The Kansas Jayhawks capped the end of a thrilling March Madness NCAA tournament by winning the national title. Bettors in support of Kansas will have cashed in 12-1 odds at Caesars Sportsbook, and they’ve surprisingly been lined as 10-1 favorites to come back and win it all again in 2023.
However, April’s most viral sports betting news are leaning towards the legalization and launch of privately operated sportsbooks and casinos in Ontario, Canada.
Residents of Ontario in the Great White North have patiently waited for April 4, the date on which private sports betting in Ontario would officially become legal.
More than twenty operators were approved to conduct business in the iGaming market in Ontario, including a plethora of established U.S. sports betting operators many of us are already acquainted with.
FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, PointsBet, and theScore Bet are a handful of established operators you may be familiar with. Still, a notable absence from DraftKings has left consumers pondering the reasons why.
However, I wouldn’t expect DK to be absent from the Ontario betting scene for long, as their absence from the approval list is likely a regulator issue.
Has Sports Betting in Ontario Ended DFS?
The recent boom of online gaming in Ontario could result in the end of daily fantasy sports in the region.
Ontario’s gaming regulators regard DFS under the same laws as gambling, dissimilar to the United States. Major sportsbook operator FanDuel removed its DFS services in Ontario this past Friday.
Peter Schoenke, the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association board member, commented on the situation:
“When Ontario put forth their regulations, they were just not hospitable to daily fantasy sports. I don’t think it was intentional, but our industry was caught off guard. We’re hopeful the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and elected officials hear from consumers and realize the need to address this issue.”
Sports Betting Expansion in Puerto Rico
The Mashantucket Pequot Indians, in conjunction with DraftKings, are preparing to open online and retail sportsbooks in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s Foxwood El San Juan Casino has been closed due to renovations, but following a $137 million upgrade, it’s expected to open later this month. A retail sportsbook will provide 6 kiosks and multiple betting windows inside the casino.
DraftKings has also been tipped to launch DFS in Puerto Rico.
MLB Illegal Sports Betting Ring
Numerous MLB (Major League Baseball) players have been caught operating an illegal sports betting ring in Costa Rica, and California, the United States Department of Justice has announced.
Although none of the player names was revealed, those involved have revealed a cliental list of current and former pro athletes who’ve been involved in MLB criminal gambling activities.
