Sports streaming giant DAZN has officially entered Canada’s gambling sector, launching its DAZN Bet sportsbook and casino platform in Ontario last week. This marks the company’s first North American iGaming venture, with Alberta set to follow when the province opens its commercial market on 13 July. The platform features a sportsbook “tailored to Canadian preferences” alongside a full casino suite of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
Licencing and market entry
DAZN’s move into Ontario had been anticipated since April 2022, when Canadian Gaming Business reported its partnership with Pragmatic Play to develop a gaming app. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) granted DAZN Bet a licence in January, though the launch was delayed until now.
Furthermore, AGCO’s compliance framework is built on risk-based, outcome-focused rules designed to protect integrity, responsible gambling, and consumer protection. To operate legally, platforms like DAZN Bet must meet strict go-live requirements, including technology compliance confirmations, control activity matrices, and independent testing lab certifications.
Aside from establishing themselves, operators face ongoing requirements, including regular assessments, reporting of changes to the control environment, and proactive issue resolution. Failure to comply can result in fines, licence suspension or revocation, and additional supplier requirements. These measures are critical to maintaining consumer trust, a decisive factor in competing against established brands.
Additionally, Ontario enforces some of the strictest responsible gambling measures in North America, requiring operators like DAZN Bet to integrate tools such as self-exclusion (BetGuard), deposit and loss limits, cooling-off periods, and restrictions on advertising inducements. These safeguards are designed to protect players, ensure integrity, and maintain public trust in the province’s booming iGaming market.
Ontario’s growing iGaming landscape
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is booming. In May 2026 alone, the province recorded a CAD9.48 billion ($6.6 billion) handle and CAD413 million ($290.2 million) in gross gaming revenue (GGR), with online casinos driving nearly 88 percent of wagers. This growth cements Ontario as Canada’s largest and most competitive gambling market, according to RG.org.
For one, casino activity has remained the leading driver, while sports betting has stabilised. Still, this could bounce back with major events like the World Cup. Additionally, the market’s reach has been on an uptick, with 1.25 million active accounts in May 2026, up from 813,000 in 2024, according to media reports. Today, Ontario hosts 47 licenced operators running 81 active sites. DAZN Bet now joins this crowded sector, adding to its already established presence in Europe.
Leadership perspectives
DAZN Bet CEO Valery Gelfman underscored the company’s long-term vision: “We are entering the province with a product designed for sustainability, built with a local mindset and a customer-centric approach.”
Managing Director of Canada Richard Rawlinson highlighted the brand’s dual strength: “We are combining the reach of a global sports entertainment brand with a localised product built for Canadian customers. Our focus is on responsible growth, strong compliance, and a customer experience that feels distinctly Canadian. This is the beginning of a long-term commitment to the country.”
Alberta on the horizon
Alberta will officially open its regulated iGaming market on 13 July, ending its government-run monopoly and allowing private operators like DAZN Bet to join PlayAlberta. The framework will follow a dual-body model: the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) as regulator and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) as commercial manager, according to several media outlets.
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