Online gambling is often met with skepticism from governments worldwide. Some have attempted to ban its use. Others, such as the Canadian government, have sought to regulate it and harness its potential for the greater good of the country.
For an insight into the positive impact gambling has had on Toronto, this article begins by helping readers navigate Canada’s online gambling regulations before leading onto the phenomenal impact, gambling has had on the economy in Toronto.
Gambling Rules and Regulations in Canada
Gambling is legal in Canada; however, the types permitted in each province and territory vary. There are a select number of legal land-based casinos in Canada. In the provincial capital of Toronto, there is one gambling institution called the Casino Woodbine.
Online gambling is permitted in Canada; however, residents are supposed to use select casino games from PlayOLG, a site enforced and governed by the authorities.
However, there is no legislation in Canada that defines offshore gambling by Canadian citizens to be illegal. But some laws specify gambling sites must be licensed by a federal or provincial government to operate in Canada. Meaning, any offshore gambling sites revealed to be accepting Canadian customers could be subject to legal proceedings and a fine from the Canadian government. This includes people within Canada, attempting to create land-based casinos or iGaming sites without a license from the authorities.
Although Canadian residents and tourists are not subject to the same legal pressures to play within their country, it’s fair to say it’s frowned upon – but it’s not illegal. Thus, residents have not yet been persecuted for offshore gaming. Primarily, the responsibility is laid upon gambling institutions to follow Canada’s rules.
Moreover, to protect those who are too young to gamble their money responsibility, there are age limits to play the lottery and gamble. In Ontario, residents of 18 years of age and older can legally play the lottery. However, slot machine games, roulette, blackjack and poker, live casino and so forth are reserved for those who are 19 and over.
Canada’s Legal iGaming Platform
Casino gambling has been legal in Ontario since the 1980s. Since then, multiple upscale land-based casinos have nestled in and around the capital of Toronto.
However, in recent years, the popularity of online gaming has increased. Thus, casino site owners have made use of advanced technology to optimize their sites, refine online games, and provide the best casino games online for users who want to play from home, work, or their local coffee shop etc.
There are many iGaming options for Canadians in Toronto, all whom have a valid gaming license. The sites must have a license from the Malta Gaming Authority as well as an independent complaint service for players. Sites who meet these requirements are then legal to operate and accept Canadian citizens.
Land-Based Casinos in The Greater Toronto Area
At present, there is one land-based casino in Toronto city, the Casino Woodbine, which is currently undergoing a massive extension. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), there are four more land-based casinos available. The Ontario Lottery Gambling Corporation oversees these casinos.
- Casino Ajax in Ajax
- Elements Casino Mohawk in Milton
- Great Blue Heron Casino in Port Perry
- Pickering Casino Resort in Pickering (set to open in 2022)
Gambling’s Positive Impact on the Economy
Due to Canada’s vague regulatory laws, Canadians and tourists can enjoy casinos much more than in other countries like the US. Through the governance of gambling in Canada, the casino industry is now one of the country’s largest industries, and it’s had a prolific impact on Canada’s economy. For instance, the casino industry has provided 200,000 residents with employment.
Billions Generated by Gambling for Canada
Most notably, according to a report by Fantini Gaming Research, the revenue from the gambling industry in 2017 in Canada was C$17.3 billion, of which 43% of the total gaming revenue was accrued in Ontario, home to Toronto amounting to C$7.445 billion.
With billions of dollars pumped into the economy, casino owners divide the revenue among employees, charitable causes and tax to the government.
Casinos Boost Hospitality Industry Revenue
The gambling industry in Canada also has a positive effect on the growth of other businesses. C$1 billion of the total C$17.3 billion generated from gambling was spent on restaurants and bars.
Stores, restaurants, and hotels also experience the advantage of casino custom drawn in by casinos like the Casino Woodbine in Toronto.
Among supporting other businesses within Toronto, the GTA, and the rest of Canada, The Canadian Gaming Industry also spends millions on promoting responsible gambling.
Land Based Vs iGaming
Land-based casinos, compared to iGaming platforms, still hold the top spot for generating the most revenue in Canada. Although it’s possible, the revenue recorded for iGaming is not an accurate depiction of its potential. Canada may not be receiving the full scope of how much citizens are using to gamble because Canadians may also be gambling offshore.
iGaming is a much-appreciated contender for its current contributions to the gambling industry in Canada. Its users are continuing to grow because it’s much more convenient and quicker to access than land-based casinos. And iGaming platforms are ideal for those who are not near the city. However, for people that are, it’s likely most people still prefer visiting casinos in person for the social aspect and the thrill of being present in a real-life casino. Plus, with casino complexes offering an array of activities under one roof, there is plenty of entertainment to keep visitors engaged and continue spending their money.
The future of gambling in Toronto
Canada’s relaxed gambling laws and mission to regulate its use has dramatically benefited the economy. With hundreds of thousands of extra jobs, more people can provide for their families in Toronto and beyond. And with the lure of casinos drawing in customers, other businesses, namely the hospitality industry, also reap the benefits with the provincial capital of Toronto, only hosting the Casino Woodbine at present. Other casinos may likely be on the horizon to fulfill the entertainment needs of customers and amplify the economy by pitching for new casinos in significant cities like Toronto.
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