Gaming activities have become an important part of Canadian culture, with millions of Canadians engaging in gaming every year. As countries all over the world begin to ease their regulations and laws around gaming practices, many gamers are wondering just how popular gaming is in Canada.
So, let’s explore how big the Canadian gaming industry is and how it will change in the future.
Firstly, nowadays, many Canadians are choosing to take part in gaming because of its widespread availability and accessibility. Thanks to modern technology, it’s now possible to access your favorite games online directly from your smartphone when you’re on the go or running errands instead of having to travel to a physical casino establishment. This trend is reflected in the current figures as the annual digital games revenue in Canada amounts to 4.68 billion U.S. dollars, with mobile gaming being the top-grossing gaming segment. In this way, mobile gaming has provided Canadians with an easy way to enjoy their favourite games.
Despite the growth of online gaming in Canada, there is also a market for offline gaming. In Canada, there are a plethora of casino and entertainment venues such as Casino de Montréal and the River Rock Casino Resort in British Columbia. Many locals and those from outside Canada visit these establishments annually, boosting the local economy and popularising gaming as a result. People like the social atmosphere and excitement of land-based venues, which offer a unique experience. Canada also hosts gaming tournaments and events, like the Canadian Gaming Summit and esports competitions. These events attract gamers from all over the country to connect and compete while growing their skills and learning from others in the field.
In terms of popular games in Canada, casino games generate significant revenue for the sector. Slot games, blackjack, roulette, and poker remain the most popular choices in both physical and online casinos. Today, unlike in the past, there are countless variations of these games featuring exciting themes and engaging features. Why not try them out for yourself? In Canada, people also enjoy playing video games with titles spanning various genres, including action, adventure, sports, and role-playing games. Popular franchises such as “Assassin’s Creed” and “Mass Effect,” developed by Canadian studios Ubisoft and BioWare, have gained traction in the country.
Of course, a large reason why gaming is so popular in Canada is because gambling is widely legal and regulated across the country. Historically, gambling laws in Canada have been strict. However, in recent years, the market has become more open and regulated. In fact, nowadays, most of Canada’s video game companies are located in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. In Quebec, gambling is managed by Loto-Québec, which oversees casinos, lotteries, and online gambling through Espacejeux. Ontario’s gambling is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, covering both land-based and online gambling, including sports betting. In British Columbia, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) regulates gambling, and PlayNow offers legal online gambling.
Additionally, as many provinces in Canada offer support for games developers including tax breaks and grants, it’s much easier for companies and startups to launch themselves onto the scene with Canada having over 900 video game studios. These studios boost the economy and make Canada a key player in the global game development industry. There are a number of big gaming companies dominating the Canadian market including Electronic Arts which generates billions in revenue every year. Started in 1983 by Trip Hawkins, the company is widely recognised on a global scale, producing famous titles like Sims and Fifa. The California-based company has offices throughout Canada, including in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal, reflecting the thriving gaming scene in Canada.
The future of the Canadian gaming market looks promising, mainly due to the emergence of new technologies, better internet access, and supportive laws. Although online gaming is expanding, traditional gaming venues still hold a certain appeal in the country. It’s also likely there will be more international companies taking their business to Canada as the Canadian government makes an effort to regulate online gambling. This coincides with the rise of advancing technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, which will draw even more players in as they promise immersive and secure gaming experiences.
Overall, gaming in Canada has experienced remarkable growth in the past several years with a heightened interest in gaming in the country and with citizens being provided with easier ways to enjoy gaming. With gambling laws opening up in certain parts of Canada, it’s likely that gaming will become an even more important facet of the entertainment landscape in the coming years. So, why not see what all the fuss is about and play one of your favourite games to fit in with those already doing so in Canada?
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