The iGaming industry in Canada is poised to boost the economy in 2024, with projections indicating a robust contribution to the national GDP through direct and ancillary services. This sector’s expansion has not only reshaped the landscape of digital entertainment but also contributed significantly to Canada’s economic vitality through new job opportunities and technological advancements.
Market Size & Revenue Generation
Canada’s iGaming industry experienced a notable upswing in market size and revenue creation in 2024, indicative of the sector’s growing economic impact. In Ontario’s iGaming industry, total wagers reached an astounding $63 billion in the fiscal year 2023–2024 — a 78% rise from the previous year. The notable $2.4 billion in gaming income, a 72% rise over 2022–2023, highlights the profitable potential of the business.
Tax & Revenue Created
Significant economic activity in the online gaming industry has increased tax collections. The iGaming sector is subject to various taxes, such as indirect taxes from associated services, income taxes from employment, and operator corporation taxes. The revenues support several public services, including infrastructure development, healthcare, and education in Canada. The government’s attempts to control and capitalize on this emerging business are also reflected in the rise in tax income from iGaming.
In addition, the tax structure surrounding online gaming aims to encourage responsible development without jeopardizing the general public welfare. Maintaining this equilibrium is essential for maintaining the industry’s long-term positive economic impact.
Winnings from gambling, however, are usually not subject to taxation. This means that you typically do not have to disclose winnings as income on your tax return if you win money from activities like playing the lottery, betting on sports, or gambling at a casino.
Job Creation & Employment Opportunities
As the iGaming sector grows its digital footprint, it has become a significant job creator in Canada, particularly throughout 2024. With an estimated 37,000 new jobs gained in January alone, the industry has generated a surge of new job opportunities, signaling a solid start to the year. This increase reflects the dynamic nature of the sector, necessitating a wide range of talents from tech development to customer support.
Ontario’s iGaming sector has experienced a surge in job opportunities, significantly influenced by the presence of BetMGM online casino. This platform, renowned as one of the province’s most expansive online gambling sites, has played a pivotal role in broadening the market and fostering employment growth. The BetMGM online casino Ontario demonstrates impressive dedication concerning innovation and superior customer service, which has increased demand for experts in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, and regulatory adherence.
Moreover, the iGaming industry’s contribution to job creation extends beyond direct employment, stimulating ancillary job markets like marketing, legal services, and financial consulting. The ripple effect of this employment growth can be felt across the Canadian economy, positioning iGaming as a cornerstone of the digital entertainment sector and a key contributor to the nation’s employment landscape.
Tech Impacts on Other Industries
The technical innovations introduced by iGaming have impacted its industry and expanded and transformed other industries. Canadian digital culture has been greatly influenced by the technology created for iGaming, which has found uses far beyond gaming, from guaranteeing safe transactions to improving user experience. Take a quick look at some of the technological impacts.
Innovative Software Development
The demand for high-quality gaming experiences has spurred the development of advanced software solutions that are now being utilized in other industries to improve their digital offerings.
Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR)
Initially popularized by iGaming for immersive gameplay, VR and AR technologies are now being adopted by sectors such as real estate and education for interactive experiences.
Live Streaming & High-Definition Media
The iGaming industry’s need for live streaming capabilities has spurred enhancements in media quality, benefiting various forms of digital content delivery.
Blockchain & Cryptography
The secure, transparent transaction methods developed for iGaming are now being applied in other industries to improve trust and efficiency in digital operations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML technologies used in iGaming for personalization and security are now critical tools for innovation in customer service and data analysis across different sectors.
Data Analytics
The iGaming industry’s focus on data to tailor user experiences has led to the advancement of analytics tools, which are now essential for business strategic decision-making.
Network & Connectivity
The push for seamless online gaming experiences has contributed to the development of better internet services, which are crucial for advancing smart technologies and remote work.
Economic Hurdles in iGaming
While the iGaming industry has brought significant economic benefits to Canada, several potential downsides have been observed in 2024.
Rise in Problem Gambling
With the growth of the iGaming industry, there has been an increase in problem gambling behavior. Approximately 2% of Canadians aged 15 or older have been reported to have a gambling problem.
Regulatory Challenges
The iGaming industry faces complex legal landscapes, which can create barriers to market entry and increase operational costs due to the need for local compliance strategies.
Public Perception
Despite the economic benefits, most Canadians have a negative view of gambling, with 73% reporting that problems associated with gambling have increased in their province.
Market Saturation
The rapid expansion of the iGaming industry could lead to market saturation, making it difficult for new entrants to compete and potentially stifling innovation.
Financial Risks
The ease of access to online gambling platforms may lead to financial risks for individuals who may gamble beyond their means, potentially leading to personal financial crises.
Impact on Land-based Casinos
The shift towards online gambling has accelerated, potentially impacting land-based casinos and associated businesses, leading to declining revenues and employment.
Canada’s iGaming Fiscal Footprint
The Canadian iGaming sector continues to be a significant economic driver in 2024. Its quick expansion has resulted in substantial income generation, the development of jobs, and technological improvements that have impacted many industries, and navigating difficulties like social issues and complicated regulations is essential. The industry’s trajectory points to a sustained impact on the Canadian economy, with the ability to influence how digital entertainment and economic growth are developed in the future.