Canada is steadily becoming a gambler’s paradise, with its fair laws catering to iGaming. The recent changes to rules, which mandate provinces to set regulations, have changed the industry. Hence, more betting options exist, whether in sports or casino gaming.
Different Canadian online gambling trends have reflected these new changes. As of the end of 2023, the total country’s population stood at over 40 million. Interestingly, despite the country being the second-largest in terms of land size, there are not as many entertainment options.
It comes as no surprise that iGaming is the go-to platform for recreation. A review of the top 10 online casinos in Canada details their exciting game libraries with unique bonuses.
This article will discuss the results of our CasinoOnlineCA team research on new demographics for Canada. It will focus on age, gender, and geographic factors.
The findings from CasinoOnlineCA research include data from over 100 non-governmental and governmental reports. As stated, the vast land size means more residents in smaller towns have less social interaction daily. However, big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary account for over 5 million people, which are strong provinces with stable iGaming laws.
The nation is also bilingual. It recognizes Canadian French and Canadian English as official languages. Hence, you’ll find online casinos offering a chance to change the dialect on the site. Currently, female residents are taking up gambling as recreation, a move from recent trends that were male-dominated. Males account for 57% of the internet gambling population, leaving 43% to females.
The number of users handling smartphones and tablets rose in 2022, boosting the widespread popularity of digital casinos. Current statistics show 37 million active internet users, which could grow in upcoming years. Here’s a breakdown.
Our analysis also shows that smartphone gambling is rising. The different regulations for mobile casinos have led to the development of optimized games compatible with varying screen sizes. We found that most players prefer platforms with native mobile apps available for download.
As stated, men were heavily involved in gambling in the past. Recently, the landscape has been shifting, with women narrowing the gap. Our research indicates that the change is the increased engagement on online platforms.
57% of total players are men, making up a significant portion across all age groups. Participation is mainly in games viewed as highly competitive or require strategy, including poker, blackjack, and live dealer tables. The appeal is challenged to test their skill set against other players and boost their chances of winning. Some members also prefer casual gambling, including slots, and enjoy the recreational aspect.
The female gender is left with 47% of the total gambling population. The most popular titles they prefer are slots, offering simpler gameplay styles and fewer strategy requirements. Other games are bingo and lottery options. Besides, they enjoy the social aspect, which leads to interaction.
The age revolution is among Canada’s most impressive features of online gambling. Our research team at CasinoOnlineCA discovered that the range uniquely differs from other countries. You may assume iGaming is reserved for the young playing generation, but the reality is different.
First, legalities differ between provinces. The minimum age allowed to sign up at casinos is 18-19. It’s a sharp contrast to the United States, where many jurisdictions require players to be at least 21.
| Provinces | Legal Gambling age |
| Ontario | 19 |
| Quebec | 18 |
| Newfoundland | 19 |
| Nova Scotia | 19 |
| Prince Edward Island | 19 |
| New Brunswick | 19 |
| Manitoba | 18 |
| Saskatchewan | 19 |
| Alberta | 18 |
| British Columbia | 19 |
| Yukon | 19 |
| Northwest Territories | 19 |
| Nunavut | 19 |
The different legislations are heavy on responsible gambling, stating heavy penalties for operators that don’t enforce age verification. It may look like online gaming is left for the young demographics. However, the reality is different.
Players (64% or 18.9 million residents) aged above 15 state they have gambled once. Their introduction to advanced technology trends, including smartphones and artificial intelligence, offering seamless gambling, is a reason for the transition. It also allows private gaming, including options like cryptocurrency for funding.
Millennials are attracted to accessibility and convenience. Online casino gambling is available during lunch breaks and after work hours to ease stress. The feature of playing from anywhere is a reason for its rise.
Gen Z players are attracted to mobile gambling. Added effects like gamification elements that provide extra winning chances, like loot boxes, improve their engagement levels. Furthermore, the thrill, twists, and social integration of different games make the iGaming experience more than a winning opportunity.
Analysis from various polls and surveys shows that the Gen X demographic is heavily involved in online gambling. The group participates in more challenging games which require skill and strategy. Top titles like blackjack and poker are popular among them. A 2018 study proves players over 44 accounted for over 50% of the active gaming population.
Canada’s large land size played a huge role in the changes to online gambling legislation. The Internet revolution also made it easier for Canadian players to access online casinos. However, regional differences and their regulators still influence the types of games available and what sites are available.
Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, making it a hub for iGaming. It has the strongest laws regulating online gambling. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the government’s regulator in approving licences. In addition, most residents enjoy wagering on slots, poker, baccarat, and sports. Ontario is home to six major operators, the largest of most provinces.
Quebec is similar to Ontario but has a distinct cultural environment. Its primary language is Canadian French, which influences its gaming tradition. The majority of residents prefer lotteries and bingo to slots and poker.
Furthermore, the “Act, respecting the Société des Loteries du Québec” and the “Act, respecting Lotteries, Publicity Contests, and Amusement Machines” are the major legislations regulating iGaming. More platforms that centre on French are successful in this province.
Atlantic provinces, smaller in population than Ontario and Quebec, have dedicated gamblers. The jurisdictions include Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. These jurisdictions have tight communities encouraging social interaction, especially for live dealer tables. They also favour popular titles like slots, bingo, and government-owned sites that allow lottery betting.
Our review of Western Canada’s online gambling market shows it is dynamic, with unique additions from the provinces. British Columbia is known for its fair laws, serving a tech-savvy gaming population. Its “Gaming Control Act” offers stiff penalties for unlicensed operators. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is the government’s regulator and authorised gaming site. In addition, the province contributed 13% of the total gambling revenue in Canada in 2022. Other jurisdictions like Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan contribute fair amounts due to widespread internet broadband connection.
Canada is home to a dynamic iGaming environment. The gender myth that stated gambling is a “male” activity is slowly disappearing with the closing of the gap. More females now participate in different activities to enjoy online gaming, offering casual betting as the primary focus. The active playing population is Gen X, which accounts for over half of internet gamers. Geographical considerations also influence the industry, especially with language differences. As technology continues to change the trends, our CasinoOnlineCA experts believe the dynamism will only deepen. It will expose players to innovative features for an immersive experience.
