Gambling Statistics Canada 2024 – Unveiling Canada’s Gambling Landscape

According to gambling statistics Canada partaking in casino games, sports betting, and lotteries is incredibly common. Some rough estimates suggest that 6 out of every 10 Canadians gamble in some way.

Here, we will take a closer look at the current state of the Canadian gambling industry, highlighting key data on general gambling habits, gamblers’ demographics, and all kinds of emerging patterns both in the traditional sector and the online sphere. By examining this data, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how this industry shapes the lives of Canadians and influences the country’s economy.

Overview of Gambling in Canada

Gambling sector in Canada is well-developed, there are 670 businesses state-wide, including operating casinos, bingo parlors, and sportsbooks. Some of the biggest names in the business are Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, British Columbia Lottery Corporation, and Loto-Quebec. The sector, run by provincial governments, contributes billions to the national economy through revenue and employment, with the market size of the industry amounting to CA$14.2 billion in 2024.

The 2021 legalization of single-event sports betting has exponentially expanded opportunities for both operators and players in traditional and online establishments.

However, the gambling statistics in Canada for 2019 up to 2024 say that this number has declined at a CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 3.6%. The drop can be attributed to the measures that were active during COVID pandemic, as well as the fact that more online casinos and sportsbooks were made available.

While traditional casinos remain popular, there’s a growing shift towards casino sites, reflecting changing consumer preferences. Besides the official provine operators, players can also legally access offshore online casinos, typically licensed by jurisdictions of Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK. Furthermore, provinces also implement responsible gambling initiatives to address issues like addiction, ensuring player protection.

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General Canadian Gambling Habits

Gambling statistics Canada

Source: Freepik

The following statistics on gambling in Canada reflect general patterns and habits country-wide.

Gambling Engagement Rates Across the Country

Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia tend to have higher engagement due to larger populations and more gaming facilities. There are over 19.3 million active gamblers nationwide, while the number of online players doubled in Ontario in the first quarter of 2024, with the number of accounts rising to 1.9 million.

According to data from 2018, the participation rate in certain provinces is very high. At that time, the participation rate among Newfoundlanders and Labradorians was 74.6%, and around 70% of residents of New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, which is 7 in 10 residents. Surprisingly, although their populations are larger, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia actually show lower engagement, which stands at somewhere around 60% for both.

Gambling Activities: Frequency and Types

Canadians engage in various gambling activities such as lotteries, casinos, sports betting, horse racing, bingo, and poker. There was even a CCHS gambling rapid response survey in 2018 that was designed to measure what is their preferred gambling entertainment. Here are the results.

  • Lottery and Raffle Tickets –  These are by far the most popular, with 51.8% of gamblers opting for them.
  • Instant online games– The next in line is instant lottery and/or instant online games, at 33%.
  • Electronic Gambling Machines – EGMs are regularly played by 12.60% of the active gambler base.
  • Casino table games – 7.50% prefer playing games like blackjack, poker, baccarat and roulette
  • Sports betting –  3.90% of gamblers bet on sports, which seems unrealistically low. Bear in mind that this was from a survey conducted in 2018 when the majority of bettors used offshore sportsbooks. It was in 2021 that Canada made single-match bets legal, which had a significant impact on the participation rate.

Popular Gambling Activities in Canada

Gambling statistics Canada

Source: Freepik

Let’s talk about statistics on gambling in Canada as reflected in the most popular gambling activities.

Lottery and Raffle Participation

Lotteries and raffles are among the most popular gambling activities in Canada, with the number of online lottery players expected to rise to 1.1 million by 2029. According to the gambling statistics Canada 2021, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) reported lottery sales exceeding CAD 4 billion that fiscal year.

Raffles, typically organized by charities and non-profit organizations, are also popular. They provide essential funding for community programs while giving participants the chance to win prizes.

Casino Games and Electronic Gaming Machines

Diving into some online gambling Canada statistics, we discover that online casinos are an integral part of the Canadian gambling industry that only seems to be gaining in popularity. Across the country, especially in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, casinos provide classic table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker alongside modern slot machines.

Electronic Gambling Machines, including slot machines and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), are particularly popular among Canadian gamblers. Just Ontario has almost 24.000 of these machines, followed by Alberta (20.335), Quebec (16.283), and British Columbia (12.931). They are widely accessible in casinos, racetracks, and licensed venues like bars and lounges, and they’re one of the most prevalent forms of gambling in the country. Besides slots, players also enjoy online poker casinos that feature table games.

Online Gambling Canada Statistics

The online gambling sector in Canada has experienced significant growth in recent years, much of which it owes to technological advancements, but also because it’s simply cheaper and more convenient. The number of users is expected to amount to 33.9 million users by 2029, while the revenue is projected to hit $4.19 billion in 2024.

About 72% of Canadian players enjoy slot games, while table games and poker are played by 59% of online gamers. Online sports betting is also popular, with 29% bets placed on basketball, 15% on soccer, and 9% on hockey.

Another factor contributing to the growth of the gambling community, according to online gambling Canada statistics, is the widespread use of smartphones. A significant portion of online gamblers actually prefer playing on the go, which is why many operators create dedicated mobile casino apps to target this demographic.

Considering that Canadians spend at least CA$4 billion in offshore casinos, it’s not surprising that Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia have all launched their own sites. Since Ontario first legalized online wagering, 48% of all wagers on these sites were made on slots, 32% on live dealers, and 19% on virtual table games.

Gambling statistics in Canada for 2020 also suggest that global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have had a profound impact on online casinos and sportsbooks. Retail establishments had to be closed, and people, in general, had a lot more time to kill during lockdowns. As a result, many turned to online gaming and betting.

Gambling Statistics Canada: Sports Betting Trends

Gambling statistics Canada

Source: Freepik

Canada has, for a long time, only allowed parlay bets, and this created a space for illegal gambling organizations that offered different kinds of bets for sports wagering. These activities were often controlled by organized crime and would rake in as much as CA$10 billion dollars annually. 

The situation has drastically changed since August 2021, with the passage of Bill C-218. Canadians are now legally allowed to place bets on individual sporting events. The passage of this bill, known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, amended the Criminal Code to permit provinces and territories to regulate single-event sports betting within their jurisdictions, which reclaimed the revenue otherwise spent on illegal gambling activities, and also established a safe, competitive, and regulated gambling market.

Hockey remains the most popular sport among Canadian bettors, with football also attracting a big audience.

Horse Racing and Other Niche Markets

Horse racing continues to be a prominent part of Canada’s gambling sector. After all, some of the iconic events, like the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack, are held in Ontario. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency reports that annual wagering on horse racing consistently exceeds CA$ 1 billion.

Beyond horse racing, Canadians are exploring niche markets that extend the scope of traditional sports betting. Esports betting is gaining momentum in the online gambling industry, particularly among younger demographics, as competitive gaming becomes more mainstream. Other emerging markets include wagers on entertainment events, political outcomes, and lesser-known sports like darts and snooker.

Gamblers’ Demographics in Canada

Players in different regions, age groups, and genders have different gaming preferences. Let’s take a look at some of these preferences based on demographics.

Gambling Patterns Based on Age

Younger adults (aged 18-34) are more likely to engage in online gambling, particularly sports betting and esports, while older adults (aged 55+) tend to favour traditional forms of gambling, such as lotteries and casinos. The same CCHS survey from 2018 that’s been mentioned earlier revealed that gambling was more common among people aged 45 to 64 than in other age groups.

Gambling Behaviors by Gender

Based on gambling statistics in Canada from 2018, there are vast differences between the genders in terms of gambling activity and preferences. Men are four times more likely to put money into speculative markets, 3 times as likely to have bet on sports, and twice as likely to have bet on table games.

Meanwhile, female gamblers seem to prefer top online bingo and lottery sites. Around 34.8% of female players prefer instant lottery and similar online games, whereas 31.1% of male players find them entertaining.

Electronic gambling machines were equally favoured by both genders, 12.3% of women and 12.9% of men, respectively.

Gambling Participation by Region

Residents of Quebec are the most likely to engage in gambling activities, with a participation rate of 69%, while those in Saskatchewan/Manitoba are the least likely, with a 50% participation rate.

The lower rate of gambling in Saskatchewan/Manitoba is due to a smaller proportion of people spending between $1 and $20 monthly on gambling compared to the national average (33% versus 43%). However, the percentage of individuals spending over $20 on gambling matches the national average at 17%.

In contrast, Quebec shows a higher participation rate at all gambling spending levels. For instance, while 43% of Canadians typically spend between $1 and $20 a month on gambling, 48% of Quebeckers do the same.

Moreover, 21% of Quebeckers spend more than $20 a month, compared to the national average of 17%.

Native American Gambling Trends

When it comes to gambling in Canada statistics show that Indigenous people show higher rates of gambling activity than non-indigenous people. Around 72% of Indigenous people gambled in 2022, compared to their non-indigenous counterparts, where the numbers stand at around 64%.

Revenue and Participation Rates

Source: Freepik

Nationally, gambling revenue is substantial, with the industry generating over $14 billion CAD each year. This influx is largely driven by provincial lotteries and online platforms, particularly following the 2021 legalization of single-event sports betting. Despite this lucrative intake, the average Canadian gambler has considerable losses, with annual per capita losses estimated at around $570.

In the context of regional participation, Quebeckers are the most engaged in gambling, with a 69% participation rate, while residents of Saskatchewan/Manitoba are the least likely to gamble at 50%. In Saskatchewan/Manitoba, the lower participation persists because a smaller proportion of the population – 33% compared to the national average of 43% – spends between $1 and $20 monthly on gambling.

However, both these regions and the national average align when it comes to spending over $20 on gambling, each recording 17%. Conversely, in Quebec, not only is the participation higher, but spending levels are as well. There, 48% of people spend between $1 and $20 monthly – above the national rate of 43% – and 21% spend over C$20, surpassing the national figure of 17%.

Income and Gambling Behaviors

Across the country, the percentage of Canadians who spend between C$20 and C$100 a month on gambling remains relatively stable in each region, fluctuating between 12% and 17%. Additionally, those spending more than CA$100 a month on gaming do not exceed 4% of the player base.

Income significantly influences gambling behaviours. Over 70% of Canadians with higher incomes have reported gambling, and only 1% of those players are considered to have moderate-to-high-risk gambling problems.

Around 53% of Canadians with lower incomes have stated that they wager on sports and play casino games, but over 2% of those players have financial issues due to this hobby.

Gambling Laws in Canada

gambling statistics Canada

Source: Freepik

While the federal government sets the broad legal framework for gambling, individual provinces have the power to regulate and operate specific forms of gambling, including lotteries, casinos, and online platforms. Below is an overview of key aspects of Canadian gambling laws.

Federal vs Provincial Gambling Regulations

In Canada, the federal government lays out the basic rules for gambling through the Criminal Code, but it’s up to each province to regulate and manage what happens within their borders. As a result, gambling options can differ depending on where you are – some provinces offer a wider range of choices than others.

Current Legal Status of Online Gambling

Online gambling in Canada is regulated provincially, with some provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, offering their own licensed online platforms. While it’s illegal for companies within Canada to operate unlicensed gambling sites, Canadians are free to gamble on offshore websites.

Provincial governments are expanding regulated online platforms to capture more of the revenue lost to these offshore operators.

Recent and Upcoming Legislative Changes

The passing of Bill C-128 was a turning point for the Canadian gambling industry since it allowed bettors to wager on individual sports events. If current trends continue, provinces will keep expanding their gambling options, particularly online platforms.

There may be additional changes in the areas of customer protection and responsible gambling initiatives, as the industry continues to grow.

Ontario’s Leadership in Legalizing Online Gambling

Ontario has spearheaded the Canadian betting law reforms by launching a fully regulated online gambling market. Before this, the iGaming industry existed in a sort of a gray area where operators weren’t given access into the market.

These operators can now compete in the market; that is, if they meet all the necessary requirements established by iGaming Ontario. This has attracted over 30 operators and enormously boosted consumer choice.

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Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry

gambling statistics Canada

 

Source: Freepik

The Canadian gaming industry is large and robust, present in every region of the country, and is affecting the economy accordingly. The gambling statistics in Canada for 2017 show that in that year, the industry produced CA$16.1 billion in gaming wins and an additional CA$1 billion on non-gaming revenue, like food, beverage, entertainment, etc.

Legalized gambling, with its CA$17.1 billion revenue, supports more than 182,500 full-time jobs and generates CA$9.2 billion annually, funding government and community programs and services. Its size and scope have established an overall positive economic environment, where most of the services and goods which are used to sustain it are Canada-produced. Additional statistics also show that this industry also spent around CA$14.6 billion on goods and services necessary to sustain its operations.

Gambling Awareness: Understanding Risks and Responsible Play

Being informed about responsible gambling practices is key to having a fun and safe gambling experience. According to, around 2% of Canadians struggle with moderate to severe risk gambling-related problems, which only highlights the need for heightened awareness of safe practices.

By promoting responsible play – like setting limits, knowing when to stop, and recognizing warning signs – players can enjoy the excitement without losing control.

Gambling Addiction Statistics Canada: High Risk Groups and Vulnerabilities

Certain groups in Canada are more vulnerable to gambling addiction due to a mix of demographic, psychological, and social factors. Gambling addiction statistics in Canada show that younger adults (aged 18-34) and men are more likely to engage in risky gambling behaviours, with men being twice as likely to develop gambling problems compared to women.

Lower-income individuals are also at higher risk, often drawn to the perceived chance of financial relief through gambling. Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, can further increase susceptibility.

Cultural background can play a role, too, as communities with limited access to mental health resources may face higher risks without adequate support systems.

Resources and Support Systems Available in CA

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction in Canada, there are plenty of resources and support systems available to help. Here are a few key resources in Canada:

Future Outlook of Gambling in Canada

The future of gambling in Canada looks dynamic, driven by emerging trends and technological innovations. Online gambling, especially mobile platforms, is expected to continue growing as more provinces expand their digital offerings. Innovations like live sports betting, virtual reality casinos, and AI-driven personalized gaming experiences are shaping the industry.

Esports betting is also on the rise, attracting younger demographics. On the regulatory side, we may see tighter consumer protection laws and responsible gaming measures as the market evolves. All in all, the gambling scene in Canada is set for some big and positive changes.

What Do Statistics on Gambling in Canada Tell Us?

In conclusion, gambling in Canada is a robust industry, generating significant economic activity with an annual revenue of over CAD $17 billion. Although the industry’s footprint is expansive, with over 60% of Canadians participating in gambling, the majority of players don’t actually play that frequently.

Casinos and online platforms are the most substantial contributors, reflecting a shift towards digital gambling, which now accounts for approximately 18% of the total gambling revenue. However, the high rate of problem gambling, affecting up to 2% of Canadians, is still concerning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How widespread is recreational gambling in Canada?

How much do Canadians typically spend on gambling?

Is online gambling legal in Canada?

Which forms of gambling are most popular among Canadians?

References:

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Djordje Todorovic
Casino Expert

Djordje is a seasoned casino writer and a game reviewer at ReadWrite, who closely follows news in the iGaming sphere. He loves to cover industry-shaping developments and reveals during events like Las Vegas (G2E) Global Gaming Expo. He aims to provide unbiased and insightful evaluation of online/mobile slots, table games, and mini-games along with some beginner tips for the same.

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