Is Canada Becoming a Global Gambling Hub?

Is Canada Becoming a Global Gambling Hub?

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So many countries are transforming into gambling hubs that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Canada is almost going under the radar, particularly as it’s often lumped in with the US. In reality, the Great White North is a wagering hot spot, and this is why.

Age Restrictions

Unlike America, the age restriction for Canadian players is under 21. American players who want to place a bet must be 21, whereas the legal limit in Canada is 19. Although it’s only two years, the implications are significant.

Firstly, young adults are the main demographic for gambling since they have fewer taboos and are happy to use the technology provided to their advantage, such as decentralized Bitcoin mining software. So, the more of them there are, the higher the percentage of bettors. In Canada, the prevalent age group for the population is between 25 and 44, with 10.51 million people falling into this category. 65 years and older, by comparison, accounts for around seven million residents.

Thanks to the make-up of the population, and the fact that the legal wagering age in Canada is 19 and not 21, there are more opportunities for Canadians to gamble, hence why the industry is skyrocketing in popularity.

Number of Land-Based Casinos

Canada’s first brick-and-mortar casino opened in 1989. Fast-forward to 2022, and the number is considerably higher. By all accounts, hundreds of physical establishments have popped up, making the activity more accessible for Canadians. Still, it’s not just the sheer volume of casinos; it’s the location. It’s almost as if governments and operators have realized that spreading land-based casinos out across Canada is an excellent business model.

After all, the country measures 9.9 million km², with its provinces and territories extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. That would usually be an issue, especially if casinos were concentrated within small spaces. That isn’t the case in Canada, which is why around 20 million people in Canada actively gamble. No establishment highlights this better than Casino Niagara in Ontario. As the name suggests, it’s situated next to Niagara Falls, under 1.5km away. And it’s not small as it hosts 1,500 slot machines, 45 gaming tables, and three food and drinks venues.

A waterfall should be inaccessible to casinos, but not in Canada, because three different casinos surround the beauty spot. Indeed, they have shown the demand is so high that well-established brands like Caesars are moving into the market.

Online Casinos Offering Extra Availability

You can’t mention gambling without speaking about online casinos. In 2019, the overall sector in Canada was valued at $15 billion. Internet operators contribute to this figure massively, as it is estimated that 65% of Canada’s legal gambling age population will play at an online casino in the next year. This wagering fact sheet proves the size and importance of online betting.

Of course, the providers aren’t resting on their laurels because they’re attempting to use the demand in their favor. It’s not only the fact that a typical guide to online gambling will list over 30 options for users. Operators like LeoVegas, Casino Lab, and Parimatch Casino are sweetening the deal by providing a range of bonuses to engage customers, from deposit bonuses, 100% deposit matches, free spins, and cashback. The industry for online gambling in Canada today is littered with so much added value that operators are competing against each other by awarding bonuses without depositing any money, such is the popularity of the sector in Canada.

Then, there is enhanced flexibility concerning payments. As well as the main transaction methods, customers can deposit and withdraw money using e-wallets other than PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and e-checks. The fact that people can pay via check without having to leave their homes is a testament to how much the online gambling industry has grown, and why it’s a hub of activity for operators and bettors.

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