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The Economic Impact of Online Poker on Canada’s Gambling Industry

Canada’s online gambling market pulled in $2.64 billion in 2021, with nearly half of that coming from online formats. That figure grew to $3.1 billion by the end of 2023, reflecting the industry’s steady expansion. Meanwhile, offshore sites rake in over $4 billion annually from Canadian players, highlighting the significant outflow of gambling revenue to unregulated platforms.
In Ontario alone, online poker generated $11.7 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2024. Across the country, wagers on online poker exceed $100 million annually, a small slice of Canada’s total gambling market, which surpasses $12.5 billion each year.
Ontario’s regulated system has successfully retained over 85% of its players on locally licensed platforms, setting a precedent for other provinces. As a result, many regions are now considering similar regulatory approaches to keep tax revenues within Canada while ensuring a safer gambling environment for players.
The Role of Tournaments in Driving Revenue
Large-scale poker tournaments have played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s gambling economy, generating millions in prize pools and boosting tourism. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit event in Toronto drew over 5,000 entries and awarded more than $5.5 million in 2024, further cementing poker’s economic influence. Similarly, the annual World Poker Tour (WPT) in Montreal attracts both local and international players, significantly benefiting casinos and the hospitality industry.
Online poker in Canada continues to grow steadily amid these live tournaments. Online platforms host major events with guaranteed prize pools that attract thousands of players. This dual presence of live and online tournaments reinforces poker’s financial impact on Canada’s gambling sector.
Employment and Industry Development
The expansion of online gambling has led to the creation of approximately 7,000 new jobs in 2023. From game developers and cybersecurity experts to customer support teams and marketing professionals, the industry has fostered employment growth across various sectors.
Additionally, investment in Canadian gaming studios such as Old Skool Studios, Zartek, and Pear Fiction has surged. These companies play a crucial role in developing innovative gaming content, ensuring a steady influx of new titles that keep players engaged while keeping revenue within Canada’s economy.
Beyond direct employment, gambling revenues support social programs. British Columbia, for instance, allocates $140 million annually from gambling revenues to fund community projects. Other provinces have implemented similar initiatives, demonstrating the broad societal benefits
of the industry beyond casino profits. Other provinces have varied approaches for distributing these funds.
Legal Framework and Consumer Trends
Ontario remains a leader in online poker regulation, with iGaming Ontario overseeing operations and maintaining strict compliance measures. The province saw $14 billion in wagers from 920,000 registered players in early 2023, growing to $17.2 billion by the year’s end, generating $658 million in revenue.
Nationwide, about 30% of adults are registered on at least one online betting site, with a demographic skew toward players aged 30 to 50 years old. Men account for 56% of users, reflecting a gender-based trend in online poker engagement.
With the growing acceptance of online gambling, provincial governments are increasingly considering regulatory frameworks to provide safer, locally governed alternatives to offshore platforms. Esports betting is also gaining traction, with expectations that it will become a significant market segment by 2025.
Mobile and High-Tech Gaming Expansion
The shift towards mobile gaming has redefined player behavior. More gamblers now prefer smartphones over desktops, prompting online casinos and poker sites to optimize their mobile platforms for seamless accessibility.
Artificial intelligence has been incorporated into several aspects of online gambling, such as personalized game recommendations and automated customer support. Additionally, blockchain technology has improved transactional security and payout speeds, ensuring greater transparency for players.
Looking ahead, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are expected to play a more prominent role in online gambling, creating immersive experiences that simulate real-world casino environments. These advancements will likely drive further engagement and attract a younger demographic of tech-savvy players.
The Economic Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its growth, Canada’s online poker industry faces key challenges, particularly regarding offshore gambling competition and regulatory discrepancies across provinces. Offshore operators continue to attract Canadian players, diverting potential tax revenue away from local
governments. Addressing this issue through a nationwide regulatory approach could help Canada maximize the economic benefits of online poker.
Additionally, the gambling industry’s relationship with responsible gaming initiatives will be crucial in ensuring sustainable growth. With the rise in problem gambling awareness, implementing more robust player protection measures and responsible gaming campaigns will be essential.
The future of online poker in Canada looks promising. As more provinces explore regulatory frameworks, the industry is poised for further expansion, bringing new jobs, increased tax revenues, and enhanced consumer protections. Continued technological innovation and tournament expansion will further solidify Canada’s position as a significant player in the global online poker market.
Conclusion
Online poker plays an integral role in Canada’s gambling industry, contributing millions in revenue, job creation, and technological advancements. With Ontario leading the way in regulation, other provinces are likely to follow suit, fostering a safer and more profitable gaming environment.
However, addressing offshore gambling competition and strengthening responsible gaming measures will be crucial in maintaining industry stability. As mobile gaming, AI, and blockchain continue to evolve, the online poker market will remain a key economic driver in Canada’s gambling sector for years to come.
By fostering regulatory expansion, technological innovation, and responsible gaming practices, Canada can ensure the continued success of its online poker industry, keeping revenue within national borders while offering a secure and engaging experience for players.
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Property Markets in Alberta and B.C. Show Strong Momentum

Calgary and Edmonton have both seen a steady level of property sales in recent months.
People who want to buy homes have focused on the location of each property. In both cities, there are options in both new developments and established neighborhoods. Pricing has stayed stable compared to some Canadian markets. Buyers often look at access to schools, parks, and workplaces as they make their choices. New construction projects have brought more units onto the market in some areas.
Condos and single-family houses both see attention. Some buyers prefer newer houses on the outskirts, while others choose homes near central districts. Demand for rental units has risen in many areas of Alberta as well. In most markets in this province, there are properties at a range of different price points.
Strong Buyer Interest in British Columbia
In Vancouver and other large cities in British Columbia, property purchases have stayed at a high level. Buyers study the location, price range, and future changes in each community before making an offer. Areas close to public transit, work, and schools often get the most interest. The supply of homes for sale can be limited, especially for single-family houses near the city center.
Home builders in some parts of British Columbia continue to start new projects. Suburban towns near Vancouver have seen people move from central communities as they seek different price points and more space. Most sales activity comes from a mix of local people and those considering a move from other regions.
Comparing Regional Housing Trends
Markets in Alberta and British Columbia have shown strong sales volumes in both urban and suburban neighborhoods. Buyers in Calgary and Vancouver have sought properties for their location, price point, and plans for future development. In comparison, other cities like Montreal and Ottawa have seen less change in housing demand.
Toronto homes for sale draw buyers based on inventory, neighborhood perks, and pricing. Properties in these areas often attract people considering options across Canada, leading to more balanced market activity in each region.
Influences on Current Demand
The activity in Alberta and British Columbia is shaped by different factors. Economic stability, employment rates, and population growth all play a role. In Calgary, job growth and a reasonable cost of living make the city attractive for new arrivals. Many companies offer positions in energy, construction, and services. This consistent employment keeps more people interested in both renting and buying homes.
British Columbia sees demand for property due to its location near the Pacific, a large service economy, and its climate. Many buyers see homes close to workplaces and public amenities as valuable. The limited space in some Vancouver neighborhoods can lead to more competition for each listing. New government policies on housing and lending may also affect the way buyers choose their properties.
Supply Factors and Market Balance
Builders respond to demand with new projects in both provinces. In Alberta, building new single-family homes or townhouses is common, especially in the outskirts of cities. This can help stabilize prices and supply for buyers who want new properties. By contrast, British Columbia often sees apartment and condo developments due to limited land near city centers.
Inventory levels can still be tight in some parts of both provinces. A limited number of new listings can cause more competition and keep prices firm. In some suburbs, developers offer new construction, while some older core neighborhoods have homes that are renovated or improved. The mix of these options shapes buyer and seller choices week by week.
The Effect of Amenities and Community Features
People choose homes not just for size or price, but also for access to amenities. In Alberta, neighborhoods with nearby schools, healthcare clinics, and parks see steady sales. In British Columbia, walkability, transit options, and access to local shops are important to people buying properties.
Communities that blend these features with reasonable prices often see more interest. Safety, commuting time, and local services also play roles in how buyers look at each listing. Some buyers prefer new developments that offer updated services and features, while others seek established communities with a track record of maintenance and stability.
Urban and Suburban Patterns
Both Alberta and British Columbia show activity in city centers and outer areas. In Calgary and Edmonton, downtown condos appeal to people who want to live near work or entertainment venues. In outer districts, large homes and yards attract buyers who want space and quiet.
Vancouver shows a similar split. Central neighborhoods offer easy access to employment and culture, while areas further out often mean lower prices and larger lots. Over time, people may move from one type of neighborhood to another as their priorities change.
A Look at Pricing and Future Supply
Property prices in Alberta have not risen as quickly as in some other Canadian regions, making the market accessible for many first-time buyers. British Columbia sees higher average prices due to demand and restraints on new supply, especially for new houses in city centers.
Plans for more new units are in place in several Alberta and British Columbia cities. This includes condos, single-family houses, and mixed-use buildings that can serve a range of buyers. Future building projects may affect future prices and supply levels if they proceed as planned.
Summary
Property markets in Alberta and British Columbia continue their activity due to local demand, supply, and economic factors. Buyers in Calgary and Vancouver pay close attention to location, price, and development plans. Cities in Alberta and British Columbia offer a mix of options for people seeking different types of homes at various price points. Local amenities, market inventory, and employment opportunities all shape the activity in these property markets. As local conditions change, builders and buyers keep adjusting their decisions according to their most practical needs and preferences.
Also Interesting
The Best US Hopes for Wimbledon 2025: Who Could Break the Curse at SW19?

For American tennis fans, Wimbledon has turned into a tournament of nostalgia and heartbreak. The days of Pete Sampras being the biggest name on grass feel like a lifetime ago – and while Serena Williams has done well for the U.S., she’s now out of the picture. And in recent decades, the men’s title hasn’t been lifted by a US player since Sampras back in 2000 – a quarter of a century ago, no less.
But as we start gearing up for Wimbledon 2025, there’s hope in the air. There’s a whole new generation of American talent—both men and women… And it’s finally starting to break through. With some pretty strong grass-court performances over the past year, there’s actually a bit of hope that maybe the stars and stripes could do it again… finally.
So, let’s take a closer look at the top U.S. contenders for Wimbledon 2025.
Taylor Fritz
When it comes to the American men, Taylor Fritz has to be the most consistent threat. Currently ranked inside the ATP top 10 – at number 4 no less, he’s matured into a well-rounded player, with a game suited perfectly to grass courts. He has a powerful serve, a clean ball-strike, and super sharp net play… and he could be dangerous at Wimbledon.
Last year he made it to the quarters before going out in a five-setter – and this time around, he’ll want to get at least one step further. Obviously, it won’t be easy going against the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic—both of whom are the names dominating the Wimbledon betting odds—but if the draw opens up, he could enjoy a serious run.
Ben Shelton
Fritz might be the reliable American option, but then there’s Ben Shelton – very much a wildcard. The 22-year-old exploded onto the scene with a deep run in the US Open in 2023, and while grass isn’t necessarily his natural surface, he’s nothing if not adaptable. And with his huge serve and fearless playing style, he’s a complete nightmare to go against in best-of-five tennis.
Shelton showed plenty of promise in the 2024 grass court season – with strong showings at Queen’s Club and Halle. And if he gets hot, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see him crash the quarterfinals or beyond. If you’re looking for a dark horse, he could be your guy.
Sebastian Korda
Of all the American men, Sebastian Korda is arguably the best suited for a grass game. Tall, elegant, and technically impressive, it’s almost like he was built for Wimbledon. He managed to make it to the fourth round in 2021 but has struggled with injuries ever since. However, if he’s fit and healthy, his court coverage and touch could cause issues for even the best player.
If he is in top form going into Wimbledon 2025, he could surprise some of the higher seeds. He’s already beaten some of the top-10 players on grass, and he’s someone with the mentality to perform well even on the biggest stage.
Coco Gauff
Let’s look at the women… and here we have Coco Gauff, who is unquestionably our biggest Wimbledon hope. Still only 21 years of age, she already has years of Grand Slam experience under her belt—and she even has a US Open title to her name. Her big breakthrough came at Wimbledon back in 2019 when she famously beat the legendary Venus Williams… at just 15 years old. Since then, she’s just gotten even better, especially on faster surfaces.
Her serve is one of the best on the WTA Tour, and her athleticism makes her a tough contender out on grass. With the main competitors being Iga Świątek, who struggles on this surface, and Elena Rybakina, who lacks consistency, this could potentially be her year.
Madison Keys
And we really shouldn’t count out Madison Keys – the 29-year-old who still has the power game to do serious damage on grass. And she got all the way to the Wimbledon quarter finals as recently as 2023.
Her huge serve and flat groundstrokes always work well on grass… and with her experience, she could get a long way if the competition goes her way. Wimbledon is about fearless aggression… and Keys has that by the bucketloads. She may not be the favorite – but savvy fans know that, if the form and conditions are right, she could make it at least to the semis.
Will it be the year for the US at Wimbledon? It’s hard to say… and we’d definitely need a bit of luck on our side. But at Wimbledon, anything is possible!
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