

Canada
Nearly half of Ontarian viewers wagering on Super Bowl LIX
The latest sports betting survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows the majority of Ontarians plan to watch Super Bowl LIX (63 per cent) and almost half of viewers will place a wager on the big game (48 per cent).
Over a third of Ontario adults have initiated a bet after seeing a gambling advertisement online or on TV (35 per cent); more so among populations at-risk for problem gambling, including those under age 44 (42 per cent) and Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals (44 per cent).
Two thirds believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes (67 per cent), particularly men and those aged 18-44 (70 per cent). While knowledge and skill does inform a bet, it doesn’t guarantee a win. The misconception that one can accurately predict an outcome can lead to over confidence that their knowledge will give them an advantage and ultimately, a win. This is known as the illusion of control. This false belief paired with persuasive gambling advertising can increase risk, influencing some to bet more than they can afford to lose. More than a third report doing so in the past 12 months (36 per cent).
Key survey highlights
How Ontarians plan to bet:
- 50 per cent will bet online with a sportsbook website
- 30 per cent will bet with family and friends
- 27 per cent will buy sport-based lottery tickets
- 20 per cent will bet in a pool
How much they plan to wager:
- 55 per cent say they will bet $100 or less
- 19 per cent will bet between $101 and $500
- 8 per cent plan to wager more than $500
Number of bets they’ll make:
- 55 per cent will bet a single time on the outcome of the game
- 25 per cent will bet multiple times throughout the game using one sportsbook website
- 15 per cent will bet using several sportsbook websites
“Gambling is random but your plan shouldn’t be,” says Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “Perceived knowledge of the game, persuasive advertising, and substance use can all influence how we gamble. A smart plan includes being mindful of the illusion of control and remembering that even with sports expertise, understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome.”
RGC tips for safer sports betting
- Be mindful of the illusion of control. Remember that even with sports expertise a win is not guaranteed and understanding the game, players or stats won’t boost your chances of predicting a random outcome
- Be aware that time spent, and knowledge gained won’t help you “beat the odds”
- Plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food
- Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost
- Limit your alcohol, cannabis, and/or other substance intake
- Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed
- View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money
Detailed survey insights
Half of those who will wager on the Super Bowl say their main reason to bet is to win money (48 per cent), followed by adding to the excitement of the game (47 per cent). About a fifth bet because they believe they are knowledgeable about the teams and players (22 per cent), they feel confident about their chances of winning (20 per cent), or because their favourite team or player is playing (18 per cent). One in ten bets in a mistaken attempt to make up for last year’s losses (10 per cent).
Over half of those who will bet on the big game will place their bets while consuming substances, which are associated with the additional risks of impaired judgement and decision-making (52 per cent). The majority plan to consume alcohol while betting (86 per cent).
While men and women are similarly likely to watch the Super Bowl, men are slightly more likely to place a wager (49 vs 45 per cent). Age and ethnicity also play significant roles. Ontario sports bettors aged 45+ are more likely to bet on the big game (52 per cent) than those aged 18-44 (45 per cent). White individuals are significantly more likely to bet on Super Bowl LIX (54 per cent) compared to BIPOC Ontarians (42 per cent).
Staying onside
Of those planning to bet on the Super Bowl, the most common strategies to manage their gambling risk remain the same as last year: deciding on a pre-set betting limit (37 per cent), betting to have fun and not to make money (31 per cent), and not betting more to recoup losses (25 per cent).
A quarter of all respondents say they always or often feel anger or frustration at losing a bet (25 per cent), while a third sometimes do (36 per cent). This increases when placing bets while using substances. A third report their gambling has caused them to experience health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety (36 per cent) over the last 12 months, and that they might have a problem with gambling (36 per cent). These rates are highest among BIPOC Ontarians and those aged 18-34.
As a result, more Super Bowl betters are now paying attention to mood and state of mind when they gamble. Encouragingly, a quarter will avoid betting when feeling emotionally distressed (25 per cent) and a fifth will refrain from betting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (21 per cent).
To help keep online gambling safer, all regulated sportsbook websites have responsible gambling features. Of those who plan to use online sportsbooks to bet during the Super Bowl, a quarter read online information about the odds of winning and how certain games work (25 per cent) or use money limit-setting tools (23 per cent). A fifth use personalized spending reports or take a cooling off period (20 per cent). Notably, a third don’t plan on using any features to help them manage their betting (33 per cent).
Methodology
An online survey of 1,147 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between November 22 – December 6, 2024, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.9%, 19 times out of 20.
The post Nearly half of Ontarian viewers wagering on Super Bowl LIX appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
Online casino with a Nordic twist enters yet another market as it continues to deploy its ambitious international expansion plans
Winlandia.com, the online casino brand with a distinctly Nordic feel, has made its debut in Canada as it continues to expand its reach into international markets.
Winlandia is celebrating ten years of Nordic excellence and is now available for Canadian players, with its website available in both English and French.
Canadian players will get a real sense of Finnish Sisu when they sign up to Winlandia for the first time with a generous welcome bonus that is up for grabs.
When it comes to depositing, Winlandia has a well-stocked cashier including Visa, Mastercard, MuchBetter, Paysafecard, Payz, AstroPay and of course, Interac.
Players can expect instant deposits and fast withdrawals, so they get their winnings without delay.
The cool Nordic vibes extend to the online casino lobby where players can explore a vast portfolio of more than 9,000 slot, table, instant win, bingo, Slingo, arcade and live dealer titles.
Just some of the providers available include Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Microgaming, Red Tiger, Play’n GO, Blueprint Gaming, IGT, Scientific Games, Nolimit City and Evolution Gaming.
Winlandia players will be able to benefit from its Personalization Platform that was implemented at the beginning of last year. This means players will get individual game recommendations based on real-time data, a bit like Netflix but for casino games, not movies.
Canadian players can also enjoy some of the most generous promotions in the market, including Daily Picks which sees free spins and other bonuses added to their account each day.
They can also take part in thrilling slot tournaments and go head-to-head with other players and where if they place high on the leaderboard, there are big prizes to be won.
Winlandia is powered by SkillOnNet and has quickly emerged as a top online casino brand in competitive markets such as Finland, Denmark and the UK.
The team behind the site is confident that Canadian players will be drawn to its comprehensive offering and unique Nordic flavour.
Winlandia has extended its collaboration with its premium affiliate partner, Gambling.com, as their exclusive launch partner for the Canadian market. Via their site assets like Gambling.com/ca, players will get an exclusive offer of 100% up to $5,000 + 150 Free spins on Big Bass Bonanza.
Christoffer Grönlund, Head of Acquisitions & PR at Winlandia, said: “Players in Canada can now enjoy an authentic Nordic online casino experience that includes thousands of casino games from the biggest providers offered alongside generous bonuses and promotions.
“Despite being an international brand, localisation is very important to us and that’s why we implemented the payment method Interac to our cashier and ensure we have the most popular game providers for the Canadian market in our game lobby.
“Canada is a big market and one that we are incredibly excited to enter this market together with our Premium Affiliate Partner Gambling.com/ca. We truly believe that their high volume of quality traffic of players will enjoy what we have to offer at Winlandia.”
Gary Connelly, Senior Key Account Manager at Gambling.com Group, added: “I’m excited to welcome Winlandia Casino as they prepare for their Canadian launch.
“With 10 years of Nordic excellence and trust, a standout design, and an impressive portfolio of over 9,000+ games, Winlandia is well-positioned for success in this market. Following strong results in the UK, I look forward to a successful partnership in Canada, where their fresh player base offers great conversion potential.”
The post Online casino with a Nordic twist enters yet another market as it continues to deploy its ambitious international expansion plans appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
GiG Launches Fourth Partner into Ontario as PowerPlay Enhances Its Gaming Experience with GiG’s Formidable Combination of Proprietary Platform, Sportsbook and AI technology
Gaming Innovation Group (GiG Software Plc) has announced a major new partnership with PowerPlay Online Casino & Sportsbook, with the brand now live having migrated to a premium technology supplier to propel growth in the regulated Canadian province of Ontario. The launch marks the fourth brand now active in the region powered by GiG’s cutting-edge iGaming technology, and further positioning GiG as a provider of choice for operators in regulated online markets in Canada, with Alberta next due in line once legislation passes.
GiG has established itself as one of the premier technology providers in Ontario, and PowerPlay will look to leverage a proven and powerful combination of GiG’s proprietary technology. The launch includes GiG’s award winning iGaming platform alongside a suite of next generation solutions, its feature packed Sportsbook, SportX, revolutionary rules based engine, LogicX and GiG’s innovative CMS.
PowerPlay has built a strong Canadian legacy, and its dedication to reliability and customer satisfaction has cemented its position as a trusted operator, ensuring players enjoy a world-class, secure, and seamless gaming experience. Now, with the migration to GiG’s cutting-edge technology, PowerPlay is poised to enhance its offerings even further.
With a growing emphasis on cutting-edge artificial intelligence and automation, PowerPlay can also now call on the full power of dynamic AI tools DataX and LogicX, with the incorporation of advanced machine learning models into their toolkit, enhancing decision-making processes and rule building helping to deliver significant increases in player acquisition and customer retention. Innovative sportsbook SportX will boost PowerPlay’s offering by providing advanced bet-builder capabilities, dynamic odds, and a comprehensive suite of localised features, including horse racing and virtual sports betting.
The launch carries significance as further evidence of GiG’s accelerated delivery cadence, as the fourth publicly announced partner launch this year. GiG has implemented a suite of strategic improvements over the past year, and is set to further escalate launches throughout 2025, reinforcing its commitment to seamless execution and growth.
GiG’s has been one of the forerunners of regulated market expansion in iGaming for over 10 years, facilitating smooth market entries in complex regulated environments not only in North America, but across key markets in Europe, Latin America and now the Philippines in Asia, strengthening its position as a reliable and strategic technology partner for operators globally.
Having regulated in April 2022, online gaming in Ontario has enjoyed significant growth under the guidance of the AGCO (Alcohol & Gambling Commission). As of the second quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year , Ontario’s online gambling market reached CA$738 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), reflecting a 1.7% quarter-over-quarter growth and a 35.4% year-over-year increase, according to data supplied by the regulator.
James Coxon, Chief Operating Officer at GiG, commented: “GiG’s expertise in delivering market-leading technology is once again proving instrumental in helping partners like PowerPlay navigate the complexities of regulated markets. The successful launch into Ontario highlights our ability to facilitate seamless market entry while ensuring stability and scalability for long-term growth. Our continued focus on delivering brilliant basics, from secure platform infrastructure to optimised user experiences, is key to enabling partners to maximise their potential. We’re proud to be playing a role in PowerPlay’s success and the ongoing evolution of both the Ontarian market and the wider future of iGaming in Canada, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner in the regulated space.”
Dean Serrao, Chief Executive Officer at PowerPlay, commented: “The successful migration to GiG’s technology platform is a milestone for PowerPlay as we continue to grow in Ontario. This partnership allows us to offer an enhanced and seamless experience for our players, while leveraging GiG’s flexible and scalable solutions to expand our presence in the market. We are excited for what’s ahead and confident this move will help us strengthen our position as a leading brand in the province.”
The post GiG Launches Fourth Partner into Ontario as PowerPlay Enhances Its Gaming Experience with GiG’s Formidable Combination of Proprietary Platform, Sportsbook and AI technology appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AGCO
Evoplay enters the Canadian market with Ontario licence approval

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has expanded its reach after securing a supplier licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), marking its official entry into the Canadian market.
The licence allows Evoplay to offer its gaming portfolio to Ontario’s licensed operators, bringing its innovative titles to one of North America’s most dynamic regulated markets.
As a province with a strong player base and well-established iGaming framework, Ontario represents a key opportunity for Evoplay’s continued global expansion.
With a diverse portfolio of slots, table games, crash, and instant games, Evoplay is known for delivering engaging content that resonates with modern audiences.
This move reinforces the company’s commitment to entering new regulated markets and working closely with local partners to provide high-quality gaming experiences.
With further growth plans on the horizon, Evoplay continues to strengthen its global footprint, bringing its signature gaming experiences to new audiences worldwide.
Ihor Zarechnyi, CCO at Evoplay, said: “Receiving an Ontario licence is a significant milestone for us as we expand into North America.
“Ontario’s iGaming market has grown significantly, and we’re excited to bring our content to local players while building strong partnerships with operators in the region.”
The post Evoplay enters the Canadian market with Ontario licence approval appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
gaming3 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018