Canada has a long-standing affinity for gambling, with approximately 75% of its population engaging in activities such as scratch cards, lottery tickets, casino games, online slots, and sports betting. However, the rise of online gambling has been a true game-changer for the industry.
Before Ontario launched a regulated market in April 2022, Canada already boasted an estimated 19 million active online gambling accounts. The market is primed for continued growth, with six out of ten Canadians gambling monthly. Since the launch, several pivotal developments have played a key role in shaping the nation’s gambling industry, propelling it to its current standing.
Enhanced mobile gaming experiences, live dealer games, and blockchain integration for secure transactions are elevating user engagement and trust. Furthermore, the focus on responsible gaming has intensified, with platforms implementing AI-driven tools to monitor and promote safer gambling behaviors.
Consumer demand for more customized player experiences is another driving force, encouraging operators to offer diverse game selections and attractive promotions. For those seeking insights into the latest bonuses and offers in Canada’s dynamic iGaming scene, bonusmonitor.ca is a valuable tool for staying informed and maximizing gameplay.
Let’s explore some of the other key developments shaping Canada’s iGaming market.
Evolving Regulations
Canada’s online gambling industry is facing a shift in regulations as concerns grow over the frequency and content of gambling ads. Just one year after the country legalized online gambling, complaints about advertising practices have prompted action from regulators. A recent study from the Canadian Gaming Association suggests that regulations are changing faster than the evidence needed to effectively address these issues. This could lead to regulations that are not well-targeted or detailed enough to tackle the problems at hand.
Ontario was the first province in Canada to launch regulated online gambling in April 2022, and other provinces, including Alberta, are following suit. Ontario has already updated its rules, including a February regulation banning celebrities and athletes from appearing in gambling ads. Canada’s parliament is also considering restrictions on when gambling ads can be shown on TV or potentially banning them altogether, a move similar to proposals in the US and Australia.
Political Shake-up
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement has added uncertainty to Canada’s federal sports betting advertising bill, Bill S-269. This bill, which aims to create a national framework for regulating sports betting ads, had advanced through the Senate in November but stalled in the House of Commons due to disagreements between the Liberals and Conservatives over access to unredacted documents.
Trudeau’s decision to prorogue Parliament until March 24, 2025, to allow for a leadership contest means that all parliamentary business will stop. This includes any bills that haven’t passed, such as Bill S-269, which will now be suspended. While the bill isn’t entirely dead, it will need to be reintroduced in the next session and could face further delays.
With the political focus shifting to Trudeau’s leadership race, the betting advertising bill may not be a top priority when Parliament resumes. Though the bill isn’t fully terminated, the extended delay and uncertain political climate make it less likely to move forward quickly.
However, prorogation won’t impact ongoing discussions about the legality of international liquidity in Ontario’s gaming market, which is awaiting a decision from the Ontario Court of Appeal.
PayPal’s Absence
PayPal’s absence in Canada’s online gambling market is a significant issue, as it’s a popular payment method worldwide. The main reason for its limited presence is Canada’s inconsistent gambling regulations. PayPal only supports transactions in regions where online gambling is fully regulated. In Canada, the rules vary by province. While some provinces have regulations, like British Columbia and Quebec, they don’t cover online casinos. Only Ontario has regulations for online casinos, making it difficult for PayPal to operate in most of the country.
As a result, Canadian players who prefer PayPal for gambling transactions have few options. There may be workarounds, but they aren’t ideal, and players are encouraged to look for alternative payment methods. While PayPal’s absence is an inconvenience, it doesn’t stop gambling in Canada. However, it does make it harder for players to use a trusted and convenient payment method, meaning they must find and get used to alternatives.
