Canadians are big fans of entertainment experiences, from live hockey nights to both mainstream and independent cinema (its home to the Toronto International Film Festival) and more. But one form of entertainment that Canadians love is gambling. Studies show that around 75% of Canadians enjoy some type of gambling, from lotteries and slots to table games like poker and more.
And with over 200 land-based casinos located across the country, there’s certainly a world of choice when it comes to the gambling experience that people from Canada can have.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of gambling in Canada as well as what Canadians prefer – and where the industry is headed in the country’s future.
A brief history
The history of casino games in Canada begins thousands of years ago, when games of chance were played by indigenous people in a game called Slahal. This game involves playing with the bones of deer or other animals in order to beat an opponent and was enjoyed as part of sacred rituals recreationally – and is still played today.
One of the first official gambling events recorded in Canada was in 1767 in Quebec City when on the Plains of Abraham, the horse known as Modesty became the winner for the first horse racing event.
Another leap forward in history, and in 1910 Pari-mutuel betting became legal as well as occasional games of luck if profits were used for charities.
In 1970 things changed even further when it came to the country’s gambling laws. This law gave provinces the right to create and implement their own laws when it came to gambling. Nineteen years later the first land-based commercial casino was opened in Winnipeg.
This followed years of other casinos opening across the country in provinces like Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
These days, millions of Canadians enjoy gambling every single year. This has resulted in a $2.66 billion revenue in 2020 alone.
In the city of Toronto alone there are 32 gambling establishments.
The rise of online casinos
The internet boom of the 1990s had a widespread impact on global industries, including of course casinos. Not long after video games and iGaming became prolific, so too did the demand for players to enjoy their favourite casino games online.
Online gambling is legal in Canada provided that the online casinos that players are playing at are located offshore. And there are so many reasons why Canadians are choosing casinos, especially online ones, as their preferred leisure activity.
But what are the top reasons that Canadians are playing online casino games?
While the popularity of online casinos is booming all around the world, there are some big reasons why people in Canada are choosing them as one of their top leisure activities. Research in Ontario by the staff at bonus.ca showed the top places for Canadians in the province to play.
Here’s why they’re loving it!
Variety of games
Online casinos can offer a huge range of games compared to their land-based counterparts. As the games themselves don’t require physical space or storage, or transport, games can be added quickly online to the selection.
That allows online casinos to offer lots of variety – as well as the latest and greatest games.
And with technology improving all the time, and game developers competing in a saturated market, that means there’s always something new and exciting for players. And the online casinos want to be the first to offer them!
Offers and promotions
Speaking of offerings, one of the reasons that players keep coming back to online casino websites is the offers and promotions that are available to them. Many casino websites attract players initially by offering a sign-up bonus, like free spins or credit.
And to keep players loyal to their sites, many online casinos have created VIP programmes which push out regular promotions or bonuses based on how much you play on the website.
Earn real money
Unlike other types of games, casino games give you the opportunity to win actual money and add to your bank roll. As most casino players will know, there’s always a chance of losing out on money too.
But the risk is what makes casino games so exciting – and keeps players coming back.
To improve brain skills
Many online casino games are just games of chance. But some do require strategy and critical thinking – and can help you to improve those skills over time. A great example of this type of game is poker, where you need to outsmart your opponent with strategic moves.
It also makes these types of games more rewarding as you can improve at them over time. Many people get better at games by studying the pros or even taking classes.
In any case, what makes games like poker a bit more challenging is good for your cognitive skills by getting your brain fired up and thinking.
Convenience
One of the final reasons why so many Canadians love casino games online is that they’re convenient! As long as you have data or a Wi-Fi signal you can enjoy your favourite casino game on the go from wherever you are.
