In 2023, every person can have access to the most popular casino games that have ever existed. The reason? With online casinos being just an app away, there are no difficulties in accessing the most thrilling games. That’s why it’s incredible to think that there was a time when casino games were not only inaccessible – but they were also forbidden. Buckle up and get ready to read all about the evolution of the Canadian gaming and gambling industry, after which you might develop a newfound gratitude for the age we live in.
Way back when – a throwback to when gambling was prohibited
There’s just something about all those games of chance that has people drawn to them. That’s why it’s safe to say that some forms of gaming and gambling have always been around, as nothing could stop people from playing card games, for example. However, it wasn’t until 1910 that ANY form of betting or gambling became legal – at least when it comes to Canada.
In 1910, people got a chance to bet on horse races, and, approximately 15 years later, fairs were given a chance to host gambling events. The real breakthrough came in 1969 when the law was changed to allow lotteries. While this might not seem like such a big deal to an average gambler, it was around this time that the real breakthrough happened, allowing you to enjoy your favorite casino games without any interruptions.
The pivotal moment for the evolution of the Canadian gaming and gambling industry
While your biggest concern nowadays is how to protect yourself from online threats, Canadians living in the 1970s were worried about getting access to casino games in a legal manner. The 1970 law change made it possible for different provinces to implement their own gambling laws. Sure enough, some provinces were quicker to jump on the gambling wagon, with Quebec being the first one. The province established its own Crown corporations which were tasked with overseeing provincial lotteries and horse races. From that point forward, many other provinces did the same, which is how we have a very developed gambling sector in Ontario nowadays.
It wasn’t long before many quality casinos started popping up all over Canada – although, they probably don’t resemble the kind of casino you are frequenting, as online casinos have taken precedence over land-based establishments. The first land-based casino to be welcomed in Canada was located in Winnipeg, and it was established in 1989. With how successful and beloved among Canadians it was, it was only a matter of time before the next one would appear, which it did in 1993. This is the year when another casino opened up in Montreal, and that’s when land-based casinos started to spread all over the country.
And while many things have changed during Canada’s gaming and gambling evolution, some things remained the same – such as the fact that the laws differ among provinces. That’s why Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta are the only provinces where gambling is permitted to 18-year-olds, as most other provinces have a higher age limit.
The technological boom and the emergence of online casinos
With all the significant technological advancements that started taking place, it was only a matter of time before we would get to the point that we are today, which is being able to access casino games from the comfort of our homes. The emergence of online betting and gambling began in 2004 – the year during which British Columbia started letting its residents bet on sports online. It wasn’t long before the province added poker (2009) and other casino games (2010) to the list. Naturally, the majority of the provinces followed the same path, creating the gambling industry as we know it.
Yet another significant shift took place in 2010, as this year marks a significant turning point for the evolution of the Canadian gaming and gambling industry. Namely, up until this point, people have frequented online casinos by using their PCs. But since 2010, the number of people who use their smartphones for this task has significantly increased. Online casinos recognized the potential of mobile gaming, which is why they were quick to create apps for mobile users.
This should come as no surprise, as we spend a considerable number of hours on our phones – and that’s on a daily basis. Whether you are riding the metro on your way to work or relaxing during your lunch break, it’s now easier than ever to get access to the most popular casino games. Keep in mind that this is both a blessing and a curse, as it can have you spending more money than planned.
What does the future hold for Canada’s gaming and gambling industry?
While it’s impossible to predict the future, it is possible to make an educated guess. And our guess is that the online gaming and gambling industry will only continue to grow in the years to come. Thus, it’s expected that online casinos will reign over land-based institutions, which is something that is already happening. After all, who has the time and energy to take a sometimes lengthy and expensive trip to a land-based casino when they can play the same games from the comfort of their own home?
The only problem that some could face is the inability to access some or all casino games. This happens once a person is located in a province (or country) where gambling isn’t a regulated activity. And while those people will sometimes try using a VPN, this is generally not a recommendable thing to do. It doesn’t keep you from breaking the law, so make sure you give it a lot of thought.
One thing is a certainty – the evolution of the Canadian gaming and gambling industry is an impressive one, and it shows how a lot of things had to come together for us to be able to enjoy casino games as we know them. That’s why you should never take these games for granted – they weren’t always around.
