Chalkline has signed an agreement with ice hockey pool betting platform OfficePools.com to launch a new free-to-play sports portal.
Chalkline said OfficePoolsBets represented a natural progression for OfficePools.com, which has been active for over 25 years, as the gaming industry evolves in Canada and across North America.
The deal allows OfficePoolsBets.com to benefit from Chalkline’s free-to-play platform during the height of the NHL Playoffs, the NBA Playoffs, and the European soccer championships.
“This free-to-play partnership expands on our existing platform of engagement and educational tools, and Chalkline is the perfect partner to grow into a regulated sports betting environment with,” said Graham Lee, president and chief executive of OfficePools.com owner GSL Holdings.
Daniel Kustelski, chief executive of Chalkline, added: “Graham and the team at OfficePools.com are part of the fabric of what it means to be a sports fan in Canada.”
“We’re ecstatic to partner with the leading community fan site, and to leverage our shared vision and products to deliver fun and education to their passionate audience.”
It comes as Canada prepares for legal sports betting, with legislation granted Royal Assent today (30 June).
Bill C-218, known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, was approved by a vote of 57-20 by Canada’s senate last week, and will allow operators to offer sports betting on single events, where previously sports betting was only permitted if wagers were placed on three or more games simultaneously.