The brand became the first prospective operator in Ontario to secure a Gaming Labs International certification for the province.

Ahead of its online gaming launch, which is scheduled for 4 April, theScore Bet has to ensure all remaining regulatory requirements are satisfied and also has to execute an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario.

John Levy, theScore CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to be one of the first operators to receive an internet gaming operator certificate of registration from the AGCO as we prepare for Ontario’s new regulated market.

“We’ve been and will continue to be at the forefront as regulated internet gaming is introduced in Ontario and are beyond excited to be able to bring TheScore Bet to our home market on April 4. Finally, the countdown to launch has begun.”

TheScore Bet (score Digital Sports Ventures Canada) is a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming, following last year's merger.

Penn National is an omnichannel provider of retail and online gaming, live racing and sports betting entertainment with a gaming footprint that includes 44 properties across 20 states.

Its wholly owned interactive division, Penn Interactive, operates retail sports betting across the company’s portfolio, as well as online social casinos, bingo and iCasino products.

At the beginning of 2020, Penn National signed a deal with Barstool Sports and in October 2021, the company acquired Score Media and Gaming. Both deals helped Penn National extend and strengthen its digital footprint across North America, though it faces stiff competition.

The competition is so fierce, in fact, reports have suggested Wynn Resorts may be pulling out of the market.