Introduction
Gambling is starting to emerge as one of the most popular activities for the people of Canada these days. Companies like Microgaming, NetEnt, PlayTech, Blueprint Gaming and Play n’ Go are bombarding Canadians with spectacular casino games. It is very interesting to learn about the history of gambling in Canada. That is exactly what this article will be elaborating upon. This article will discuss the past, the present and the future of the online gambling industry in Canada.
The Past
1969 – A Turning Point
In the early days, gambling was strictly prohibited in the country. The laws mandating this prohibition were drafted as part of Canada’s Criminal Code. This happened all the way back in the 19th century. It was a different time with different circumstances. However, changes were made in the Canadian Criminal Code in the year of 1969. The authorities realized that the masses had become much more accepting of gambling as a pastime over the years. So, in response to the public sentiment, the laws were amended and gambling became legalized. Brick-&-mortar casinos started popping up at almost every city in the country. Lotteries started being held in grand scale.
The 90’s
The next stage of evolution in Canada’s gambling industry was witnessed in the 90’s. That is the time when gambling started going digital. A company by the name of Microgaming developed the first online casino in the world. It also created the first online slots in the world. While all this was happening next door, Canada was not going to stay behind the United States in this new journey. Canadians started resorting to online gambling as well. According to Canadian gamblers, the best thing about online gambling is its ubiquitous nature which allowed them to gamble anytime anywhere.
The Present
The popularity of online casinos just skyrocketed. However, there was one particular issue that caused some concern. The legal framework in Canada was not problematic for gamblers in any way whatsoever. However, the real problem was for the operators of the casino. Players can play online slots for real money in Canada only if the casinos were being operated from abroad. All the online casinos that Canadians play at are operated from foreign countries like Britain, Malta, Argentina, Curacao, Alderney and many more. There was not even a single online casino that had an office set up on Canadian territory because it is illegal. This started to cause damage to the country’s economy.
The Future
Political Aspect
Plans are being made in political circles to propose new bills in the Parliament in order to further amend the laws. If online casinos were allowed to be operated from Canada, it will pave way for generation of more jobs. New businesses will be established and revenues will increase. After all, every business has to pay taxes out of its income. On top of it, the employees working in the business also have to pay taxes out of their income. So, this is bound to benefit the government as it will help the authorities invest in infrastructure. Online casinos require engineers working on algorithms and codes. In Canada, there is no dearth of qualified and experienced techies. So, this will be a win-win situation for everybody.
Technological Aspect
More and more technicians are being hired by online casinos to further enhance the quality of gameplay. Canada is one of those markets where online casinos have been able to expand successfully. So, it is, by no means, an untapped market. They have put in everything they’ve got, be it realistic sounds, vibrant graphics, groovy music, bright colours, exotic themes or live dealers. Now, it is time to think out of the box. All the big brands in the industry are investing tons of money in research. Efforts are being made to incorporate advanced forms of technology like artificial intelligence and virtual reality into casino games. In fact, many of the online casinos are embracing blockchain by accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in Canada.
Conclusion
In Canada, the legal framework has a federal structure. The laws are more under regional jurisdiction than they are under national jurisdiction. The administrative body that has the biggest influence on Canadian gambling is Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Some are of the opinion that there is a bit of a discrepancy in regulation when online gambling is compared with offline gambling in Canada. Brick-&-mortar casinos have to abide by many rules and restrictions but online casinos do not. So, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission intends to implement a set of guidelines that will stop the disparity so that the Canadian gambling industry can be governed in an even better way. Canadians have embraced online gambling and they are excited to see what more the gambling world has to offer.
Author’s Bio
Adam Lane, the editor at OnlineCasinoHEX.ca, have great experience in online gambling. His author page is https://onlinecasinohex.ca/author/adamlane/