According to a recent report, Canada’s gambling market is estimated to be worth around $14 billion, with the industry responsible for over 40,000 jobs. This, in part, is due to liberal Canadian gambling laws, especially in comparison to the highly regulated U.S.
Studies have shown that on average, Ontarians alone spend more than $500 million dollars a year on online gaming which is usually spent on offshore websites. Canadian law doesn’t ban the practice of betting via the Internet, it simply requires the service to be owned or licensed by a provincial government, but with government regulation changing, the online gaming market is projected to grow substantially. In particular, casino sites like JackpotCity online casino are growing in popularity with more players using sites to play their favourite casino games.
Land-based Casinos
There are currently just over one hundred land-based casinos in Canada, with many of them offering exciting locations, all-inclusive entertainment, luxury hotels and high-end restaurants as part of their package.
Popular Casinos in Canada:
River Rock Casino Resort
Situated in Vancouver, close to the airport and Fraser River, this casino is a top tourist destination. Famous for its poker rooms, it also hosts thousands of casino games, sports betting, plus a VIP room for top clients.
Casino Niagara
Overlooking the iconic Niagara Falls, this casino has a lot more than beautiful views to offer. There are a large number of slots and table games available, plus a poker room for high rollers, live entertainment and four hotel restaurants to choose from.
River Cree Resort and Casino
Located in Toronto. and boasting 110 table games, eight themed restaurants and a variety of celebrity acts, the Rive Cree Resort and Casino is a popular destination for gamblers and tourists alike.
Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino
Located close to the Ambassador bridge and overlooking the Detroit River, Caesars is a luxurious, modern facility and a winner of the AAA Four Diamond award. It offers 758 hotel rooms, a poker room with 14 tables plus a wide variety of slots and table games.
Casino De Montreal
Situated in Quebec by the Notre Dame, the Casino De Montreal is one of the largest gambling venues in the world. With over 3,000 slots, eighteen poker tables and hundreds of table games, it’s no surprise that on average it receives over 18,000 visitors a day.
The growth of online casinos
Land-based casinos are responsible for a considerable chunk of the $15 billion gambling industry revenues. However, online gambling platforms are growing in popularity with many people now preferring to play their favourite casino games online.
While online play may lack the spectacular location, thrill of a night out or the atmosphere of a real casino, it offers benefits that land-based resorts cannot.
Benefits of online casinos
- Accessibility and ease of use are major factors when it comes to explaining the rise in popularity of online gaming. No longer are people restricted by location or opening hours, as technology allows them the ability to play wherever and whenever they like.
- The variety of games on offer is far wider online thanks to the creative use of technology, with many offering games tailored to individual players skill levels and even virtual casinos.
- Bonuses and promotions are widely available online allowing gamers to try out different sites and practice playing games in a risk-free environment before they invest any of their own money.
Online or offline?
While land-based casinos will always have an important part to play in the gambling market, not least as tourist attractions, the growth in online casinos shows no signs of stopping. As iGaming regulation changes and technology continues to improve, we can expect to see many more people playing casino games from the comfort of their own homes.
Jimmy is an English Literature Graduate. He currently works as a freelancer and guest contributor for several online magazines and particularly specializes in finance and gaming-related content. Outside his work, Jimmy’s passions include football, cricket and cooking.
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