A new study commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has found that a majority of Ontarians who gamble online are doing so through regulated sites. The study marks the first two years of the operation of Ontario’s regulated internet gaming market. According to the Ipsos study, 86.4 percent of survey respondents in the province who gambled online in the past three months used regulated sites, which is up slightly from the previous year. However, 20.1 percent of them used a combination of regulated and unregulated sites, highlighting the significant presence of the unregulated market.
The study revealed that participants named over 350 unregulated sites that they used, underscoring the existence of many illicit betting options. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to steer individuals towards using regulated operators to ensure a safer and more secure gambling environment. iGaming Ontario was established in April 2022, and the agency’s third-quarter report indicated that they were regulating 49 operators overseeing 72 gaming websites. The recent budget for Ontario projected revenues of $162 million from iGaming Ontario in the fiscal year that just ended, with expectations of the figure rising to $174 million by the end of the current year.
The findings of the study shed light on the prevalence of online gambling in Ontario and the shifting trends towards regulated sites. Despite the majority of Ontarians opting to gamble through regulated operators, a significant portion still resorts to unregulated sites. Efforts from regulatory bodies like the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario are crucial in steering individuals towards safer gambling options. The data from the study also highlights the large number of unregulated sites available, signaling the need for continued efforts to curb illicit betting activities and prioritize consumer protection.
Ontario’s regulated internet gaming market has made significant progress in its first two years of operation, and the establishment of iGaming Ontario has been instrumental in overseeing the sector. The budget projections for future revenues from iGaming Ontario indicate a positive trajectory, with expectations of continued growth in the upcoming fiscal years. The focus on regulation and consumer protection in the online gambling industry is vital in ensuring a safe and responsible environment for Ontarians who choose to engage in online gaming activities.
The Ipsos study commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating the online gambling market to protect consumers. By steering individuals towards regulated operators, authorities can help mitigate the risks associated with illicit betting activities. The data revealing the prevalence of unregulated sites in Ontario emphasizes the ongoing need for oversight and enforcement measures to address the challenges posed by the unregulated market. The study serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and regulators in guiding future efforts to promote responsible gambling practices and uphold consumer safety in the online gaming industry.
