More than six weeks after the launch of the Ontario sports betting and internet casino marketplace, DraftKings finally made their bid to the party. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Launching after a long time
DraftsKings has finally launched its online casino and sports app in Ontario, Canada. The sportsbook operator is more than six weeks behind its multiple competitors who launched on the day the market started on April 4.
Reaching Ontario’s 14.6 million people
Wednesday’s launch gives Draughtskings the second-largest market access to Ontario’s 14.6 million residents. With the addition of Ontario, the operator will now be able to provide its services to approximately 40% of Canada’s total population.
Clearly, the long wait for a market launch hasn’t bothered the Boston-based brand. Earlier in May, DraftKings CEO Jason Robbins told analysts and investors that the speed of the launch in Ontario would not have a significant impact on his company’s market share in the province.
However, in a press release on Wednesday, Robbins called the moment “a significant milestone in our expansion efforts.”
Enter DraftKings
Only New York with a population of 19.8 million gives DraftKings a larger market than Ontario. As of Wednesday, the player has taken its place as the 13th approved sportsbook to go live in Ontario, along with familiar American competitors FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.
More than 130 different online casino games
According to an official press release,The DraftKings sportsbook offering will allow Ontario bettors to bet on multiple sports markets complete with a variety of participating options, including the play offerings themselves. DraftKings Casino is launched right away, offering more than 130 different types of online casino games.
In a comment on Wednesday, Robins’ opening maneuver referred to the fun and control elements of the DraftKings show. He said his company aims to provide the enthusiastic fanbase in Ontario with “a gaming experience that is as entertaining and responsible as possible”.
Two firing, one shutter
On the same day its sportsbook and casino were published, DraftKings closed its daily fantasy sports (DFS) competitions in Ontario. covers Sports betting reporter Jeff Zucchodny shared news of DFS closing the door on DFS on Tuesday via Twitter:
DFS users in Ontario have now received a message that they cannot enter any competitions “due to your current location”.
In a recent call to Ontario FC players, Draft Kings acknowledged the “unfortunate news” of the shutdown, which has been reported that it will “continue to work with the provincial government to try to bring daily fantasy sports back to Ontario as soon as possible”.
