
