theScore has voiced its support for the introduction of legislation by the Ontario Provincial Government to facilitate the expansion of online gambling in the province as part of its 2020 Budget.

The Province confirmed yesterday that, if passed, this legislation would give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, through a dedicated subsidiary, authority to manage the relationship between the provincial government and private iGaming operators.

theScore Founder and CEO John Levy said: “We fully support this action by the provincial government that moves us a significant step closer towards safe and regulated sports betting in Ontario. Canada is theScore’s home turf and we are eager to bring our award-winning sportsbook, theScore Bet, to our highly engaged fans across Ontario, a huge market with a population larger than all but four U.S. states.

“We’re also encouraged by the province’s commitment to continue to work with the federal government in their effort to legalize single-event sports wagering in Canada, where legislation to effect this change was debated in the House of Commons earlier this week.”

The Province and the AGCO will now continue to work with key stakeholders, including theScore, on the design of an iGaming market for Ontario that would “reflect consumer preferences and foster an exciting gaming experience, while ensuring that appropriate responsible gaming protections are in place.”