Ontario’s iGaming market, which commenced two years ago, has witnessed substantial growth and regulatory success. A recent study by IPSOS, commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, sheds light on the market’s evolution, player demographics, and the impact on the economy. Attorney General Doug Downey lauds the achievement, emphasizing the significant shift towards regulated sites and the market’s contribution to job creation.
Regulatory Milestones and Market Performance:
Attorney General Doug Downey’s remarks underscore the pivotal milestone of 86% of players engaging on regulated sites. This achievement signifies Ontario’s commitment to providing a safer and competitive online gaming environment, aligning with consumer expectations. Moreover, the market’s success is evident in its role as a job creator, with over 12,000 jobs sustained in its inaugural year. These regulatory achievements and economic impacts validate Ontario’s status as a global innovator in the iGaming industry.
Collaborative Efforts and Stakeholder Engagement:
Heidi Reinhart, iGaming Ontario’s board chair, emphasizes the collaborative efforts that have fueled the market’s success. Government partners, operators, responsible gambling experts, players, and employees have collectively contributed to establishing a world-class gaming environment tailored for Ontarians. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to responsible gambling practices and underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the industry’s trajectory.
Insights into iGaming Segments:
iGaming Ontario’s executive director, Martha Otton, provides insights into the three primary segments of Ontario’s iGaming market: sports betting, poker, and casino.
Sports Betting:
Ontario’s online sports betting market emerges as a frontrunner in North America, ranking among the top five in total wagers. With 27 operators and a diverse array of sports markets, ranging from basketball to curling, the market offers unparalleled opportunities for sports enthusiasts. The popularity of basketball highlights the diverse interests of Ontario’s sports bettors, underscoring the need for a comprehensive sports betting platform catering to varied preferences.
Peer-to-Peer Poker:
Despite being the smallest segment in terms of wagering volume, peer-to-peer poker in Ontario has achieved remarkable success. With $1.5 billion in wagers, Ontario stands as the largest online poker market by gaming revenue in North America. This achievement underscores the growing popularity of online poker and the potential for further expansion within the Ontario market.
Casino:
The casino segment remains the cornerstone of Ontario’s iGaming market, commanding the largest share of wagers. With an extensive selection of slots, live and online table games, and peer-to-peer bingo, the casino category offers unparalleled entertainment options for players. Blackjack emerges as the most popular table game, accounting for a significant portion of table game wagers. The presence of 47 operators and over 5,000 certified games highlights the diversity and vibrancy of Ontario’s casino segment.
Ontario’s iGaming market has experienced remarkable growth and regulatory success since its inception. The transition towards regulated sites, collaborative efforts among stakeholders, and insights into key segments underscore the market’s evolution and potential for future expansion. As iGaming Ontario continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, the Ontario market is poised to remain a global leader in the online gaming industry.