Canada has a long history with gambling as it is even regarded as a popular culture of the residents of the country. But despite its long history with this entertaining activity, not all forms of gambling are completely legal in the North American country. There have been several changes in the laws governing gambling in the country, the changes were so much that some people believed that online gambling is illegal in the country.- Legalized Online Gambling

One of the reasons many were sceptical about the legality of online gambling in Canada was due to the ban placed on single-game sports betting for all bookmakers in the country. This happened in 1985. In August 2021, however, this ban was lifted by the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act (SRSBA), making it one of the many bans that have been lifted over the years in the country. Still yet, a study shows that only 20% of the Canadian population is aware of this change as most of them usually carry out their gambling activities with offshore platforms when a service is not available in their respective provinces or regions.

The Changes In iGaming in Canada- Legalized Online Gambling

With certain limitations placed on the certain gambling options, many Canucks turned to offshore operators, which are not allowed to operate within the borders of the country, to meet their diverse gambling demands. This, however, placed the official online gaming platforms in Canada in a tight spot as they felt that offshore operators are hindering their success in the country. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the gaming regulatory body in Ontario, proposed a change in iGaming in the province to ensure it operates as close to an open market concerning the limits of the Code that lets gaming be regulated by the government.

Several things have changed ever since online gambling was legalized in the country. One of them is the open market change brought about by the Ontario government, as reputable online gambling platforms are not allowed to operate within the province. But they need to register with the AGCO to receive an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario before they can be allowed to go live within the province. Other changes have happened.

Increase in Online Sports Betting In Canada

Before the C-218 Bill, which legalized single-game sports betting in Canada, the only legal type of sports betting in the country can only be achieved through parlays and horse racing. This is very limited when you consider the number of sports events the Canadians have. This bill changed that, and its advent paved the way for different types of gambling to be allowed in the country (like placing a bet on the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the season) and single-game betting (like betting on a sports team to defeat another in an event).

Canadians already love gambling, and the passing of this C-218 bill only means that there will be an increase in sports betting in the years to come. Unlike before when there were only parlays and horse racing kinds of betting, now the Canadians will have access to several other kinds of gambling. They will be able to bet on their favourite sports team or event whenever they feel like it. 

Increase In Online Gambling Platforms

The changes brought about by the Ontario Government mean that there will be several online gambling platforms, both online casinos and sports betting platforms, entering the new open market to go live in the province. PointsBet, Coolbet, theScore, 888, Unibet, bet365, and many more have already registered with the AGCO for an agreement to go live in the popular province.

This transformation from the Ontario government might see other provincial governments in the country opting for the same idea. This means that there will be a huge flood of online gambling platforms in the country in the coming years. And this is a good thing for the Canadians. More options mean increased opportunities.

Increase In Revenue

Following the emergence of the C-218 bill as well as Ontario’s integration into the open market, the gambling revenue in Canada will see a major increase in the coming years. According to Deloitte Canada, the legalization of single-event sports betting in the country could see growth close to $28 billion in the next five years. And with new gambling platforms seeking to opt into the Ontario government, analysts are expecting to see a huge increase in gambling revenue in the country.