Ontario's Online Gambling Landscape: A Two-Year Review
Since Ontario embraced an open, regulated online gaming market two years ago, a recent study commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario reveals a significant shift towards regulated platforms among gamblers in the province. Conducted by IPSOS, the study indicates that a staggering 86% of players now prefer regulated sites, marking a milestone in the quest to minimize the use of underground and unregulated gaming platforms.
"This marks another significant stride in our ongoing efforts to provide players and businesses with a secure, competitive, and safer online gaming environment," remarked Attorney General Doug Downey. He further expressed anticipation for iGaming Ontario's sustained success and its pivotal role in shaping the global online gaming landscape.
Key Survey Findings
Males emerged as the primary online gamblers, constituting 64.5% of regulated iGaming site users in the past three months, as opposed to 35.5% of females. Notably, the 35-54 age group exhibited the highest engagement in online gaming, accounting for 42.5% of consumers, followed by the 19-34 age bracket at 38.7%. Education-wise, individuals with university degrees displayed the highest participation at 38.1%, followed by high school graduates or less at 31.9%.
From an income perspective, 52.5% of individuals earning below $75,000 engaged in online gaming, compared to 47.5% of those earning above $75,000. Moreover, statistics revealed varying frequency levels of online gambling: 35.2% in the past year, 29.5% in the past three months, and 20.3% in the past month.
Ontario's Rise in the Global Gaming Market
Ontario's strategic regulatory reforms have propelled it into one of the world's largest regulated online gaming markets. Vixio, a leading regulatory intelligence company, ranked Ontario sixth globally by gross gaming revenue in 2023, surpassing established markets like Michigan and New York. Additionally, iGaming Ontario received the prestigious 2023 Regulatory Initiative of the Year award from Vixio, acknowledging its remarkable contributions.
Insights into Betting Preferences
iGaming Ontario provided insights into customers' gaming preferences over the past fiscal year. The province's online sports betting market, featuring 27 operators, ranks among the top five in total wagers in North America. Basketball emerged as the most popular sport, with a diverse array of over 60 sports markets available.
In the casino segment, constituting approximately 82% of total wagers, blackjack emerged as the favored table game, commanding a significant share of total table game wagers. With more than 5,000 certified games and 47 operators, the casino category offers a plethora of choices, including slots, live and computer-based table games, and peer-to-peer bingo.
Despite being the smallest segment, online poker witnessed remarkable growth, with Ontario becoming the largest ring-in online poker market by gaming revenue in North America. This trend underscores the strong affinity Ontarians hold for poker.
Looking Ahead
As Ontario enters its third year in the regulated online gaming market, stakeholders are poised to leverage these insights to enhance player experiences and further invest in the province's gaming ecosystem. Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, expressed anticipation for future developments as the organization collaborates with operators to delve deeper into Ontario players' interests.
The success of Ontario's regulated online gaming market not only reflects its commitment to player protection but also underscores the province's emergence as a global leader in the gaming industry.
![WinSpirit Enhances VIP Experience with Unique Tournaments and Rewards](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/326/280_156_2/82l8i7et1mx256uu0tjncv9rsp58v8mt.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
DeborahTheMarvellous I'm really impressed with WinSpirit's new VIP program! The tournaments sound exciting, and it's great to see a casino actually listening to what their players want. Can't wait to see what they have planned next.
![Banned Player Wins Jackpot, Faces Arrest](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/472/280_156_2/dyd82aizy0cdyfdis4dba1svfnh06s6n.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
Parkerroberts This is a perfect example of why self-exclusion programs exist. They’re there to help people stay away from gambling. Trying to bypass them not only defeats the purpose but can lead to serious trouble like this.
![Teen Arrested in the UK for MGM Resorts Hack](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/975/280_156_2/qpq15k4amhde57539zkxyxyl8w2z8q3t.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
Donaldbetty It's concerning to see such young individuals involved in large-scale cyber attacks. This shows the importance of investing in cybersecurity education and preventive measures from a young age. Hopefully, the authorities can get to the bottom of this and prevent future incidents.
![The Mirage of Poker Wins](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/6ce/280_156_2/al1tau70x3qfcunsw3k6kelaq2rmt6sg.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
DonaldTheXtraordinary Wow, Jonathan Tamayo's win is incredible! But I totally agree with the conclusion. Poker requires so much skill and dedication. I’ve seen too many friends lose big trying to chase these rare wins. Slots are definitely more my speed – simple and fun!
![The Allure and Elusiveness of Bingo Jackpots](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/3b8/280_156_2/sve8prifo8cr7849923p4gz04it2w9yi.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
HelenTheLoyal Wow, what an incredible win for Monica Bouma! It's true that the odds of hitting such a jackpot are insanely low, but it’s stories like these that keep people coming back. Congrats to her, though I'll stick to my smaller bingo games for fun.
![A recent survey reveals the increase in use of regulated markets](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/5dd/280_156_2/miohru55qwh11538an43xthg4525brok.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
HelenTheAmbitious It's great to see that Ontario is cracking down on unregulated gaming sites, but lowering the RTP to 85% feels like a sneaky way to take more from players. Regulation should mean better protection, not just more ways for the house to win.
![ZumoSpin and B7Casino: From Trusted to Blacklisted](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/a8e/280_156_2/jd8finvv058a6i6sx447y7yiha9fyw8f.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
CrazyDaniel Well, what can I say, guys, here's your trust for you. Instead of 96%, now it's 94% RTP.
![Drake's Dangerous Influence: Using Fame to Lure Fans into Betting](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/a40/280_156_2/dbl4cy4l2dhzm3pnf3531qw11rqoxxed.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/main/fb7/100_100_2/vnykbc68j2lviqtwuti73yhd809x0r83.jpg)
ParkerSusan7 It's really disappointing to see someone with Drake's influence promoting gambling like this. Young fans might follow his lead without realizing the risks involved.
![Review of new slots released this week 2024.07.08-2024.07.15](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/dc1/280_156_2/uahn5z6b431xprdkjv7skmmyi2mc4i7r.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
WilliamTheTenacious These new slots of yours are just another way to squeeze the last penny out of players' pockets. So where is the innovation here? Just beautifully drawn pictures and promises of big wins.
![Wazdan Expands in Canada Through Partnership with Fitzdares](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/066/280_156_2/t0h075vgi3g674ea3f8v2nmi88286zja.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
SandraTheXtraordinary Excited to see Wazdan's games coming to Fitzdares, but the reduced RTP is a bit concerning. Hope the gameplay still stays fun and rewarding!
![ODDSworks Expands iGaming Reach to Ontario's Regulated Market](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/bbf/280_156_2/7hyjpxrl661llj8l7mcqac99p7o95tal.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
CharlesTheLuminous Excited to see ODDSworks expanding in Ontario! Their games are top-notch, but I hope the lower RTP doesn't make it too hard to win.
![Celebrate the Release of Punk Rocker 2 with Nolimit City's New Free Tournament](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/c80/280_156_2/93rs566wua2mutwsfdekf4aephnj34jq.png)
![](/upload/resize_cache/iblock/f04/100_100_2/201rr74miv2yk039zxn34wd8bx26tluw.jpg)
RuthTheXtraordinary I can't believe how generous Nolimit City is with this tournament! 500 free spins and an iPhone 15 Plus for the winner? Count me in!
The rise of Ontario in the global gaming market is impressive. It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of regulatory reforms and the potential for continued growth and innovation in the province's gaming sector.
As a frequent online gambler in Ontario, I've noticed the shift towards regulated sites. It's great to see the industry moving in a direction that prioritizes player protection and responsible gaming.
It's reassuring to see such a high percentage of Ontario gamblers opting for regulated platforms. This reflects positively on the efforts made to ensure a safer and more transparent online gaming environment.