Kambi Group Receives Supplier Approval for Sports Betting in Ontario

With Ontario set to go live with its regulated sports betting and iGaming markets on April 4, more providers and operators are receiving approval as the launch date nears.

Kambi Gets AGCO Approval to Launch

Kambi Group is the latest to receive regulatory approval as a gaming-related supplier from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to launch its services in Ontario.

“I am delighted that Kambi has become one of the first sportsbook providers to obtain registration from the AGCO,” Kambi CEO and co-founder Kristian Nylén said in a statement. "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 1.”

Kambi is authorized to provide its sportsbook technology services to operators who wish to use its platforms for sports betting in Ontario. Kambi joins theScore, PointsBet, Rivalry, Rush Street Interactive, 888 Holdings and Bet365 as other companies who have received operator licenses from the ACGO.

April 4 will bring a new gaming market to Ontario that will give players more options and peace of mind knowing they’re depositing into a safe and regulated platform. The ACGO is hopeful the new market will limit illegal gambling on offshore websites and wagering with bookies.

“Consumers can be assured that companies who successfully enter the new Ontario market will have met rigorous standards of game and operator integrity, fairness, player protection and social responsibility, allowing all players to play with confidence,” Martha Otton, iGO Executive Director said in a media release.

“Prevention of underage access, ensuring compliance with applicable laws including anti-money laundering rules and regulations, and measures to enable more responsible gambling are just a few of the assurances consumers can expect in the new market as of April 4.”

“Today, most internet gaming by Ontarians takes place on websites not conducted and managed by the province. Our new internet gaming market will give consumers enhanced entertainment choice, support the growth of a new, legal market and generate revenue that can help fund programs and services that benefit all of us.”

New Guidelines from AGCO

With April 4 nearing, the AGCO sent out guidelines to assist internet gaming operators in applying for registration in Ontario. The AGCO reiterates it plans to take “strong action to address any remaining unregulated Ontario market activity in partnership with law enforcement.”

Businesses who apply for registration are also required to terminate any association they may have with another company that operates in the unregulated market in the province. Also, according to the AGCO, any operators who apply after April 4 and continue to operate without a license risk not having their application for registration approved.

Ontario is the latest area to require its operators to leave the unregulated market if they wish to be licensed. The Netherlands has a similar policy. When the Netherlands government announced this mandate, numerous operators such as 888 Holdings, Entain and Kindred withdrew their applications.