6 Major Canadian Gaming Industry Developments That Shaped 2024
Canada's digital gaming industry saw significant developments in 2024. Here are the key stories that shaped the landscape:
Alberta's New Gaming Framework Alberta announced plans for a competitive, regulated iGaming model similar to Ontario's. Major operators like PointsBet Canada, Betway, PENN, and NorthStar expressed interest in entering the market, with an expected launch in mid-2025.
Ontario's Market Growth
- 50 licensed operators and 82 gaming websites
- Q2 2024-25 total wagers: $18.7 billion (31.7% year-over-year increase)
- Gaming revenue: $738 million (35.4% year-over-year increase)
- Created 15,000 jobs
- Generated $1.24 billion in government revenue
Canadian flag waves against blue sky
AGCO's New Advertising Standards February 2024 brought stricter advertising rules in Ontario, prohibiting the use of athletes in iGaming advertising. A subsequent Maru Public Opinion survey revealed 68% of Canadians support banning current team players and celebrities from sports betting ads.
Player Participation Trends IPSOS study showed 86.4% of Ontario players now use regulated sites, up from 85.3% in 2023. This marks significant progress from the pre-regulation era when 70% of online gambling occurred on unregulated sites.
Ontario Superior Court Decision The court dismissed Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke's challenge to Ontario's iGaming model, confirming the framework's legality and consistency with the Criminal Code.
National Advertising Legislation Bill S-269, aimed at developing national gaming advertising standards, cleared the Senate but faces delays in the House of Commons. The bill's fate remains uncertain with the upcoming October 2024 election and potential government changes.
These developments demonstrate Canada's evolving digital gaming landscape, with a focus on regulation, responsible gambling, and market growth.
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