The History and Future of Online Gambling in Canada

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Over the past few decades, Canada’s gambling sector has been steadily growing. Today, millions of residents enjoy this pastime, even though this possibility seemed out of reach fifty years ago. Let’s track the history of Canada’s casino industry to understand the present betting scene and its future.

 

The Beginnings 

So how did it all start? Games of chance date back centuries ago. However, they were rather simple compared to modern casino games. When Britain took over Canada in the 15th century, public opinion on gambling changed drastically, so betting was now frowned upon. The law that prohibited any form of gambling was in power for quite some time. The amendments to betting laws happened in several stages.

 

By the time Canada gained independence in 1867, this activity was still very much in the grey area. However, some forms of betting gradually started to be accepted at the beginning of the next century. Bingo was one of the first games Canadians were allowed to play, followed by raffles and lotteries. In 1910, people could legally bet on horse racing. A decade later, fairs and exhibitions had permission to host gambling events. 

 

Nowadays, Canadians can access many online wagering platforms to play their favorite games. According to experts from RealCasinosCanada, if players are looking for the most trusted and safe casino website, it is best to read as many reviews as possible before registering at a casino site. This specific website provides information about the best gambling platforms since the Canadian market is very competitive and has more than 2000 alternatives. It also offers other helpful information to people who want to engage in this activity. 

 

Recent Decades

The laws were amended in 1970 and permitted each province to enforce its own gaming laws. Sports wagering was legalized 15 years later, but single-wager betting was still banned. The first brick-and-mortar casino in Canada opened in 1985 in Winnipeg. Montréal didn’t wait long before it opened its first land-based casino, and the rest of the provinces followed after. By the end of the century, there were plenty of casinos across Canada. 

 

In the years to come, operators decided to make betting more accessible with the help of technology. The Mohawk Territory Kahnawake Gaming Commission is among the first online gambling regulators established in 1996. It was the cornerstone for creating the framework for all future gambling policies. Today, all trustworthy online casino sites are licensed and regulated by Canadian Gaming Association or CGA. 

 

The gaming industry significantly evolved from the time when betting was banned completely. Now, players have more than 2100 casino sites to choose from. Also, many casino enthusiasts use their smartphones and tablets to explore casino games. Most players prefer to bet from the comfort of their homes, so revenue is primarily generated by online casinos rather than their land-based counterparts.

 

The Future of the Gambling Market in Canada

One of the most recent advancements to gaming policies in Canada is the legalization of single-sports betting in 2021. And many changes will take place in the future. Recently, the idea of gambling in virtual reality is at the focus of many casino operators. Casinos will increase the number of casino games that will feature incredible graphics. Moreover, more and more operators will launch mobile apps compatible with Android and iOS devices. 

Conclusion

Back in the old days, Canadians couldn’t enjoy any form of betting. Today, most Canadian provinces allow gambling. What is more, there are thousands of options to choose from if you are looking for a betting site. It’s no wonder Canada has one of the leading betting markets worldwide.

 




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