What new industries has crypto inspired in Canada?

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that uses encryption techniques to secure and verify transactions, as well as to control the creation of new units. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are many other digital currencies in circulation. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, cryptocurrency operates independently of central banks and is decentralized, meaning that it is not subject to government control or regulation.

The rise of cryptocurrency has sparked the creation of many new industries in Canada, as businesses and entrepreneurs seek to capitalize on the growing popularity of digital currencies. These industries range from finance and real estate to e-commerce and online gambling, and have the potential to transform the Canadian economy in significant ways.

In this article, we will focus specifically on one of the new industries that has been inspired by cryptocurrency in Canada: crypto casinos. We will explore what crypto casinos are, how they work, and why they have become so popular in Canada. We will also compare crypto casinos with traditional online casinos and discuss the advantages of using cryptocurrency for online gambling. Finally, we will provide some examples of popular crypto casinos in Canada and explain how this industry is likely to continue to grow in the future.

Overview of the Canadian Crypto Landscape

Canada has been involved in the cryptocurrency space since its early days. The first Canadian Bitcoin exchange, Cavirtex, was launched in 2011. Since then, the country has seen a surge in crypto adoption, with many businesses and individuals embracing digital currencies for a variety of purposes. In addition to Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple have also gained popularity in Canada.

In Canada, cryptocurrency is considered a commodity and is subject to the oversight of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA). The CSA has issued guidelines for businesses that operate with or invest in digital currencies. In addition, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) requires that cryptocurrency exchanges and other businesses that deal with cryptocurrency comply with anti-money laundering and know-your-
customer regulations.

According to a 2020 report by the Bank of Canada, the estimated value of Canadian cryptocurrency holdings was approximately CAD 6 billion. The report also noted that cryptocurrency transactions in Canada have been increasing steadily, with the majority of transactions involving Bitcoin. In addition, the report highlighted that Canadian blockchain poker has emerged as a new and innovative use case for blockchain technology in the gambling industry.

Blockchain poker is a relatively new development that uses blockchain technology to provide a secure and transparent platform for online poker. The use of blockchain ensures that the game is fair and transparent, and that players can trust that their funds are secure. This has made Blockchain poker a popular option for online gamblers in Canada and beyond.

Overall, the Canadian crypto landscape is vibrant and growing, with many new and innovative use cases for digital currencies and blockchain technology emerging all the time. As more businesses and individuals embrace cryptocurrency, it is likely that the Canadian crypto market will continue to expand and evolve.

The Rise of Crypto Casinos in Canada

Crypto casinos are online gambling platforms that allow users to play various games using digital currencies. These casinos are similar to traditional online casinos in terms of the types of games offered, but they use cryptocurrency instead of traditional fiat currencies. Crypto casinos use blockchain technology to secure transactions, ensuring that they are transparent and verifiable. Users can deposit and withdraw funds in a variety of cryptocurrencies, including
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. As for Dogecoin, it depends on the policies of individual crypto casinos, but some do accept it as a form of payment.

There are several differences between crypto casinos and traditional online casinos. One of the main differences is the use of digital currencies instead of traditional fiat currencies. This allows for faster and cheaper transactions, as well as greater anonymity for users. Additionally, crypto casinos often offer a wider range of games than traditional online casinos, as well as more generous bonuses and rewards.

In terms of game fairness, crypto casinos often use provably fair algorithms, which allow users to verify the outcome of each game and ensure that it is not rigged against them. This level of transparency is not often seen in traditional online casinos.

There are several advantages to using cryptocurrency for online gambling. First, the use of digital currencies allows for faster and cheaper transactions, as there are no intermediaries involved. This means that users can deposit and withdraw funds quickly and easily. Additionally, the use of cryptocurrency provides greater anonymity for users, as they do not have to provide personal information to the casino. This is a significant advantage for users who value privacy
and security.

Another advantage of using cryptocurrency for online gambling is the potential for greater rewards. Many crypto casinos offer generous bonuses and rewards for users who deposit and play with digital currencies. These bonuses can be significantly larger than those offered by traditional online casinos, providing users with more opportunities to win big.

There are several popular crypto casinos in Canada, including BitStarz, 7Bit Casino, and mBit Casino. These casinos offer a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. They also accept a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Some of these crypto casinos may also accept Dogecoin as a form of payment, depending on their policies.

In conclusion, the rise of crypto casinos in Canada is a clear indication of the growing popularity of digital currencies and the potential for blockchain technology to disrupt traditional industries. As more users embrace cryptocurrency and online gambling, it is likely that the demand for crypto casinos will continue to grow, and more casinos may begin to accept alternative and people will get used to availability of different cryptocurrencies and supports will not be receiving questions like: Is Dogecoin still accepted? and other similar questions.

Blockchain and Finance Industry

Blockchain technology has had a significant impact on the finance industry in Canada, offering numerous benefits such as improved efficiency, transparency, and security. One of the most notable impacts of blockchain technology on the finance industry is the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, which use blockchain to create decentralized networks for financial transactions.

In addition to DeFi platforms, blockchain technology is being used to streamline traditional financial processes, such as payment processing, remittances, and cross-border transfers. Blockchain is also being used to improve identity verification, data management, and fraud prevention in the finance industry.

There are several companies in Canada that have emerged as a result of blockchain technology in the finance industry. For example, Wealthsimple, a Toronto-based fintech company, has launched a cryptocurrency trading platform that allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum. Another example is Bitvo, a Calgary-based cryptocurrency exchange that offers fast and secure trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies.

Other companies in Canada that are leveraging blockchain technology to disrupt the finance industry include Blockstream, which provides blockchain-based solutions for financial institutions, and Polymath, which offers a platform for creating and managing security tokens.

The benefits of blockchain technology in the finance industry are numerous, including increased efficiency, transparency, and security. Blockchain technology can facilitate faster and more secure financial transactions, reduce costs, and improve compliance with regulations. Additionally, blockchain can help reduce fraud, improve data management, and provide greater transparency to users.

However, there are also challenges associated with the adoption of blockchain technology in the finance industry. One of the main challenges is the lack of standardized regulations and compliance frameworks, which can create uncertainty for companies operating in the blockchain space. Additionally, the scalability and interoperability of blockchain technology are still being developed, which can limit its ability to replace traditional financial systems in the short term.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency has inspired several new industries in Canada, including crypto casinos, blockchain-based financial services, real estate transactions, and e-commerce. These industries offer new opportunities for innovation, disruption, and economic growth.

The potential for future developments in cryptocurrency and related industries in Canada is significant. With the continued growth and adoption of digital currencies, it is likely that we will see more companies and industries adopting blockchain technology and new ways of doing business. Additionally, the development of new technologies, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), can lead to further innovation and disruption in the financial services industry.

The impact of cryptocurrency on the Canadian economy has been significant, with the rise of new industries and increased economic activity. The use of digital currencies has provided new opportunities for businesses and consumers, offering greater efficiency, security, and transparency in transactions. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as the need for standardized regulations and compliance frameworks to ensure the safe and secure use of digital currencies. As the use of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology continues to grow, it will be important for policymakers and businesses to work together to ensure the continued growth and development of these new industries.

Todayville Content Team

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Casino market in Canada grows in 2023 as more states consider legalization of igaming

Published on May 2, 2024

Todayville Content Team

The year 2023 marked a significant turning point for the Canadian casino industry. Ontario, the country’s most populous province, took a bold step by legalizing and regulating online gambling within its borders. This decision, met with anticipation by both the public and gambling operators, has demonstrably revitalized Ontario’s casino market and sparked discussions about similar moves across Canada.

Prior to 2023, online gambling in Canada existed in a legal grey area. While federal law prohibited the operation of online casinos by domestic entities, Canadians were free to access offshore websites that were offering various virtual slot machines, table games like blackjack or roulette and sports betting. This presented a challenge for regulators. Not only were they unable to capture tax revenue from this activity, but they also lacked control over consumer protection measures and responsible gambling initiatives.

Ontario’s decision to legalize online gambling addressed these concerns head-on. The province established a regulated online gaming market, allowing licensed operators to offer casino games, sports betting, and other forms of online gambling to residents. This move not only provided a safe and secure environment for players but also opened up a new avenue for tax generation.

The impact of Ontario’s online gambling legalization has been undeniable. Since its launch in April 2023, the market has experienced explosive growth. Gross gaming revenue (GGR) from online gambling platforms has surpassed initial projections, with analysts attributing this success to a combination of factors. Firstly, the convenience and accessibility of online gambling have attracted new customers who may not have frequented traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Secondly, the variety and innovation offered by online platforms – with their extensive game libraries, live dealer experiences, and mobile compatibility – have proven highly appealing to existing gambling enthusiasts.

The economic benefits for Ontario have been substantial. Tax revenue generated from online gambling is already exceeding estimates, providing a significant boost to provincial coffers. These funds are being directed towards various government initiatives, from infrastructure development to social programs. This tangible financial success has not gone unnoticed by other provinces across Canada.

Several provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, are actively considering following Ontario’s lead and legalizing online gambling within their own jurisdictions. These provinces are closely monitoring Ontario’s experience, with a keen eye on the regulatory framework, tax revenue generation, and potential social impacts.

Proponents of online gambling legalization argue that the benefits extend beyond just tax revenue. A regulated market allows for stricter controls on advertising, responsible gambling measures, and player protection. Additionally, it fosters competition within the industry, potentially leading to better odds and a wider variety of games for consumers.

Opponents, however, raise concerns about potential increases in problem gambling rates and the social costs associated with it. They argue that the ease of access and anonymity offered by online platforms could exacerbate gambling addiction. Additionally, the potential for increased advertising and marketing associated with a legal online gambling market raises concerns about the normalization of gambling behavior.

Despite these concerns, the success of Ontario’s online gambling legalization has undoubtedly reignited the conversation across Canada. As other provinces weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, it seems likely that online gambling will become a more prominent feature of the Canadian casino market in the near future. The key will be striking a balance between generating revenue, protecting consumers, and mitigating potential social harms. By learning from Ontario’s experience and implementing a robust regulatory framework, other provinces can pave the way for a safe, responsible, and prosperous online gambling market in Canada.

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Is the Anger Toward Fiat Currency Justified?

Published on April 25, 2024

Todayville Content Team

Back in 2012, the Cato Institute published a paper titled The Coming Fiat Money Cataclysm and the Case for Gold. The libertarian think tank is hardly unique in its animosity toward the fiat currency system, nor was its 2012 paper wholly unique in its concepts and sentiments. It did, however, predict some of the issues we are trying to resolve today, notably inflation linked to the era of “cheap” money through low-interest rates.

Today, if you look at social media, particularly platforms like Reddit and Twitter/X, you’ll also find plenty of derisory posts about the fiat system. What’s more, we might argue, albeit unscientifically, that the backlash is growing. Some of this can be quantified. For example, there is some correlation between the rise of Bitcoin as hard money with a limited supply and
the criticism of the fiat currency system. However, some of it is not so easy to quantify, such as the animosity toward fiat currency being linked to wider dissatisfaction with the state.

But is any of it justifiable? The problem with answering that question is that there are both economic and sociological answers. The former is easier to frame, whereas the latter is not. Let’s start, though, by analyzing what we mean by fiat currency, which will help us understand its critics.

Fiat currency is effectively all money

Fiat currency is essentially money not backed by a physical commodity (gold or silver, for instance). It is, therefore, nearly all the money in existence in the world today. When you look at the trillions of dollars being traded in forex markets, it is fiat currency that’s being traded. The Canadian dollar used to be partially backed by gold, and some of its value is derived
from oil prices, but despite some arguments to the contrary, it remains a fiat currency.

So, why, then, should we criticize money? Well, it’s due to the fact that having no physical backing, such as a lump of gold or a barrel of oil, central banks and governments can print that money out of thin air. The charge against it is that printing new money creates more of it (naturally), and that eventually devalues it. You’ll often see anti-fiat accounts on Twitter/X
posting charts of how their currency’s purchasing power has declined or will decline over time. This is the economic argument against fiat currencies.

This chart shows how many years it would take for each fiat currency to lose 50% of its buying power if today's inflation rates remained constant.

The red line marks the average number of years worked before retirement.

There will be no retiring if one chooses to save in fiat. pic.twitter.com/P5CjXg5v3e

— Sam Callahan (@samcallah) April 2, 2024

However, the argument loses merit when certain factors are pointed out. Yes, the Canadian dollars in your pocket lose purchasing power over time, and that’s why you can’t buy a house for the same price as your grandparents. Yet, you also will earn a lot more than your grandparents. If something used to cost a dollar and you earned ten per hour later costs five
dollars, yet you earn fifty per hour, there isn’t really a problem. Of course, that’s just the theory, and it does not always work that way in practice.

Wages keeping up with inflation

In Canada, for example, disposable personal income has tripled since 2001. It also increased in the last quarter of 2023 (the latest period for measurement). Have wages kept up with inflation? Not always; you might look at everything from the cost of a cup of coffee to your mortgage payments to consider that it hasn’t. But the problem is not fiat currency in and of itself. It is the balance between price rises and the amount of money you earn. From the period 2019-2022, average hourly wages grew 12.5% in Canada; CPI rose 10.1% in that time. There were accelerated periods of inflation, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, but on balance, wages kept up with inflation.

Now, none of this is meant to say that the fiat system is perfect, nor does it suggest that the government and central banks get it right on balancing the system. But broadly speaking, the antagonism toward fiat currency tends to be more sociological than economic. In short, people are angry at the system, not fiat currency itself. Those pushing the demise of fiat currency are often anti-establishment, at least ostensibly. They are interested in concepts like Bitcoin not only for financial reasons but also because it is not a creation of the state.

Their concerns do go into other areas, such as central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and it leads them to see the fiat currency system as one of control. How valid are those concerns about CBDCs? We would be foolish to dismiss them, and there should be perhaps a sense of frustration that the mainstream media is broadly ignoring the threat. At the moment, the official line from Canada is that there are no plans for a CBDC – yet. However, and this is important – the BoC is apparently researching the “need” for one in the future.

What would that “need” be? Could it be the control of citizens’ finances? There is an all-too-scary suggestion that this could be the route that governments take, where fiat currency becomes less money and more like social credit. You drink or gamble too much? Well, the government will freeze the money in your account until you prove you are spending responsibly. If we go into a situation where fiat currency becomes a system of control, then inflation is the least of our worries.

For some, there is a sense of a tipping point on the horizon. We have this situation where governments are constantly printing money – and taking on huge amounts of debt – and we have the specter of CBDCs. You can, therefore, understand the allure of Bitcoin and other decentralized forms of currency, although those systems in themselves are not perfect. The
question, though, is whether we meet these challenges before the tipping point is reached?