Change is afoot in Canada’s iGaming scene. With Alberta set to expand its online casino market to include private operators, speculation over whether other provinces will follow suit is rife. But, how is the current online casino landscape faring for players?
We spoke to online casinos expert Chris Jonat to find out more about how industry changes are impacting players. As a Content Manager at Casino.org, Chris has a keen eye for detail and has seen industry changes in Canada unfold in real time. Having worked in iGaming for fifteen years, Chris has amassed a wealth of knowledge.
Hi Chris, could you describe what Canada’s online casino landscape looks like at the moment?
“In Canada, online casinos are not regulated federally. It’s up to provinces to decide for themselves on how they want to regulate and what the local market should look like. As a result, the landscape consists of a patchwork of differing systems. Nevertheless, the online casino scene is evolving rapidly, and player numbers are growing.
Most provinces operate their own government-run platforms through lottery corporations. While this type of regulation is strong on player protections, it offers consumers a poor selection of products and just one platform. Most online casino fans choose to forgo their locally regulated platform in favour of offshore casinos, which offer more competitive portfolios and bonuses.
In the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, there are no regulated markets. Offshore casinos are accessible and widely used, though. One province sits in stark contrast to this picture. In 2022, Ontario launched its own regulated market and invited private operators to obtain licenses. Since then, its market has thrived and is now home to over 50 operators. Alberta is the first province to follow Ontario’s lead, and is preparing for its own competitive market launch in July.”
There’s a lot of buzz about Alberta at the moment. Do you think this is a turning point for online casino regulation in Canada?
“I’d like to think so. Canada’s online casino market is a very promising one, but there are issues. The way that most provinces choose to regulate their markets means that players get a subpar experience if they stick with their local platform, and the province loses out on a huge portion of valuable tax revenue, inevitably lost to offshore operators.
The benefits of opening markets to private operators are clear to see and have been proven in the last few years by Ontario’s example. Competition helps to support a healthy ecosystem of investment in technology and raise standards. Players benefit from more choice and better quality. Holding operators to account boosts player protections, too. In an open market, players can be clear on what’s legal and safe.
It’s exciting to think that the launch of Alberta’s competitive market could be a watershed moment for Canadian iGaming. Other provinces will be watching eagerly from the sidelines. Ontario has already been such a success story, and it would be great to see that repeated.
My only skepticism is that the Ontario model works best in provinces with a similar scale. For smaller regions, launching a privately regulated market is an expensive commitment to make when returns are limited by small populations.”
Tell me about Canada’s offshore casinos. Are they safe to play at?
“This is understandably a sticking point for a lot of people, but yes, offshore casinos are safe to play. An offshore casino is simply a casino that doesn’t have a local operating license. In a place like Canada, that means that even the most popular online casinos fall under the offshore banner.
Players need to be aware that not all offshore casinos are equal. While many are fair and safe, offering top-quality entertainment, others fall short. The best way to find out which Canadian online casino is the best option for you is to check out what other players think. The experts at Casino.org have collated information on all the best platforms, games, and bonuses to take the guesswork out of choosing and empower players to play safely.”
As Canada’s iGaming space continues to evolve, what are the benefits to players?
“There are plenty of reasons why the growth of Canada’s online casino industry is good news for players. One reason is investment. As the niche expands, more funding can be funneled towards developing excellent products and platforms. We are seeing a growing number of indie studios creating really unique and innovative games.
The broadening of regulation is a slow trend, but one that is positive for players. Bringing offshore casinos into the fold, offering them provincial licenses, makes the market safer and boosts player protections. Local regulators can hold operators accountable, raising standards. Players benefit from better clarity and better choice. Meanwhile, the whole province benefits from tax revenue that can contribute to local services.
Competition in the market means that operators are under continuous pressure to outdo one another to attract and retain players. To maintain relevance in a busy market, an operator needs to keep offering worthwhile bonuses, maintain a top-notch gaming portfolio, and offer excellent customer support.”
What are the most exciting developments you’ve seen in the industry?
“Tech advances are driving growth in a big way. We are seeing innovations across the board, both visibly in games and UI, and behind the scenes. We are seeing a rise in online casino apps that offer players a more convenient experience. Mobile optimization is becoming more widespread as players prioritize convenience.
Faster internet speeds have been key, aiding faster downloads and higher-quality streaming. Access to smartphones and tablets has increased as prices have dropped, making it easier for a greater audience of fans to play at home. Together, these factors have influenced a considerable spike in the popularity of live table games.
AI has been put to good work, helping to create safer platforms by monitoring player behavior for signs of problem gambling. It is also proving effective in enhancing security, allowing operators to spot fraud. AI-powered chatbots are used to answer customer queries, freeing up agents to deal with more complex issues. Players can enjoy a personalized experience, as AI tailors game recommendations and bonuses.
Experiments with AR and VR look really exciting, offering the opportunity for fully immersive 3D casino environments. The main barrier to this is still hardware adoption, but I think that access will improve as headset prices drop. It promises to be a great way to make online gaming a more social and realistic experience.”