Ontario's iGaming Market: Is 50 Licensed Operators Too Many for Bally's Entry?
Bally's Interactive's recent launch in Ontario raises questions about market saturation in the province's iGaming industry, which now hosts 50 licensed operators and 81 gaming websites since its April 2022 regulation.
Bally's Interactive logo with cat mask
Ontario's gaming market shows impressive numbers, with the government-owned Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation reporting $630 million in online revenue for FY 2023-24. The private market generated $64 billion in total wagers and $2.4 billion in gaming revenue during the same period.
Bally's new integrated app, powered by White Hat Gaming, combines sportsbook and casino functionalities into a single platform with a universal wallet. However, industry observers express skepticism about its potential impact in the crowded Ontario market.
"I think the obvious answer to the question of saturation in the Ontario market is a loud yes," says Aly Lalani, an iGaming marketing consultant. He emphasizes that success in Ontario requires:
- A clearly defined market entry strategy
- Healthy marketing budget
- Identified market niche
- Differentiated marketing approach
- Understanding of target customers
Paul Burns, Canadian Gaming Association president and CEO, offers a different perspective, suggesting that market saturation concerns are overstated. He believes operators will compete on product and service quality, letting customers determine success.
For Bally's, which entered Ontario's market in July 2022, this launch represents a product improvement rather than market expansion. The company's strategy appears to align with its broader goal of securing licenses across multiple jurisdictions while enhancing user experience through consolidated gaming options.