There should be no question that the legalization of sports betting and online casinos has been hugely successful and popular throughout Canada, especially in Ontario. That trend doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The huge selection of Ontario online casinos alone is a strong indication of where this industry is heading. That being said, it’s still important to understand what has contributed to the growth of mobile betting platforms in Ontario and what the industry can expect in the foreseeable future.
Current Popularity
A little more than two years after regulated sports betting and i-gaming became legal in Ontario, there are more than $1.2 million active users on dozens of platforms. Online casino gaming is the area where Ontario bettors are most active. Of course, sports betting has also seen plenty of action with basketball being the most popular sport for betting in Ontario at around 24% of all sports wagers. Close behind are football at 15% and baseball and hockey, which are both receiving about 11% of all sports bets in Ontario.
Regardless of the types of bets that players are making, Ontario is claiming over $100 million in revenue from regulated online betting, which is good news for the province. But the best news perhaps is that an estimated 86% of online gamblers in Ontario are using regulated sites rather than using unregulated sites outside of Ontario’s purview. This is a sign not just that Ontario residents are gravitating toward online betting but also that they are doing so on the proper channels.
Mobile Gaming
The availability of mobile gaming has surely played a big role in the growth of online betting. Rather than needing a computer to play online casino games or place sports bets, most platforms have a mobile app that allows users to access their accounts from anywhere at any time. There is no need to stay home to play games or place bets.
Bettors also don’t have to dedicate long periods of time to their betting exploits. They can play games or place bets whenever they have downtime and a good Internet connection. This makes games more accessible to everyone. At the same time, platforms have put more resources into mobile apps to help create a better mobile experience.
Better Games
As mentioned, online casinos are currently the preferred method of betting in Ontario. Part of the reason for this is the wide range of gaming options, as well as the fact that games are becoming better and more entertaining. Online casinos are able to offer traditional card games like poker and blackjack, as well as a host of slot machines and other types of games that are found in brick-and-mortar casinos.
With so much competition among online casinos, platforms are doing their best to introduce new games that up the ante with regard to quality and experience. Gaming technology nowadays is able to offer a more personalized and engaging experience with online casino games. Similar to e-commerce companies, online betting platforms are able to create a more customized gaming experience by recommending games, adjusting the skill level, and offering promotions based on the player’s history. This is driving up satisfaction and retention rates among users, which is fueling the popularity of online betting even more.
Virtual Reality
While still in its infancy in many ways, virtual reality is looking like a big part of the future of online betting in Ontario and elsewhere. Bettors are already experiencing platforms that mimic a physical casino as closely as possible. They give players the sights and sounds of an actual casino in an authentic and immersive experience. With time, VR technology figures to only improve, making online casino games even more appealing to players and leading to further growth, perhaps at the expense of brick-and-mortar casinos.
Regulations
One part of the success of online betting in Ontario that can’t be ignored is the likelihood of increased regulations. This has already begun, although increased regulations are likely to be a part of the future of online betting. However, regulations aren’t likely to hinder or slow the growth of this industry. Instead, increased regulations will simply make online betting platforms safer and more secure.
For instance, betting sites will likely need to be more proactive in providing resources that promote safe gambling habits. The same can be said of helping players get the help they need for gambling addiction. There could also be certain restrictions on advertising for online platforms. By no means will regulations look to shut down or limit online betting platforms in a meaningful way. This industry figures to keep growing in the years to come. However, since the industry is still young, there will surely be a need for increased regulation in the future.