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An Overview of the Online Casino Industry In Canada, Benefits of Gambling Online vs Offline in Canada

Benefits of Gambling Online vs Offline in Canada

The casino and gambling culture are deep-rooted in Canada with sports betting, jackpot, lotteries, poker and more. Let’s discuss land-based casino and online casino. As there are no dealers in an online casino, nobody can pressure you. You’ve complete freedom to pick your pace. Simply put, online casinos allow you great flexibility and comfort of playing the game without other gamblers snorting at your next moves. Also, gamblers are free to play different casino games concurrently. Gamblers are accessing several websites for playing their favourite casino game and enjoying complete freedom.

An Overview of the Online Casino Industry In Canada

One of the easiest ways to earn money online is “CASINO”. Many people are earning hundreds of dollars after winning the jackpot. These are excellent games, they’ve something for everyone. Yes, you’ve heard it right. If the spinning slot doesn’t make you excited, you can prefer placing the bet on a single number at Roulette can be your thing. When you win the game, you will definitely feel awesome.

Online casinos are on the rise around the world. With legislature, rules and regulations becoming flexible across online gaming. Simply put, the boundaries have been broken down between different countries. People are spending their leisure time playing their favourite gambling game and winning exciting prizes and real cash. This scenario can be acknowledged as growth for online casinos.

Let’s discuss the casino markets. Did you know that there are two key players in casino markets? Yes. The United States of America and Canada are the top players so far. Playing an online casino is completely legal in Canada. There are thousands of casino platforms that are attracting gamblers around the world. Among all the gambling platforms, sports betting websites have gained huge space in gamblers hearts. Many gamblers are showing more interest in sports betting. As the winning amount will be huge when people bet on sports. Also, they are opting for PowerPlay Canada to place the bet on sports. PowerPlay is the popular sports betting platform available in Canada. The sports betting platform offers tips, welcome bonuses and other attractive prizes for gamblers.

The Rapid Growth of Online Casino in Canada

Gambling is the largest component of entertainment for Canadian players. The online casinos in Canada are driving significant revenue from the past few decades. As per the Canadian Gaming Association, there are more than 135,000 people employed in online casinos industries in Canada.

As mentioned earlier, there are thousands of gambling sites available in Canada. These Canadian gambling websites are estimated to earn $31 billion per year. Also, online casino services are expected to reach $14 billion per year.

These figures may drop down your jaws. The extensive adoption of latest and modern gaming technology on devices such as mobile phones and tablets has contributed to the growth of the online casino industry.

Online casinos in Canada offer powerful gambling experience, attractive user-interface and modern technology. Additionally, online casinos are offering comprehensive security mechanisms to their gamblers. Security might be the top concern for gamers. The online casino platforms are responsible to ensure their players are away from the risk. The online casino sites in Canada commonly use “SSL” or “TLS” certificates to ensure gamblers safety while protecting their personal information. Gamblers need to follow the rules and tips to keep themselves safe and secure while playing casinos online.

Online casino games often rely on internet connectivity. The online gambling games such as slots, roulette and blackjack need a good internet connection. An unstable connection can keep the gamblers at risk. The 4G and 5G technology gamblers can place the bet within a couple of seconds. These internet services in Canada are making the gambling experience smooth and flexible. This could be another reason for the rapid growth of online casinos in Canada.

Maple gamblers are taking great advantage of online casino games. Since there are several casino games to choose from such as slot, table, live casino and card. These games are available at popular and authoritative casino platforms in Canadian cyberspace.

Online vs Offline Gambling

The casino and gambling culture are deep-rooted in Canada with sports betting, jackpot, lotteries, poker and more. Let’s discuss land-based casino and online casino.

Online Casino

It’s no secret, online casinos in Canada have been continuously growing their popularity from the past few decades and show no signals of slowing down at any time. With the advancement of technology, casino players are playing their favourite game at their fingertips.

Online casinos continue to grow at a skyrocketing speed. Other than comfort and convenience, the casino offers gamblers attractive benefits that have proven the growth of the casino industry. It includes game diversity, gamblers can choose the casino game from a wide range of options that are ranging from table game to video poker. Gamblers have complete freedom to play the game according to their preferences.

As there are no dealers in an online casino, nobody can pressure you. You’ve complete freedom to pick your pace. Simply put, online casinos allow you great flexibility and comfort of playing the game without other gamblers snorting at your next moves. Also, gamblers are free to play different casino games concurrently. Gamblers are accessing several websites for playing their favourite casino game and enjoying complete freedom.

Offline Casino

The offline casino has a few benefits. Playing in a traditional land-based casino allows gamblers to enjoy the real-time experience. Gamblers can play and interact with dealers and opponents, spin the wheel, roll the dice, hold the cards, enjoy the drinks and more. This could provide a better experience for players. Since the traditional casino is the real establishment, gamblers can get paid once they win. Unlike online casinos, winnings will be sent to the preferred payment option.

Presence of Many iGaming Sites

There are several casino websites available in Canada. The Canadian gamblers are the top reason for the survival of the casino. There are many benefits while playing on online casino sites. They’re more comfortable and convenient compared to a traditional land-based casino. Gamblers can play at the comfort of their couch. They can play casino games at home, park, office break time or while on traffic. It’s up to gamblers choice. Since there are several casino websites, Canadian gamblers have a wider option to choose from. These casino websites in Canada consist of diversified gambling games.

No matter whether you’re planning to spin the wheel or place a bet, choose the game according to your interest. Many gamblers are getting themselves registered on trusted casino sites and earning welcome bonus and referral points. There are few casino websites in Canada that award gamblers a free-trail game without an initial deposit.

Canadian Online Gambling Laws

Canada is a combination of metropolitan modernity and real beauty. The nation has much more to brag about. Canada has a sense of pride applied in its gambling market and the laws that are set to keep it running efficiently. It’s already mentioned, online casinos in Canada have remained illegal in many areas. But the Canadians are allowed to play the online casino offshore.

It’s completely illegal for the gambling websites to have their headquarters situated in Canada. This case could work when online casinos are owned and run by the Candian government. However, while there are less number of online casinos, gamblers will never miss the trusted and authoritative online casinos such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom accept the players from Canada. It’s important for a gambler to research the gambling sites thoroughly before they join. This is a great way to avoid getting caught on illegitimate one.

Thus, when you play spin games or poker games located in Canada, it’s not considered as the crime unless and until the casino website is owned by the Canadian government. According to Canadian online gambling rules, players need to have a minimum of 19 years to participate in online gambling.

Canadian Banks Allow Online Gambling

Online gambling might sound fun and exciting. Gamblers just love it, and citizens in Canada are encouraged to participate in regulated iGaming sites. As mentioned earlier online casinos are not an illegal practice, many players might assume that all the banks will accept online casinos. However, this is not the actual case. There are only a few banks that allow an online casino in Canada such as Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank of Nova Scotia and more.

Wrapping up

The casino is the place where people play different types of gambling games like Baccarat, Roulette, Poker, Blackjack, Craps and more. Playing online casino games offline and online is fun, when a player is a social person, choosing the offline casino is a great way. If the player is looking for diversified options and convenience, the online casino is the best option.

With the rapid growth of online casinos in Canada. Players can play online casino games that are owned by the government of Canada. There are few banks that allow an online casino in Canada. With the advancement, deposit and withdrawal amounts have become secure, quicker and safer than before. No software needs to be installed to play an online casino game. The growth of online casinos has made a primary source of income for Canada. Also, the nation is estimated to grow bigger in the coming years as well.

Is all Internet gambling equally problematic? Considering the relationship between mode of access and gambling problems

Highlights

Gamblers were matched on relevant demographic and behavioural variables.

Internet gamblers preferring computers had lower rates of gambling problems.

Internet gamblers preferring mobile and other devices had greater rates of gambling problems.

Life cycle of combined age, marital and occupational status differed between groups.

Policies should consider the role of various devices to access Internet gambling.

Abstract

Concerns exist that Internet gambling may increase rates of gambling harms, yet research to date has found inconsistent results. Internet gamblers are a heterogeneous group and considering this population as a whole may miss important differences between gamblers. The differential relationship of using mobile and other devices for gambling online has not been considered as compared to the use of computers. The true relationship of Internet gambling on related problems and differences between preferred modes for accessing online gambling may be obscured by confounding personal and behavioural factors. This paper thus uses the innovative approach of propensity score matching to estimate the consequence of gambling offline, or online through a computer, as compared to mobile or other supplementary devices by accounting for confounding effects of difference among groups of Australian gamblers (N = 4482). Gamblers who prefer to gamble online using computers had lower rates of gambling problems as compared to those using mobile and supplementary devices. Individual life cycle was useful to differentiate between groups, indicating age, marital, and employment status should be considered together to predict how people gamble online. This is the first empirical study to suggest that the mode of accessing Internet gambling may be related to subsequent harms.

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Differences in the Gambling Behavior of Online and Non-Online Student Gamblers in a Controlled Laboratory Environment

Kevin S. Montes

1 Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, & Addictions, University of New Mexico

Jeffrey N. Weatherly

2 University of North Dakota, Psychology Department

Abstract

Although research suggests that approximately 1 in 4 college students report having gambled online, few laboratory-based studies have been conducted enlisting online student gamblers. Moreover, it is unclear the extent to which differences in gambling behavior exist between online and non-online student gamblers. The current study examined if online gamblers would play more hands, commit more errors, and wager more credits than non-online student gamblers in a controlled, laboratory environment. Online (n = 19) and non-online (n = 26) student gamblers played video poker in three separate sessions and the number of hands played, errors committed, and credits wagered were recorded. Results showed that online student gamblers played more hands and committed more errors playing video poker than non-online student gamblers. The results from the current study extend previous research by suggesting that online gamblers engage in potentially more deleterious gambling behavior (e.g., playing more hands and committing more errors) than non-online gamblers. Additional research is needed to examine differences in the gambling behavior of online and non-online gamblers in a controlled, laboratory environment.

Gambling, or the wagering of money on an uncertain outcome, is an activity commonly engaged in by college students. Approximately 67% to 97% of college students have gambled in their lifetime (Ladd & Petry, 2002), most without experiencing negative outcomes. However, an important subset of college students experience problems associated with gambling (e.g., financial, emotional, health), with an estimated 6% to 14% meeting the criteria for disordered gambling (i.e., problem, probable pathological, or pathological gambling; Blinn-Pike, Worthy, & Jonkman, 2007). With respect to college student online gambling (i.e., gambling via the Internet; Gainsbury, Wood, Russell, Hing, & Blaszczynski, 2012), few studies have been conducted due to the recent emergence of this burgeoning and viable alternative to non-online gambling (e.g., land-based casinos) but initial reports indicate that approximately 1 in 4 college students have gambled online (Petry & Weinstock, 2007). Moreover, a recent study suggests that student online gamblers experience a range of negative gambling-related consequences, with 23% of infrequent, and 61% of frequent, online gamblers meeting the criteria for probable pathological gambling (Petry & Weinstock, 2007). Although differences in frequency of gambling involvement and negative gambling-related outcomes appear to exist between online and non-online student gamblers (Kairouz, Paradis, & Nadeau, 2012), no study to the authors’ knowledge has attempted to recruit actual online and non-online student gamblers to gamble in a laboratory in order to examine differences between these two groups. The current study aimed to fill this gap in the literature.

Online and Non-Online Student Gamblers

In terms of general demographic characteristics, differences exist between online and non-online gamblers. In a study which compared the demographic profiles of online and non-online gamblers in Australia using an online survey methodology, online gamblers were more likely to be male, have higher incomes, work full-time, and be married or cohabitating (Gainsbury et al., 2012). In reflecting the heterogeneity of online gamblers, being unemployed and a college student were also found to be predictive of being an online gambler; however, only 4% of respondents in the study were full-time college students. In a study conducted in the United Kingdom using an online survey methodology, online student gamblers were significantly more likely to be male (Griffiths & Barnes, 2008), which was consistent with findings from the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey that reported that online gamblers were more likely to be male, single, and well educated (Griffiths, Wardle, Orford, Sproston, & Erens, 2009). In another study which evaluated Internet gambling among patients seeking free dental and health care in the US using paper-and-pencil questionnaires, online gamblers were more likely to be younger and non-Caucasian compared to non-online gamblers, with 62% of respondents reporting having some form of college education (Ladd & Petry, 2002). Taken together, evidence from the existing literature suggests that the typical online student gambler is male, non-Caucasian, and younger than the typical non-online student gambler.

Individuals generally transition from gambling in land-based casinos to online gambling, and it has been largely assumed that online gamblers report more gambling-related problems than non-online gamblers (Kairouz et al., 2012; McBride & Derevensky, 2009). For example, in a study that explored differences in the gambling behavior of college students in Canada, online gamblers were at significantly greater risk of developing a gambling problems compared to non-online gamblers (McBride & Derevensky, 2009). Specifically, online student gamblers were six times more likely to be classified as a problem gambler than students who did not gamble online, with other studies reporting similar trends (Gainsbury, Russell, Hing, Wood, & Blaszczynski, 2013; Griffiths & Barnes, 2008; Ladd & Petry, 2002). However, findings from the first epidemiological study of actual online gambling behavior appear to contradict these past research findings by reporting that online gambling was not associated with gambling problems (LaPlante, Kleschinsky, LaBrie, Nelson, & Shaffer, 2009). These discrepant findings augment claims that additional research is clearly needed to better understand the transition from non-online gambling to online gambling, and the extent to which online gambling is associated with gambling problems among college students (McBride & Derevensky, 2012). Beyond examining differences between online and non-online student gamblers with respect to demographic characteristics and problem gambling prevalence rates, even fewer studies have provided a more fine-grained assessment of actual gambling behavior among online and offline gamblers. One such study conducted by Griffiths and Barnes (2008) reported that online student gamblers gambled more and spent more money on gambling per week than non-online student gamblers. In addition, online student gamblers were more likely to gamble in land-based casinos and place bets on horses, sports, and privately among friends compared to non-online student gamblers.

Methodological Approaches to Online Gambling Research

The methodological approaches applied to the study of online gambling have increased in rigor since the inception of online gambling in the mid-1990s (Gainsbury & Wood, 2011). In the study of online gambling behavior, the first studies conducted were descriptive and focused on the prevalence of problem gambling among online gamblers (Griffiths, 2001; King & Barak, 1999; McMillen & Grabosky, 1998; Petry & Weinstock, 2007). Shortly thereafter, comparative studies between online and offline student gamblers were conducted (e.g., Gainsbury et al., 2012; Griffiths & Barnes, 2008). These studies were limited to the examination of gamblers’ self-reported gambling behavior, the validity and reliability of which has been called into question due to bias in responding (e.g., self-presentation) and cognitive limitations (e.g., faulty memory; LaPlante et al., 2009).

Recently, researchers have gained access to data from Internet betting service providers such as Bwin Interactive Entertainment (e.g., Braverman, Tom, & Shaffer, 2014; Broda et al., 2008; LaBrie, LaPlante, Nelson, Schumann, & Shaffer, 2007) and GTECH G2 (Dragicevic, Tsogas, & Kudic, 2011), thus allowing for the examination of actual online gambling behavior. There are many advantages of using data collected from Internet betting service providers. For example, data collected from these service providers do not rely on individuals to report on their own gambling behavior, reducing biases associated with the use of self-report data. Moreover, these Internet betting service providers are in possession of copious amounts of data, providing researchers with new opportunities to utilize advance statistical techniques that require large sample sizes (Griffiths & Whitty, 2010). There are also notable disadvantages to using data collected from these Internet service providers, including lack of experimental control which makes it difficult to identify behaviors that online gamblers engage in concurrently with gambling (Griffiths & Whitty, 2010). For example, in a survey of 563 online gamblers, 45% of participants reported using alcohol while gambling online, 9% reported using marijuana, and 4% reported using other illicit drugs (McBride & Derevensky, 2009). Although these percentages provide an estimate of alcohol and illicit substance use when individuals gamble online, the prevalence of these behaviors may be underreported by online gamblers which could greatly hinder the ability to control for these extraneous variables when examining differences in the gambling behavior of online and non-online gamblers (Momper, Delva, Grogan-Kaylor, Sanchez, & Volberg, 2010). Gambling studies conducted in a controlled laboratory setting would ensure that participants were not using substances that could influence how they gamble.

In a seminal study examining online and non-online gambling in a controlled laboratory environment, Cole (2011) recruited 38 student gamblers to play roulette online and offline. Students placed higher bets and engaged in riskier betting behavior when playing roulette online compared to playing roulette offline. This study lends support to the idea that online gambling technology itself may engender greater risk-taking. Interestingly, information pertaining to the gambling status of participants (i.e., whether they were online or offline gamblers) was not provided. Thus, generalizations pertaining to how actual online gamblers differ from actual non-online gamblers with respect to playing roulette could not be made, although the study adds greatly to the paucity of experimental studies that have attempted to elucidate differences between online and non-online gamblers.

To further the advancement of the methodological approaches applied to the study of online gambling (Braverman et al., 2014; Cole et al., 2011; Dragicevic et al., 2011), an examination of the gambling behavior of self-reported online and non-online student gamblers in a controlled laboratory environment is greatly needed. Such a study would produce data that are not reliant on the self-report of individuals’ gambling behavior and would assuage the influence of extraneous factors (e.g., alcohol and illicit substance use) that could potentially influence interpretations regarding the extent to which differences exist in the gambling behavior of online and non-online student gamblers.

Current Study

The current study was conducted to examine the actual gambling behavior (e.g., hands played, errors committed, amount wagered) of college students who have gambled both online and offline, henceforth referred to as simply “online gamblers”, and non-online student gamblers (i.e., gamblers who have never gambled online) in a controlled, laboratory environment. Based on previous research (Cole et al., 2011; Gainsbury et al., 2013; Griffiths & Barnes, 2008; Ladd & Petry, 2002), we hypothesized that online student gamblers would engage in potentially more deleterious forms of gambling behavior than non-online student gamblers after controlling for the effects of constructs that may influence how students gamble (e.g., gambling experience, problem gambling, and behavioral impulsivity; Gainsbury et al., 2013; Griffiths & Barnes, 2008; Ladd & Petry, 2002; Mottram & Fleming, 2009). Specifically, we predicted that online student gamblers would play more hands, commit more errors, and wager significantly more credits when playing video poker compared to non-online student gamblers. The study aimed to fill three gaps in the literature: (1) conduct the first study comparing the gambling behavior of actual online and non-online gamblers in a controlled, laboratory environment, (2) contribute knowledge to the literature on a vulnerable sub-group of gamblers (Wood, Griffiths, & Parke, 2007), and (3) add to the dearth of online gambling research conducted in the US.

Method

Participants

A total of 45 (27 males; 18 females) participants were recruited from an undergraduate subject pool at a university in the Midwest. All procedures were approved by the university’s Institutional Review Board. Participants were compensated in the form of one hour’s worth of research credit if they completed the online portion of the study. Participants who participated in the laboratory portion of the study received an additional 1.5 hours’ worth of research credit and were also given a chance to win one of four $25 gift cards.

Materials

Demographics

All participants completed a demographics form which contained questions pertaining to participants’: gender, ethnicity, marital status, and hours spent gambling per session both online and offline.

Gambling Behavior

The WinPoker 6.0 software (see Jackson, 2007) recorded all gambling behavior for each session. The number of hands played, errors committed (i.e., accuracy), and credits wagered were aggregated across three gambling sessions.

Gambling Experience

Participants were asked how many hours they spent gambling online and offline in the past year. Total hours spent gambling online and offline were aggregated to represent the total number of hours spent gambling in the past year.

Online Versus Offline Gambling Guide

Despite the growing popularity of online gambling sites, live casinos have no trouble attracting millions of visitors through their doors. In fact, brand new colossal casinos continue popping up all over the globe in the face of increased online competition. That's because both online and live casinos have their own benefits and drawbacks. Keep reading as we compare internet and offline gambling. We'll help you discover what works best for your entertainment dollar and lifestyle.

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Embracing Convenience

It's hard to discount just how much technology has changed our lives over the past two decades. Whether you are shopping, working, or keeping up with friends, the internet has made life infinitely more convenient. Yet nothing compares to the whole new world of entertainment that the web has singlehandedly ushered in. Online casinos give you the power to play instantly, from anywhere in the world, at any hour of the day.

Before the rise of internet gambling, playing at a casino was only convenient if there happened to be one in your city. Otherwise you would have to make the trek across the state or even beyond your own borders. That's a huge hassle if you want to play a few hands of blackjack. Yet internet gambling sites come with no commitment. There's no traffic to deal with, flights to book, or advance planning required. You just need to turn on your computer or grab your cellphone to start playing in seconds.

Comparing Game Variety

The world's best online casinos have several thousand slot machines and table games. Yet the average live casino pales in comparison. Many local casinos are brimming with slots but offer a limited selection of table games. That might not seem like a big deal if you don't mind being restricted to the most popular titles like blackjack or roulette, but if you feel like playing obscure poker variations then prepare to head home disappointed.

The average online casino offers hundreds of unique titles. In addition, you'll never have to wait in line for your spot at a crowded table since internet gambling sites can instantly create new tables to meet demand. It's not like they need to hire a construction crew to expand the casino floor. It just takes a little extra data on a server. More importantly, you will find a far wider range of stakes on the internet, especially at the lower end. While live casinos reserve games like baccarat for high rollers, you can easily play hands for a dollar on the web.

Playing in Complete Comfort

One of the great things about playing online is that you don't have to leave your house, but you don't need to get dressed either. You can easily enjoy poker in your pajamas or blackjack naked if you prefer and no one will be the wiser. What you wear and how comfortable you want to be is entirely up to you. Yet when you visit a live casino, you'll not only have to wear clothes, but some places even have dress codes. While a jacket and tie or cocktail dress is rarely required, you may be denied entry wearing flip flops or a tank top. Of course, some people do enjoy dressing to the nines. At the same time there is nothing stopping you from wearing a tuxedo while you play from the comfort of your kitchen.

Comfort goes beyond your attire. We've already mentioned the internet gambling sites never make you fight for a spot at a table. But did you know that online casinos are perfect for beginners? There's no table manners to learn or etiquette to master. You'll never have to worry about looking like a fool or being shamed in public by other patrons. Online play brings you unprecedented privacy, but you can also play at your own pace. Whether you prefer playing at a snail's pace or at the speed of light, internet casinos are ready to meet your needs.

Getting the Most Bang for your Buck

You already know that you'll find more flexible stakes when you play online, but did you know that internet gambling sites let you sample games for free? You can play just about every game for as long as you want just for fun. Whether you want to save your money or learn how to play, sites invite you to play with no commitment. Whereas offline casinos have to pay for staff and real estate, internet casinos have very little overhead. The cost of hosting a few free games on top of paid titles is negligible, which is why just about every site lets you play at no cost. Even the apps are entirely free.

For players who feel like opening their wallets, it's good to know that online casinos generally offer superior payouts. Your chances of winning are mathematically higher online. Internet slot machine payouts can be as high as 98% while some offline sites have yields of less than 80%. If you like roulette or blackjack, you'll find more variations online that improve your shot at winning.

Finding the Right Ambiance

If you're a fan of live casinos, you probably keep coming back for the ambiance. It's hard to discount the energy and excitement of the hottest spots on the Las Vegas strip. You simply can't carouse with strangers when you play from the comfort of home. In addition, casinos are now just a small part of entire entertainment complexes. When you head to a leading casino resort, you'll be able to live it up in the lap of luxury, watch critically acclaimed shows, head to the hottest clubs, and savor amazing food, even before hitting the gaming floor. Yet players also enjoy interacting with the dealers and staff too.

While you can't expect an internet casino to bring a Vegas grade party to your basement, online gambling has improved in recent years. Players can now enjoy live dealer games, which offer added realism. Unlike traditional computer generated casino games, live dealer games feature a real gaming table broadcast from the casino floor to your computer or mobile. It's fully interactive and hosted by a gorgeous croupier.

Shopping Around for the Best Games

One of the great things about Las Vegas is the number of casinos. If you don't like the vibe, game selection, or your performance, you can easily head down the street to dozens of other casinos. Unfortunately, not everyone can make it to the world's gaming capital. Many cities have just one casino, which means you're out of luck if you don't like the action. When you play online, dozens of award winning gambling sites are just a click away. The selection almost puts Vegas to shame.

Online casinos also give you the power to play more than one game at a time. If your poker tournament is moving slowly, you can easily play roulette while you wait for your turn. Try doing that at a live casino that's not in your dreams.

Cashing in on Bonuses

Although online casinos can't offer you free hotel rooms, complimentary cocktails, or the sprawling buffets that are the stuff of Las Vegas legends, there are plenty of perks on the internet. As you've probably heard, the online gambling industry is extremely competitive. With hundreds of sites vying for your attention, online casinos constantly try to one up each other hoping to earn your business. Most gambling sites give away cash just to get you through the virtual doors. You can also expect amazing rewards including cash back offers and all sorts of prizes.

Latest Research on How the Pandemic Changed the Canadian Gambling Industry

TORONTO , Sept. 28, 2020 /CNW/ -- New research of Canadian gamblers shows how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the local gambling industry. CasinosHunter.com, an independent online casino reviewing platform for gamblers, reveals the new challenges that have emerged as a result of the pandemic, as well as the possibilities now available to local gamblers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed the entertainment industry, including offline and online gambling, and sometimes in unexpected ways. The research shows how offline gambling houses were impacted, what the new gambling trends are among regular Canadian gamblers, and whether the benefits of new possibilities cover the risks of the new challenges.

Changes in Canadian Gambling Trends

Gambling is hugely popular in Canada . Data indicates that 60% of locals participate in gambling on a regular basis, spending on average $100 per month on games. Overall, the industry generates significant income - $31 billion to be exact - paying up to 15% in taxes. However, the pandemic has changed this significantly.

Land-based gambling houses had to meet new requirements in order to stay open or close their business altogether. Research by Casinos Hunter explains what new rules casinos now have to adhere to if they would like to open.

On the other hand, those gamblers who decided to give preference to online casinos for the sake of staying at home face problems as well, and new studies already show the impact of the lockdown in combination with gambling habits. The problems include increased compulsive gambling, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Canada is attempting to manage a whole new wave of the mental health issues its citizens face as a result of the lockdown. Online gambling goes hand in hand with these issues, being both a means of distraction from anxiety and a way to aggravate the already existing mental health issues. People's patterns of gambling have changed as a result of the lockdown, so both industries - the public health service and the gambling industry - are only beginning to get insights into the new realities.

While gambling may be addictive, the risks of the pandemic show that gambling at online casinos is safer for regular gamblers than looking for entertainment at land-based gambling houses.

The Growth of Digital Casinos in the West

Vulcan Post

There’s no doubt that online casinos are growing in popularity around the globe. This is clearly evident just by looking at the figures alone.

In a decade from now, annual sales are expected to have reached $22 billion, from just $5 billion. Plus, consumption of services is expected to increase 28% annually since the last decade.

So, what is fueling this growth? It’s mainly down to the fact that many countries are taking a more relaxed approach to the industry, mainly Europe and the UK.

Areas such as these are beginning to realise the many benefits of legalising gambling. Such as its ability to generate massive revenues and generate employment opportunities.

Online Casino Growth is Prevalent in Canada, the US, and the Western World

As mentioned, the online casino industry is growing worldwide, particularly in the Western world, like the USA and Canada. CAGR for the American market will increase by 15.41%.

So, what is driving this growth? Changing attitudes toward gambling is one reason. People are realising the advantages of using licensed and regulated platforms, such as improved safety and fairness and a lower risk of underage gambling.

States themselves also see the positives, like the amount of revenue that online gambling generates.

Similar growth is being seen in Canada. This is believed to be down to the fact that unlike the US, gambling laws are more lenient. So, Canadians have more options when opting to play casino games both online and offline.

Another Reason for Gambling Growth in the US is the Introduction of New Laws

These new laws are allowing more residents to play legally. However, this doesn’t mean that online gambling is 100% legal all across America.

Thanks to laws such as the 1961 Federal Wire Act, gambling may be perfectly legal in one state, while in the next, completely banned.

Sports betting, in particular, is limited. The Federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, passed in 1992, prevented certain states from legalising sports betting in the future. Luckily, this was removed in 2018, enabling individual states to decide whether to allow sports betting.

The picture for online gambling is more complicated. It isn’t legal to operate online gambling sites anywhere in the US, thanks to the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. However, it’s perfectly legal to wager there. As a result, many overseas casinos were happy to accept wagers from American citizens.

The legal status of individual types of gambling varies massively from state to state. This is because individual states make their own decisions as to whether different types of gambling are permitted or not.

Ultimately, many more states are moving towards legalising online casinos as they desperately need the revenue they generate.

Gambling laws vary state by state in the USA as individual states can determine their own laws.

Canada is Quite Lenient About Online Gambling, Compared to Stricter Laws in the US

This perhaps matches their desire to be a progressive nation, while preserving lengthier sentences for more severe crimes.

While Canadian residents are free to bet via the internet, this must be using owned and licensed services by the provincial government. Otherwise, it would be deemed illegal betting. Ultimately though, regulation in Canada isn’t as severe as the US.

Citizens in Canada can enjoy playing their favourite casino games online through many operators like 888 casino Canada. This casino site offers players a variety of casino games from table games to online slots, so players can access various games all from one site.

Sports betting is legal in Canada, but players are limited to placing parlay bets. This means that a customer must wager at least two or more bets for a payout.

Canada has a more relaxed attitude to gambling than their neighbours USA.

Why have Online Casinos Become so Popular?

There are many reasons why.

The first reason is technological innovation. New technologies such as virtual reality and blockchain help provide an enhanced customer experience.

Simultaneously, more and more people can access the internet and smartphones, therefore providing easier access to online gambling. Additionally, mobile apps are becoming more cost-effective, and audiences are increasingly becoming aware of the latest tech.

Online casinos themselves are improving their offering, providing improved support and more free games, while lowering the occurrence of illegal activities as well. Online casinos are also becoming more visible thanks to things like corporate sponsorships and celebrity endorsement.

Different cultures around the world are also becoming more approving of online gambling.

Disposable incomes are increasing in some places worldwide, so people are more willing to spend on leisure activities such as online gambling. The popularity of sports is also growing, enhancing the already significant demand for sports betting.

Then, of course, there’s the fact that many countries are passing legislation, enabling their residents to gamble online legally.

While Many Countries Realise the Benefits of Legalising Online Gambling, Others are Reluctant to do so

There are many different reasons why online casinos are growing in popularity around the world. New technology is being introduced, and governments are taking a more relaxed approach to laws.

And certain cultures are being more open to the prospect of gambling online.

Various countries are realising that legalising online gambling can bring improved revenue and greater employment opportunities. This is particularly the case for Western countries like the UK, Canada and America.

However, the US still has some way to go before it gets to the same level as Canada and the UK. It relies on individual states to determine whether to legalise online gambling, including individual games.

As such, this makes for a very complex picture across the US.

Gambling. Online Casino Disadvantages

A lot was said about advantages of online casinos. Online casinos really give wide range of opportunities to play casino games by offering players high payout percentages and interesting promotions.

But there are also disadvantages. And it's up to you to decide how critical those online casino disadvantages are.

Responsible Gaming

At every online casino there is always a section about responsible gambling. Several paragraphs written by casino administration warn that casino games can bring you big winnings but can cause gambling addiction. That's all online casinos in most of the cases do to show they care about their players.

Online casino games lack control and this is the problem. At land based casinos employees can make a player go (and even have to do that), if he/she is making bets several hours in a row. But at online casinos nothing like that is done.

Self exclusion opportunities are rarely used. Casino players can't control their gambling by themselves, and online casinos do nothing to help them.

A Lot Of Online Casinos Without License

Despite quite serious regulators' efforts, there are always several online casinos in any country which offer their services illegally. Usually such casinos operate in countries where there are no gambling laws. However, Britain and Greece also have online casinos breaking the law.

The most unpleasant for casino player fact is that no online casino will ever confess of its illegal status. That's why you need to be extra careful while choosing online casino. Casinos have to have license. It's better if casino works at least 2-3 years.

Withdrawal Delays

Online casino players almost all the time experience some withdrawal delays. Sometimes they have to wait no longer than an hour, but in some cases cashing winnings out can take several days and even weeks. These delays happen because of the specifics of payment systems, and online casinos aren't guilty.

Offline vs. Online Gambling

Back in the day there was only one way to gamble, and that was by going to your local casino. That kept things simple but it was inconvenient for players, especially if you lived far away from the nearest casino. Nowadays there is a new option: Internet gambling.

How do Internet Casinos Work?

Internet gambling can be performed at thousands of different Internet casinos. Internet casinos are simply websites that offer online gambling. To actually gamble online, you have to visit a casino website, download their software, make an account, and make a deposit.

From there you can choose from hundreds of different casino games to play, and once you are done playing you can withdraw by check or wire transfer. If you would like to learn more about how the money actually changes hands, read about depositing and withdrawing.

Advantages of Internet Casinos

Now we will review some of the advantages of playing at an online casino:

Convenience

The biggest advantage of online casinos is obviously the convenience. Instead of getting dressed, driving to a casino, parking your car, walking through crowds, and dealing with a smoky casino, you simply have to log onto your computer and fire up the software.

I have friends who even play in their pajamas in bed!

Privacy

Let's face it - gambling isn't viewed in the best light. Online casinos respect your privacy at all costs, and will never give your information to anyone. This allows you to gamble privately, and not take the chance of running into someone at the casino that you don't want to see.

Travel/Lodging

I know I mentioned it before in the convenience section, but traveling to a live casino is extremely inconvenient so I wanted to address it specifically here.

Think about having to fill up your tank, make hotel reservations, pack your bags, load up the car, drive to the casino, get lost on the way, pay for parking, unload your bags, eat greasy casino food every meal, then repeat the whole process when you want to come home.

Advantages of Live Casinos

Although there are quite a few advantages for online casinos, live casinos have some too:

If you are a social person, gambling is probably more to you than just the games you play. It is the experience of going to the casino, chatting with dealers, meeting new people, etc. Obviously you aren't going to meet many new people at an online casino.

Better Odds

Another advantage of live casinos is that they usually offer better odds on games such as slot machines and video poker machines. Online casinos typically dial the payouts down quite a bit so they can increase their take, whereas offline casinos are competing with each other and therefore want to attract customers with high payout percentages.

What Are The Top 10 Benefits of Online Casino?

Online Casino Gambling has risen from a small niche to become one of the most popular pastimes in the world today. Millions of players from around the globe log on to an online Casino or Poker site every day to play, for fun or for real money, and enjoy the thrills of online gambling. The reason for the huge numbers of players down to a number of online Casino advantages, making online gaming now far more popular that playing at a land based Casino.

So, what are these great online Casino benefits, then? Check out our list of the top 10 reasons why online Casinos have enjoyed such meteoric success and you’ll soon see what gives gambling online its edge.

1. Convenience

The number one online Casino benefit and the main reason that people start playing at online Casinos in the first place is convenience. With the internet, Casino lovers everything can now gamble from their own homes no matter what time of day it might be. You can choose to pass the time with a few hand of Blackjack, or build up your bank account with a long Slots session. You could play by yourself or you could choose from one of many excellent multiplayer online Casino games. You might choose to focus entirely on the gaming, or use it to keep yourself busy whilst doing something else, like watching television.

No matter how you choose to play, there can be no question that online Casinos have made gaming more convenient than ever before. Taking this one step further, however, the convenience factor is boosted when you consider that laptops, mobile phones and tablet devices now allow you to take all of your favourite Casino games with you wherever you go.

Certainly, then, convenience is the primary online Casino benefit and the reason why many Casino players choose to game in this way.

2. Free Casino Games

Another online Casino benefit is the ability to play Casino Games for free. Most online casinos nowadays will offer a free play version of some, if not all of their games. The great thing about playing free online Casino games is that it’s an entirely risk free way of playing. Many people use free games when they’re starting out so that they can get to grips with the basics before they start playing for real money; however, many online Casino games are also entertaining enough in their own right that those without a budget to play for cash can play for free for as long as they choose.

The online Casino advantages far outweigh the advantages of land based Casinos, as the latter cannot offer you the option of free Casino games. This is because, unlike online Casinos, land based Casinos have a set number of gaming machines and tables, so they cannot let players enjoy any of the games for free and risk a paying customer not getting a space. Online Casinos, on the other hand, can handle a virtually infinite number of players at any one time so they do not face this same issue.

3. Online Casino Bonuses

One of the greatest online Casino benefits is the Welcome Bonus. Almost every single online Casino will offer players a Welcome Bonus as an enticement to play at that particular website, however they can vary in size and type. Online Casino Bonuses include No Deposit Bonuses, Deposit Match Bonuses and reload Bonuses and usually range from around CA$100 up to $3,000.

Land based Casino offer no such advantages, so players will always be spending their own cash without any perks.

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: An Overview of the Online Casino Industry In Canada One of the easiest ways to earn money online is “CASINO”. Many people are earning hundreds of dollars after winning the jackpot. These are at Benefits of Gambling Online vs Offline in Canada