Betting Trends in Canada

Betting in Canada is changing greatly due to new laws and better technology. Each province controls its gambling rules, making the betting scene very diverse. Recent legal changes, like allowing single-event sports betting in 2021, have made more betting options available.

These changes are helping online and mobile betting grow quickly. Canadians now see new trends in how they bet, showing how preferences are shifting across the country.

Demographic Shifts in Betting

The demographics of Canadian bettors showcase diverse trends across different age groups and genders. Men dominate the sports betting scene, with 56% of online bettors being male compared to 43% female. It indicates a significant gender difference in sports betting preferences. However, the gender gap narrows regarding lottery tickets, which have a more universal appeal among men and women.

Younger Canadians, mainly those aged 18-34, are less inclined to gamble than their older counterparts. Conversely, older demographics show a greater participation rate in traditional forms of gambling, such as lotteries and casino games.

Younger Canadians interested in starting to bet can take advantage of the registration code for BetMGM to receive a deposit bonus. It can provide a helpful starting point for new bettors exploring the betting options.

Popular Betting Activities

Canada’s most popular forms of betting include sports betting, lottery tickets, and casino games. Ontario is a leading hub, particularly since its retail gaming market launched in 2022, when wagers exceeded $11.5 billion by the end of that year​​. 

Lottery tickets remain the most prevalent form of gambling, with 65% of Canadian gamblers participating, primarily due to their accessibility and low cost​.

Popularity of Niche Sports

While mainstream sports like hockey and basketball dominate the betting scene, there’s a growing interest in niche sports. Rugby, lacrosse, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are gaining traction among Canadian bettors. These sports offer unique betting opportunities and often provide more favorable odds due to the lower volume of bets compared to mainstream sports​.

Motorsports, such as Formula One and NASCAR, and even cricket, which has historic roots in Canada, are seeing a resurgence. The appeal of niche sports lies in their novelty and the strategic edge they offer bettors who invest time in understanding less-publicized sports.​

Regional Variations

Betting preferences vary significantly across Canadian provinces. Quebec residents are the most active gamblers, with 69% of the population engaging in some form of gambling, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba report the lowest participation rates at around 50%​. 

With its robust gambling infrastructure, Ontario consistently reports the highest revenues, particularly from its numerous land-based casinos and burgeoning online gambling platforms.

Online Betting and Digital Transformation

The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online gambling, leading to a substantial increase in online betting activities. As of 2024, there are over 19.3 million active online gamblers in Canada, contributing to an annual revenue of approximately $3.1 billion​. Online sports betting is prevalent, with significant growth projected over the next five years​.

Growth of Live Betting and Real-Time Wagers

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, has gained substantial popularity among Canadian bettors. 

Users may bet on events as they unfold, creating an engaging experience. Betting platforms have capitalized on this trend by offering extensive live betting options with real-time odds updates and live-streaming services.

Final Thoughts

Betting in Canada is evolving rapidly due to new laws and better technology. Diverse trends are emerging, such as the growing interest in niche sports, regional variations in betting preferences, and the rise of live betting. Canadians are increasingly engaging in online and mobile betting, which has grown substantially due to its convenience and accessibility.

Personalized betting experiences are also changing the landscape, with AI providing tailored suggestions and promotions based on user behavior. These trends highlight how the betting scene in Canada is becoming more dynamic and user-friendly, adapting to the preferences of modern bettors.