Growth is inevitable
The Canadian online gambling sector is gearing up for significant growth shortly. However, both provincial and federal governments are likely to impose certain limitations on this expansion to ensure it remains controlled. Here’s the latest on the igaming landscape in Canada.
Tighter regulations for responsible gambling and restrictions on advertisements.
As officials anticipate growth in online gambling across the nation, they are actively working on more comprehensive responsible gambling policies that will include stricter controls on gambling advertising.
Currently, Bill S-269 A proposal concerning advertising regulations for sports betting is currently under federal review. This initiative aims to create a unified national policy and is pending its initial reading in the House of Commons after recently passing through the Senate in November.
This proposed legislation is expected to align with Ontario’s recent revisions to its Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming (RSIG) , which were updated last February to prohibit using athletes and celebrities in online gambling promotions. This type of advertising limitation is anticipated to become more widespread across Canada as the sector heads toward stricter regulations.
Follow Ontario’s model
The regulations surrounding gambling are designed to protect Canadian players, particularly those who may be more susceptible to gambling addictions. With the rapid growth of the online gambling market, new risks to player safety emerge as operators vie for market share. It’s crucial that this market does not target younger audiences or promote irresponsible gambling practices, whether socially or financially.
Ontario, as the first province to establish a fully regulated gambling market in Canada, has implemented effective measures to safeguard individuals from harmful advertising. This makes Ontario a model for other provinces and territories to follow. This is one reason why legislation like Bill S-269 and similar local regulations may take cues from Ontario’s RSIG.
Real reasons for the follow
All of these developments are leading up to another significant reason why other provinces may choose to emulate Ontario: the market's demonstrated profitability.
Over the past year, according to iGaming Ontario has seen a remarkable year-over-year increase in bets and revenue, documented at 31.7% and 35.4%, respectively, with the latest quarter reporting total earnings of $738 million.
Even provinces with significantly smaller populations compared to Ontario stand to miss out on substantial tax revenue opportunities unless they establish their own regulated markets. Consequently, provinces and territories across Canada are preparing to enter the online gambling scene, aiming to do so expeditiously.
This is the year Alberta regulates
At the end of 2024, Alberta enacted Bill 16, known as the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, paving the way for the province to potentially launch its own igaming market. As indicated by its name, this Bill streamlines the process for lawmakers to modify gambling laws in Alberta, facilitating the establishment of an igaming market in the province. There’s a strong possibility we might see Alberta opening this market as early as this year thanks to the passing of Bill 16, which has clarified the legislative path ahead.regulate an online gambling market Let’s explore: other provinces and territories are expected to follow suit.
While Alberta is likely to be the first province to replicate Ontario’s approach, it certainly won’t be the only one doing so this year. Other regions are also moving towards regulating online gambling, mirroring Ontario’s efforts, primarily to safeguard at-risk players, combat money laundering, and capitalize on the lucrative igaming market in Canada.
With Ontario having removed barriers and validated the market's success in Canada, it’s predicted that 2025 could witness Alberta and potentially others establishing their regulated online gambling markets or at least laying significant groundwork for such initiatives very soon.
Clearly, the sooner these provinces secure their involvement in the market, the better it will be for them.
Nick is a Canadian writer specializing in online content, boasting over five years of experience. His focus lies on the Canadian casino industry, particularly in Ontario, where he resides, and he provides valuable insights into the trends within this market. In his spare time, Nick enjoys savoring a hazy IPA from a local brewery while watching hockey and listening to music.
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