Record-Breaking Quarter for Ontario’s iGaming Market
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has experienced an unprecedented surge in the fourth quarter, as private-sector operators of online sports betting sites and casinos report a record-setting amount of wagers.
iGaming Ontario Announces Impressive Results
Government agency iGaming Ontario (iGO) unveiled statistics for the quarter ending March 31st, revealing a total of $13.9 billion (in Canadian currency) in bets placed on sports, casino gaming, and poker through legal private-sector websites. This figure, excluding free bets and other promotions, surpassed the previous quarter’s $11.5 billion.
Revenue Reaches New Heights
The total gaming revenue for Ontario’s regulated sports betting and iGaming market, excluding the government-owned Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG), reached $526 million in the fourth quarter, up from the previous quarter’s $463 million.
“Since its launch on April 4, 2022, the new legal igaming market in Ontario has, on average, grown by more than 50% in total wagers and gaming revenue each quarter,” iGO noted in its latest report.
Ontario’s Unique iGaming Market Attracts Attention
Ontario’s iGaming market, the first of its kind in Canada, has been closely monitored by other provinces and regulators. Dozens of companies have joined the regulatory framework, with the latest figures suggesting that provincial punters have embraced the initiative.
Between January 1st and March 31st, there were 44 operators and 75 iGaming websites active in Ontario’s competitive market, with 1.01 million active player accounts and an average monthly spending of $174 per active player account, according to iGO.
Concerns Over Gambling Addiction and Advertising
The rapid growth of gambling in Ontario has raised concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and anxiety surrounding iGaming market advertising. In response, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which regulates iGaming in the province, has proposed a ban on athletes in marketing for gambling sites.
Popular Betting and Gaming Choices Revealed
iGO’s recent data reveals that basketball dominated the first year of Ontario’s iGaming market, accounting for 29% of all wagers, followed by soccer with 15%, and football with 13%. Surprisingly, hockey placed fourth with 9% of the annual handle. On the casino side, slots attracted 48% of all wagers, while live table games drew 32% and computer-based table games accounted for 19%.
Learnings for the iGaming Industry
Ontario’s experience in regulating online gambling has provided valuable insights for the iGaming industry as a whole. Three key learnings from the province’s approach to overseeing this burgeoning market include:
- Robust Regulatory Frameworks: Ontario’s success in establishing a thriving iGaming market highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive regulatory frameworks. By providing clear guidelines and requirements for operators, governments can facilitate the growth of a competitive and responsible gambling ecosystem.
- Adaptability to Market Dynamics: As demonstrated by the rapid growth in Ontario’s iGaming market, it is crucial for regulators to remain agile and responsive to the evolving landscape. Keeping pace with technological advancements, consumer preferences, and emerging trends will ensure that regulatory bodies can effectively address challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
- Balancing Growth with Responsible Gaming: Ontario’s experience has underscored the need for a balanced approach to regulating iGaming, one that promotes market expansion while addressing concerns related to problem gambling and advertising. By adopting measures such as proposed bans on athletes in marketing for gambling sites, regulators can strike a balance between fostering a thriving industry and ensuring player protection.
