This site was created specifically for people from Canada, for quick acquaintance with the gambling industry online. In today's article, you can know all about The Rise of Gambling in Canada. Our Canadian visitors have asked us so many times to write the review of "The Continuous Growth of Online Gambling in Canada, The Rise of Gambling in Canada" because of high interest in this topic. Well, the thorough investigation by our gambling expert had been already finished and we have collected here all useful information about The Rise of Gambling in Canada in one review. You may read it now!

Best casinos in this month

The Continuous Growth of Online Gambling in Canada, The Rise of Gambling in Canada

The Rise of Gambling in Canada

Quebec is really the first state that is the biggest and well-established when it comes to online gambling in the country. It’s just really the state that others in the country are following when it comes to building their gambling laws. The online gambling industry is just expected to grow bigger not only in Canada. Aside from convenience, many online casinos showcase modern ways to play popular casino games. The advancement of technology is what mainly helps casino software providers up their games.

The Continuous Growth of Online Gambling in Canada

Online Casino Games You Can Try for Free

The global gambling market is already worth billions of dollars as of today. It is even expected to gain revenues of over 500 billion US Dollars by 2023. This makes it one of the continuously growing industries out there.

Canada is now on the top 10 list of countries with most gamblers out there. This may be because the laws that surround gambling in this country is not too strict. It’s not even as strict as to how things are in the US. Basically, Canadians have more options when it comes to gambling and this helps the Canadian gambling industry to just grow.

A research conducted by Research and Markets regarding the gambling industry in Canada found that the gambling industry in Canada is mainly characterized by a shift from traditional gambling activities to online gambling.

This just makes sense as online gambling is now one of the biggest sectors of the gambling industry. The ease of access and convenience are mainly why people now prefer to gamble online. In Canada, land-based casinos are now known to have decreased revenues each year.

Yearly, the Canadian online gaming industry earns around $31 billion and this includes the online casino gaming sector. These include live dealer games, keno, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, slots, table games, pokies or video poker, and card games.

Blackjack is mainly the most popular casino game in Canada. This is understandable as it is one of the easiest casino games out there. Online casinos offer many varieties of this game, and many prefer playing it with a live dealer. Players can just check the Canadian live dealer guide and play this game right away.

The online gambling industry is just expected to grow bigger not only in Canada. Aside from convenience, many online casinos showcase modern ways to play popular casino games. The advancement of technology is what mainly helps casino software providers up their games.

Some of the most popular casino software providers in Canada are Microgaming, NetEnt, PlayTech, and Real Time Gaming. These are software providers that offer a lot of ways to play casino staples like Poker, Blackjack, and Slots.

While online gambling is becoming the real trend worldwide, Canada doesn’t still seem to have a clear stand when it comes to this. It appears that online gambling is socially acceptable in Canada, but legally, things are quite different.

The Criminal Code of Canada states that non-state licensed operators are not really allowed to accept bets from Canadians online. However, despite this law, Canadians are still free to access off-shore online casinos, poker rooms, bingo places, and bookies.

The Canadian government has pretty much taken a decentralized approach when it comes to gambling in general. Each province or territory is allowed to have their own take and laws regarding gambling within their borders.

Provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are basically aiming to follow Quebec when it comes to gambling legislation. However, online gambling or iGaming seems to be what they’re all heading for. Land-based casino projects are starting to get rejections in the country.

The growth of the gambling industry in Canada was noticed during the post-recession period which was 2012 onwards. Gambling through land-based casinos, online casinos, land and online sportsbooks, lotteries, and many more all grew in the past years.

Ontario is known to have the most gamblers in Canada. In fact, it is even listed as the top territory to have the highest gambling revenue in the country.

The CAGR of Ontario is at 28.1% while British Columbia is at 24.6% and Quebec at 20.3%. Quebec, however, is quick when it comes to the rise of revenues. Quebec’s revenues have an increase of around 2.12% each year. This made the territory generate over 3 billion Canadian Dollars of revenue each year.

Despite the revenues that many off-shore casinos earn from Canadians, the government still seems to be sleeping on solidifying the legislation of online casinos in Canada. Many Canadian online casino players and operators are still in the grey with regard to this matter.

With all these numbers, the path of online gambling seems to be what Canada is heading towards. The advancements in technology that includes mobile technology and virtual and augmented reality technology are all pushing for the growth of online gambling worldwide.

Canadian Gambling Industry in 2020

Canadian gambling industry!

The Canadian gambling industry has long been regarded as one of the fastest-growing fields of entertainment. The market of gambling services and offers now peaks at C$30 billion per annum, eventually showing that this niche is one of the largest worldwide. Those wondering what made Canada such a perfect example of a growing market, a few reasons stand out the most.

While the Canadian legislative system is favorable for the growth of land-based and online gambling projects, people in Canada are also fond of gambling. Other notable reasons include adequate taxation, proper regulation from the Canadian Gaming Association, and favorable provincial gambling laws. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of the gambling industry in Canada in 2020 in our featured analysis, as follows.

COVID-19 or Switch to Online

Although it is hard to estimate what share of the enormous C$30 billion worth online casinos have, they seem to be leading in 2020. It was quite common for most Canadians to take a road to the nearest land-based gambling venue back in the days. Right now, most reputable platforms have already switched online, bringing their loyal customers to a digital domain. Such a switch is noticeable in most countries with favorable and liberal gambling laws, meaning that Canada is no exception.

With a novel outbreak of COVID-19, even more fans of old-school gambling have likely switched to digital platforms. It is worth mentioning that Canadian growth in the sector of gambling service was achieved due to a decentralized approach. It means that each province is considered responsible for shaping its policy related to online gambling. Such an approach means that the residents of a Nova Scotia province can easily access an online casino registered in Quebec, where online platforms can operate without any barriers.

Mobile Gambling

Another notable reason why the Canadian market of gambling services is so vast in Canada relates to mobile technologies. Alongside the growth of online gambling sites, mobile technologies were developing accordingly. Since Canada is a fairly developed country with a great extent of mobile appreciation, people aren’t scared of using mobile payments and their gadgets for Internet-related spendings. This regional specification has allowed mobile gambling endeavors to skyrocket all across Canada.

It is worth noting that gamblers in Canada are interested in finding the best platforms to enjoy their favorite casino games. However, it might be somewhat hard to find a legit and safe online casino in Toronto. In such regard, we do our best to publish updated reviews on the websites available. If you’re looking for the best casino in Toronto, don’t hesitate to get acquainted with the reviews. There, we will recommend all the best sites that can enrich your gaming experience considerably. The increasing popularity of such websites as ours, coupled with an overall interest in mobile gambling, is among the main trends that shape the state of the Canadian gambling industry in 2020.

Economic Implications

When it comes to the economic implications of gambling, this niche is regarded as one of the most ambitious parts of the entire Canadian entertainment industry. According to the research, the gambling industry alone provides approximately 135,000 full-time jobs. What is more, its revenue equals C$9 billion per annum, whereas these funds are used to fund a range of governmental-initiated funds and social programs. Except for these impressive statistics, one can also recall that Canada has adequate taxation policies regarding online and land-based casinos. The more players wager, the more tax incomes the Canadian government can generate in the long run.

Another factor to mention is a prospective future for the incomes generated by the online gambling sector. Right now, more and more ordinary players are looking for a well-rounded online casino in Ontario. The good news is that our website has dozens of review articles on choosing a proper online casino. In case you’re interested in online gambling Ontario, it might be wise to read the reviews and get to know more about digital platforms there. After all, such an interest in online gambling only projects a bright future for the entire niche of online casinos in Canada.

Quality of Services

When we discuss liberal and favorable laws regarding online casinos, you shouldn’t forget that even a criminal code is a convincing reason for platforms to offer the highest quality of gambling services. That means you can be certain that all online casinos operating in Canada would be licensed, monitored, and tracked by the respective regulatory authorities. What is more exciting is that the market for sports betting in Canada is also subjected to similar regulatory approaches.

Although liberal rules and regulations are definitely positive for the industry’s growth, they also create healthy competition among online casinos. In other words, all platforms are doing their best to stay competitive and appeal to users. Such a decentralized approach was definitely helpful in building one of the most impressive online gambling industries globally. It also ensures that all games presented in those online casinos would be certified by independent testing agencies to ensure that they’re not rigged. What attention to detail!

Future of the Industry

One of the greatest aspects of the Canadian gambling industry is that it is likely to grow even further. The ceiling hasn’t yet been reached, whereas the demand for land-based and online casinos is growing. Thanks to liberal regulation of gambling endeavors and an overall interest in gambling among Canadians, this market will undoubtedly show even more promising results in 2021 and further on. When dozens of companies are continually releasing their new products, alongside investing in land-based infrastructure gambling projects, the industry is unlikely to fail. We are waiting in anticipation for the next year to track how the situation with casinos and sports betting will change in Canada. As for now, enjoy what you have, Canadians!

Canada’s Online Casino Industry is on the Rise

Canada’s Online Casino Industry is on the Rise Pixabay

Canadians are a diverse people known for their love of leisure pursuits, among various other things. From hockey, to canoeing and mountaineering. there are multitude of ways people like to escape the toils of work and seek pleasure.

Like much of the world, a high concentration of the population also allocate a portion of their free time to some carefree, leisurely gambling as a form of escapism and for some, pure hedonism. Be it a few spins of the roulette wheel, the odd hand of blackjack, or some turns on their favourite online slot, the choices are varied for anyone who fancies a little flutter to pass the time. And there is always, of course, the added lure of walking away a winner. As they say, money is sweeter than money earned!

The nation is currently home to dozens of land-based casinos that host all your traditional table staples such as the aforementioned roulette and blackjack, plus brag, and even baccarat.

With regards to online arena, however, the picture is a lot less clear. Fraught with legal complications, operating an online casino within the borders of the country is technically largely prohibited, despite the Government's relatively lax approach to legislation surrounding the brick and mortar landscape.

The global plight brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to exacerbate matters. Physical casinos represent a hotbed for disease transmission, with the likes of casino chips and cash constantly changing hands. This in turn has seen most live venues shuttered, diminishing the options for players in Canada who often enjoy engaging in some light-hearted gambling .

Moving Online

Thankfully, alternatives do exist. In something of a paradox, players residing in Canada are legally able to place wagers online via online casinos physically based in offshore locations. There is nothing illicit to this workaround solution, either. According to the Yucatan Times , the Canadian online casino market is estimated to be worth **over $30 CAD billion annually** - offering up huge potential for operators eyeing Canada as a prospective market and serving as an added lure for foreign operators.

Stepping up to accommodate the scores of players looking to get their gambling fix are the likes of Wildz Casino, an online casino in Canada that offers its services to the country's people. At Wildz, everyone in Canada can experience the same rich, multi-layered gameplay enjoyed by their overseas counterparts.

Trusted Payment Methods

Payment processes at the online casino are some of the fastest and most robust in the industry, too, underscored by years of industry experience, with games available to play 24/7. Canadians can load up their account using all the usual financial heavyweights like Visa and Mastercard, while e-Wallets represent the new breed of payment methods that allow rapid deposit and withdrawals.

For peace of mind, Wildz is licensed by the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), one of the most reputable online casino regulators in the world. The MGA is charged with issuing licenses as well as overseeing operations to ensure player fairness and safety across the board.

Broad Game Selection

Players visiting Wildz will find hundreds of slot titles developed by some of the industry's heavyweight software suites, spanning a wide array of genres - from classic slots and jackpot games, to the bourgeoning Live Casino scene that brings the real-life casino ambience into your own home. Leveraging cutting edge casino technology, Wildz is even home to a host of scratch card games that replicate their physical counterparts. The games prompt players to reveal the cards by mimicking a 'scratching' motion for an added layer of authenticity - providing a wide range of options for anyone in Canada seeking some casino action.

Online gaming presents a multitude of benefits to everyone from casual players, right through to seasoned high rollers. For example, punters can fire up their favourite casino game without needing to leave home in their 'Sunday best', free from the trappings of brick and mortar establishments. Anyone deterred by the chitter chatter of the casino floor, worsened by pushy waiters, will find none of these annoyances present in an online setting, while online environments also take long, arduous journeys out of the equation.

Mobile Adoption

Furthermore, the proliferation of mobile adoption, paired with advances in technology, means players can enjoy the same rich online gaming experience at their fingertips - either at home, or out and about, putting the power in the hands of the player and opening up their choices immeasurably. Indeed, [industry-tracking firm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_NPD_Group) NPD noted a 2% uptick in the number of Canadians turning to mobile for their gaming exploits, while a February 2020 report from OpenSignal ranks Canada 25th globally for 'mobile games experience.' For context, bordering country USA lies 41st and Mexico 61st.

Keeping pace, premier online slot providers are increasingly adopting a mobile-first philosophy, developing their games with the mobile player at the very front of their minds throughout all stages of development. Nowadays, online casino games run seamlessly on just about every modern handheld device.

Looking Ahead

The future looks bright for Canada's online casino industry. Despite the evident challenges posed by COVID-19, rapid advances in technology mean the country's casino players can turn to a regulated, safe and secure environment that lets them play their favourite games at the touch of a button - or a click of a mouse.

As the global pandemic shows little signs of slowing, coupled with Canada's insatiable thirst for a wager, expect online gaming to entice punters for many years to come.

The Gambling Industry in Canada

Canada is home to tremendous diversity, from the cutting-edge modernity of life in Toronto to the pristine natural beauty of Nunavut’s ice-covered tundra. Renowned for its developed economy, high quality of life, and inclusiveness, Canada has adopted an open-minded approach to gambling activity. The gambling industry in Canada is a booming enterprise, encompassing land-based casinos, sports betting, lotteries and scratchcards, limited online gambling, etcetera.

According to a research paper by ResearchandMarkets.com, titled ‘Analyzing the Casinos & Gambling Industry in Canada 2018’, the Canadian gambling industry is characterized by a shift from traditional gambling activity to online gambling activity. Plus, bricks and mortar casinos have witnessed decreasing revenues as the online gambling sector takes root. Several major corporations are active in the Canadian gambling market, including Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, and Gamehost Incorporated.

During the post-recession period in Canada (2012 onwards) the Canadian gambling industry, encompassing traditional casinos and online casinos, sports books, lotteries et al, has experienced moderate growth. This has been tempered to a degree in recent years where a slowdown has taken place. IBIS World, an industry research organization, also conducted extensive analysis of casino gambling, table games, electronic gambling machines, lottery, horseracing, bingo, and raffles, and concluded that the gambling industry in Canada generates revenues of approximately C$15 billion with an annual growth rate between 2013 and 2018 of 0.4%. The direct gambling market of Canada employs approximately 40,967 people across 790 businesses.

Between 2013 and 2018, there has been a sharp downturn in gambling activity overall. Reduced gambling demand is a global phenomenon, and not specific to Canada. The post-recession period has been characterized by reduced spend on chance-based games like slots, roulette, bingo, keno, and others. Canadian GDP is on the rise, and this will present the gambling industry with additional growth opportunities, thanks to increased rising disposable incomes. While casinos are feeling pressure from other entertainment sectors, many are incorporating multiple fun-filled options to attract clientele. The unprecedented interest in online gambling is siphoning players away from land-based casinos, and helping to fuel a burgeoning online gaming market.

ONTARIO TOPS THE LIST WITH HIGHEST GAMBLING REVENUES

The dispersion of gambling activity in Canada is highly skewed towards specific areas. In terms of gambling revenue, the most populous provinces in Canada also account for the lion’s share of gross gambling revenue (GGR). These include Québec at 20.3%, British Columbia at 24.6%, and Ontario at 28.1%. Other provinces like British Columbia account for 13.1% of GGR in Canada. The revenues generated by the gambling industry are all-encompassing, and cover table games, video gambling facilities, conventions, conference facilities, accommodations, food & beverage, entertainment etcetera.

2017 was a strong year for gambling in Canada. Research company, Fantini Gaming Research concluded that the 5% year-on-year growth accounted for C$17.3 billion worth of GGR. At today's rates that is the equivalent of US$12.90 billion. In 2017, Toronto, Ontario, comprised 43% of all gambling revenue generated in Canada. The gambling spend measured charitable gaming, lottery games, online gaming, and land-based casinos. The CDC gaming report indicated that Ontario province was fueled by 12% year-on-year growth. Given that the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation moved to privatize operations, growth increased at a steady clip. Various publicly traded enterprises have benefited from the privatization initiative, notably the Grand Canadian Gaming Corporation.

QUÉBEC GAMBLING REVENUES RISING

Québec followed hot on the heels of Ontario in 2017, with C$3.6 billion in revenues generated for the year. That represented a 2.12% year-on-year increase. Third in line was British Columbia with C$3.14 billion and a year-on-year increase of 1.36%. According to the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), gross gambling output of C$31 billion is generated by the industry, with goods and services purchases valued at C$14 billion. Since 1995, legal online gambling in Canada has shown a 300% increase in GGR. Such is the significance of gaming in Canada, that it is the most important source of revenue in the entertainment industry. Multiple charitable initiatives and government functions are supported by gambling revenues.

indirect employment jobs. The Canadian gambling industry is also a net exporter of services, with substantial global operations. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) of Québec is one such example of a Canadian licensing authority with global operations. Of paramount importance is the safety, security, and regulation of gambling activity in Canada. The gambling industry is fully committed to socially responsible gaming practices, with no underage gambling permitted. With just 2% of Canadian gamblers considered problem gamblers, the country also boasts a generous budget of C$100 million earmarked specifically for annual problem gaming awareness, research and prevention.

RECENT INITIATIVES IN THE CANADIAN GAMBLING INDUSTRY

Ontario Place is tipped to receive a major renovation in the form of a downtown casino. The current Premier, Doug Ford is seeking to revive the gambling industry at this prize location. The theme park has been neglected in recent years, but Ford is keen to get operations up and running. The Mayor of Toronto, John Tory is not inclined to greenlight the project, and any plans would have to be approved between Ontario-based gambling companies and the provincial government. Current agreements between Ontario casinos and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation indicate that no new casino developments can take place in the region. That has not stopped Premier Doug Ford from pushing his agenda of a revitalized gambling complex. Provinces can overrule the city council with a ruling known as a Minister’s Zoning Order effectively allowing Ontario Place to have a new land-based casino.

CURRENT GAMBLING TRENDS IN CANADA

The CGA estimates that some C$9 billion is funneled to the government for community programs, and charitable initiatives. The entire Canadian entertainment industry hinges upon gambling revenues to drive employment and economic growth. Owing to the increased liberalization of online gambling legislation in the US and elsewhere, Canada is also enjoying booming online casino activity. However, the topic of online gambling legislation remains opaque. From a social perspective, online gambling is acceptable, but from a legal perspective, things are different. Current legislation in Canada, specifically the Criminal Code, indicates that non-state licensed operators may not accept online wagers. However, Canadians are not prevented from accessing foreign-based sports books, online casinos, online bingo rooms, online poker rooms etcetera.

Canada Casino Gaming Market Revenue from 2006-2015 (Statista)

Canadian players tend to enjoy a variety of online gambling games, notably roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker and from old to new slot machine games. Other popular betting games include ice hockey betting with the NHL and, football betting with the CFL. Canadians are currently only allowed to place parlay bets a.k.a. accumulator bets (at least 3 bets) on sports betting. This despite the fact that 92% of sports wagers placed in Las Vegas are actually single event bets. Nonetheless, many sports books offer Canadian online bettors this option. The whipsaw activity in GGR from Canadian casino gaming between 2006 – 2015 makes for interesting reading. For example, revenues steadily increased between 2006 and 2009, going from US$5,354 million to US$5874 million. Between 2009 and 2012, casino gaming revenues declined to US$5,621 million. Since then, there has been a significant rise in gambling revenue (US$6,230 million in 2015).

IMPORTANT GAMBLING FACTS IN CANADA

Official Government of Canada Statistics provide further insights into the Canadian gambling market (2016 figures). According to Canadian industry statistics, some 1189 businesses were categorized as gambling industry operations (code 7132), with 90.7% of these organizations having between 0 – 99 employees. 2016 figures indicate these SMEs (small and medium enterprises) typically generate average revenues of C$617.7 thousand, and 80.8% of these SMEs report profitable earnings. Canada has multiple provinces, each with the following stats:

Ontario – 25 casinos, charitable gaming, sports betting, lottery games, horse racing, and slots.
Quebec – 9 casinos, charitable gaming, bingo, sports betting, online gambling, and horse racing.
Nova Scotia – 2 casinos, video lottery terminals, sports betting, horse racing, charitable games, and offshore online gaming.
British Colombia – 15 casinos, horse racing, lottery games, sports betting, and limited online casino.
Newfoundland and Labrador – no land-based casinos, video lottery terminals, sports betting, offshore online gaming, horse racing, and lottery games.
New Brunswick – 1 casino, video lottery terminals, offshore online casinos, horse racing, charitable gaming, sports betting, and lottery games.
Alberta – 25 casinos, online casinos, charitable gambling games, lottery games, sports betting, horse racing, and video lottery terminals.
Manitoba – 2 casinos, lottery games, video lottery terminals, charitable games, horse racing, and sports betting.
Saskatchewan – 6 casinos, offshore online casinos, charitable gambling games, horse racing, sports betting, and video lottery terminals.
Prince Edward Island – racino, offshore online gambling, horse racing, video lottery games, lottery games and sports betting.

The scope of gambling activity in Canada is certainly impressive. Players have access to a wealth of options, particularly in Ontario, Alberta, British Colombia and Quebec. Other provinces are rather limited in terms of their current offerings. With dozens of land-based casinos in operation, including sports books, and horse racing facilities, Canada’s gambling market has plenty of promise.

Looking at the Rapid Growth of Online Gambling in Canada

The Rapid Growth of Online Casino Gaming in Canada

The Canadian online gaming industry estimates gross sales of $ 31 billion a year and services purchased $ 14 billion a year.

The widespread adoption of gaming technology on mobile devices, especially iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, has greatly contributed to the popularity of online gaming.

Secure high-speed Internet services with the development of 4G and 5G are rapidly following the online gaming industry in Canada and North America.

Maple players can easily take advantage of the wealth of online casino games (slot, card, table and live games) available at well-known online casinos in Canadian cyberspace.

Please note that the Government of Canada will leave it up to each province to determine the legality of online gambling. A similar trend can be observed in the United States when the federal government allows each state to decide whether or not to regulate online gambling.

Some Canadian provinces have opted for a banned approach to online gambling, while others have done so. The launch of online games in Canada is developing slowly. Provincial lawmakers recognize the importance of generating revenue from regulated online games, as opposed to the untaxed operation of the black market. A strong emphasis on global legislation to facilitate online gambling is now a daily routine. Quebec is the leader in iGaming. Further assistance to Canadian and French players are comparison sites that offer French-speaking online casino Canada platforms that are legally licensed. Use the link to learn more on the subject of legitimate online gaming.

This move has encouraged other Canadian provinces to follow suit. While steps often take time, other Canadian provinces, such as Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and others, relax in their attitudes toward online gaming. Operators who want to start a business in Canada and maintain legitimate online gaming services are not so flexible. Currently, most (regulators, entrepreneurs, and government agencies) understand that people have moved from land games to online games, as well as from traditional retail to online shopping.

Canadian and French-speaking players shouldn’t think about switching from land-based casinos to online casinos. Compared to a land-based casino, turning on a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS and playing real money casino games is much cheaper, easier, and more convenient. These are the limits of stationary buildings: they are expensive to install and maintain and are limited in the number of people they can attract.

Rapid and unprecedented growth in the Canadian province

We are seeing advanced games at high speed, with real money gaming apps available to older players across the country. The world is at the beginning of a spectacular and unprecedented development in the field of online games. The cool aspects of this casino game are clear to everyone thanks to powerful software developers like Playtech, NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution and others. Statistics show that there are more than 100 casinos online and available legally in Canada.

The best online casinos

The standard traditional games have now become overrun by fantastic merges with the sport betting sector of the industry and additions of lottery games. This includes sports betting, horse racing, bingo and lottery. There are currently no casinos in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick or Labrador. There are many good casinos in Toronto and the province of Ontario, including The Stars Group. The province also accounts for 43% of all game revenue generated in Canada and is the country’s highest growth percentage. Ontario offers online lotteries, multiple casinos, and online sports betting in the province.

The other major Canadian provinces are Quebec and British Columbia. Quebec ranks second behind Ontario and experienced strong growth in online lottery sales and sales of 5% in 2017, although the number of casino games increased by only 2% during the same year. The rapid growth of online gaming is proof of a base of emerging players who need these services.

British Columbia is also becoming increasingly popular in the online gaming industry. Although its population is much smaller than that of Quebec, its market is more robust. Although the Canadian market is certainly a fraction of the American market, countries cannot be compared in terms of market size. The Canadian population is a fraction of the American population, but there are many important parallels and lessons between these neighbors.

The rapid growth of online gambling is effectively supported by innovations on casino sites. Deposits and withdrawals are possible faster than before. The games are loaded immediately and played directly in the browser without downloading. The most popular payment processing options in Canada are Visa, MasterCard, Interac and cryptocurrency. The gaming platform supports many of these payment methods, making it a more user-friendly experience. Until online casinos advertise illegally in areas where online gambling is illegal, all systems work. The CGA released a report in 2019 on the economic benefits of the gaming industry in Canada. This study shows that legalized games have $ 16.1 billion in revenue whereas ‘non-gambling’ revenue of $ 17.1 billion. This sector generates $ 9.2 billion annually and creates jobs for 182,500 full-time employees.

All trends indicate growth in the Canadian gaming industry, which also includes online gaming activities. Ontario leads economic benefits, British Columbia second, third in Quebec and Alberta fourth. The Canadian online gaming industry is growing steadily around the world, although the absolute numbers are significantly lower than those of its neighbors to the south. Still the signs are massively positive for all involved.

The Rise of Gambling in Canada

> endstream endobj 19 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 21 0 obj > stream 8;W"#gMYb*&H)\/_n6\F(U:!PjLcdu)mj92gScM973?3"QJ"m)8lBj(pH'WH7s9&Q "A'krS2kZQbR=TPS[Z((+k4pH68-V-bC0;T5^W4]3*YR4'**Zk%nWAYf4C91+Qt=+ ?_MOgaB#"tViV*+DHqmAU],4 'qteipgU fk[V"C&4b\d%]G@=#YnG2"&YrB*0WA/'iBRR#Q4c1`>/B>= e;aUE/='`&mcj EZr8(^;1nKL Yi7 oh]-4W ^ #q"59i*0]?qZh-p$o*!c+;-[k8tQ` +L"(3ajHQ*?tI5cG42TVBGr IT6ZNJTmn7'dFak]H8%Z"9rp'kjSOA/.tmFG,$9e'L,&$6"EP18hi2&oLSHk:.q2K Zk=@b5,-je,,q*R-?UnRNI4N8eW)%k#>F1_^Qq)GIV 5^H2;Vr@ fFi/dc;ATk!kZsL")eq:.4dh>97q?9HSPrpl?7T4er(?ipmqgYHV=F>6_Z(`2-(D_ Qn5L91oGsApT%#&!aG_DN:91N;.!hGPnq1=GUg ;gfU%l[ L#Sp',UP93(Up?McP&@8qBHNkTsh]2nd`]CB#Y_:ER.F8_:VPBhI_;_:dUUE)r#%C ^C6EEPk5kAj!)S"LO\aCpP#2;\d_mfXaI'k(\?lj&Od8?YepKsQ/Gr-_Ds *!= eFGN72"gA?+kDYBPiAGlp5C'4$"V[MF_f1/eW@R=Ep>=2RCJ27][)NQRLg,OB+a!5 ZsTR[POdanB,S]qRO'I9JNV/^8Vajq="KNi,sV'-j#,BYcsA3GA-C?TPR+7H=O.Ba ]$dR^ZM32Hec8dU*L[1fSLas1VcKTBSPKb1QSu>7aMFqV'Ye#qgI"W$ c=[Q+b=S$aDn(0$n23\%),D:],_G9*,TJ%tm%>p>(MHa[.Yt .ps,>?E12o&TTg7BUgI5Ds-!Y!&CZ[L&

> endstream endobj 39 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 41 0 obj > stream 8;YPlD/\/g')i(6&,] K-- l-FVh`iN&SVu4][M9DX3j)2q)iF-0Sd6`/!]pQHX-Nk*!Z'ks7"-:"fZ/:3Vo.UT@ %(V 1Dod&[*7Rm'tI08JScs.+W4_L:td2\mb>I PO#Mdog\D.-.=qUV2\sMFSf%ujdP9g_]]qRP.*'5$Ud XO;5c^ H&jDHXBd+^GS9LoQ\C(ic#6% mrl9Wp8.:i7bf7bN[k"1OKj+M?J>f(3*`ppl,j]mHpt3BpEdGK(%m=;kQ7$5V_b&4 V0Y$+haZK*"f<>_EDZ&s*rSf*H(r5]3nM;R@(aT5k,Z-;aqh4KiGf;n/5]NUc>0l: eJXiECfoW.R'/Cl148ZNdI@8fFJ)O3Zi]"3*tSE]].&7D.*qL"?_6X@OS$&,r;3e' G#_jY;=QaX>fY3^I@?&GWRAH%4*n0.#0r;1UH9?u1.BE%"Ye+nRF#7s]i=YWD_.Lb "R)nsXf0^'X^8#Zi4UV5F:E5Kp22b9^XKfCU%`]ME(0*h)DFatW4$Wih8;Hq5Mpt' ]jJ"i[s)1D9]n0OY,5Od/D`VHUS?b`H$DiOTlYGNnbU0#qn'R?@P 7lIHoWtWhTJCPi[Fk\br3*4!%1`-dY_)scm 1r@WTYE93.A&ua*!A:c+FCi>X4 \qH3# [R[u`%ES-;6L1lQ4KQ_:S4u54;Iu>cenghAcTahq>W4]s?/P+^FI)>l>q4)W^%Tq_ LunE^a)Y:,ZW E)d@/@(LQq$pP0g)ag[T=O+u?`ht\5;T]_L hIXG?`+"I09#A +/(bkasG*"gKLoM_K+p3M1F(q0l'TU2[N-Vs(hB=ASI.Q9\S%sAWcuH.RTHK[Bi.H QZeCAB*F#Y6>A&?6R@MM!cO5!$gN.]J8C\i,DA+7TUY\n-.'cGU#IA;JO9e`9qR;B eV6Gk.0?95XhuFZ*Bf-uV/V-2k$HN@2"'b_2s1fDojN3uBjPYa(@.:`9J+r.]U='\ hQ(Oi0pl>S^SE>j8[QX5GAS584q1BVoLOjF>PfcuLV^>jUJqHDI BN))/"6B^[ /mD*-gjP u)_@"_%>]j3iuj`+'B(!%u0FNkCqd *ld3GpCWSqC;,* 8+a,B/[l ojEm&+p])qh0;/^C\@*1+4pPI"G0eO8pKU4Xh^bN-ksn!E@,-D^\GB K!Y>!*[S1`!20MK#9ecL[G1R`qTpgN49UJPmg)d$14g2Ca=_QZoH5U)s$] 2W:H#[NPVU'Z4kjrg-+(\rI=+EjQtZH?DVGO9fuN6H"TIqNg%X 1M@pn\aciWRC^hX$FLb.2! "2_Hs0sG 5tK7:g/ST:^fHIE0M[2\ NhloTI:I#$KNpO1QV@2>#"(qa1,]9$Ud3a\CBlZfg;+%sFJ..o0! S2 endstream endobj 42 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 44 0 obj > stream 8;XEL>uTM!')`"1&,eh[S;J&@^:!h@"B\PnaC6Nr']_PN@s^,>j@D$Wqs3_8)9KtX gq+*+.)6nKoQ6]hIC^_ iAj1jET5tb8F'pG95@u7Zihh(p)m$Ar]6%6 KGs['b#bSoQf?M9gk[05@:STm7Xf;3\)*V_6%\5,9*cp;aMj59'SMS^$h@fJ%oSk" @:kARH#D;%9]gh-B627=6Fstl4.Q/*677fWJV6Z d3.^I/4'A4/j`$)rUZdXS56,@"9%]kW. %@AR?+C$98U+dZ&h[(Kf @M(V_+6kg*=!4.@lc/qrq;hM9.35%P?@Df4T6Q3@Huf&^ErKqHIJs_J9nedUED5u5 qNT$ulk>e"gK%4cTPc'TfOcE0D)ZUfW]O4\mZG)LlA]Vc:/Y+-Ge2[rr+2:umn-S3 ?dl

7uZ%C!nZN/1CGSHqEZ-G\L6p@MGFf#b3%&^RHr73aX"=a%bTC8K.-3 at$ANfo+VgY+FL7k=`tFZCa_cTepd6&K$\tY>>?aj$bq%@$Kc8e5!*"^I:'?[,Wu& NjSo#LroYrEqg1kZ/af5&>2-]=Bh @3.I;@=>Aa#V" 80B$+A endstream endobj 59 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 61 0 obj > stream 8;XELflGie')_n2_n ;?P5o6A\keq^h'5?H\[]@t7Fk50C\tAm@L"!+.*nKCaa3Mf,"4-0IL+r#*p6B; Mafq9nl\p*7mr2L4.uqVMhR!\$gEGI`T6$lPX:8HH6T1+\AH(Sq'H3aQC]bBd.Vjg -t+L@^I:2gA2mkBUV4QGa,]k?buYbdG3HI\8:9/b'&#KmCrc(b@Q4*l]kR$mY>c\% e11uHg9/QH0!D :\s^iLa*Q)V;rt=+X%_T>GbZar;RR./ WZqJG7CU\(ZIH+V.T+'10cS\kp"Z2tQD]3cIR>N)BmVQg=hJ>7>gIZ(5?9W[7i.4q WuF%Kl':II; X['eS@?D2\@%M2b7.OB6.V8@/.Y2cZiXY(a4AUT,A2 UL]u4Y:";-+(/:;,1d>F;r3>;0$CuO]3N7]MN4^GKbbA8enEUMdA=# BQsfCI?7>T/%TTc,fs!:K5r+ 65^D5W@0bWegXXQ&Fp>]JoI@b$tMn0;(n8s'Ii"IegoZV)"p'b:%Ho?SMl`)LtB53 -S"q?c$8T4$2acM_Q4GP2KbX/KG(>ud:jt'Md?@Xb:U8`k\dla]%S56qTu*]UT.#* m)Q9NIh_57Whjrt!MO8E. b1P%Qgu@8*0Hr+q8s$-PdfEAXlR>_fKJjO_,o/XB,MO-b#XCi0irk6kC"WS''`VQ0 F^ guL$2g9d2Y?$DuETs]R jpI0GU@)FQZ;qJnBLmCc&:Un#_Fd7P\!dG'+i@H;D@Q>(;qHXOl@TjmK-+91]@AA% W;nLF>!V6*Z-9QoY#M3$=7,36&FORqp5tJF>^WKkH#Yc^46-a&.IRCLi^)

> endstream endobj 71 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 73 0 obj > stream 8;Xu\bAu@I')_n2"#d fDp7[0eBo-0#i

;4.u+Tk^g[aY@Zs!#inQV1r;Ntepqa(PCRfr>#!Tm^R1f82/%.P%a*9YU>ngCd eZ'[D@L*1+d_b?*.p(3'4e5#ecZg>0`oVeBM7u(QUtKNAd3P>iJ!nS0C:[BF;U+dY "bt2t3QJHnIPqTnd9Uk- K4.$d@i3^9NL%6e4jrkq] ]L,'\QN;]PKfu^GOY\\-(CV^mMoDVolge*

,+,l. %/%p`;6SeD@>q#)E/k4A?/&(.bT&pJ`_Ek=4+_$U#al5]nJQ!=oZcEO-'pka"eJe1 bZGXpAbc#6c(J!2 K`Z'794Mmr!&%Qp P25).9 9j"g27_r&rjN j\IMK`]_Ep"Vbn3,YhU%ljj\$i

> endstream endobj 77 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 80 0 obj > stream 8;XELgN)% 8*Ukf#fOVYiDF ifk@0[``SgNI4>R-2a->WA$&*4HTkTcUP+p8P,(WO!?)BUr^TKr?]?\a>g%>&\]@6 CkI.:pchuA4Jg'(DklXOa;5HEi8lUop5L8Y`3^oVdmq"L_l)TE;3^iJW/tj&6>N* P"EY^. %25>H)#(P[iLaQG?mC2=&ZhJ[&.`3GI5LOo

> endstream endobj 102 0 obj > /ExtGState > >> endobj 104 0 obj > stream 8;UkV>BALZ&H2k4&,XcmdfEISnV+^MUpNL%g>jNNp*&gUY_>r7/5]&piSU8m08(SQ %$n Gsr"ZumsEU;ADJi.c#R8ZjWb6sC"D'[UfI#2'u@kq&2Be@aHaWTuQ\NSD@e=Qt2R f2[k;JM ((Ln[dC!Ym>X59I`QM qpQ%3q6H^h=@"FL!a7'Wi1KnPcV>USON%-(X6W).9F"*/uMsg$-?K1BiGB L!V51n?N`5a0uC-/C>U)c9?L*ZbY@$8JmLX2Z/O!iO@kg&hk4OAad8ucfst_PfUnc a;U$jH_.HW9lg>TKmLn]/+_Zpf3=:4ibp3+e>kk2?0'@,j*H5hp%b##.iL%FIjM5W g;2(Acku(TaS@.qhM(0VLabA PAi7+02sg#:?0%FFotqZnAp`3 _k0V\OBt!2P?Q(/PYOrn^6d3!\@1BOI&[#7lYEq:GnOT8OTZX [aOU/WA=92ta5i4JgBi;WfXn$_ap

> endstream endobj 120 0 obj > endobj 121 0 obj > stream 8;VFi%oenG)1M"ehZngB6m`eW_2QHsS2Okl9P%rISMB_Td*.@+T=KE%.3WbeL7A`* @V'=eT$>@#0lp%5a>oSiVj;UslT""9B&q07EusK]Bf^]im_b)\lYQLEqqUp0n%J1 8NJoNeVIn r)WNp?Q @@#?ggrJ)(W50UG@n/3X)-DZ+C^t6bfkj5^ OCgOI.QoI-jsW-WNG(a+ggTfu8^'Xm36KS] p@SU%cMTAlQ(;LaPq"V?QE7SE!AkJQ;r`2JBq!XGY^,[u"DqGl; R47ZoD('*kY0CdD7SCmUoPeDH34R4E-aX'16TY7>Yqp=NP`i>rFu+Bk`0f:NF!m-` Z](pQOX

> endstream endobj 5 0 obj > endobj 6 0 obj > endobj 7 0 obj > endobj 8 0 obj > endobj 15 0 obj > endobj 16 0 obj > endobj 26 0 obj > endobj 126 0 obj > endobj 2 0 obj > endobj 12 0 obj > endobj 17 0 obj > endobj 20 0 obj > endobj 23 0 obj > endobj 27 0 obj > endobj 31 0 obj > endobj 34 0 obj > endobj 37 0 obj > endobj 40 0 obj > endobj 43 0 obj > endobj 48 0 obj > endobj 51 0 obj > endobj 54 0 obj > endobj 57 0 obj > endobj 60 0 obj > endobj 63 0 obj > endobj 66 0 obj > endobj 69 0 obj > endobj 72 0 obj > endobj 75 0 obj > endobj 79 0 obj > endobj 82 0 obj > endobj 85 0 obj > endobj 88 0 obj > endobj 91 0 obj > endobj 94 0 obj > endobj 97 0 obj > endobj 100 0 obj > endobj 103 0 obj > endobj 106 0 obj > endobj 110 0 obj > endobj 11 0 obj > endobj 47 0 obj > endobj 78 0 obj > endobj 109 0 obj > endobj 46 0 obj > endobj 127 0 obj > endobj xref 0 128 0000000000 65535 f 0000000016 00000 n 0000207890 00000 n 0000000216 00000 n 0000002285 00000 n 0000202552 00000 n 0000203317 00000 n 0000204464 00000 n 0000204562 00000 n 0000106122 00000 n 0000106193 00000 n 0000210589 00000 n 0000207971 00000 n 0000002422 00000 n 0000005303 00000 n 0000204666 00000 n 0000205152 00000 n 0000208055 00000 n 0000005433 00000 n 0000008014 00000 n 0000208139 00000 n 0000008122 00000 n 0000009898 00000 n 0000208223 00000 n 0000010006 00000 n 0000013516 00000 n 0000205525 00000 n 0000208307 00000 n 0000013658 00000 n 0000017094 00000 n 0000106264 00000 n 0000208391 00000 n 0000017214 00000 n 0000019922 00000 n 0000208475 00000 n 0000020042 00000 n 0000023511 00000 n 0000208559 00000 n 0000023665 00000 n 0000026945 00000 n 0000208643 00000 n 0000027065 00000 n 0000030578 00000 n 0000208727 00000 n 0000030698 00000 n 0000034187 00000 n 0000211088 00000 n 0000210726 00000 n 0000208811 00000 n 0000034307 00000 n 0000038122 00000 n 0000208895 00000 n 0000038242 00000 n 0000041783 00000 n 0000208979 00000 n 0000041903 00000 n 0000045956 00000 n 0000209063 00000 n 0000046076 00000 n 0000048966 00000 n 0000209147 00000 n 0000049086 00000 n 0000052452 00000 n 0000209231 00000 n 0000052606 00000 n 0000055003 00000 n 0000209315 00000 n 0000055123 00000 n 0000059357 00000 n 0000209399 00000 n 0000059511 00000 n 0000063117 00000 n 0000209483 00000 n 0000063237 00000 n 0000067272 00000 n 0000209567 00000 n 0000067392 00000 n 0000071042 00000 n 0000210864 00000 n 0000209651 00000 n 0000071196 00000 n 0000074698 00000 n 0000209735 00000 n 0000074818 00000 n 0000078655 00000 n 0000209819 00000 n 0000078775 00000 n 0000082054 00000 n 0000209903 00000 n 0000082174 00000 n 0000086105 00000 n 0000209987 00000 n 0000086225 00000 n 0000089211 00000 n 0000210071 00000 n 0000089331 00000 n 0000092572 00000 n 0000210155 00000 n 0000092692 00000 n 0000095520 00000 n 0000210239 00000 n 0000095640 00000 n 0000099196 00000 n 0000210326 00000 n 0000099317 00000 n 0000100508 00000 n 0000210413 00000 n 0000100617 00000 n 0000104291 00000 n 0000211004 00000 n 0000210501 00000 n 0000104442 00000 n 0000105687 00000 n 0000105796 00000 n 0000105920 00000 n 0000106021 00000 n 0000106334 00000 n 0000106551 00000 n 0000120902 00000 n 0000121133 00000 n 0000172354 00000 n 0000172583 00000 n 0000186152 00000 n 0000186380 00000 n 0000196306 00000 n 0000196525 00000 n 0000206682 00000 n 0000211195 00000 n trailer ] >> startxref 211247 %%EOF

The Rise of Gambling in Canada

The Rise of Canadian Gambling is a Rock 'n' Roll Story to Behold

Canada has progressed a long way in 40 years as they have hustled and bustled through periods of illegal gambling houses, through to famous dance halls which entertained with a selection of games, to now their very own Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver.

The rise of Canadians gambling circuit took many knocks on the way up so let's see how it came out champ in the end.

Hard Times and Secret Hot Spots

We all have an inner 70s child forever reminding us that the decades which proceeded went all pear-shaped. If you're gambling lover then you might think twice about the glamorous side of casinos during the run-up to the 70s and during. Be thankful that in today's modern digital age you can pluck any casino out of thin air through sites such as https://www.parieraucanada.ca/casino/ where they hold the current best online casino sites for Canadian. Wind the time back 40-plus years and it's something wholly different.

In the build-up to the 1970 gambling was hush, hush and kept for those that knew where to find it. If you've ever seen Abel Ferrara's Bad Lieutenant, then you get the vide surrounding the scene. This was the era of loan-sharks and broken ankles if you didn't strike it lucky. To think that at this very stage the country of Canada had only been around for 100 years!

The birth of the nation in 1867 saw it's outlawing of gambling only 30 years later. Soon after laws were loosened for charitable purposes. Bingo and the odd raffle helped the nation to grow. In 1925 events and fairs crumbled under pressure and laws then permitted the allowance of gambling within.

We jump forward into 1974 where the country is holding its first lottery to fund the Montreal Olympics. The penny did finally dropped!

From Vaudeville Shows to Rock Concerts

One of the cornerstones to the movement was Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall. Opening in 1971 and permitting audiences and members to partake in a series of games amongst the other entertainment features of vaudeville shows and getting drunk. This casino was a modern day salon where all antics took place all within the same room. Dancing, drinking and betting. The site remains to this day and is protected by the Municipal Heritage Site.

The year is now 2001, some 30-years later and Vancouver open the doors to Hard Rock Casino, the mega-franchise that worships not only the gods of rock but also the almighty dollar.

The casino is pretty much in the same vein as Gertie's though perhaps less chaotic. You have drinks, entertainment and gambling but in their own classed areas. Heroes of the 70s music scene also make an appearance. Upcoming shows will present Supertramp's Roger Hodgson to the stage.

Hot Trends in Canada: Online Gambling and Casinos

Canada is not unfamiliar with being a trendsetter. The country has been known to set trends for food and beverages, clothing and more.

One of the hottest trends sweeping the country at the minute is online casino gameplay. What is it about betting at some of the most popular online casinos in Canada that is so attractive right now, and why might you consider getting a slice of the action for yourself? Let us find out.

Why Canadians Choose to Bet Online

There are plenty of reasons why online casino gaming might be big business in Canada right now. For one thing, a series of lockdowns has essentially meant that people are (for the most part) housebound. Those who have been furloughed are also suddenly gifted with an abundance of free time. There is a gap to fill for many of us who cannot remember what we used to do before the internet came along.

For some, betting at online casinos is a worthwhile escape from COVID boredom. For others, the closure of many land-based casinos and heavy restrictions at those which remain open may have twisted their arm into betting online. Whatever the actual reason behind it, many Canadians are now signing up and enjoying their time spent at online casinos. We cannot say that we blame them, and here is why.

A Realistic and Authentic Atmosphere

The advent of live dealer casino games has really revolutionised the industry. While you can still play simple computerised card games and digital roulette wheels, live dealer games bring a sense of realism and authenticity (not to mention atmosphere) to online casino gaming. Played with a real-to-life human dealer over a live video stream, live casino games are about as realistic as you can get without being in a brick-and-mortar casino. That has its appeal, particularly amongst those who cannot currently get to a real casino during the Coronavirus pandemic.

What Can I Play Online?

In a land-based venue, you might not have much choice in terms of what you can play. They may have 800 slot machines, but how many of them are different. Moreover, you might have to wait to get a seat at a table. None of that is an issue at online casinos in Canada. You will be able to choose from thousands of games, play table games whenever you wish, and more importantly, you can check and leave at your own choosing. All of this, without having to lift a muscle.

Can I Really Win Money?

Being able to win real money will undoubtedly help. After all, who wants to play casino games if there is no chance of pocketing a prize. Some of the top prizes found in Canada’s hottest online casinos, though, dwarf those you can get in a real land-based venue. Take some of the top progressive jackpot slots, for instance - these uncapped jackpots can rise to be worth millions of dollars in cash. If that was not a good enough reason to have a crack at playing online casino games in Canada, we are not sure what is.

Only Play at the Best

Of course, the sudden influx of new players enjoying what one of Canada’s hottest trends is must come with a degree of caution. While there are many top and reputable casinos out there, there are one or two rotten eggs, too. These are not casinos we would want to sign up at. In fact, we would rather not play at all than sign up to them. How are you supposed to spot the difference then?

Casino review sites go a long way in helping to solve this problem. Top casino reviews clearly break down the positives and even the negatives of top casinos, allowing Canadians to decide which is the best online casino to play at. If you are going to join the craze, playing safely is a must.

I Am Sold - Where Do I Sign Up?

As mentioned, we would strongly recommend checking out online casino reviews. If you want to ensure that you are joining a fair, trusted, and legal online casino that gives you a decent chance of success and offers a myriad of top games, choosing a recommended casino is a must. This hot trend shows no signs of abating, and if you want to get a slice of the action, make sure you play at Canada’s most secure and exciting casinos.

The Rise of Gambling in Canada

In a landmark announcement, the federal government has signalled the birth of a modern sports betting industry in Canada. New legislation has the potential to unlock the billions in gaming revenue currently being generated in the "grey market".

What you need to know

After a decade of calls for gaming law reform, the federal government has proposed to decriminalize single event sport betting which, if passed, would permit provinces and territories to regulate and license single event sport betting in Canada.

The Ontario Government has announced plans to launch a regulated online gaming/gambling marketplace. Under these plans, a newly formed subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario would be granted authority to manage and regulate online gaming sites operated by private third parties.

The combined effect of decriminalization and online regulation provides an unprecedented opportunity for gaming industry stakeholders to potentially unlock the billions in "grey market" gaming revenue currently being generated through facilitating a legal and regulated online gaming marketplace for all types of single event sports betting in Ontario.

Current regime

Currently, Canadians may only legally wager on the outcome of a sporting event by way of parlay betting, which involves placing a bet on the outcome of multiple sporting events at once. Despite numerous calls for reform by gaming industry stakeholders over the past decade, single event sports betting in Canada has remained prohibited under Section 207(4)(b) of the Criminal Code. 1 This has led to the creation of an enormous "grey market" for single event bookmaking, with nearly $10 billion wagered annually in Canada 2 and an additional $4 billion 3 wagered annually through offshore online sports wagering websites and applications. Notwithstanding the tremendous revenue opportunity being missed by the provincial and territorial governments across Canada, and the great success witnessed in the United States through the rapid legalization of single event sports wagering, Canada has remained a laggard to the disappointment of many, until now.

Proposed change 1: Decriminalization of single event sport betting

On November 26, 2020, Federal Justice Minister David Lametti introduced legislation to decriminalize single event sport betting in Canada. If passed, Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (single event sport betting), would give provinces and territories the power and discretion to manage, regulate and license all types of single event sport betting on any sporting event, except horse racing, in their respective jurisdictions. 4

Under the new regime, provinces and territories could choose to adopt a private operator model for single event sport betting. Private businesses operating under licence would be able to bring competitive sports betting products to market – either online or in physical facilities. This serves as a long awaited and landmark proposal by the federal government that has the potential to create a new industry, offering Canadians an opportunity to place bets in a legal and regulated marketplace.

Bill C-13 is particularly notable in that it marks the first time that decriminalization of single event sports betting in Canada has been proposed under a government bill, which by its nature requires support from a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary (in this case, the Minister of Justice), thereby bolstering its chances of becoming law. All prior proposals over the past decade have been introduced by way of a private member's bill which lacks the same level of governmental support and, in turn, likelihood of being passed.

Proposed change 2: Regulated online gaming marketplace

On November 5, 2020, the province of Ontario published the latest budget detailing plans to launch a regulated online market place for online gaming/gambling. Under these plans, the Ontario government is proposing to create a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario which would be granted authority to manage and regulate online gaming operated by private third parties. At present, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is the only operator approved to offer online gambling in the province. The new model is expected to be developed over the coming months, and if passed, will provide an unprecedented opportunity for gaming industry stakeholders to potentially unlock the billions in "grey market" gaming revenue currently being generated through facilitating a legal and regulated online gaming marketplace for all types of single event sports betting in the province.

Growth of U.S. legal sports gambling market

The proposals announced by both the federal and provincial governments follow similar efforts to decriminalize single event sports wagering in the United States which have culminated in tremendous success.

In May 2018, a United States Supreme Court decision overturned a federal law prohibiting states from authorizing sports gambling (the PASPA decision) 5 on the basis that such law was unconstitutional, thereby clearing the way for the legalization of single event sports betting in the United States.

In the two-and-a-half-years since the PASPA decision, 26 states have either launched legal sports betting or passed legislation and are waiting to launch 6 . In addition, more than $20 billion has been unlocked from the "grey market" and wagered on legal U.S. sportsbooks. 7

Investor response

The proposed federal and provincial changes are timely in recognizing the desire for increased consumption of online sports and e-gaming products.

The disruption caused by COVID-19 has further fuelled the pre-existing trend of sports consumption moving from traditional in-person gatherings to online virtual experiences. Sports betting and e-gaming in particular have benefitted from this online shift.

In March 2020, during the first wave of closures associated with COVID-19, New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada and Pennsylvania – the four U.S. states with legal online poker sites – all reported record-high online gaming revenues. 8 Further, New Jersey gamblers wagered more than $931 million on sports in November, the latest in a series of all-time monthly highs reported in 2020. 9

Online bookmakers such as DraftKings and Bet365 have sought to capitalize on these trends by offering an appeal to sports bettors seeking new opportunities through products related to e-sports specifically while traditional sports struggle to provide consistent offerings. Las Vegas and the casino industry have followed with the Nevada Gaming Control Board approving sportsbooks to take wagers on the ESL One: Dota 2, DreamHack Masters Spring, League of Legends European Championship, Overwatch League, FIFA League etc. 10

In response, the capital markets have warmly accepted a series of offerings from sports industry players with an online focus:

In April 2020, DraftKings, a daily fantasy sports company, completed a $3.3 billion reverse merger with a special purpose acquisition company to bring the company public and began trading on the NASDAQ. As of January 12, 2021, the company's stock price had surged from $19 on its first day of trading to $53, a clear sign of investor enthusiasm and support for the company and the sector more generally. 11

In September 2020, payments company Nuvei Corp. closed the Toronto Stock Exchange's largest tech IPO ever in raising $805 million in gross proceeds. Nuvei Corp. has already earned approvals allowing it to serve sports betting industries in Colorado, Indiana and West Virginia.

In December 2020, Score Media and Gaming Inc. (theScore), which operates its own digital sports media and sports betting products, closed a bought-deal offering for gross proceeds of $40 million. Net proceeds are to be used, in part, to grow and expand theScore's sports betting application's operations in both the U.S. and Canada.

It is expected that further such offerings will continue to be embraced by the capital markets as COVID-19 continues to push industry participants online and as the proposed federal and provincial changes move forward.

Takeaways

After decades of waiting, the Canadian gambling industry has finally been dealt a winning hand. In the weeks that follow, Bill C-13 will face a second reading, followed by committee review, and a third reading, before it is able to be considered and potentially passed by the House of Commons and Senate. We will continue to monitor the progress of Bill C-13 and Ontario's new online model and will continue to keep interested gaming industry stakeholders apprised of new developments.

To capitalize on the potential of the proposed changes, gaming industry businesses, service providers and entrepreneurs need an effective engagement strategy with provincial regulators. Our experts in gaming, governmental affairs and corporate and securities laws can help to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of gaming to identify opportunities and strategies in connection with this potential unlocking of the billions in gaming revenue currently being generated in the "grey market".

1 Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), Section 207(4)(b).

2 Canadian Gaming Association, Canadian Gaming Association Calls on All Party Support For Single-Event Sports Betting, 2019.

4 Horse racing remains regulated and supervised by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency.

5 Murphy, Governor of New Jersey, et al. v. National Collegiate Athletic Association et al., 2018 584 US.

6 Nevada was the only state already permitted to conduct legal sports betting. The District of Columbia also launched an online sport gambling platform for its residents in June 2020.

10 Hanjoong Kim, The Rise of Esports Betting, online National Law Review, August 2020.

11 Based on closing price (USD) on January 12, 2021.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: The Continuous Growth of Online Gambling in Canada The global gambling market is already worth billions of dollars as of today. It is even expected to gain revenues of over 500 billion US at The Rise of Gambling in Canada