Canada

Half of Ontario sports bettors plan to wager on Super Bowl LVII

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2023

In the lead up to Super Bowl LVII, a new survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows that half of Ontarians who bet on sports (49 per cent) are planning to place a wager on the NFL championship.

The survey found that four in 10 (39 per cent) Ontario adults believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge in predicting outcomes. This jumps to three-quarters (73 per cent) of those who bet, and 9 in 10 (91 per cent) of those who bet on sports regularly. This false belief can increase risk as it can lead to over confidence and influence some to bet more than they can afford to lose.

Additional risk is associated with the consumption of substances that can impair judgement and decision-making. Over three-quarters of those who bet (77 per cent) plan to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other substances during the Super Bowl.

The survey found that three-quarters (74 per cent) of respondents will watch the game at home this year and over half (53 per cent) will do so with friends or family. Those who bet say they tend to bet more than usual around these relations (47 per cent), even more so if they are younger (59 per cent of those aged 18-34).

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Of those who bet, one-quarter have felt the need to bet more to get to the same level of excitement (25 per cent) and have bet more than they could afford to lose (24 per cent).

Staying Onside

Encouraging news from this survey is that 88 per cent of this year’s Super Bowl bettors plan to employ at least one strategy to manage their gambling risk. About four in ten (38 per cent) say they will stay within a pre-set betting limit, with a third (34 per cent) indicating they always view sports betting as entertainment, not as a way to win money. A quarter (24 per cent) commit to never betting while intoxicated, and a fifth (21 per cent) to not betting if feeling depressed or anxious.

Online, six-in-ten (63 per cent) sports bettors have used at least one responsible gambling feature on sportsbook websites. Among younger players, a fifth (22 per cent aged 18-34) utilize personalized spending reports (win/loss information, time and money spent) to curb their risk.

“It’s positive to see the majority of Ontario’s sports bettors using the extra bench strength of responsible gambling tools, both on and offline,” says Shelley White, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council. “The excitement of the big game, being with friends and family, and substance use can all influence how we play. And betting more than one can afford to lose can have a devastating impact. Having a plan in place to manage risk and protect yourself is key to enjoying the game.”

How Ontarians plan to bet on the Super Bowl

While more than half (54 per cent) will place a single bet on the outcome of the game, a quarter (24 per cent) are betting on each outcome of the game through multiple sportsbooks.

46 per cent will bet with friends
41 per cent will bet on a legal sportsbook website
36 per cent will buy sport-based lottery tickets
29 per cent will bet in a pool
20 per cent will bet on whatever sportsbook website has the best odds

How much Ontario Super Bowl bettors plan to wager

54 per cent say they will bet $50 or less
26 per cent say they will bet between $50 and $100
19 per cent say they will bet $100 or more

RGC tips for safer sports betting

Be mindful and plan before you play – pre-set betting limits and stay within your budget.
Only gamble with money you can afford to lose – never borrow money or use money intended for necessities, like rent/mortgage or food.
Limit your alcohol and/or cannabis intake.
Never chase losses by trying to win back what you’ve lost.
Don’t bet if you are upset or stressed.
View sports betting as entertainment, not a way to make money.
And remember there is no way to predict the outcome of the game.

Methodology

An online survey of 1,001 Ontario residents aged 18+ was completed between January 6-8, 2023, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app

Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

bally’s-interactive-launches-the-new-bally-bet-sportsbook-&-casino-app-in-ontario

Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.

The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.

BCLC

Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

be-#giftsmart:-scratch-the-idea-of-gifting-scratch-&-win-tickets-to-kids

BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season

With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.

“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”

While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.

“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”

In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.

“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:

Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.

AGCO

Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

jackpot-digital-receives-approval-from-agco-as-a-registered-gaming-supplier

Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.

This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.

Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.

“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.