PointsBet Canada has announced that it has been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to operate as a licensed iGaming provider and sportsbook in the province’s new regulated market.

Noting that PointsBet has remained fully committed to building “a Canadian sportsbook, with Canadian employees, for the Canadian market”, PointsBet Canada CEO Scott Vanderwel said in a news release: “Today’s approval of PointsBet Canada as a licensed sportsbook in Ontario effective April 4, 2022, is a momentous step in unveiling our authentically Canadian gaming experience to the province.

“In just 60 days, PointsBet Canada’s unmatched speed and ease of use, unrivalled in-game betting capabilities, and unique local partnerships will bring Ontario sports fans a new, responsible, and dynamic form of sports betting and entertainment.”

It was announced last week that Ontario’s long-awaited regulated online gambling and sports betting market would officially open on April 4.

Beginning on that date, private gaming operators that have registered with the AGCO and have executed an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario can begin operating gaming sites in the market on behalf of the province.

PointsBet Canada, which has been steadily ramping up its operations over recent months, is the first private operator to announce it has received AGCO approval.

Chantal Cipriano, VP of Legal, Compliance & People, added that the company is “proud to be one of the first iGaming operators regulated” by the AGCO.

“It demonstrates the confidence that regulators have in our ability to deliver an innovative, safe, and responsible experience to Ontario consumers,” Cipriano added. “We look forward to applying our expertise from Australia and the United States to help build a trusted, competitive, regulated iGaming market in Ontario, establishing an important foundation for our nation.”

Ontario’s will be the first licensed and regulated iGaming market in Canada and will provide players with a broader selection of legal bookmakers. Until April 4, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s offerings are the only legal gambling options available to Canadians within Canada.