On April 4, 2022, sports betting became legal in Ontario.
With a population of over 14 million, Ontario would be the fifth most populated US state behind California, Texas, Florida, and New York, making it a highly sought-after sports betting market.
After one year since sports betting became legal in Ontario, it was a very profitable one, with an estimated $1.48 billion from the 45 operators and 76 gaming sites.
Ontario ranks among the top five largest iGaming jurisdictions in North America.
The legal gambling age in Ontario is 19 years old.
To make sports betting legal in Ontario there had to be an agreement made with the government and the operators on taxes received.
This is a revenue-sharing agreement with the government receiving nearly 20% of revenues in an 80/20 rule split.
The 20% is, however, pushed back into the public sector and the government’s involvement helps bring in social responsibility surrounding online sports betting.
Below, we will discuss the Ontario government pledging $9 million to responsible gambling programs.
Ontario Government Pledge $9m To Responsible Gambling Programs
The Responsible Gambling Council confirms funding to improve messaging and community outreach drives.
The Ontario government has pledged a historic $9 million (CAD) investment to support responsible gambling efforts in the province.
Funding will be used by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to improve education campaigns and expand its community outreach.
The administration has donated the nine-figure sum via the Responsible Internet Gambling Fund, which will be used over three years.
The RGC added that it would further build on partnerships with local community groups and leaders to deliver its responsible gambling messages.
Shelley White, the council’s CEO, said that Ontario had been a “champion for responsible gambling” and the latest funding injection would be a game-changer.
“This demonstrates Ontario is the Canadian leader in promoting responsible play, minimizing harm, and creating a strong, sustainable online gambling market,” she said.
“We know online gambling comes with unique risks, and this funding will have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of so many Ontario residents by providing them with the resources and programming to help keep them safe and build a culture of responsible play in this new environment,” she concluded.
Earlier this year, the RGC announced a partnership with Jennifer Shatley, the founder of Logan Avenue Consulting, to collaborate on the development of the group research strategy.
BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment all joined forces and pledged $20 million to the cause.
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