
While the UK has an entrenched and vast online gambling marketplace with decades of history, Canada has only recently begun to forge its path by allowing provinces to independently regulate gambling as of 2021.
Fast forward to April 2023, and how does Canada's burgeoning gambling environment measure up against one of the oldest powerhouses globally? Let's dive into the numbers and see where these two nations stand side by side. Statista .
The size of the market
In the UK, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) oversees and reports gambling activities directly to the government. Although 2023's figures are yet to be released, 2022 saw the gambling market generate a little over £14 billion, marking a 10% rise from the previous year, with £6.4 billion derived from digital gambling.
Canada’s gambling operations are regulated on a provincial level. In the maiden year after the gambling amendment, Canada reported earnings of approximately $12.4 billion. Given this was the first year, the numbers are quite impressive, though they fall short of the UK’s figures.
Gambler statistics
Shifting focus to the player demographics, both countries favor male participation, albeit with the UK seeing a slightly higher proportion of female gamblers. Age-wise, Canada tends to have older gamblers, especially in the 45-60 age range, more so than in the UK.
Looking at gaming platforms, a larger share of British players prefer mobile gaming, whereas Canadians are more inclined to enjoy their games on desktop devices. online casino games Both nations share similar tastes in casino offerings. Sports betting takes the top spot in popularity across the board. Following behind are slots, both traditional and virtual. Nevertheless, Canadian players show a notable fondness for card and table games.
Favorite Game Types
This trend in Canada can be attributed to the strong presence of land-based casinos that prominently feature table games like Blackjack. live casino games.
Online casinos, being a newer entry into the Canadian market, have piqued interest in digital gaming. Roulette There’s a stark difference in the provider landscape between the two countries. With an array of options in the UK, players often join multiple gambling platforms to explore different experiences, whereas Canadians generally stick with up to three operators due to limited choice.
The Providers
Despite disparate regulatory frameworks and market sizes, Canada and the UK reveal several commonalities in gambling trends. If Canadian provinces continue to amend their laws, the Canadian market could soon rival the world’s largest gambling hubs!
Conclusion
With over two decades in the iGaming field, Ann, a Norwegian/Canadian professional based in Malta, specializes in crafting insightful content on casino and wagering topics across top-tier digital platforms.
Last Updated: May 2, 2023