Canadian horse racing established international pool liquidity 20 years ago
Now that an Ontario court has ruled international common pools are legal, online poker and daily fantasy sports can learn a lot from the sport of kings which began the practice two decades ago.
Last week’s ruling by the Court of Appeal for Ontario calling international pool liquidity legal (for now – there could be appeals), is a potential boon for both legal gambling markets and for online poker and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators and players.
It’s not groundbreaking, however.
Over 20 years ago, common pool wagering was legalized in the horse racing industry and it was essential for saving the sport from extinction in Canada.
Around 2005, Sean Pinsonneault, the former chief operating officer and executive vice-president with Toronto’s Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), was instrumental in getting commingled betting pools established for both thoroughbred and standardbred racing in this country.
“It was critical, actually, to operations, because [horse racing] wasn’t sustainable before,” Pinsonneault told me a year ago when Ontario first petitioned the court for an opinion on the legality of international pool liquidity.
Betting on horse racing is done via a pari-mutuel system where gamblers are wagering against each other, not the house. The more money in the pool, the more attractive those pools are to gamblers. Prior to commingling, the same horse race at Woodbine Racetrack, for example, would have a number of smaller betting pools that made it hard to attract wagering — say one in Ontario, another in New York, another in Kentucky, etc.
The same problem initially killed DFS and hurt online poker when Ontario launched its online gambling sector in April of 2022 and geofenced gambling around the borders of the province. Though neither DFS nor poker are strictly pari-mutuel, they are similar. Being able to offer only those products to people betting in Ontario did not build pools large enough to attract players.
Today, horseplayers in New Jersey, Kentucky, New York, Ontario and elsewhere are all betting into one larger pool on that race at Woodbine. That, along with horse field size, drives handle, which is the lifeblood of the racing industry. And, faced with severe competition from Ontario’s massive modern online gambling sector, horse racing needs all the handle it can get.
It helped that pari-mutuel wagering is regulated federally in Canada (via the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency), unlike other online gambling enterprises which are overseen by each province.
Still, horse racing’s long experience in the area of common-pool wagering provides optimism that it will be beneficial to other forms of online gambling.
For sure, international pool liquidity will be more attractive to players and should drive handle and revenue, which is good for the province. It also should mean better protection for those playing via legal operators. Finally, it could help hasten other provinces to legalize online gambling rather than lose DFS and poker players to Ontario operators. That might be a stretch, but following Ontario’s lead is clearly better for consumer protection and for driving much-needed revenue. Opening up the pools will be yet another example of why the regulated market is better.
The good news, Pinsonneault told me in 2024, is that horse racing has already worked out a lot of the logistics.
“When [horse racing] went into the U.S. [in common pools, the CPMA] wanted to see different things about, obviously, currency exchange, how do we deal with that? How do we balance the pools? What rules are we using? Those kind of things,” Pinsonneault said.
“So, we talked about issues like, ‘Where’s the bet struck officially? Is it struck in your home province when you actually place [the bet] at that location? Is it a server that you have in the province, for example?’ We were able to get through that on the horse racing side of things because I think they considered the bet to be struck still in Canada.”
Using horse racing’s experience in this area, the future appears bright for DFS and online poker with international pool liquidity.
Currently, a horseplayer in Ontario can bet into common pools in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, France, Sweden, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, South Africa and many more places around the world. Most of those same places can bet directly into pools in Ontario, growing them and increasing the likelihood that local bettors will wager.
It makes sense that the same might be true for DFS and poker one day.
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CGA boss Burns chimes in on betting scandals
This week, former University of New Orleans basketball player Cedquavious Hunter has told ABC’s Good Morning America that he shaved points and did it for the money to support a child. He has been banned for life from the NCAA.
The motivation in this one is a little different than the recent betting scandals allegedly involving well-paid NBA and MLB players, who didn’t appear to need the money, but all certainly speak to a growing problem – one Canadian Gaming Association president and CEO Paul Burns told our Steve McAllister on the most recent Gaming News Canada Show presented by Bede Gaming said is being exposed because of the growth of regulated gambling sites.
“The work and the effort it takes to get to that level, the privilege that comes with playing at that level, let alone the economic benefits, it’s disappointing that [athletes] still feel that this is a conversation,” Burns said. “I thought that there’s been a nice warning sign for everybody that, ‘Hey, guess what? You’re going to get caught.’ And that’s the reality is this is what the system was designed to do. You’re going to get caught.
“If there were no gaming regulators in any state jurisdiction or betting operators, we may not know about a lot of this stuff, but because there are, people are getting caught and we’ll find out. And that’s a warning to any athlete. Just stop and think about it for a minute. You will get found out.”
All of that was toward the end of another good conversation with Burns that also included his thoughts on:
• the Court of Appeal for Ontario ruling that international pool liquidity is legal.
• Bill S-211 aimed to restrict sports betting advertising.
• The CGA’s request for an exemption from cash limits in Bill C-2.
You can listen to the show here or watch it here:
theScore founder John Levy tees off on Penn in GNCS appearance
Last week, McAllister shared a dandy of an interview with theScore founder John Levy on his family’s relationship with the notoriously fickle PENN Entertainment.
Levy discussed the failures that led to the demise of ESPN Bet and the breakup of PENN and Barstool Sports in the summer of 2023 (we asked Levy if he had any interest in pulling a Dave Portnoy and reacquiring theScore – he answered). He also talked about PENN’s problems in the digital gaming business both in the U.S. and Canada and had some thoughts about the comments of PENN CEO Jay Snowden last week that the company may have interest in the retail casino business here in the Great White North.
The conversation also included the relationship between sports betting operators and sports media companies. And, some two weeks after a riveting World Series, Levy trumpeted theScore’s 10-year partnership deal with the Blue Jays that was announced on the same day Ontario’s open gambling market opened in April 2022.
You can listen to that show here or watch it here:
Report sparks call for national approach on rise in online gambling harms
A new report released late last week by Greo Evidence Insights (Greo), the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction and Mental Health Research Canada unveiled that nearly one in four young adults (ages 18-29) who reported gambling online in the past year experienced high levels of gambling-related harms.
They include financial, emotional, psychological and relationship harms, according to Online Gambling Among Young Canadian Adults: A Call to Action. The report broke down data collected from more than 8,000 young Canadians regarding their gambling activities.
“Young adults are emerging as the group most at risk,” said Dr. Matthew Young, Greo’s chief research officer. “Online gambling is not just a harmless pastime. Our research shows that people who gamble online are about 10 times more likely to exceed lower-risk gambling limits and over 45 times more likely to meet the criteria for problem gambling compared to people who just gamble on the lottery.”
Gaming News Canada has exchanged emails with Dr. Young with a request to join us on the Gaming News Canada Show presented by Bede Gaming.
The news release on the report included a recommendation for a “pan-Canadian strategy” to address gambling-related harm”. That strategy, according to the researchers, should focus on:
Harmonizing gambling regulations across Canada;
Mitigating conflicts of interest within the gambling ecosystem;
Securing stable funding for prevention, treatment and research;
Establish systems to monitor and assess gambling-related harms and their costs,
Enhancing awareness of these harms among the public and frontline service providers, and
Considering the role provincial and territorial Crown corporations can have in reducing harm associated with online gambling.
The release of the tri-partisan report landed just before the first of two webinars tomorrow (Thursday) by the Responsible Gambling Council that unveils “key insights” from the council’s youth research project and “how they’re transforming our approach to harm prevention.”
People on the Move
Our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of EPIC Global Solutions Chair Mark Fuller, who passed away Sunday.
DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish announced last week he’ll step down next March as the company’s President, although he’ll retain his seat on the Board of Directors.
Jonas Groes departs EY to join his brother Ebbe Groes as co-Chief Executive Officer at EveryMatrix.
After six-plus years, the last three-plus as Chief Executive Officer, David Mann will walk away from Swintt at the end of the year.
High Roller Technologies, which is coming to Ontario at some point, names Jake Francis to replace Emily Micallef as Chief Operating Officer. Micallef will remain with HRT in an advisory role.
The news yesterday that Gaming Compliance International is acquiring Yield Sec included the announcement that YieldSec founder and CEO Ismaili Vali will become President of GCI. Former IC360 boss Matthew Holt was named GCI CEO back in September.
Adam Kaplan, who left SportsGrid last month as Chief Operating Officer, is appointed General Partner of venture capital firm Astralis Capital Management.
Former eBet Group and Aristocrat guy Craig Butler is appointed Managing Director ANZ at Kinectify.
Sports betting content business Catalist Sports appoints James Monk as Vice President and General Manager to oversee the company’s U.S. launch.
London-based Moon Intelligence, with an eye towards getting into the U.S. prediction markets business, names Stephen Shaw as Chief Operations Officer and Enda Kendrick as Chief Customer Officer.
Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval is the new Chair of the Board of Directors at Resorts World Las Vegas.
Lou Jacobs is introduced as the new Chair of the American Gaming Association. Jacobs succeeds Michael Rumbolz.
James Derbyshire, Thomas Burr, Andrew Kerr and Katherine Green-Arnanz are moving over to LeoVegas Group from the senior ranks at Flutter Entertainment.
Sean Topchi has a new role at Kinectify: Director of Market Development.
Danny DiRienzo, formerly of the U.S. Secret Service and GeoComply, joins BetMGM as Director, Trading Compliance.
Former Novibet and Kaizen Gaming senior executive Panagiotis Skyrlas is named Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Superbet.
From the Dept. of Late to the Party, Segev LLP recently announced that Saeid Shakibaho has joined the B.C.-based law firm.
Michael O’Shea is leaving FanDuel after eight years, the past five as Compliance Senior Associate.
Rebecca McCloy joins DAZN Group as Group Chief Commercial Officer.
After less than eight months in the job, Liz Allen is leaving her position as Chief External Officer for the NFL Players Association.
There’s a whole lotta arrivals and departures within the Canadian Elite Basketball League these days. Drew Green joins the ownership group of the Scarborough Shooting Stars. Former Dallas Mavericks executive Al Whitley is named Chief Executive Officer of the CEBL Brampton Honey Badgers. Milan Mann joins the ownership group of the CEBL Vancouver Bandits. Mark Weightman is named a Governor of the CEBL Montreal Alliance. Leaving the league are Cameron Kusch as Senior Vice President, Commercial, and Joe Raso as Director of Basketball Operations.
Marian Jacko and Kristi Miller are re-elected while John Kastner is elected for the first time to the Board of Directors at Hockey Canada.
Kevin Shea announces he’ll be leaving his gig at the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Editorial and Education Facilitator at year’s end.
Dyson Nordwick Chan comes on board The Curling Group as Video Production Manager.
Nicole Gartner has a new title at Yahoo Sports: Director, Partner Network Ad Sales.
Classified (Jobs) Information
On the Home Front
Paramount Commerce has a remote opening for a Senior Product Manager – Merchant Experience.
Gaming industry legal beagle Jack Tadman is seeking a Lawyer to join his team at GME Law.
In Quebec City, Ubisoft is looking for a Talent Business Partner – Vantage Studios.
Atlantic Lottery is in need of a UX Designer.
HotTakes requires a Software Engineer.
FINTRAC Canada is looking for an Executive Manager, Strategic Direction.
Canadian business/technology news outlet The Logic is searching for an Assistant Editor.
Our friends at The Gist are hiring an Operations & Analytics Manager.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is on the lookout for an Officer, Executive Office & Operations.
The WNBA expansion Toronto Tempo are in the market for a Director, Game Presentation.
Ross Video is seeking a Marketing Manager – Sport & Entertainment.
In Woodbridge, ON, TaylorMade Golf Company has an opening for a Specialist, Marketing.
Sobeys Stadium, aka the national tennis facility on the York University campus in north Toronto, has an opportunity for an Events Manager.
South of the Border
EA Sports has an opportunity in Redwood City, CA, for a Vice President, Operations Lifestyle.
Caesars Entertainment has a whole host of employment opportunities these days.
Hard Rock Digital has a remote posting in Florida for a Designer – Partnerships and is also searching for an Associate – Verifications. In Atlantic City, there’s a hybrid role available for a Specialist – Training & Development.
DraftKings has an opening for a Manager, CRM in Boston, and a remote opportunity in Massachusetts for a Senior Product Manager, CX AI Intelligence.
LeoVegas Group is hiring a Bookmaking Analyst at its Denver operation.
PayNearMe is seeking a Client Success Manager (Gaming).
IGT/Everi is in need of a Commercial Insights Manager in Oklahoma City.
The American Gaming Association is seeking a Marketing and Communications Intern.
Wanted at NFL HQ: a Director, Media Strategy and Business Development.
The NCAA has a position available for an Associate Director of Sport Science Institute for Sports Medicine.
Authentic Brands Group is hiring a Director, Global Partnerships.
The New York Islanders need a Director, Partnership Management.
The Chicago Blackhawks are on the hunt for a Manager, Social Media.
Across the Ponds
Flutter Entertainment brand Sisal has an opportunity in Italy for a Head of Casino Product.
IGT Digital has a five-pack of job postings this week.
BetMGM is searching for an Odds Compiler to work out of Sao Paulo.
Playtech has need of a Product Manager in Gibraltar.
Also in Gibraltar, evoke is hiring a Head of Gaming Commercial and a Gaming Commercial Manager.
Sportradar has an opening at its London offices for a Senior Client Solutions Manager, Paid Social.
European gaming company Pragmatic Solutions is looking for a Product Owner.
FairPlay Sports Media has an opening in Milan for a Sales Manager/Advertising Tech.
Relax Gaming is in the market for a Backoffice Engineer.
There’s a Producer/Editor opportunity at Spotlight Sports Group.
BetHog is seeking a CRM Manager to work closely with Optimove.
MKTG Sports + Entertainment Australia is on the lookout for a Senior Communications Strategist.
Red Bull has an opening in Elsbethen, Austria, for a Social Media Producer – Global Channels.
The Manchester United footy club is hiring a Senior Marketing Manager – Owned, Operated & Organic Channels.
UK-based Science in Sport (Sis) is searching for a Senior Social Media Manager.
A Host Broadcast Production Manager is needed for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reading and Reflection
News of the Spockian eyebrow-raising sort Monday, courtesy of InGame scribe Jill Dorson, that both FanDuel and DraftKings are severing ties with the American Gaming Association.
Canadian Gaming Business reporter Tom Nightingale had the deets on Betiton and MagicRed pulling out of Ontari-ari-ari-o.
And Nightingale passed along the words of MIXI’s CEO and president on an earnings call yesterday that the new owners of PointsBet Canada are already planning for regulated gambling in British Columbia.
Vincent Desbien of Le Journal de Québec covered the complaints of the unhappy camper who is being limited by Loto-Québec on its Mise-o-jeu+ sportsbook.
CBS Sunday Morning examined the prediction market boom in the U.S. of A. In the feature, Kalshi co-founder Tarek Mansour did the Ralph Kramden humanah, humanah thing when asked about Donald Trump Jr. joining the company as a strategic advisor.
Speaking CBS Sunday Morning, it also featured Barstool Sports owner/grand poobah Dave Portnoy.
Jeff Edelstein made the case for why Penn Entertainment could avoid a three-strikes-and-out scenario with theScore Bet.
CBC Sports columnist Morgan Campbell writes that for sports leagues, it’s all about the money when it comes to their relationship with sports betting and gaming operators.
Caesars Entertainment has agreed to pay a $7.8 million fine to the Nevada Gaming Commission for some AML shortcomings involving an illegal bookmaker.
A couple of former Rutgers University wrestlers were among 14 people arrested and charged with crimes connected to an illegal sports betting ring out of New Jersey.
Pat Forde of SI.com told the story of an NCAA basketball coach who endured the year from hell that included allegations of point shaving involving three of his players.
Long-time gaming industry journo had some thoughts on a memo sent by the NFL last week around prop bets.
AJ Moore reported for InGame on one reason prop bets are becoming increasingly attractive to bettors.
Count former New Jersey governor Chris Christie among the supporters of regulated sports betting south of the border.
You’ll need a subscription but James Mirtle’s deep dive for The Athletic into the NHL’s decision to bring Kalshi and Polymarket on board as corporate partners is a rather good read.
Sporttrade founder/CEO Alex Kane, who appeared on the Gaming News Canada at this time a year ago, told Daniel O’Boyle of InGame he’s a fan of prediction markets entering the sports betting space.
The Turkish soccer federation has temporarily banned a whopping 102 players over betting allegations.
FanDuel and DraftKings are both leaving Las Vegas after the Nevada Gaming Control Board warned licensed sports betting operators about dipping their toes into prediction markets.
Ontario market-bound Absolutebet is getting together with Lemon Group in a partnership that merges igaming with blockchain infrastructure.
A senior Robinhood executive reacted last week to the criticism around the company’s foray into wagering.
Kyle Goldsmith of igamingbusiness.com reported on Yolo Group’s decision to take the Nestea plunge into regulated gaming and leave behind its crypto casino model.
In North Carolina, bettors put down an unprecedented $811 million (Amarican) in sports wagers last month.
ESPN.com’s David Purdum has the latest on the latest letter from U.S. Congress to the latest sports league dealing with a gambling mess.
A professional sports gambler who goes by the handle “Vegas Dave” is $30.2 million lighter in the digital wallet following a judge’s ruling.
MLB super-agent Scott Boras wants an across-the-board ban on prop bets.
The creators of Fortnite insist there won’t be gambling done around the game.
Here’s one take that prediction markets could put the squeeze on sports wagering.
Sam Jane, for The Athletic, provided further reporting on the impact of expanded sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL players.
Among the sources quoted in an NBC News story about the rigged poker games involving organized crime and NBA types was Ian Messenger, the founder/CEO of the Canada-based Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists.
We suggest the elected officials in D.C. have meatier fish to fry these days, but that’s not stopping some of them from seeking
actionattention on a “new identity crisis” in sport.The Japanese government’s cabinet has some ideas for combating illegal online gambling in that country.
Brian Pempus of GamblingHarm.org has a couple of questions around the head-scratching decision by the Don Trump administration to host a UFC card next June at the
Gold EmbossedWhite House.The state of Missouri is on track to launch its regulated gambling market on Dec. 1. And Geoff Zochodne reports about if/where prediction markets fit.
EPIC Global Solutions released Monday its first Activity Report.
Global Gaming Business Magazine has unveiled its 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40.
Finally, Bet99 released yesterday its latest responsible gaming message featuring Georges St-Pierre.
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