Great Canadian Entertainment has progressed its recent retail sports wagering vision after announcing that guests can now place bets at ten of its Ontario-based venues.
After disclosing an agreement to introduce Kambi powered sportsbooks earlier this month, this latest expansion of the region’s sports betting ecosystem has also gained praise from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
“We are proud to have worked closely with the gaming industry and our partners in the Ontario government on this next phase of growth in Ontario’s gaming market,” said Duncan Hannay, President and CEO of OLG.
“Sportsbooks in casinos will offer a diverse and integrated entertainment experience for players, give our service providers a stake in the sports gaming market, and bring more jobs and economic benefits to host communities.”
Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, added: I’d like to congratulate OLG for partnering with Ontario’s gaming operators to bring sportsbooks to casinos.
“This ongoing collaboration will result in new and expanded options for sports betting – including some first-of-their-kind sportsbooks in Canada – which will attract more people to visit Ontario’s casinos and encourage continued growth across the industry.”
This came as Great Canadian disclosed that Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel, Pickering Casino Resort, Elements Casino Brantford and Shorelines Casino Belleville have launched dedicated sportsbook lounges, called Great Canadian Sportsbooks.
Furthermore, Casino Woodbine, Shorelines Casino Peterborough, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, Elements Casino Mohawk, Elements Casino Grand River, and Elements Casino Flamboro also feature sportsbook kiosks within existing gaming areas.
“We remain laser-focused on enhancing the overall experience for our guests at our gaming and entertainment destinations, and the launch of sports betting at our Ontario properties is another demonstration of these efforts,” explained Tony Rodio, Chief Executive Officer, Great Canadian Entertainment.
“These onsite additions reflect Great Canadian’s commitment to investing in our facilities and the communities where we operate, as well as creating new jobs and additional revenue that will support local municipalities in Ontario,” added Rodio.
Adding: “We would like to thank the OLG, AGCO and Ontario’s provincial government for supporting this important launch for the casino industry across Ontario.”