6 Biggest Canadian Gaming Industry Developments That Shaped 2024

6 Biggest Canadian Gaming Industry Developments That Shaped 2024

By Marcus Bennett

January 1, 2025 at 05:53 PM

The digital gaming industry in Canada saw significant developments throughout 2024. Here are the key highlights that shaped the landscape:

Alberta's New Gaming Framework Alberta announced plans for a competitive, regulated iGaming model similar to Ontario's. Major operators including PointsBet Canada, Betway, PENN, and NorthStar have expressed interest in entering the market, with an expected launch in mid-2025.

Ontario's Market Performance

  • 50 licensed operators and 82 gaming websites
  • Q2 2024-25 total wagers: $18.7 billion (31.7% year-over-year increase)
  • Q2 gaming revenue: $738 million (35.4% year-over-year increase)
  • Created nearly 15,000 jobs
  • Generated $1.24 billion in government revenues

Canadian flag waves against blue sky

Canadian flag waves against blue sky

AGCO's New Advertising Standards The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario implemented stricter advertising rules in February, prohibiting the use of athletes in iGaming advertising. A subsequent poll showed 68% of Canadians support banning current players and celebrities from sports betting ads.

Player Participation Trends 86.4% of Ontario players now participate in regulated iGaming sites, up from 85.3% in 2023. This marks a significant shift from the pre-regulation era when 70% of online gambling occurred on unregulated sites.

Legal Victory for Ontario's Model The Ontario Superior Court dismissed the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke's challenge to the province's iGaming model, confirming its consistency with the Criminal Code and legitimizing the regulatory framework.

National Advertising Legislation Bill S-269, aimed at developing national standards for gaming advertising, awaits House of Commons approval. The bill's future remains uncertain due to legislative delays and the upcoming October 2024 national election.

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