It is highly probable that Michigan casinos are already experiencing an increase in visits from our northern neighbors, and there is a possibility of more Canadian sports bettors arriving during the upcoming NFL postseason.
The upcoming playoffs will determine the two teams that will vie for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. Super Bowl LVI is scheduled to commence at approximately 6:30 p.m. EST on February 13th at Sofi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California.
Certainly, Canadians have their distinct football league known as the Canadian Football League. However, much like in Michigan where the NFL reigns supreme in the realm of sports betting, the NFL holds a similar position of dominance in Canada.
With the ongoing process of sorting out Canada’s sports betting regulations and the persistently high COVID-19 cases, those in Canada who want to cheer and place bets on the Super Bowl may have to consider heading to Detroit instead, where they can enjoy these activities from the comfort of their couch.
Canadian relationship status with sports betting? It’s complicated
Betting on sports is presently a intricate issue, especially for Canadians, particularly those residing in Ontario.
Due to COVID restrictions, the option to place sports parlay wagers at Ontario’s 28 casinos is currently unavailable as they remain closed.
In Ontario, Proline Plus sports betting is the government-run platform that allows legal online betting. However, it is important to note that the prices offered in this non-competitive market may not be very favorable.
In Ontario, the option to place online sports bets through platforms such as BetMGM and FanDuel will be available in the near future. However, the exact date for the launch of commercial markets remains uncertain. Although some optimistic projections suggest that it may occur shortly after the NFL postseason concludes.
Currently, crossing the US border is permitted, however, Canadians are unable to establish an online sports betting account in Michigan without a social security number. Consequently, this requirement greatly restricts the participation of most Canadians. Nevertheless, once Canadian citizens successfully cross the border, they are allowed to engage in in-person betting at Michigan casinos, while adhering to the mandatory use of masks.
Got all that?
Life of the parlay continues for now at Ontario retail casinos
Single-event wagers were made legal in August when the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act was passed by the Canadian government.
Proline Plus, a government-operated entity, swiftly launched its enhanced online betting options.
In email correspondence, Tony Bitonti, the external communications director for OLG, stated that the organization is actively striving to introduce single-game options at physical lottery retail locations. The aim is to achieve this goal by February.
Bitonti wrote that Ontario sports bettors will have the opportunity to place bets on their favorite team for the Super Bowl 2022 through Proline Plus. Furthermore, he anticipates a high turnout at our retail locations.
At present, only parlays are still accessible at physical locations in Ontario.
Canada sports bettors have huge appetite for American football
According to statistics from August to December 31, it is evident that Canadian bettors are expected to contribute significantly to the impressive viewership of the Super Bowl.
According to the latest data from OLG, American football accounts for nearly 50% of all bets placed on Proline Plus.
- American Football: 41%
- Basketball: 17%
- Hockey: 16%
- Soccer: 12%
- Baseball: 11%
- Tennis: 3%
Single-game wagers have become increasingly popular since they were legalized.
- Pregame Wagers: 60%
- In-Play Wagers: 40%
- Single-event bets: 71%
- 29% of bets are placed on parlay bets, which involve betting on three or more games.
Bitonti explained that OLG is collaborating with land-based gaming service providers to expand the current selection of 11 sports available in casinos for setting up sportsbooks.
Better odds over the border?
Canadian bettors will likely find the best opportunities in Detroit if Proline+ remains their only option for single-game betting on game day. Markets that have only one operator usually have unfavorable odds. Proline aims to provide its customers with dynamic and competitive odds.
Despite this, there are more options available in Detroit at the moment. However, operators and casinos are not yet prepared to reveal any promotions for the significant event.
According to a representative from FanDuel Sportsbook, they mentioned that Super Bowl-related promotions will be offered closer to the start of the game. However, it seems like they are taking precautions to ensure that our beloved Detroit Lions don’t unexpectedly end up in the showdown (Just kidding, although we might have better luck in another lifetime).
Representatives from the three Detroit casinos were approached for information regarding their Super Bowl plans or promotions, but they declined to disclose any details at this time. Additionally, data regarding any potential rise in Canadian visitors to the casinos since the reopening of the Detroit-Windsor border on November 8 for vaccinated, nonessential travel is currently unavailable.
Although the Motown casinos are currently operating, it is advisable to visit their respective websites and stay updated on the latest COVID-19 protocols before planning a visit. On January 5th, Ontario closed all 28 of its casinos, including Caesars Windsor, with intentions to reopen them by January 26th.
Crossing the Canadian/Detroit border today (but check again tomorrow)
Officials in Ontario reinstated closures, capacity limits, dining restrictions, and more as they moved the province back into a reopening phase to tackle the escalating cases and hospitalizations. Consequently, Ontario casino closures took place on Wednesday.
Weeks ago, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued an advisory recommending that even vaccinated travelers refrain from nonessential international travel due to the surge in the Omicron variant.
As a result, Canadian bettors must adhere to heightened protocols when traveling to Detroit and upon returning home. Although the requirements established in November for border reopening remain valid, it is essential for prospective travelers to regularly monitor updates due to the rapid changes in the situation.
In order to enter the United States for non-essential travel, travelers must possess the usual required documents, along with proof of full vaccination as well as the corresponding documentation.
What counts as fully vaccinated these days?
- Two weeks following the approval of a one-shot vaccine.
- After a two-dose series, consisting of an accepted initial dose followed by a second dose, two weeks have passed.
- Two weeks following the administration of a complete course of an effective (not inert) COVID-19 vaccine in the AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials based in the United States.
- After a period of at least 17 days, individuals who have received two doses from any approved combination of COVID-19 vaccines may proceed with their activities.
To enter or return to Canada, travelers are required to utilize the ArriveCan service and demonstrate full vaccination by fulfilling the aforementioned criteria, while also exhibiting no indications or symptoms of COVID-19.
Furthermore, individuals aged 5 and above who are traveling by land or water must either undergo a molecular test conducted outside of Canada within 72 hours before their visit/return, or present evidence of a negative test result taken between 14 and 180 days prior.
The requirement is to have occurred within the range of 10 to 180 days prior to Jan. 15.
When you reach the Canadian border, you must have the following documents:
- Pre-entry test results
- The ArriveCAN receipt will have the letter I, V, or A next to the name of the vaccinated traveler.
- The proof of vaccination can be uploaded into ArriveCAN, either in its original digital format or as a physical paper copy.
- It is important to have a prepared quarantine plan in the event of positive results.
- Passport or any other travel document should be entered into ArriveCAN.
Make sure to check for current protocols before you travel.
