Prontobet casino: What Canadian Players Need to Know Before Registering
What Is ProntoBet Casino?
ProntoBet Casino is an offshore online casino that operates under a Curaçao gaming licence, launched in 2023. It markets to players in multiple countries, including Canada, through various domain names and regional branding. The platform is not registered with iGaming Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, or any other Canadian provincial gaming regulator.
The name appears across several domains targeting different markets—prontobets.ca for Canadian players, prontobet.uk for the United Kingdom, prontobet-au.info for Australia—each presenting welcome bonuses in local currency and adjusted messaging. This multi-domain structure is common among offshore operators serving international audiences without region-specific licensing.
A Curaçao licence permits the operator to run casino games and accept wagers online, but it does not establish provincial authorization in Canada. Ontario and Alberta regulate private online casinos through their own licensing frameworks; other provinces rely primarily on lottery corporation platforms. ProntoBet Casino has not obtained authorization in any Canadian jurisdiction.
| What ProntoBet Casino is | Where Canadian players encounter it | Regulatory framework | How to verify its status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore casino operating under Curaçao licence since 2023 | Search results, affiliate sites, and direct marketing via prontobets.ca and similar domains | Curaçao eGaming licence, which permits international operation but does not grant provincial authorization in Canada | Check the operator's licence page for the Curaçao eGaming seal and licence number. Confirm it does not appear on iGaming Ontario's list of authorized operators or any provincial lottery corporation platform. |
| Multi-domain brand targeting regional markets with localized currency and bonuses | Country-specific domains such as .ca, .uk, and .au versions, each presenting region-adjusted welcome offers | Single Curaçao licence covering all domains; no additional licensing in the countries it targets | Compare domain registration details and terms of service across the different regional sites. Note that localized branding does not establish local regulatory approval. |
| Operator not registered with Canadian provincial regulators | Accessible from Canada but not listed on AGCO, iGaming Ontario, or provincial lottery corporation rosters | No Canadian provincial authorization; operates as an offshore site available to Canadian players by virtue of internet access rather than regulatory permission | Search the iGaming Ontario operator registry and your province's lottery corporation site. The absence of ProntoBet Casino from these lists confirms it has not obtained provincial authorization. |
The distinction matters because provincial authorization brings specific player protections: third-party game testing, responsible gambling program requirements, dispute resolution through a local regulator, and transparent terms enforceable under Canadian consumer law. A Curaçao licence establishes oversight by that jurisdiction's eGaming authority, but it does not impose the same standards or provide the same recourse for Canadian players.
Why Verification Matters Before Registration
Registering at an offshore casino without understanding its regulatory standing exposes you to several practical risks. If a payment dispute arises—a declined withdrawal, a bonus term interpreted differently than advertised, or an account closure—you rely entirely on the operator's own support process and, if unresolved, the Curaçao eGaming Authority's complaint mechanism. That regulator does not prioritize Canadian consumer law or offer the same investigation resources as a provincial authority.
Payment processing at offshore casinos often involves third-party processors and currency conversion, which can introduce fees, delays, and additional identity verification steps not always disclosed up front. Canadian banks and payment providers may decline transactions to unlicensed gambling sites, leaving you without straightforward deposit or withdrawal options.
Game fairness and return-to-player percentages depend on independent testing and transparent reporting. Provincially regulated operators in Ontario and Alberta must use certified game suppliers and publish testing reports. Offshore casinos under Curaçao licensing are required to use licensed game providers, but the depth of testing and public reporting varies. Without access to detailed RTP audits or third-party fairness certifications specific to the operator, you evaluate the platform largely on reputation and trust.
Responsible gambling tools—deposit limits, session timers, self-exclusion programs—are mandatory for licensed operators in Ontario and Alberta. Offshore casinos typically offer similar controls, but there is no provincial regulator monitoring their implementation or ensuring that a self-exclusion request is honoured across sister brands or affiliates.
Is ProntoBet Casino legal for Canadian players to use?
ProntoBet Casino operates under a Curaçao licence and is accessible from Canada, but it is not authorized by any Canadian provincial regulator. Using an offshore casino is not illegal for individual players in most provinces, but you do not receive the same consumer protections, dispute resolution, or regulatory oversight as you would at a provincially licensed site. Check your province's specific rules and consider the practical risks before registering.
Does ProntoBet Casino have a licence in Ontario?
No. ProntoBet Casino does not appear on the iGaming Ontario registry of authorized operators. It operates under a Curaçao eGaming licence, which does not grant provincial authorization in Ontario or anywhere else in Canada.
What does a Curaçao licence mean for a Canadian player?
A Curaçao licence permits the operator to offer online casino games internationally, subject to that jurisdiction's standards and oversight. It does not establish authorization in Canada, does not subject the operator to Canadian consumer law, and does not provide access to provincial dispute resolution. Player complaints are handled through the operator's support and, if escalated, the Curaçao eGaming Authority's process.
How to Verify Any Unfamiliar Casino Brand
Before registering or depositing at any casino you encounter through search—including ProntoBet Casino—work through a structured verification process that reveals whether the operator maintains transparent licensing, operator identity, payment security, game fairness, and responsible gambling infrastructure. Each step protects a different risk exposure, and absent or unclear answers at any stage signal that you should walk away.
Provincial Licensing and Regulatory Standing
Start by confirming whether the operator holds authorization to serve your province. In Ontario, check the iGaming Ontario public registry, which lists every operator holding an operating agreement and AGCO registration. Registered sites display their legal operating entity name, AGCO registration number, and a statement that they operate under an agreement with iGaming Ontario. Outside Ontario, confirm whether the casino is run by your provincial lottery corporation—BCLC in British Columbia, OLG for land-based and lottery gaming in Ontario, Loto-Québec in Quebec, or AGLC in Alberta.
A casino that names a foreign licence—Curaçao, Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK—holds permission in that jurisdiction, not in Canada. Foreign licensing does not establish legal authorization to accept Canadian players, does not create enforceable complaint rights with a Canadian regulator, and does not subject the operator to provincial consumer protection standards. If the site names only a foreign licence and does not appear in your provincial registry, treat it as an offshore operator with uncertain standing.
Operator Identity and Corporate Transparency
Verify who actually operates the casino. A legitimate site discloses its legal operating entity, corporate registration jurisdiction, and physical business address in its terms or footer. You should be able to cross-reference that entity name against business registries or the licensing authority's public records. An operator that hides behind a brand name, lists only a domain registrar contact, or provides no verifiable corporate identity makes it impossible to pursue disputes, verify financial standing, or confirm that the entity holding your deposits is the same one the licence names.
Check whether the operator owns multiple domain names targeting different countries with the same branding. While multi-jurisdiction licensing is normal for large operators, a proliferation of similar domains with inconsistent entity disclosures suggests an offshore operation that segments markets to avoid consolidated regulatory oversight.
Payment Processor Legitimacy and Dispute Protection
Review which payment processors the casino uses for deposits and withdrawals. Established processors—Interac, major credit card networks, recognized e-wallets—impose merchant standards and provide chargeback or dispute mechanisms. If the casino directs you toward cryptocurrency-only deposits, unbranded payment gateways, or direct wire transfers to offshore accounts, you lose those protections. Cryptocurrency deposits are irreversible, and offshore wire transfers make it nearly impossible to recover funds if the operator refuses a withdrawal.
Confirm the withdrawal process before depositing. A legitimate operator states maximum withdrawal amounts, processing timelines, and identity verification requirements up front. An operator that advertises instant payouts but then imposes undisclosed multi-tier verification, withholds large winnings pending manual review with no stated timeline, or requires additional deposits to unlock withdrawals is withholding material terms.
Game Fairness and Independent Testing
Check whether the casino's games have been audited by an accredited independent testing laboratory. Recognized labs—eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Gaming Laboratories International—test random number generators for statistical randomness, verify that advertised return-to-player percentages match the mathematical model, and confirm that game logic behaves as specified. A casino operating under a reputable licence is typically required to use certified games, and many publish testing certificates or lab seals in their footer or fairness page.
An operator that provides no testing documentation, names an unrecognized certification body, or claims proprietary in-house game development without third-party oversight gives you no assurance that outcomes are fair or that advertised RTP figures are accurate. The absence of independent verification is not proof of rigging, but it removes the only mechanism that would detect it.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Support Access
Evaluate the casino's responsible gambling infrastructure. A legitimate operator provides deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options that you can activate directly in your account settings without contacting support. In Ontario, iGaming Ontario operators are required to integrate with BetGuard, the province's centralized self-exclusion program, which allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed sites at once.
Check whether the casino lists provincial responsible gambling contacts. Ontario residents should see references to ConnexOntario or the Responsible Gambling Council. Alberta operators reference the Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline. An offshore operator that provides no local support contacts or lists only generic international helplines is not integrated into Canadian harm-reduction infrastructure and cannot enforce provincial self-exclusion agreements.
| Verification step | How to check it | What it confirms | Red flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial licensing or authorization | Search the iGaming Ontario public registry if you are in Ontario, or check whether your provincial lottery corporation operates the site. For offshore operators, verify the foreign licence directly with the issuing regulator's database. | The operator holds legal permission to accept wagers in your province, is subject to local regulatory oversight, and can be held accountable through provincial complaint mechanisms. | The site names only a foreign licence, provides no AGCO registration number or provincial lottery affiliation, or cannot be found in the jurisdiction's official registry. |
| Operator identity and corporate transparency | Read the site's terms of service and footer for the legal operating entity name, corporate registration jurisdiction, and physical business address. Cross-reference that entity against business registries or the licensing authority's records. | You can identify who actually operates the casino, verify that the entity is registered and in good standing, and pursue disputes or complaints against a known legal person. | The site lists only a brand name with no legal entity disclosure, provides a registrar privacy contact instead of a business address, or operates multiple similar domains with inconsistent entity names. |
| Payment processor legitimacy | Review the deposit and withdrawal methods. Confirm that recognized processors—Interac, major credit card networks, established e-wallets—are available and that withdrawal terms state maximum amounts, processing timelines, and verification requirements clearly. | Established payment processors impose merchant standards and provide chargeback or dispute mechanisms. Clear withdrawal terms reduce the risk of hidden restrictions or delayed payouts. | The casino offers only cryptocurrency deposits, directs you to unbranded payment gateways, requires direct wire transfers to offshore accounts, or discloses withdrawal restrictions only after deposit. |
| Independent game testing and RNG certification | Look for testing seals or certificates in the site's footer or fairness page. Confirm that games are audited by a recognized independent lab—eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Gaming Laboratories International—and that testing reports verify RNG randomness and advertised RTP. | Game outcomes are statistically random, advertised RTP percentages match the mathematical model, and an independent third party has verified that the games behave as specified. | The site provides no testing documentation, names an unrecognized or fictional certification body, or claims proprietary in-house games with no third-party oversight. |
| Responsible gambling tool availability | Check your account settings for deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. Confirm that you can activate these tools yourself without contacting support, and verify whether the site integrates with provincial programs like BetGuard in Ontario. | The operator meets minimum harm-reduction standards, allows you to control spending and session length in real time, and integrates with provincial self-exclusion infrastructure where required. | Responsible gambling tools require support requests to activate, the site offers no deposit or loss limits, or provincial harm-reduction contacts and self-exclusion programs are absent. |
| Terms clarity and dispute procedure transparency | Read the bonus terms, withdrawal policy, and dispute resolution section. Confirm that wagering requirements, game contribution percentages, maximum bet limits during bonus play, withdrawal caps, and the complaint escalation process are stated clearly. | You understand the conditions that govern your deposits and winnings, know the maximum potential liability, and have a documented procedure for resolving disputes if the operator refuses a payout. | Terms are vague about wagering requirements, the site reserves the right to withhold winnings for unspecified violations, or there is no complaint escalation procedure beyond internal support. |
Terms Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Transparency
Read the casino's bonus terms, withdrawal policy, and dispute resolution section before opening an account. Wagering requirements, game contribution percentages, maximum bet limits during bonus play, withdrawal caps, and excluded games should be stated clearly in the terms, not buried in fine print or disclosed only after you claim a bonus. An operator that advertises a welcome bonus without publishing complete terms, reserves the right to void winnings for unspecified rule violations, or provides no complaint escalation procedure beyond internal support is structuring its disclosures to limit accountability.
Check whether the operator names a dispute resolution service or regulatory complaint mechanism. Ontario iGaming operators are subject to AGCO complaint procedures, and many international licensors provide independent arbitration or player dispute services. An offshore casino that offers no complaint escalation path beyond email support gives you no recourse if it refuses a withdrawal.
Applying the Framework to ProntoBet Casino
ProntoBet Casino does not appear in the iGaming Ontario registry, is not operated by a Canadian provincial lottery corporation, and holds only a Curaçao gaming licence. It operates multiple regional domain names with the same branding, which complicates verification of the actual operating entity. Without provincial authorization, the site cannot integrate with BetGuard or other Canadian responsible gambling infrastructure, and players have no standing to file complaints with a Canadian regulator. These gaps do not automatically make the operator fraudulent, but they remove the protections that provincial licensing and oversight provide.
Can I trust a casino seal or certification badge displayed on the site?
A seal is only meaningful if you can verify it independently. Click the badge to confirm it links to the issuing organization's website, then search that organization's public registry for the casino's licence or certificate number. Legitimate testing labs and licensors maintain searchable databases. A static image with no verification link, or a badge that names a fictional or unrecognized body, is decorative.
Does a Curaçao licence mean a casino is safe for Canadian players?
A Curaçao licence confirms that the operator holds a gaming authorization in that jurisdiction, but it does not establish legal permission to serve Canada, does not subject the operator to Canadian consumer protection standards, and provides no enforceable complaint mechanism with a Canadian regulator. Curaçao-licensed casinos vary widely in operational quality; the licence itself guarantees only that the operator met Curaçao's requirements, which differ from provincial standards.
What should I do if an unfamiliar casino refuses to process my withdrawal?
Document every interaction—emails, chat transcripts, withdrawal requests, account statements—and review the casino's terms to confirm you met all stated conditions. If the casino is licensed in Ontario, file a complaint with the AGCO. For offshore operators, contact the issuing licensing authority if one is disclosed and check whether the casino names a third-party dispute resolution service. If the operator provides no complaint mechanism and you used a credit card, consider initiating a chargeback through your card issuer.
Online Casino Regulation in Canada
Canada does not regulate online casinos at the federal level. Authority over gambling operations sits with the provinces and territories, each of which decides what games are legal, who may offer them, and under what conditions. This creates a patchwork regulatory map where your province determines which platforms you can legally access with full consumer protection.
Ontario's Competitive Market
Ontario launched its regulated private online casino market in April 2022. Private operators must register with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and enter into an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario, an independent agency responsible for conducting and managing the market. Every registered operator appears on iGaming Ontario's public registry, which you can consult before opening an account.
Operators on that registry must meet capital requirements, undergo technical testing, verify player identity and age, offer responsible gambling tools including deposit limits and self-exclusion, and submit to ongoing compliance audits. When a dispute arises, you have recourse through the provincial regulator. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation continues to operate OLG.ca as a separate, crown-owned platform under its own lottery licence.
Alberta's New Framework
Alberta opened its competitive online casino market on July 13, 2026. Operators must complete registration with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis and hold a commercial agreement with the Alberta iGaming Corporation before accepting wagers from Alberta residents. The structure mirrors Ontario's model: private operators work under provincial oversight, and the crown corporation maintains its own separate platform.
Provincial Lottery Corporations Elsewhere
In provinces without a competitive private market, the provincial lottery corporation typically operates the only locally authorised online casino platform. British Columbia residents have access to BCLC's PlayNow.com, Quebec residents to Espacejeux, and Atlantic provinces to Atlantic Lottery's digital offerings. These crown-owned platforms fall under each province's conduct-and-management framework and report to the provincial gaming authority.
Private international operators do not hold provincial licences in these jurisdictions. Residents can and do access offshore platforms, but those sites operate outside provincial regulatory oversight. You forfeit the consumer protections, dispute resolution mechanisms, and responsible gambling infrastructure that accompany a provincial licence.
What a Foreign Licence Does and Does Not Establish
ProntoBet Casino holds a Curaçao gaming licence. That licence confirms the operator met Curaçao's registration and fee requirements, but it does not grant permission to serve Canadian provinces. A Curaçao, Malta Gaming Authority, or United Kingdom Gambling Commission licence governs the operator's home jurisdiction; it establishes neither local legality nor Canadian regulatory obligations.
An offshore operator may accept Canadian registrations, process transactions in Canadian dollars, and market to Canadian players without holding any provincial authorisation. That cross-border access does not mean the platform is locally licensed or that Canadian gaming authorities oversee its conduct. When you deposit at an offshore site, you assume the counterparty risk, dispute resolution is governed by the operator's terms and foreign jurisdiction, and you have no recourse through a Canadian provincial regulator.
Foreign licensing also does not establish uniform player protection. A Curaçao licence requires far less transparency, capital reserve, and technical testing than an Ontario or Alberta registration. Operators under the same Curaçao master licence may implement different responsible gambling tools, dispute procedures, and withdrawal policies. The licence badge in the footer tells you where the operator is registered, not what protections you will receive.
Age Requirements Across Provinces
The legal gambling age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. It is 19 in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Saskatchewan and Ontario apply 18 to lottery and charitable gaming but 19 to casino play. Every regulated platform verifies age before allowing real-money wagers, and every offshore operator serving Canada should enforce the same provincial age limit, though oversight and enforcement vary.
Practical Consequences for Players
If you live in Ontario or Alberta, you can choose between provincially registered private operators and the crown lottery platform. Registration with the provincial authority means the operator has posted a performance bond, undergoes regular audits, and must respond to complaints filed through the regulator. If you live elsewhere, your provincially authorised option is the lottery corporation platform. Offshore platforms remain accessible but unregulated, meaning no Canadian authority reviews their game fairness, payout procedures, or dispute handling.
Before you register at ProntoBet Casino or any other offshore site, confirm whether your province offers a regulated alternative that meets your needs. If you proceed with an offshore operator, verify its licence independently, review withdrawal terms and fees, and accept that disputes will be resolved under the operator's jurisdiction rather than Canadian law.
Legitimate Casino Options for Canadian Players
Canadian players have access to verifiable, regulated casino options that vary by province. Ontario residents can choose from dozens of private operators registered with iGaming Ontario, while players in other provinces primarily rely on their provincial lottery corporation platforms. Understanding what is available in your jurisdiction helps you avoid unverified offshore operators and access platforms with meaningful consumer protection.
IGaming Ontario Operators
Ontario operates the only competitive regulated online casino market in Canada. As of late 2026, 49 registered operators run 84 gaming websites under the oversight of iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Every operator on the iGaming Ontario public registry has met provincial standards for game fairness, payment security, advertising conduct, and responsible gambling infrastructure.
Ontario's regulated operators include established international brands such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, PokerStars Casino, and Caesars, alongside Canadian-focused platforms like theScore Bet and NorthStar Bets. Each holds an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario, pays provincial tax on gross gaming revenue, and participates in the province-wide self-exclusion system. Registration, deposit, and withdrawal processes are standardized across operators, and disputes can be escalated to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
You can verify any operator's status by checking the iGaming Ontario registry at igamingontario.ca. The registry lists the legal operator name, operating agreement date, and associated gaming websites. If a brand is not listed, it is not authorized to offer online casino games in Ontario, regardless of what its marketing claims.
Provincial Lottery Corporation Platforms
Every Canadian province and territory outside Ontario operates online casino games through its government-owned lottery corporation. These platforms offer a narrower game selection and less competitive bonus structures than Ontario's private market, but they provide transparent licensing, known operator identity, and direct government accountability.
- British Columbia: BCLC operates PlayNow.com, offering slots, table games, and lottery products.
- Alberta: AGLC launched regulated online casino options in July 2026, transitioning from the earlier PlayAlberta platform.
- Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority runs PlayNow through a partnership with BCLC.
- Manitoba: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries operates PlayNow for Manitoba residents.
- Quebec: Loto-Québec operates Espacejeux, the only legal online casino platform in the province.
- Atlantic Canada: Atlantic Lottery Corporation runs separate provincial platforms for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Provincial lottery platforms restrict registration to residents of their jurisdiction, verified through address and identity documents during account setup. Payment methods are limited compared to private operators but typically include Interac, credit cards, and direct bank transfer. Winnings are paid directly to your registered payment method, and withdrawal times range from a few hours for Interac e-Transfer to several business days for bank transfers.
Game libraries on provincial platforms are smaller than those offered by iGaming Ontario operators. You will find popular slots from major studios, a selection of live dealer games, and provincial lottery draws, but fewer exclusive titles and limited progressive jackpot networks. Responsible gambling tools include deposit limits, session timers, self-assessment questionnaires, and self-exclusion programs integrated with provincial problem gambling services.
Evaluating Offshore Operators
Players outside Ontario often encounter offshore casino operators that accept Canadian registrations but hold no Canadian provincial authorization. These operators market aggressively, offer larger bonuses, and provide access to games unavailable on provincial platforms. Offshore access carries measurable risks that provincial platforms eliminate, and those risks increase sharply when an operator lacks transparent licensing, known corporate identity, or established payment infrastructure.
A foreign gaming licence does not establish legal authorization to serve Canadian players, and it provides limited practical recourse when disputes arise. Licences from Malta, the United Kingdom, and Gibraltar impose strict operational standards on their holders, including segregated player funds, independent game testing, and formal complaint procedures. Licences from Curaçao and other jurisdictions with lighter oversight offer weaker protection. No foreign licence grants you the same complaint rights, regulatory escalation, or legal standing you would have with a provincially authorized operator.
If you choose to use an offshore operator, prioritize transparency at every verification step. Confirm that the operator publishes its legal entity name, corporate registration number, physical address, and licensing authority with an active licence number you can verify on the regulator's public registry. Check that the platform displays clear terms for bonuses, withdrawals, and account closure, and that it identifies its payment processors by name. Look for third-party game certification from eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI, which confirms that slot RTP percentages and table game rules match their stated values.
Payment security becomes your responsibility when using an offshore operator. Use a dedicated payment method with transaction limits rather than your primary bank account or credit card. Avoid operators that require cryptocurrency deposits without offering traditional banking alternatives, and never provide unnecessary identity documents beyond what is standard for age and address verification. Monitor your account for unexpected fees, unexplained bonus forfeitures, or sudden changes to withdrawal terms.
Offshore operators cannot participate in provincial self-exclusion programs, and their responsible gambling tools are not integrated with Canadian problem gambling services. If you use multiple offshore platforms, you must set and enforce your own spending limits across all accounts. Provincial helplines and counselling services remain available regardless of where you play, but blocking access to offshore operators requires manual effort or third-party software rather than a single regulatory request.
Can I legally play at offshore casinos from Canada?
Canadian federal law does not criminalize individual online gambling. Provincial laws authorize specific operators, and using an unauthorized offshore operator means you forgo provincial consumer protection, dispute resolution, and self-exclusion programs. You assume the risks of playing at a platform that holds no Canadian regulatory accountability.
What happens if an offshore casino refuses to pay my withdrawal?
You have no access to provincial regulators or local legal remedies. Your only recourse is the operator's internal complaint process and, if the operator holds a reputable foreign licence, a complaint to that licensing authority. Resolution timelines are unpredictable, and enforcement of any ruling depends entirely on the foreign regulator's willingness and ability to compel the operator.
Are provincial lottery casinos better than Ontario's private operators?
Provincial lottery platforms offer transparent government operation and direct accountability but provide smaller game libraries, less competitive bonuses, and slower feature development. Ontario's private operators offer larger game selections, generous promotions, and modern platform features while meeting the same provincial standards for fairness, security, and responsible gambling. The choice depends on whether you prioritize selection and bonuses or prefer a single government-run option.