Connect with us

Canada

The Canadian gaming industry Gold Rush has started, here are some regulatory aspects to consider

Published

on

 

Gambling Regulations in Canada

Online gambling is a great way to have some fun. However, the trade is a regulated industry. Different countries have different laws and regulations that govern all forms of gambling. Being aware of the regulations can make you safe. In this article, we take an expert look at gambling regulations in Canada.

Any Unregistered Gambling Company is Unlawful

In Canada, any form of gambling not licensed by the Canadian government is illegal. This law applies mostly to physical location-based casinos as well as raffles and bingos. Even so, online gambling is still a grey area. Gambling legislation in Canada doesn’t necessarily prohibit betting through online casinos. However, the betting company must be owned by a provincial administration or be licensed to operate.

Even so, Canadians still access hundreds of offshore betting companies. Such companies are available on the World Wide Web, hence accessible via the Internet. In this case, they are not answerable to the Canadian government. Therefore, they operate freely on the Internet.

Anyone above 19 years in Canada (or above 18 in Alberta and Quebec) can gamble. However, the user should conduct due diligence on the betting company to ascertain its registration and regulation. This is important to avoid losing money on fake sites that trick people. A fully registered online casino comparison website such as Stashbird, is free to operate in Canada. Hence, it is a safe place to begin your search for a lawful gambling site.

Different Provinces Have Own Gambling Laws

Even though gambling is mainly legal in Canada, different provinces and territories have their own gambling regulations. Here is a quick look at some regions and their gambling laws.

Ontario

This province has some of the most relaxed gambling laws in Canada. Here you can play at the regulated Pro-Line or PlayOLG, which are government-managed. Gambling using offshore online casinos remains unregulated.

Quebec

Quebec is also a relatively liberal province. Users can bet using offshore platforms. One can also bet using Espacejeux, which is government-run.

British Columbia

Here, there are 15 physical, legally regulated casinos. In addition, one can bet using PlayNow, the only Canadian sports and betting site available in British Columbia.

Manitoba

Manitoba’s Liquor and Gaming Authority regulates all betting casinos (offline and online) in the province. PlayNow is also the only government-licensed online platform available in the region. Users are also limited to a maximum spend of C$250 per day.

Yukon Territory

Operating a physical casino in Yukon Territory is prohibited. However, various venues can access temporary licenses, but only for three days maximum. In addition, online licensed casinos are unavailable, but offshore betting remains largely unregulated.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Here, the law prohibits physical casinos from operating. Regulated gambling sites are also unavailable. However, one can place bets to a maximum of C$250 per day using the Pro-Line government service.

New Brunswick

Land-based casinos can operate, but only one venue is available in the entire province. The only regulated betting site is Pro-Line.

Nova Scotia

There are two government-owned casinos in Nova Scotia. Pro-Line service is also available for parley gaming.

Saskatchewan

There is a strict regulation against online casinos in Saskatchewan. However, it is possible to play using offshore platforms.

Northwest Territories

No land-based betting halls exist here. Online casinos are also non-existent, even if allowed by the law. The only legal gambling service is Sport Select.

The Take-Away

Gambling in Canada seems like a complex affair, especially when you are new to the country’s gaming laws. However, some legit betting sites have a customer care expert who can answer some of your questions. When you visit any online casinos, ask questions from their experts before betting with them. In this way, together with your background checks, you will be sure that you are betting on a regulated site. There you go! You now have an idea of the gambling regulations in Canada. Always remember to gamble responsibly.

Continue Reading

Canada

Hacksaw Gaming and DraftKings Score Again in Ontario

Published

on

 

2023 saw Hacksaw Gaming go live in West Virginia and New Jersey and now we have made our long-awaited entry in Ontario, Canada. Securing this trio has hit new heights and hopes for further successes throughout the rest of this year.

DraftKings Casino entered the iGaming market in Ontario in May of 2022 and partnered with Hacksaw Gaming in the back end of the same year. As Ontario’s regulated iGaming market only went live in April of 2022, the pair have given an outstanding performance with effective launch strategies and expansive footing in North America.

Apart from gaining an unprecedented reach across regulated markets, the mobile-friendly format of Hacksaw Gaming games can be visited on phone or tablet via the DraftKings Casino app. Boasting an impressive online casino’s selection of over 300 games, DraftKings now welcomes Hacksaw Gaming favourites such as Chaos Crew, Mines, Omnom and Boxes.

“The benchmarks we have set as a partnership are remarkable and we are ready to take on more challenges continuing into 2024,” the Chief Executive Officer for Hacksaw Gaming, Marcus Cordes, said.

Continue Reading

Canada

Exploring Canada’s video Game Market: Survey Insights

Published

on

 

Technology has become a great source of entertainment to many. Video games particularly have garnered interest from all demographics. In Canada, the gaming industry has experienced significant growth, fuelled by increased accessibility to gaming platforms and the growth of online gaming communities.

Statistics indicate that a large percentage of Canadians are engaged in gaming activities, whether it be playing console or PC games, mobile games, or online multiplayer games. The popularity of video games extends beyond leisure pastimes, with many Canadians participating in gaming competitions, attending gaming conventions, and consuming gaming-related content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

The number of video game users in Canada reflects how broad the sector is, from mobile games to digital video games, download games and live streaming. In 2024, the gaming sector will see millions of users in each of these categories. Statista projects 13.38 million users for digital video games and 7.35 million users for online games respectively. It estimates that revenue in the Canadian video game market is expected to reach US$3,925.00m in 2024, so it is no surprise to observe the increasing popularity of the sector.

Well-known online casino provider BetVictor has compiled some key points from major surveys detailing the video game market to give further insight into its makeup and potential. The gaming culture in Canada is growing, which means the type of games and genres will grow along with the sector. Statista recently conducted a survey of 1 576 respondents aged 18 – 64 who are avid video game players, with telling results. ​​In December 2023, a survey about preferred video game genres in Canada revealed the top four genres as being Action, Action – adventure, Adventure and casual games accounting for 31% of respondents’ preferences.

David Winter, Marketing Manager at BetVictor notes that “We’ve seen a steady increase in the popularity of action-themed and adventure-themed slots and many providers are exploring how to expand further into this market.”

The popularity of Action games such as platform and fighting games can be attributed to various factors, such as: social interaction, accessibility and inclusivity, social appeal, and cultural influence. With such a diverse audience, all these factors are crucial to understand the appeal of Action games.

In the digital age, gaming has transcended mere entertainment to become a cornerstone of culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in Canada. From coast to coast, a diverse community of gamers is thriving, reflecting the country’s inclusive spirit and passion for technology. Whether it’s the casual gamer enjoying a quick session on their smartphone or the dedicated enthusiast meticulously building a custom gaming PC, Canada offers a welcome haven for all kinds of gamers.

Diving deeper into the Statista results, Strategy games accounted for 29%. This shows us that players have a strong interest in tactical and decision-making games. While role-playing (RPG) and sports games garnered 22% each, simulation and shooters trailed slightly behind at 21% and 20% respectively.

MMO (massively multiplayer online games), as well as MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) and MOBA (multi online battle arenas) came in at 13% and 8% respectively, representing a significant but niche following. With such a diverse array of preferences, the survey underscores the multifaceted nature of interests among Canadian gamers. It highlights the need for game developers to cater for a wide range of genres and gameplaying styles in the Canadian market.

From action shooter games to role-playing adventures, the industry has something for every gaming enthusiast in the Canadian market. Overall, the popularity of video games in Canada reflects a growing cultural phenomenon, where gaming has become a mainstream form of entertainment and a significant aspect of modern-day leisure activities.

Statistics anticipate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.10% for 2022-2027, resulting in a projected market volume of US$24.52bn by 2027. Canada’s online gaming market is experiencing a surge in popularity, with a surging number of Canadian players engaging in immersive virtual reality experiences.

Continue Reading

Canada

iGaming Ontario Seeks Proposals for a Centralized Self-exclusion Solution Until April 24, 2024

Published

on

 

iGaming Ontario (iGO) is currently seeking proposals for Ontario’s centralized self-exclusion solution for igaming from now until April 24.

Partnering with iGO on this multi-year project offers a unique and exciting opportunity for forward-thinking and innovative organizations prepared to make a lasting positive impact on the igaming landscape in Ontario. Interested organizations can visit iGaming Ontario’s dedicated procurement page on MERX to review all NRFP details and prepare their submissions for this high-profile initiative.

The successful bidder will develop a system that:

  • Integrates seamlessly with all Ontario igaming operators’ systems, including Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)’s igaming site.
  • Provides anyone 19+ with easy access to create and manage their self-exclusion profile.
  • Implements Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification, registration, renewal, and reinstatement processes that are intuitive, simple, and offer supporting information.

How to Participate in the Bidding Process?

The Centralized Self-Exclusion (CSE) Solution, along with other iGO current and past bid opportunities, can be found on iGO’s MERX page.

Have a question?

Use the question and answer tool provided on iGO’s MERX page to submit any questions you might have. Please note that iGaming Ontario will only entertain questions about open bidding opportunities in accordance with government directives.

Continue Reading

Trending

GamingAmericas.com (part of HIPTHER) is your one-stop portal for the latest news, insights, and analyses in the gaming industry across the Americas. From legislative updates and market trends to interviews with industry leaders, we provide a comprehensive look at the dynamic landscape of both online and land-based gaming. Whether you're a stakeholder looking to stay ahead of the curve or a gaming enthusiast eager for reliable updates, GamingAmericas.com has got you covered. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content. Make informed decisions and stay ahead in the game with GamingAmericas.com.

Disclaimer: All the information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always check your local laws before participating in any gaming activities.

Copyright © 2018 – 2024, HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved.