Google has decided to adjust its advertising rules in Canada. The platform now allows online gambling adverts from operators that hold a provincial license. Adverts that relate to online sports betting, online casino, and daily fantasy sports Google allows on its platform, thanks to the policy change.
However, before being able to legally place these ads, operators must secure a provincial gambling license. Ontario will be the only Canadian province where operators who possess the license can advertise their forms of online gambling.
License First
In order to be able to advertise on Google platform, operators can apply to Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario for a license. After they have secured a permit, they would need to apply for and secure a Google Certificate. Only then will they have permission to place the ads.
Ontario’s legal online gambling market will launch next week on the 4th of April, with a number of operators having secured licenses ahead of the opening.
Secured License
Those are Bet365, FanDuel, Unibet, BetMGM, PointsBet, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Other licenses include LeoVegas, Rush Street Interactive, Rivalry, theScoreBet, 888, Coolbear and Fitzdares. Annexio Limited will operate as Lottogo, while NSUS Limited will be active under the WSOP brand.
In addition, supplier licenses have also been issued to Inspired Entertainment, Play’n Go, Kambi, and High 5 Games.
The provincial government first revealed plans to scrap the lottery’s online gambling monopoly nearly three years ago. Also, the legislation to pave the way for a licensing regime was in plan since 2020. The Canadian province published its final standards for online betting and gaming in September 2021, but some legal experts have expressed doubts. They considered whether the provincial government’s approach conflicts with the Criminal Code of Canada.
