What Has Changed a Year later After a New Online Gambling Legislation in Ontario Was Adopted

By Eva Johnson

July 17th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

After a major legislative update of Ontario online gambling laws in April 2022, Ontario became a place of rapid industry development as dozens of online casino operators acquired the local license for legal performance.

Already in a couple of months after the legislation update, the industry showed a major boost and Ontario became a successful case in Canada and globally.

This positive case allows us to make suggestions and predictions about the development of the online gambling industry in the province.
General Expectations for the Online Gambling Industry in the Province

Canada has always been gambling-friendly.

Canada has always been gambling-friendly, but Ontario has pioneered among other provinces by introducing its new legislation in 2022. Already in a couple of months, the Ontario gambling industry saw an increase in revenues, taxes, and positive competition.

Based on this fact alone, there are several predictions that can be made about the future of the industry and the licensed online casinos in Ontario.

Increased Revenue
The legalization and regulation of online gambling is already resulting in a significant increase in revenue for the province, as more people will be able to access and participate in Internet gambling activities legally.

Not only do Internet casino operators make more money because local players are more willing to try their casino sites out but also more taxes are paid to the province and charities.

Healthier Competition
With the legalization of online gambling, more companies will enter the market, resulting in increased competition. AGCO has already closed the transition period when operators could request the local license, so the number of Internet casinos in the province will not show unlimited growth.

However, the increased number of legal competitors will lead to better services and products for customers, as companies try to outdo one another.

Good jobs in a safe environment are part of what makes gaming as attractive as it is in Canada

More Jobs
According to the gambling statistics, the online gambling industry is likely to create more jobs in Ontario, as companies set up operations and hire staff to manage their Internet platforms. Of course, not much is needed to run an Internet casino locally because it only means access to the services while all the staff can be located elsewhere. However, legal online gambling means more control and supervision in the corresponding agencies that will hire staff.

Also, Live Dealer facilities may want to hire local Dealers for Ontario players, and so on. Who knows what new type of gambling entertainment will be invented next in a transparent and competitive market?

Enhanced Responsible Gambling Measures
With the legalization and regulation of Internet gambling, the government is likely to introduce more responsible gambling measures to protect players. This could include increased education on gambling addiction, self-exclusion programs, and limits on the amount of money players can spend.

AGCO and iGO have strict Responsible gambling policies and requirements that all operators must meet, and it is very likely that with time, these measures will become even more specific and elaborate.

Potential for Increased Gambling Addiction
While responsible gambling measures are likely to be introduced, there is a risk that the legalization of Internet gambling could result in an increase in gambling addiction. The government will need to be vigilant in monitoring the industry and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to prevent and treat addiction.

It is too early to provide any adequate statistical data about addictive gambling issues increased in Ontario since April 2022 but this seems to be a legit consequence of more available and affordable gambling entertainment.

Technology has become a large part of the growth of gaming in Canada

Technological Advancements
The Internet gambling industry is likely to continue to evolve and develop new technologies to enhance the user experience.

This could include virtual reality casinos, Live dealer games, and more. Interestingly, many technologies are developed as entertainment first because people are ready to pay for fun whereas they are not ready to pay for useful things.

Some streaming technologies, KYC and verification procedures, payment technologies, and other inventions for Internet casinos can eventually turn out useful in other niches.

Potential for Increased Tax Revenue
The legalization and regulation of online gambling could result in increased tax revenue for the province, which could be used to fund public services and infrastructure.

International Competition

Ontario’s online gambling industry could face competition from other jurisdictions, both within Canada and internationally. Of course, being the first, Ontario is now a dream-come-true province for all Canadian players.

However, as other provinces and states follow (which can really happen with time!) Internet casino operators may find other locations more attractive for licensed services, and Ontario will stop being a buzzword in the online gambling industry.

Final Thoughts
Ontario shows a positive example to all provinces in Canada and other jurisdictions that were reluctant to upgrade their gambling legislation and preferred to turn a blind eye to the gray zone in which gambling currently operates in the majority of countries. Therefore, it is easy to understand that Ontario is being watched closely to analyze its case.

However, the industry is rather unpredictable, and new inventions can create additional nuances in the near future – like the introduction of AI technologies did for many industries. Therefore, while Ontario seems to be managing well, it is still too early to state that its example will be followed massively.