Remember the date – Aug. 27, 2021.
It could be a historic one for the Canadian sports and gaming industry.
The same day Canada officially sanctioned single-event bets, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) entered the fray.
The Crown corporation wasted no time launching its new digital sportsbook, Proline+, on the 27th. The new app offers gamblers opportunities for pre and live bets and live event tracking with real-time odds.
However, the most interesting new feature has to be single-event sports bets.
Previously gamblers could only bet on multi-game events (parlays).
Proline+ is among the first platforms to offer such liberty in the country.
“OLG is a customer-obsessed organization focused on expanding its digital gaming offering and launching the new Proline+ means we can welcome more Ontario sports bettors in the space where they want to bet,” said Duncan Hannay, OLG President and CEO, in a press release.
FDJ Gaming Solutions, Sporting Solutions aid in Proline+ launch
Proline+’s launch isn’t without an outside assist, though.
That’s because OLG called on Sporting Solutions and FDJ Gaming Solutions to help develop the project.
While Sporting Solutions will be providing its trade services, FDJ Gaming Solutions will focus on the betting platform’s user experience.
The FDJ Group of France (FDJ) owns both OLG partners.
Sporting Solution has been in business since 1992, so CEO Andy Wright knows when he sees an opportunity.
“With the recent legalization of single event wagering in Canada, this is the ideal time to launch Proline+,” said Wright.
“We are confident that our technology along with the global sports betting expertise of FDJ Group will bring a dynamic and compelling offering to Ontario.”
Proline+ plans to keep bettors in Canada
In 2020 the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) estimated that Canadians bet roughly CA$15 billion on sports. But only three percent of that (CA$450 million) was done legally.
That means Canada lost billions to black markets and offshore operators. The hope is Canadians will now begin to invest in their local economies through Canadian sportsbooks.
OLG’s Proline+ menu will feature all four major North American sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB) alongside soccer, tennis and martial arts.
OLG profits help to fund provincial priorities.
“We’re proud that we can offer adult Ontarians the opportunity to bet on sports and have fun while also doing good and giving back,” said Hannay.
Ontario is not alone, though.
British Columbia (BCLC) and Quebec (Loto-Quebec) also offer single-event wagers through their websites PlayNow and Mise-o-jeu, respectively. Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) has also launched singles in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Only Nova Scotians must wait to place single-event bets on the East Coast.
Meanwhile, other provinces have hinted at incorporating single-game bets, but nothing concrete has surfaced so far.
“More events, more betting options, and greater accessibility means more fan engagement,” said Hannay.
The provincial government has further plans to open Ontario’s online gambling market to competition later this year.
