DAZN Bet Launches in Ontario - North America in Focus

Sports streaming provider DAZN has officially set foot on North American soil. With the launch of DAZN Bet in Ontario, Canada, the company is now also active in the continent's gambling business. This is an important step for the streaming service, which already offers online betting in several European countries.

The new platform combines a sportsbook specifically tailored to Canadian players with a comprehensive online casino. Here you'll find slots, table games, and live dealer titles. The expansion is ambitious. Alberta could become the second Canadian market for DAZN Bet as early as July 13.

Numbers and facts

DAZN's market entry in Ontario was the result of a multi-year preparation process. Already in April 2022, DAZN announced a partnership with Pragmatic Play to develop its gaming offering. DAZN Bet received its license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) already in January. However, operations only went live now.

Ontario is Canada's largest regulated online gambling market. In May 2026, bets worth CAD9.48 billion, roughly 6.6 billion US dollars, were placed. Gross gaming revenue (GGR) amounted to CAD413 million, or approximately 290.2 million US dollars. Online casinos accounted for almost 88 percent of all betting activity.

The number of active player accounts in Ontario has grown significantly: from 813,000 in 2024 to 1.25 million in May 2026. An impressive development. Currently, 47 licensed operators run 81 active gambling websites in Ontario. DAZN Bet joins this highly competitive market as the latest entrant.

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

Richard Rawlinson, Managing Director of DAZN Canada, 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."

Background

The regulatory environment in Ontario is considered one of the strictest in North America. Operators must meet extensive technical, compliance, and responsible gambling standards. These include technology certifications, independent testing, control activity reviews, and ongoing regulatory assessments.

Licensed operators must continuously meet compliance obligations throughout their market presence. Violations can result in severe financial penalties, suspension, or even revocation of the license. This underscores Ontario's strong commitment to consumer protection and market integrity. The province also mandates comprehensive responsible gambling measures. These include self-exclusion through BetGuard, deposit and loss limits, cooling-off periods, and restrictions on promotional inducements, all aimed at protecting players.

DAZN Bet is already active in several European markets, including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. DAZN's key advantage lies in its existing sports streaming platform, which boasts millions of subscribers. This "watch and wager" approach, allowing viewers to bet directly on the platform, could give DAZN Bet a competitive edge.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, DAZN Bet's market entry in Canada has no direct impact. The situation in Germany is fundamentally different from that in Canada. Here, the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) regulates the online gambling market. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is responsible for issuing licenses and supervision.

Only casinos on the GGL's whitelist are legal in Germany. These casinos adhere to strict rules that prioritize player protection. These include a maximum stake of 1 Euro per spin on slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euro, monitored via the central blocking system LUGAS. Bonus incentives are severely restricted. Foreign casinos without a GGL license, such as those from Malta (MGA) or Curacao, are illegal in Germany and do not offer comparable player protection. Players should always check whether an online casino possesses a valid German license to play safely and fairly.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

DAZN Bet's international success highlights the importance of a regulated environment for the growth of gambling providers. While DAZN Bet faces a strict but growing environment in Canada, GGL-licensed providers in Germany also benefit from the clear legal framework of the GlüStV 2021. They can build their business models on a solid foundation. However, the restrictions, especially the 1-Euro limit and the limitation of bonuses, take some getting used to for many players. The DAZN Bet case shows that gaining players' trust is crucial. This can only be achieved by offering locally relevant products and consistently adhering to legal requirements. For German players, this means: Only those who play at a GGL casino are on the safe side and can rely on fair conditions and player protection.