On 4 April 2022, Ontario made history by becoming the first province in Canada to launch a private marketplace for legal and regulated iGaming. The Canadian gambling industry is indeed on the rise.
Online gambling is not a new concept for Canadians. If anything, an Ipsos survey poll found that 60% of Canadians engage in gambling. So, here’s a look at what the industry holds for Ontarians.
Benefits of Legalized Online Gambling
With the entry of major market players like Bet99, gamblers from Ontario will benefit from the launch of legalized online gambling in the following ways:
- Safe and secure online experience
- Lower taxes than traditional casinos
- A regulated environment where players can enjoy their favourite games without fear of getting scammed
- More choice of locations
- Access to a wide variety of games
- Better customer service
Where Is the Industry Months Later?
Since its legalization, online gambling has impacted the province in a variety of ways:
i) Creation of jobs
Since its legalization, online gambling has created several direct job opportunities. The biggest winners have been IT professionals such as web designers and developers, app developers, and cyber security experts.
According to Canadian Gaming Association, the gambling industry sustains more than 102,000 jobs in Ontario.
ii) Generated tax revenue
The government receives revenue from online gambling operators that fund various programs and services that benefit Canadians.
According to a report by Yahoo Finance, Ontario’s online gaming industry will generate an estimated $989 million in gross revenue during the first year of its launch.
How to Gamble Safely Online
You will need to take some precautions when gambling online. Here are some safety tips:
1. Safe Payment Method
A legitimate gambling site will include secure payment options like credit and debit cards that you can track and request a chargeback in case of a dispute. If a platform only offers payment options with no chance of getting your money back after payment, it likely is a scam site.
2. Secure Website
It is essential to verify that the platform offers robust security measures. An excellent way to do this is to look for SSL encryption, which is that tiny padlock symbol you’ll see in most websites’ address bar. A locked padlock means that website is safe.
3. Be vigilant
Protect your personal information when you sign up for online gambling. Keep your username and password safe, and never share it with anyone else. Finally, always log off from the website after completing transactions.
4. Good Customer Support Team
Verify that the casino has helpful customer care representatives who will assist you in case of an issue. Opt for one where the representatives work most of the time, preferably 24/7. The site should also offer multiple ways to contact customer care.
Additionally, you can confirm the professionalism of the customer care team by searching for positive reviews from online users. Alternatively, confirm if they have won any customer service award, which most casinos typically showcase on their website.
5. Select a Reputable Site
You would do well to play on a site registered by a reputable gambling authority like the MGA or the UKGC. The site should bear the licence number, which you can verify from the gambling authority’s website.
6. Choose a Site That Offers Reputable Games
Settle for a site that provides recognizable titles from leading gaming producers like NetEnt and Microgaming. That way, you are assured you’re playing in a legitimate casino. If an online casino is offering knockoff games, it’s highly likely the casino has questionable credentials.
Final Words
Online gambling in Ontario looks like it’s here to stay. If you settle for a platform bearing legitimate payment methods and its licensed by a reputable gambling authority, you should have plenty of fun safely.
