Over the past few years, the online casino market in Canada has grown at a significant rate. Canadians have the option to access thousands of casino games from nearly any device that gets internet access.
Now that online casino games are so easy to access, Canadians no longer need to travel to cities with casinos to gamble. So, has this online revolution impacted tourism in Canada?
Casinos are a major attraction in certain areas of Canada, like Niagara Falls and Montreal. Throughout this page, we’re going to take a closer look at how the rise of online casinos are affecting tourism in these areas. We even brought in a few experts from CasinoRIX to get their insight.
The Decline in Casino Tourism in Canada
There has been a slight decline in Canadian tourism. According to Statistics Canada, foreign tourism was down by 2.7% in 2024, while domestic tourism was down 0.5%. But, is this directly related to online casinos?
There have been several factors leading to a decline in tourism. Inflation, costs of services, and geopolitical tensions have been leading factors. However, tourists still want to visit Canadian cities for the natural and cultural attractions.
That being said, online casinos have contributed to a decline in visitors to Canadian casinos. Players can enjoy the convenience from anywhere, so they don’t feel obliged to visit physical casinos.
But, popular casinos like Casino de Montreal and Fallsview Casino Resort are still drawing in high traffic, contributing to tourism. Despite the rise of online casinos, these are major attractions in Canada that thrive on the experience and atmosphere created.
Shifting Spending Habits: Tourists vs. Online Gamblers
Let’s talk about money. It’s no secret that traveling can cost a pretty penny. Flights, accommodation, dining, and attractions all add up. Now, think about how much extra it costs to add a casino night into the mix.
Inflation and other economic events have caused a lot of people to look at their finances differently. It’s not just money spent on casinos. Other land-based merchants that relied on tourists to spend money are taking a hit.
As people make an effort to save money, they turn to digital entertainment. Instead of spending a night out at the casino, where they could easily spend a few hundred dollars, people are opting for low-deposit casinos. There are many sites available on https://casinorix.com/ca/ where people can enjoy games for deposits under $20.
A lot of people also enjoy the gaming options available at online casinos. There are thousands of classic and modern games to choose from. Players don’t have to wait on their turn at a table or slot machine. They can play on their time and budget.
The Effect on Local Economies and Employment in Tourism
Land-based casinos contribute to many sectors of the tourism industry, especially for domestic travelers. People would visit from out of town. They would book a hotel room for the evening, go out to dine, and visit other local attractions.
Now that online gambling is regulated, Canadians aren’t as interested in traveling to a different city solely to visit land-based casinos. As casino visits are reduced, it has a trickling effect on other establishments relying on tourists.
We can’t solely point the finger at online casinos for the decreased demand in tourism. While there are many factors that have led up to this, online casinos show how the digital age is making an impact on local establishments.
Regulatory Challenges: How Canadian Authorities Are Responding
Gambling regulations ensure a safe and trustworthy experience for people who use casinos in Canada. Online regulations not only keep player safety in mind, but they also have economic benefits.
Let’s take the Ontario market for example. Ontario has a regulated gambling market, meaning that every online casino providing services in the province must obtain an AGCO (Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario) license. This approach ensures that a portion of the revenue stays in the economy.
Other provinces, like BC and Quebec, are introducing government-operated gambling platforms. These work similar to the lottery, where a portion of the revenue goes towards the local community.
By fostering the digital age of casinos, the Canadian government can find ways to put the money back into the economy.
The Future of Canadian Tourism and Online Casinos
Canadian tourism may be at a standstill, but it’s not solely because of online casinos. Yes, digital entertainment allows people to enjoy these games without having to travel. However, the authentic casino experience that people get at popular hubs (like Fallsview and Casino De Montreal) can’t be replicated online.
It’s important to realize that inflation and other factors are a bigger reason why Canadian tourism and local casinos are taking a hit. Even though online casinos have a lot of advantages for players, especially those on a strict budget, their presence isn’t enough to prevent people from wanting to visit Canadian attractions.
