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Gaming and Gambling Regulation in Canada – Outlook for 2023

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Online gambling has been gaining considerable popularity in Canada in the past few years. Many factors contribute to this trend, which include technological advancements, relaxations in government regulations, and growing attraction in youngsters who are looking for new ways to make money aside from a primary and stable income.

According to reports, video games grew at a rate of around 9.51% in 2022 and touched a 2.8 billion USD figure. The industry is expected to grow to reach 3.53 billion USD in 2023. Additionally, revenue from the industry is expected to show a growth rate of 6.54% every year to touch 4.55 billion USD by 2027. These numbers clearly show the positive outlook of the gaming and gambling industry in Canada.

Gambling in Ontario, Canada

In April last year, Ontario opened a new path for gambling businesses and sportsbook managers to launch their virtual casinos. The government amended the legislation so that businesses could apply for casino licenses and begin operations. Today, this license is offered by the Liquor and Gaming Commission. It’s because of this facility that sports betting lovers are able to engage in online gambling and make money while having fun at top sports betting platforms today.

Before Ontario’s historical decision, gambling was extremely regulated and bound tightly under stringent standards in Canada. The only way for gambling companies to operate in Canada was to have their license issued in a particular province where they wanted to conduct business. This tied them to a single province and restricted their overall portfolio and profits.

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Gambling in the rest of Canada

All Canadian states except for Alberta have different legislations that they follow. Only Alberta allows foreign gambling companies and third-party gambling companies to run their businesses in the state. That’s why you get to play poker, roulette, and other popular casino games on platforms such as Play Alberta.

In states other than Alberta, gambling is operational but these activities are run and managed by government agencies only. Even then, the norms and regulations are quite strict and gambling companies don’t enjoy adequate freedom in running their business operations. In fact, it was only recently when Bill C-128 was passed after which online casino and sports betting fans received the option to place single-event bets. Before this bill was passed, only parley bets were allowed on multiple events. So, even if players knew how to take their online betting to the next level, their hands were tied.

Gaming and virtual gambling growth

In the big picture, a positive trend in iGaming and gambling industry can be easily observed because of the following factors:

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  • Technological advancements: Mobile technology is becoming more powerful each year and mobile users are also increasing at a steady rate. Since more people play casino games and other conventional games on mobile than desktops, the iGaming and gambling industry is booming.
  • Convenience: Online gambling is super convenient. You don’t have to go to a certain place or need lots of money to partake in online gambling which is why it’s convenient for everyone.
  • Deals and promotions: Many online gambling platforms offer attractive bonuses and virtual money to attract players. When new players open accounts, they instantly get bonuses, free spins, and points, etc. These perks serve to boost the gaming industry overall.

2023 Outlook

The gambling and gaming outlook in Canada in 2023 can be assessed by looking at what’s happening in other countries. Even in countries where there are strict laws for gambling- such as India and the US- the governments are slowly easing up the regulations to promote online casinos and sportsbook platforms. We can see many existing online gambling platforms venturing into these markets, and new players entering the industry through these new territories.

Canada is already making it easier for online casino companies to run their business in the country and it will only promote it further in 2023. There are many reasons for it to do so. For starters, making online gambling and betting legal will curb illegal overseas gambling that only serves to hit the government’s tax collections. Additionally, it will also boost the economy as more third-party companies will start new operations in the country to generate more employment. It’s because of these reasons that experts believe the gambling revenue will increase by 30% to 40% by the end of the year.

Conclusion

Canada was once known as one of the strictest countries in gambling governance. However, this image is changing today and as the government is relaxing its regulations, more companies are setting up their businesses in the country. Hence, the general consensus today is that iGaming and gambling industry will continue to grow here in 2023 and many years to come

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Casino Time Partners with GeoLocs for Enhanced Geolocation Compliance in Ontario

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GeoLocs by mkodo, proven and trusted provider of geolocation services built exclusively for the iGaming industry, is excited to announce its partnership with casino operator, Casino Time. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering secure and seamless online gaming experiences to Casino Time players in Ontario.

With the legalisation of iGaming in Ontario 2 years ago, regulatory compliance and player safety are top priorities for operators across North America. GeoLocs state-of-the-art geolocation compliance technology, coupled with its dedication to data protection (as seen by the recent ISO certification), provide Casino Time with guaranteed compliance while prioritising player privacy.

Through GeoLocs’ intuitive and easy-to-implement SDK and the highly self-serviceable GeoLocs platform, Casino Time provides its players with a seamless user experience, requiring no additional downloads, resulting in uninterrupted access to their favourite games while maintaining compliance with Ontario’s iGaming regulations.

Jeffrey Holmes, COO at Casino Time said: “Casino Time’s mission is to create the best possible gaming experience for its users and partnering with GeoLocs for our geolocation verification service means that we can provide our players with an online casino experience like no other. An experience that is secure and seamless, whilst also remaining compliant with regulations set out by the province of Ontario. The support provided by the team at GeoLocs has been incredible and their knowledge of geolocation and the Ontario market is second to none. With GeoLocs, we can ensure that our operations meet regulatory requirements while delivering a frictionless experience for our players.”

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Stuart Godfree, Managing Director at mkodo, said: “We are excited to partner with Casino Time to support their expansion into the Ontario iGaming market. GeoLocs is designed to prioritise data protection and regulatory compliance while delivering a seamless experience for both operators and players. With GeoLocs technology, Casino Time can operate with confidence, knowing that they are meeting regulatory standards and providing their players with a safe and secure gaming environment.”

The partnership between GeoLocs and Casino Time demonstrates a shared commitment to excellence, compliance, and player experience in the iGaming industry. By leveraging GeoLocs’ advanced geolocation technology, Casino Time aims to enhance its position as a leading provider of online gaming experiences in Ontario.

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Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Historic Transaction of Casino Nanaimo

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Great Canadian Entertainment, Canada’s leading gaming and hospitality company, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its landmark Vancouver Island property, Casino Nanaimo, to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd (Petroglyph) in a historic transaction for both parties. Petroglyph is a wholly owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation dedicated to realizing the economic potential of the Nation.

Great Canadian’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by the regulatory authorities. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the Company will provide transition services to Petroglyph for up to two years post-closing.

“We are very pleased to have executed this agreement. As the operator of Casino Nanaimo since its inception in 1986, we believe that under Petroglyph’s steady management, this transaction will provide Casino Nanaimo, its guests and team members with an exciting new chapter. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Petroglyph team during the transition period to ensure an outstanding outcome for all parties,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

“We celebrate our partnership with Great Canadian and our entry into B.C.’s casino industry. We are committed to bringing Snuneymuxw’s local expertise to an established tradition of outstanding guest service and meaningful community contributions. Honouring the decades of work by past Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils, we look forward to closing the definitive agreement and realizing our collective vision with the Great Canadian team. This collaboration promises to bring significant benefits and substantial economic growth to our Nation and the local community,” said Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse.

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Erralyn Joseph, President of Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), said: “The Snuneymuxw group of companies are profoundly honoured to support Snuneymuxw economic growth in significant and meaningful ways. In addition to our pending acquisition of the business, we are honoured to announce the return of the associated land once closing is completed, a part of the Snuneymuxw xwsol’lexwel village. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to share this news and remain committed to advancing the region’s economic growth in support of all its residents.”

Ian Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of PDG, said: “Acquiring this significant asset will unlock unprecedented economic potential for Snuneymuxw and PDG, paving the way for transformative growth in Snuneymuxw’s economy and the profits that PDG returns to our Nation.”

McMillan is serving as legal counsel to Great Canadian. McCarthy Tétrault is acting as legal counsel and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Petroglyph.

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Canada set to host the next BLAST R6 Major with world’s best Rainbow Six esports players to compete in Montreal in November

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World’s best Rainbow Six Siege esports teams from 9 regions will compete in Montreal, Canada. $750,000 in total prize pool up for grabs at final Major of 2024.

Today, Ubisoft and BLAST have released details for the final BLAST Rainbow Six Major of Season 2024, which is due to take place in Montreal, Canada from 7 to 17 of November.

Rainbow Six Esports is back in Canada for the first time since 2023, with Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium set to welcome 20 of the world’s best teams over two weeks in November. The BLAST R6 Major Montreal will feature a three-phase format with the final weekend playing out in front of a live audience with thousands of fans expected to pack out the Verdun Arena.

Tickets are available here: eventim.ca

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Dates & location:

  • Phase 1: 7 – 8 November – not open to public
  • Phase 2: 10 – 13 November – not open to public
  • Phase 3: 15 – 17 November – open to the public at the Verdun Auditorium, Montreal

Venue: Verdun Auditorium

Address: 4110 Bd LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4G 2A5, Canada

With Stage 2 of the Regional Leagues is set to get underway from September, teams across the nine different regions of BLAST R6 will be looking to become one of the 20 teams to qualify for the Montreal Major. These teams will compete for the lion’s share of the USD $750,000 prize pool, as well as points to qualify for the Six Invitational 2025.

Montreal and Rainbow Six have a long history together since the teams behind the development of Rainbow Six Siege are based in Ubisoft offices in Montreal. The city had previously hosted international Rainbow Six Esports tournaments such as the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023 editions of Rainbow Six’s SIX Invitational where Brazilian team w7m had been crowned World Champions.

Additional details on the venue, ticketing, and more are available via Eventim here: eventim.ca

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For more information about BLAST R6, please visit rainbow6.com and follow us on social media.

 

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