Canada
Majority of Ontarians wagering on Super Bowl LVIII to bet online
A new survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows that four in ten Ontario sports bettors (41 per cent) will place a wager on Super Bowl LVIII. Of all who plan to bet on the big game, the vast majority (80 per cent) will do so online.
The survey found most online bettors use multiple sportsbook platforms when placing bets; 85 per cent use up to three, and 15 per cent use four or more. Over half (58 per cent) will check to see if a sportsbook website is regulated.
Over half (54 per cent) of those who bet on the Super Bowl say their main reason to bet is to add to the excitement of the game. Over a quarter (28 per cent) bet because family or friends are betting and more than half (56 per cent) of respondents say they tend to bet more than usual when watching with these relations. This jumps to two thirds of younger bettors (69 per cent of those aged 18-34) and is highest amongst those who bet on sports regularly (81 per cent).
Three-quarters (74 per cent) of Ontario adults who bet believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes. This jumps to almost 9 in 10 (85 per cent) of those who bet on sports regularly. The misconception that one can accurately predict an outcome can lead to over confidence and the illusion of control. This false belief can increase risk, influencing some to bet more than they can afford to lose.
Additional risk is associated with the consumption of substances that can impair judgement and decision-making. Almost three-quarters of those who bet (72 per cent) plan to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other substances during the Super Bowl. Two fifths (42 per cent) tend to bet more when they partake.
Staying Onside
While many Ontarians will be placing bets, the majority (78 per cent) of Super Bowl bettors have at least one strategy to manage their gambling risk. The most common strategies include determining a pre-set betting limit (36 per cent), betting to have fun and not to make money (25 per cent), and not betting more to recoup losses (18 per cent). Paying attention to mood and state of mind, two fifths (22 per cent) commit to never betting while intoxicated and a fifth won’t bet if they’re feeling depressed or anxious (17 per cent).
The good news is all regulated sports book websites have responsible gambling features, but they vary from site to site. Of those surveyed, two fifths (38 per cent) read online information about the odds of winning and how certain games work. Those watching the Super Bowl are most likely to use money limit-setting tools (38 per cent) or take a cooling off period (27 per cent).
“With most of Ontario’s Super Bowl betting happening online, it’s encouraging to see the majority of bettors using responsible gambling features on regulated sports book websites,” says Shelley White, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “Whether betting on or offline, perceived knowledge of the game, being with friends and family, and substance use can all influence how we play. Staying within a pre-set limit and not risking more than you can afford to lose is always a good game plan.”
How Ontarians plan to bet on the Super Bowl
While most betting on the Super Bowl will place a single bet on the outcome of the game (64 per cent), a third (36 per cent) will bet multiple times throughout the game, and a quarter (25 per cent) will bet multiple times by using several sportsbook websites.
44 per cent will bet online with a sportsbook website
44 per cent will bet with friends
27 per cent will buy sport-based lottery tickets
23 per cent will bet in a pool
How much Ontario Super Bowl bettors plan to wager
50 per cent say they will bet less than $50
42 per cent say they will bet between $51 and $250
6 per cent say they will bet more than $250
RGC tips for safer sports betting
Be mindful of the illusion of control and remember that even with expertise or knowledge of a sport or online game, you can’t predict the unexpected.
Be aware that time spent, and knowledge gained won’t help you “beat the odds”.
Plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food.
Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost.
Limit your alcohol and/or cannabis intake.
Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed.
View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money.
To learn how to keep your play safer visit Gambling is Random.
Methodology
An online survey of 1,002 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between January 12-14, 2024, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
Canada
Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
Canada
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
Canada
Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier
Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.
This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.
Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.
“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.
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