Canada
LIV GOLF IS HERE, BUT CAN YOU BET ON IT?
The biggest off-course news in professional golf came this week with the official launch of the LIV Golf Tour and the defections from the PGA Tour of stars Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickleson and others, but betting on the upstart venture in the United States is an easy proposition, according to TheLines, which tracks odds in the U.S. regulated sports betting market.
With the first event of LIV Golf’s debut tournament in London underway, legal wagering on the event is limited in the United States despite legal wagering available on PGA Tour events, like this week’s RBC’s Canadian Open. So what’s the difference and why isn’t wagering widely available on LIV golf? It comes down to regulation.
Up until very recently, LIV Golf didn’t have a governing body or an integrity policy, and regulators need to see both when asked to approve wagering. As a result, many books were reluctant to even ask.
As of Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s debut for the new league, FanDuel was only approved in three states for LIV Golf betting and as a result, the operator chose not to post any odds for the first event. BetMGM had approval in more states but also did not offer odds.
DraftKings was approved in Illinois, Oregon, Ontario, Connecticut, Arizona, and Wyoming. BetRivers/PlaySugarHouse only had wagering available for LIV Golf in Connecticut and Ontario for both traditional golf markets and winner of the four-man team format.
“Sportsbooks couldn’t even provide proper notice to sports betting regulators to approve LIV golf because the new tour was still getting its golf operations organized at the last minute,” said Stephen Andress, managing editor of TheLines. “Asking regulators to allow odds was pointless until LIV established a governing body and an integrity policy.”
Integrity has another meaning for some when it comes to this new threat to the PGA Tour. It is financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
LIV Golf, led by former star Greg Norman, has received plenty of criticism for sportwashing – using hundreds of millions of dollars to lure players to play in the tour in an attempt to clean up the country’s tarnished reputation on human rights. In comments related to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Norman said, “we all make mistakes.”
Mickelson, who removed himself from the public eye months ago after his comments related to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf became public, committed to LIV Golf this week and reportedly will be paid $200 million. Johnson is set to earn more than $100 million guaranteed from LIV Golf.
The PGA Tour announced Thursday that all players committed to LIV Golf have been suspended from further competition. But Johnson, Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and others who have bolted for the new circuit will be eligible to play in next week’s U.S. Open as the major championship is conducted by the United States Golf Association, not the PGA Tour.
Powered by WPeMatico
Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
BCLC
INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.
The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.
Canada
IAGR announces Toronto as host city for 2025 conference
Hot on the heels of its most attended conference in history, the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is excited to announce that its 2025 conference will take place in Toronto, Canada, from October 20 to 23, 2025.
The event will be held in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) at the Westin Harbour Castle, offering stunning waterfront views and a premier, downtown Toronto location.
‘Fresh off the success of our Rome conference, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum with next year’s event in Toronto,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.
‘The IAGR 2025 conference promises to be another unparalleled opportunity for our global community to come together, collaborate and shape the future of gaming regulation. We’re looking forward to working with AGCO to bring it all together.’
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, added, ‘We’re excited to welcome IAGR and its members to Toronto. This partnership provides a great opportunity to share Ontario’s innovative regulatory practices and foster meaningful discussions that drive positive change in the industry.’
Stay tuned for registration details early next year.
-
Africa4 days ago
South Africa: Tribunal Grants Lottoland Interim Relief – Orders Google to Grant Lottoland Access to its Advertising Platform
-
Balkans4 days ago
CT Interactive Shortlisted in Two Categories at BEGE Awards 2024
-
21VIRAL4 days ago
21VIRAL Integrates Air Dice Group Games
-
Balkans4 days ago
NOVOMATIC Presents New Gaming Highlights at the BEGE
-
Latest News4 days ago
Stakelogic Wraps Up Deal with Bet25.dk
-
Nasdaq:FLL7 days ago
Full House Resorts Announces New Leadership for Rising Star Casino Resort
-
Amusnet4 days ago
Amusnet Expands Latin American Presence Through Strategic Partnership with bet365 in Peru
-
Chris Christie4 days ago
Chris Christie bets on Texas to approve OSB in 2025