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Gaming and Gambling Regulation in Canada – Outlook for 2023

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Online gambling has been gaining considerable popularity in Canada in the past few years. Many factors contribute to this trend, which include technological advancements, relaxations in government regulations, and growing attraction in youngsters who are looking for new ways to make money aside from a primary and stable income.

According to reports, video games grew at a rate of around 9.51% in 2022 and touched a 2.8 billion USD figure. The industry is expected to grow to reach 3.53 billion USD in 2023. Additionally, revenue from the industry is expected to show a growth rate of 6.54% every year to touch 4.55 billion USD by 2027. These numbers clearly show the positive outlook of the gaming and gambling industry in Canada.

Gambling in Ontario, Canada

In April last year, Ontario opened a new path for gambling businesses and sportsbook managers to launch their virtual casinos. The government amended the legislation so that businesses could apply for casino licenses and begin operations. Today, this license is offered by the Liquor and Gaming Commission. It’s because of this facility that sports betting lovers are able to engage in online gambling and make money while having fun at top sports betting platforms today.

Before Ontario’s historical decision, gambling was extremely regulated and bound tightly under stringent standards in Canada. The only way for gambling companies to operate in Canada was to have their license issued in a particular province where they wanted to conduct business. This tied them to a single province and restricted their overall portfolio and profits.

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Gambling in the rest of Canada

All Canadian states except for Alberta have different legislations that they follow. Only Alberta allows foreign gambling companies and third-party gambling companies to run their businesses in the state. That’s why you get to play poker, roulette, and other popular casino games on platforms such as Play Alberta.

In states other than Alberta, gambling is operational but these activities are run and managed by government agencies only. Even then, the norms and regulations are quite strict and gambling companies don’t enjoy adequate freedom in running their business operations. In fact, it was only recently when Bill C-128 was passed after which online casino and sports betting fans received the option to place single-event bets. Before this bill was passed, only parley bets were allowed on multiple events. So, even if players knew how to take their online betting to the next level, their hands were tied.

Gaming and virtual gambling growth

In the big picture, a positive trend in iGaming and gambling industry can be easily observed because of the following factors:

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  • Technological advancements: Mobile technology is becoming more powerful each year and mobile users are also increasing at a steady rate. Since more people play casino games and other conventional games on mobile than desktops, the iGaming and gambling industry is booming.
  • Convenience: Online gambling is super convenient. You don’t have to go to a certain place or need lots of money to partake in online gambling which is why it’s convenient for everyone.
  • Deals and promotions: Many online gambling platforms offer attractive bonuses and virtual money to attract players. When new players open accounts, they instantly get bonuses, free spins, and points, etc. These perks serve to boost the gaming industry overall.

2023 Outlook

The gambling and gaming outlook in Canada in 2023 can be assessed by looking at what’s happening in other countries. Even in countries where there are strict laws for gambling- such as India and the US- the governments are slowly easing up the regulations to promote online casinos and sportsbook platforms. We can see many existing online gambling platforms venturing into these markets, and new players entering the industry through these new territories.

Canada is already making it easier for online casino companies to run their business in the country and it will only promote it further in 2023. There are many reasons for it to do so. For starters, making online gambling and betting legal will curb illegal overseas gambling that only serves to hit the government’s tax collections. Additionally, it will also boost the economy as more third-party companies will start new operations in the country to generate more employment. It’s because of these reasons that experts believe the gambling revenue will increase by 30% to 40% by the end of the year.

Conclusion

Canada was once known as one of the strictest countries in gambling governance. However, this image is changing today and as the government is relaxing its regulations, more companies are setting up their businesses in the country. Hence, the general consensus today is that iGaming and gambling industry will continue to grow here in 2023 and many years to come

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened its doors with a signature guitar smash, marking the arrival of Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, a bold new destination where entertainment, hospitality, and music take center stage.

The $350 million resort brings the brand’s unmistakable energy to Canada’s capital, offering locals and visitors an immersive Hard Rock experience blending iconic music history with world-class entertainment, hospitality, dining, and gaming.

In true Hard Rock fashion, the opening festivities kicked off with the Canadian Tenors’ electrifying rendition of O Canada followed by the brand’s signature Guitar Smash, a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders took the stage to ceremoniously smash guitars, signaling the official opening of the state-of-the-art entertainment destination.

A special moment included the presentation of a $100,000 donation to Ottawa Food Bank, reinforcing Hard Rock’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

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“Bringing Hard Rock to Canada’s capital is an iconic milestone for our brand. We’re proud to expand our global footprint and create a destination where locals and visitors can experience world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment all in one place,” said Jim Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International.

“Our government is thrilled that Hard Rock chose Ontario for its first fully integrated hotel and casino venue in Canada. This new entertainment and hospitality destination will draw visitors from near and far to Ottawa, create and sustain hundreds of local jobs, and provide millions of dollars for local infrastructure and community programs,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

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MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition

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PointsBet Holdings Limited announced that MIXI has received written confirmation that AGCO has no concerns with the proposed acquisition by MIXI of the shares in PointsBet Holdings Limited.

PointsBet has also received written confirmation from iGaming Ontario (iGO) in relation to MIXI’s proposed acquisition of shares in PointsBet.

Accordingly, the condition precedent to MIXI’s proposed PointsBet-Board recommended Takeover Bid relating to Ontario approvals in paragraph 4.5 of Schedule 1 of the Bid Implementation Deed dated 16 June 2025 (BID) has been satisfied.

MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid remains subject to the satisfaction of certain other limited conditions as previously announced, including a 50.1% minimum acceptance of the proposed MIXI Offer (as defined in the BID).

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The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission provided its approval on 24 March 2025 for MIXI to acquire PointsBet. PointsBet confirmed that MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid is no longer subject to any gaming regulatory approvals.

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AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casino’s gaming floor.

On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.

In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.

As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.

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Based on the findings of its review, the AGCO’s Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.

A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.

“Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.

The post AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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