According to Statista, the Canadian online gambling market is expected to grow at a year-to-year rate of almost 6.5% in the next 5 years. It seems as if players are flocking to online casinos, but land-based venues still put up a good fight. In this article, we discuss what type of gambling entertainment will be the one to pack the last punch.

Why Players Prefer Online Casinos? 

In a country as big as Canada, these internet gaming sites provide instant access to thousands of games without the need to take a 6-hour trip. After all, the entire country has only 89 brick-and-mortar venues across 9.985 million km².  

Canadian players’ preferred casinos are mostly on the internet because they offer:

• A solid variety of games. Online casinos have thousands of titles to choose from, while the biggest classic casino platforms in Canada may provide a hundred or so;
• A cost-effective way to enjoy playing casino games, as players don’t have to pay for gas, accommodation or take time off;
• Instant access to all games at all times, even when commuting to work or shopping for groceries;
• Fun perks and extras such as deposit bonuses and loyalty programs. Most land-based venues will offer you a free drink or a membership program that requires frequent visits to be beneficial. 

Economic Impact of Shifting to Online Gambling 

While players can only benefit from playing at the best-reviewed casino platforms online, the same phenomenon has devastating effects on the 89 venues scattered across the country. Although the trend was obvious for a while, it was the 2020 pandemic that started hitting the nails in land-based gambling’s coffin. 

After being banned from operating due to lockdowns, traditional venues never came back to their feet. Even the most hesitant patrons opened online gambling accounts, and once the casinos re-opened, the foot traffic never reached pre-COVID levels. 

Meanwhile, the online casino continues to thrive, but due to the complexity of the gambling framework in Canada, the sector has several potential areas for growth . Namely, all gambling in Canada is regulated on a provincial level. Most brands choose to stick to offshore licenses, and provinces lose close to half a billion in taxes every year. 

Can Hybrid Models Make a Difference? 

Although the province system might seem convoluted, the case of Canada’s neighbour, the USA, proves things can also work despite keeping laws on a local level. One of the major phenomena of the American market is the so-called hybrid model, in which land-based venues offer mobile gambling as well. 

It is a great balance for everyone: players, iGaming companies, and the authorities, who reap plenty of financial benefits that can then be redirected to important causes. Gambling was, is, and will always be a hot topic. Yet, providing a safe and secure environment is an obligation for all local authorities.