Fitzdares is now officially live in Toronto, Ontario, marking a momentous day in the bookmaker’s history as it is the first time it has launched its service outside the UK.

The move has taken longer than first anticipated, with Fitzdares receiving its igaming operator registration from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) last March, ahead of an expected launch date later in the same year.

Despite this, sufficient progress has now been made to get everything up and running as the firm seeks to expand its portfolio and ‘capitalise on a passionate Canadian sporting fanbase’.

Fitzdares will offer a wide range of exclusive betting markets with bespoke offers earmarked for the Toronto-based Maple Leafs NHL team, Raptors NBA franchise and Blue Jays. 

“The Ontario market has been saturated with look-alike brands and we hope to bring a new approach to sports betting and igaming in the province,” said CEO William Woodhams.

“We are confident Canadians will enjoy our best in class customer service and we cannot wait to permanently open our club in Toronto for a truly luxurious sports watching experience.”

To mark its launch in Ontario, Fitzdares has prepared a launch party around the upcoming Super Bowl, where it will gather its first 100 customers to showcase and promote its ‘premium’ betting offering.

This pop-up venue will be hosted at the Harbour 60 restaurant in Toronto, complementing the group’s existing portfolio of members’ clubs in the UK.

Under contract with iGaming Ontario (iGO), the operator’s launch in Ontario is being powered by sports betting and igaming solutions provider FSB, who will supply its platform technology, casino aggregation, and bespoke managed trading services.

Woodhams added: “We are delighted to finally launch Fitzdares in Ontario. The product has been in development for over a year – and it has certainly taken us Brits that long to learn not to say Ice Hockey! 

“We are so excited to share our bespoke experience with our first foray outside the UK in 140 years.”