Indeed, 888sport stands among the legal Ontario sportsbooks and online casinos, having been among the pioneering operators to obtain their operator license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Notably, 888sport also offers online poker services, although these appear to operate separately from their sports and casino offerings.
About 888sport
888sport serves as the flagship sportsbook brand for ‘888 Holdings’, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange. Operating under licenses in various regulated markets such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Spain, and Italy, 888sport has established itself as a reputable global entity. In the United States, the company formed a partnership with Sports Illustrated to introduce “SI Sportsbook” in multiple newly launched state sports betting markets. Additionally, 888 Holdings recently acquired the non-US assets of William Hill from Caesars. Despite its extensive presence, 888 Holdings has yet to secure an Ontario license for the William Hill brand, despite its longstanding history in the Canadian market.
Gambling can be addictive, and responsible gaming is encouraged. For assistance, individuals are urged to visit ConnexOntario.ca. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are exclusively available to those physically present in Ontario.
Does 888sport Serve the Rest of Canada?
888sport extends its services to Canadian provinces and territories outside Ontario through its international betting site, operated from its Gibraltar iGaming jurisdiction. However, their Ontario platforms are restricted to players physically located within the province. While players across the country must access the Gibraltar-based dot-com version of the platform, the introduction of 888sport into the Ontario market has notably enhanced the dot-com site for other Canadians. Notably, the dot-com site now supports Canadian Dollar (C$) accounts, a significant improvement from previous years.
Prior to the legalization of single-event betting under Bill C-218, when 888sport operated in the “grey market” serving the entire country, Canadian players were constrained to setting their accounts in USD, GBP, or EUR. This often resulted in significant currency exchange fees for players during transactions, raising questions about the platform’s suitability for Canadian bettors. The move into the regulated Ontario market compelled 888sport to offer its platform in the local currency, consequently extending this capability to its broader dot-com site serving other Canadian regions. Thus, Ontario’s regulatory measures have catalyzed positive changes benefiting all Canadians, albeit in a small yet significant manner.