Younger gamblers are more mobile
Canadians are keen gamblers, with just under two-thirds of the population saying that they had participated in gambling. One interesting statistic is that gambling is most prolific in over 35s and is fairly evenly spread across men and women. However, if you did a little deeper, you would find that these older Canadians buy lotter tickets or play bingo and traditional casino games at land-based venues. Younger players are drawn to mobile platforms, which are dominated by sports betting and digital slots.
iGaming Ontario reported that most of the 12.7 million casino game app downloads are from under-35s. Given smartphone penetration, it is hardly surprising that casino apps are so popular, but older Canadians have a different perspective. For them, gambling is a distinct and separate form of entertainment, but younger players see it more as part of their integrated digital experience and even part of their daily routine, like checking Instagram or dipping into Wordle.
Little national oversight
The proliferation of online gambling platforms and apps can make it challenging for regulators in the country because there is not a single, unified, nationwide regulatory system. The market is fragmented, with each province setting its own rules. To make matters more complicated, the rules vary widely across the provinces, and the authorities’ attitudes are also far apart. Each province decides independently on licensing, enforcement, and operations.
Ontario has a fully regulated, commercial gambling market with private operators providing the services, while Quebec relies on government-run services.
Alberta is set to launch its commercial market this year, but has been hindered by the additional complication of also operating the government-run PlayAlberta site. While players are happy to buy their lottery tickets here, the quality of the online casino games has been criticized compared to what is available elsewhere.
Consumer confusion
Regardless of local regulations, Canadians across the country access online gambling sites. Recent research has shown widespread confusion about the law, particularly in provinces like Quebec and Alberta. The Albertan solution is to use the Ontario model as the basis for its new regulatory framework, but Quebec is still resolutely resisting. The province’s Ministry of Finance has no intention of ending Loto-Québec’s monopoly. A spokesperson is reported as saying that the concern is not about gambling per se, but because the Ontario approach had led to “overexposure to online gambling advertisements”.
Review sites looking out for consumers
However, there are signs of harmonization, particularly around measures to avoid gambling harms and help players avoid scam and fraudulent sites. While they are not officially working together, they are borrowing ideas from each other and aligning on responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits, timeout reminders, and personalised recommendations. While the authorities struggle to find a coordinated approach, online review sites like OnlineCasino.ca have helped players find the best and safest sites for years.
Since 2011, their independent reviewers have tested and evaluated hundreds of Canadian online casinos to ensure players find the best real-money games. Their expert insights help players avoid unscrupulous and fraudulent operators, keeping them safe online. While provincial authorities might be pulling in opposite directions officially, the expert review team has only one objective: to ensure players get the best experience on the most trusted platforms and apps.
Licensing matters
While the market is uncoordinated, licensing matters. Not all online casinos are licensed, and all the provinces agree that that should be a red flag for any player. Whether it is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, a trusted online casino needs to display a license to ensure trustworthiness, fair play, and data protection. While it is not illegal for Canadians to play at offshore casinos, there is a higher risk of operational bad practices. Many offshore sites do not offer the same level of security, fairness, or player protection as casinos with a Canadian license.
Consolidated efforts to protect consumers
As stated earlier, there are two main approaches to improving player protection. Alberta has taken a pragmatic approach, accepting that its residents are playing at offshore casinos and therefore choosing to adopt the Ontario model. Quebec is choosing to keep its head in the sand and hope that its state-run portal can keep external competition out. The problem for them is that the offshore operators often have much more exciting games and bonuses.
Ultimately, coordination across the provinces aims to keep residents safe. A recent problem gambling report found that around 3% of Canadian adults are affected by some form of problem gambling, which can be classed as moderate or severe. In perspective of the 60 -70% of Canadians who gamble, this number could be regarded as minor, and the vast majority of Canadians are of the opinion that it is a personal responsibility.
Player resources
However, the authorities recognise that personal responsibility cannot always be the guiding principle, and several national organisations are available to people or families who are negatively affected. These include the Canadian Center for Substance Abuse and Gamblers Anonymous. PlaySmart is also a great online resource that helps players find help if they think they have a gambling problem. The topline advice is never to gamble more than you can afford to lose, and never to borrow money to try to win back losses. Gambling is a form of entertainment and is supposed to be fun.
All eyes on Ontario
Just as Ontario was the leader in launching its commercialized market, it has also taken the lead in minimizing players’ gambling risks. It is advancing a centralized self‑exclusion program, which is a key responsible gaming tool. The problem with site-specific exclusion tools is that they are, well, site-specific. Ontario’s tool helps players to self-exclude across all the regulated sites. While it cannot prevent players from going offshore, it is a coordinated approach. The other provinces are watching closely and working on similar approaches in their own systems, whether they are commercial or state-run.
Staying safe
While the system remains decentralized, there is no doubt that the provincial authorities are keeping a weather eye on each other. As younger people move to app-based gaming, the authorities want to keep them protected from hackers and fraudsters. So, while licensing rules may vary, systems and internet protocols are strengthened and coordinated across provincial boundaries. There is probably more compliance and information sharing by the authorities in the background than might be obvious.
