Kambi secures approval ahead of Ontario market opening

The licence awarded by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) confirms Kambi as a gaming-related supplier from 4 April, when regulated online single-event wagering will open up to licensed operators in Canada’s most populous province.

Under the registration, Kambi will be able to provide its sportsbook technology and services, including its “Bet Builder” capability and ice hockey product.

Kristian Nylén, Kambi’s chief executive and co-founder, said: “I am delighted that Kambi has become one of the first sportsbook providers to obtain registration from the AGCO.

“This landmark achievement is a testament to Kambi’s expertise and exemplary track record in compliance and we are excited to be in a position to deliver our market-leading sportsbook technology to our partners’ customers in Ontario from day one.”

The AGCO said last week that all businesses that apply for approval in Ontario’s igaming market must cease operations in the province from the moment their registration is rubber-stamped, until launch day. These companies must also “terminate any association they may have with another company that operates in the unregulated market in Ontario” after receiving their registration.

The likes of PointsBet, theScore, Rivalry, Rush Street Interactive, Bet365 and 888 have been issued with operator licences by the AGCO ahead of the market opening.

The provincial government first revealed plans to scrap the lottery’s online gambling monopoly nearly three years ago, and legislation to pave the way for a licensing regime was introduced in 2020. The province published its final standards for online betting and gaming in September 2021, but some legal experts have expressed doubts about whether the provincial government’s approach conflicts with the Criminal Code of Canada.