ShareFlutter Entertainment subsidiaries FanDuel Sportsbook and PokerStars have announced a new partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). This strategic partnership marks the first North American deal featuring multiple brands of Flutter and will “offer fans and players in Ontario a powerful combination of entertainment through leading sports, poker and casino experiences.”
FanDuel Sportsbook will be designated as an official sports betting partner, and PokerStars as an official gaming partner.
Dale Hooper, General Manager of FanDuel Canada, said: “The Maple Leafs, Raptors and Toronto FC are pioneering franchises and major pillars in Canadian sports culture. As we bring FanDuel to Ontario, we want to collaborate with globally recognized enterprises like MLSE to bring unique content experiences to some of Canada’s most dedicated sports fans.”
Tom Warren, PokerStars Marketing Director, was equally bullish about the future of this partnership.
“We have epic plans for our community in Canada, and are excitedly looking forward to creating some incredible experiences in our birth country, when we launch very soon. Partnering with MLSE gives us the opportunity to reach passionate fans across Ontario with a wide remit of poker and casino, heighten experiences wherever we can, and be a part of some major winning moments.”
There is one potential stumbling block that could ruin what looks like a marriage made in heaven. Although the legalised sports-betting market opened up last week in Ontario, PokerStars is still awaiting approval to operate in the region.
As nerve-wracking as this might be for some, there are thought to be no reasons why online poker’s largest site should have its application rejected.
Jordan Vader, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, MLSE, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Flutter Entertainment, a global leader and one of the most trusted operators in the sports betting industry. As the Online Gaming markets open in Ontario, we have worked hard to find partners who aligned with both our vision for innovation and our values including a shared commitment to responsible gaming. We look forward to working with Flutter and providing a platform for them to engage with the millions of 19+ Ontario residents who are fans of our teams.”
