With the controversial C-218 bill being passed in 2022 after 3 years of debate, online sports betting and casino gambling are finally legal in the province of Ontario. This recent change in legislation is all the more notable when we consider that the Canadian government has traditionally held a strictly regulated and prohibitive approach toward online gambling in the country. While the passing of the new bill has naturally been welcomed by casino-lovers and sportsbook gamblers residing in Ontario and Canada, what are the wider implications and potential benefits enabled by legalized online gambling in the Great White North?
Better Protection for Gamblers
Because Canada has now legalized online gambling and established thorough rules and regulations related to licensing and responsible gambling, casino and sportsbook operators now face more scrutiny from the national regulator. This means that players in the country should now be better protected against unscrupulous or unlicensed operators and less vulnerable to insecure payment processing, unnecessary withdrawal fees, unfair gameplay, and even data mining. This is great news all around if you happen to be a gambler based in Ontario.
Increased Access to Quality iGaming Sites
Players based in Ontario will now be able to access a wide variety of internationally popular casino and sportsbook sites, such as 888 Casino, Rivalry, theScore, PointsBet, and Bet365. If you’re seeking out the cream of the crop of Canadian online casino sites, check out this best casino guide available online to find the most in-demand places to play online in Canada
Increased Selection of Quality Games
Whereas online casino players based in Ontario were previously starved of quality online game content, the passing of the C-218 bill has opened up the market significantly and directly increased the availability of quality game content in the country. Whether you enjoy playing popular casino games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat or slots, you should be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best casino games to suit your personal taste.
Economic Benefits of Gambling Tax
Under the new legislation, winnings accumulated when gambling with an online casino or online sportsbook may be subject to tax. While this may seem like a disadvantage to some players (especially if they’ve won a particularly large sum of money), this enforced taxation provides obvious economic benefits for the country as a whole. The fact that regulated online casinos and sportsbooks will also be required to pay tax is especially useful in the current post-pandemic economic climate and amidst the cost of living crisis. If you’re a regular online gambler based in Canada, ensure that you keep a note of any winnings and outgoings – this will come in handy when it’s time to fill out your 1040 tax return later in the year.
Utilisation of Innovative Tech
A key benefit of legalized online gambling is increased investment in innovative tech such as the metaverse, cryptocurrency, EFTs and blockchain technology. Dramatic changes to gambling legislation in previously prohibitive countries like Canada and South Africa have occurred at the same time that both the online gambling and tech sectors have experienced record growth. In the midst of national lockdowns and a newly established remote working culture, more of us are spending more money gambling online (and on investment in associated technologies) than ever before.
Increased Gambling Tourism
With international tourism slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels, countries such as Canada need all the help they can get to generate tourist revenue and attract visitors from abroad. While the recent relaxation of gambling laws is unlikely to persuade casual tourists to visit the Great White North, there’s no doubt that more casino-lovers and sports gamblers are likely to stop off in the country for a betting holiday. Similarly, Ontario is expected to welcome more native ‘staycation’ tourists from the outer provinces of Canada due to the new legislation.
