Online gaming is a major industry in Canada. The country has at least 19.3 million active online gamblers, which is one of the reasons Canada is rated among the top 10 countries in terms of money spent on online gambling. Several Canadian local governments have developed gambling sites in an attempt to capitalize on this lucrative sector. Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan are among them.
Canadians spend at least $4 billion every year in offshore internet casinos. According to the Canadian Gaming Industry Report, such figures still pale in contrast to the $16 billion spent in Canadian casinos. As a result, it is not surprising that the gambling industry earns tens of billions of dollars each year.
A Brief History
Gambling has a lengthy history in Canada that predates the arrival of European settlers. On the Pacific Northwest Coast, indigenous peoples played a game called Slahal with sticks and bones.
Based on the suggestions, the game predates the Ice Age. The game has far more social, spiritual, and community importance than it does as a recreational activity. Since dice games were banned under British common law, European settlers looked down on gambling.
In today’s environment, Canada has fully accepted gaming. Due to technological developments, online gambling has become a popular activity in Canada, with about 19.3 million Canadians engaging.
The Most Common Types of Gambling
It’s no surprise that online sports betting takes the top slot. In Canada, sports bettors and table players equally have little issue with spending their money on gambling. Women in Canada adore bingo and other chance-based games.
Table games, poker, and online Casino Canada sites provide larger payouts than land-based casinos, making them more popular among Canadian online gamblers.
Land-based casinos in Canada are declining, with all of the country’s major casinos reporting revenue decreases even before the 2020 lockdowns. According to Alberta Casino revenues for 2018-2019, land-based revenues fell by 24%.
To close the income deficit, the provincial government decided to build its online casino, which most people found appealing. Almost all the provinces followed this lead.
Demographics
When it comes to online gambling, men and women account for about the same number, with males accounting for 57% and females accounting for 43%. It’s worth noting that female gamblers utilize mobile devices more than male bettors. Around 55% of female gamblers use their mobile devices.
The majority of online gamers are between the ages of 18 and 35, accounting for 16% of all users. There are no players above the age of 35 onboard.
Differences in Player Age and Preferences
In Canada, online gambling is most popular among persons aged 30 to 50. Young people, on the other hand, gamble in significant numbers. Their gaming tastes are similar, although their ages differ.
Despite what appears to be trivial, younger players prefer to play more involved games, particularly online. Bingo is a game that older folks, particularly those over the age of 40, love since it is more relaxed and comfortable.
There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. Slot machines are popular among both young and old people. Due to the tremendous excitement, slot machines are a favorite of many individuals since the second half of the twentieth century.
As a result, Canadians tend to spend more than their neighbors – around $824 each year.
What Is the Value of the Industry?
In 2021, the Canadian online gambling sector generated more than $1.2 billion in revenue. Gambling restrictions that require a provincial government to license every supplier of online gambling are said to be costing the industry a lot of money.
Many offshore casinos are taking advantage of this because of the tiny size and diversity of the online gaming sector. If Canada followed the same strategy as the United Kingdom, its yearly revenue might grow by up to $4 billion. Canadians spend $824.68 each year on online casinos.
A Summary of Canadian Online Casinos
Back in the day, there was only a handful brick-and-mortar casinos in Canada. That has shifted. Canadian gamers have access to over 2100 online casino sites, which repay more than 97 percent of earnings. As a result, the majority of Canadians are moving their attention away from these brick-and-mortar casinos (which return less than 61 percent in winnings).
Most Canadian players believe that the greatest time to play for real money in online casinos is between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., or 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The most popular machine to win the jackpot was Mega Moolah, a progressive slot.
Taxation
The government does not tax gambling profits, making them even more tempting. If you make gambling your full-time job and consistently win, the taxman will come calling.
Legality
Each province governs the legislation regarding internet gambling; however, gambling is typically permitted throughout the country. To operate lawfully, an online casino in Canada must receive a license from the local authorities.
All Canadian provinces, except Saskatchewan, has at least one online casino. In practice, only British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba can provide online gambling licenses.
Without a particular license, online gambling sites can only be operated on a local level. The local governments of these provinces must engage in a specific agreement for games to be played across provincial lines.
It is not legal for offshore operators who do not have permits to operate within the country. Brick-and-mortar casinos are the only ones vulnerable to fines. As a result, unless you are physically operating a casino on Canadian land, you should be able to get away with it.
Canadians are not permitted to play at offshore online casinos, but it is unlawful for them to intentionally target Canadians.
Conclusion
Internet access is quick, cheap, and nearly global, and mobile devices are inexpensive, so practically everyone can play at Canadian online casinos. Online video casinos are a great alternative if you miss the ambiance of a real physical casino.
Live casino games that are offered via live streaming let you engage with the dealer in real-time. It is not a leap to expect that virtual reality technology would be widely utilized in Canadian online casino games shortly.
