DAZN Bet Launches in Ontario as Streaming Giant Enters North American iGaming

Sports streaming platform DAZN has officially entered Canada's regulated gambling market after launching its DAZN Bet sportsbook and casino in Ontario, marking the company's first iGaming operation in North America. Alberta is expected to become its second Canadian market when the province opens its commercial online gambling sector on 13 July.

The new platform offers a sportsbook designed specifically for Canadian bettors, alongside a full online casino featuring slots, table games and live dealer titles.

Ontario debut follows lengthy regulatory process

DAZN's move into Ontario has been in the works for several years. Plans first emerged in April 2022 when the company announced a partnership with Pragmatic Play to develop its gaming offering. Although the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) granted DAZN Bet a licence in January, the operator has only now gone live.

Ontario's regulatory framework is regarded as one of the strictest in North America, with operators required to satisfy extensive technical, compliance and responsible gambling standards before launch. This includes technology certification, independent testing, control activity reviews and ongoing regulatory assessments.

Licensed operators must also continue to meet compliance obligations throughout their time in the market. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties, licence suspension or revocation, reinforcing Ontario's focus on consumer protection and market integrity.

The province also mandates a range of responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion through BetGuard, deposit and loss limits, cooling-off periods and restrictions on promotional inducements, all aimed at protecting players and maintaining confidence in the regulated market.

Ontario market continues to grow

Ontario remains Canada's largest regulated online gambling market. In May 2026 alone, the province recorded CAD9.48 billion ($6.6 billion) in wagers and CAD413 million ($290.2 million) in gross gaming revenue, with online casinos accounting for almost 88% of all betting activity, according to RG.org.

While online casino play continues to drive the market, sports betting is expected to receive another boost from major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup. The market has also expanded significantly, growing from 813,000 active player accounts in 2024 to 1.25 million in May 2026.

There are now 47 licensed operators running 81 active gambling websites in Ontario, with DAZN Bet becoming the latest entrant to an increasingly competitive market.

DAZN outlines long-term ambitions

DAZN Bet CEO Valery Gelfman said: "We are entering the province with a product designed for sustainability, built with a local mindset and a customer-centric approach."

Meanwhile, DAZN Canada Managing Director Richard Rawlinson added: "We are combining the reach of a global sports entertainment brand with a localised product built for Canadian customers. Our focus is on responsible growth, strong compliance, and a customer experience that feels distinctly Canadian. This is the beginning of a long-term commitment to the country."