Canada

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

Published

3 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.

Betty

Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Published

7 hours ago

September 10, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

thunderkick-commits-to-growth-in-ontario-with-betty-partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.

Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.

Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.

Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.

Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.

Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.

“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”

Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.

“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”

The post Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

BCLC

Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

Published

8 hours ago

September 10, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

save-the-date:-bclc’s-new-horizons-in-safer-gambling-conference-returns-november-2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.

Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].

Registration and program details will be released later this fall.

The post Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Canada

absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Published

5 days ago

September 5, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

absolutebet-secures-agco-registration-as-an-internet-gaming-operator-in-ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).

The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.

“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”

On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”

Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.

The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.