UK-based luxury sportsbook and casino operator Fitzdares will exit the Ontario market, with operations ending on March 31, 2025. The company cited challenges in Ontario’s competitive gaming environment after two years of service.
In a statement on its Ontario website, Fitzdares said: “After serving our customers in Ontario for the past two years, we have taken the difficult decision to exit the Ontario market. Fitzdares Ontario will cease operations effective midnight on March 31, 2025. Thank you for being a Fitzdares customer and for trusting us with your business.”
Key Dates for Fitzdares Ontario Customers
- March 3, 2025: No new bonuses will be issued.
- March 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m.): Account deposits will close, except for CA$5 (US$3.48) deposits for small withdrawals.
- March 24, 2025 (11:59 p.m.): No new bets will be accepted.
- March 31, 2025: Final day for withdrawals.
Challenges in the Ontario Market
Fitzdares entered Ontario in 2023 with ambitions to bring its premium gaming experience to Canada. Founded in 1882 by Balthazar Fabricius, the company is known for personalized service and a traditional bookmaker approach. Despite its exclusive image and a Super Bowl pop-up event in the Greater Toronto Area, Fitzdares struggled to gain market share, which was under 0.2%, according to H2 Gambling Capital.
The Ontario market remains competitive, with 50 licensed operators managing 84 gaming websites. In January 2025, sports betting hit a record CA$1.182 billion (US$821.5 million) in wagers, a 134% increase in monthly revenue. Fitzdares joins Unibet and CoolBet among operators exiting Ontario since its market launch in April 2022.
While leaving Ontario, Fitzdares will continue focusing on its core UK operations and bespoke betting experience.
