Canada's Growing Bingo Industry - An Economic and Cultural Overview
Bingo is one of the oldest and most beloved forms of entertainment, thrilling players with its exciting atmosphere and chance-based opportunities. Over the past few years, it has grown exponentially both in Canada and around the world - becoming a pillar of culture and commerce. With hundreds of live venues, online bingo Canada sites (and other gaming), and thousands of Canadians regularly taking part - there's no denying that the Canadian bingo industry is booming.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at how this trend began, what it means for businesses and engaged players alike - as well as considerations for those looking to dive into an industry they may know little about!
A Brief History of the Canadian Bingo Industry
The history of bingo in Canada is a long one - dating back to the turn of the 20th century. As of 1892, all forms of gambling were included in the Canadian Criminal Code by the government at that time. Back then, people were very focused on morality and religious beliefs. As a result, lawmakers felt the need to cater to public opinion. However, the prohibition led to the emergence of a hidden gambling system, with players running illegal dens.
Charitable bingo and raffles became permissible in 1900 after people started playing them as a means of raising funds for charity. Upon recognizing the economic benefits of certain forms of gambling, the government made changes to Canadian gambling legislation, granting permission for bingo and raffles to take place for charitable purposes. After 25 years, the government modified the Criminal Code to permit gambling events at fairs and town exhibitions. This decision was made recognizing the importance of such entertainment options.
In the 21st century, technological advancements changed how Canadians gamble. As a result, casino sites introduced online versions of popular card games and slot games featuring different themes and mechanics. Online gambling in Canada, as reported by StatCan, has been legalized in several Canadian provinces. British Columbia was the first province to legalize online lottery tickets and sports betting in 2004. It later added poker in 2009 and casino games and bingo games in 2010. Manitoba, Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario also allow online gambling. The Atlantic Lottery Corp. is responsible for selling lottery tickets and bingo online in the Maritime provinces.
Impact on Local Economies and Culture
One of the main reasons for the success of bingo in Canada is its ability to generate revenue for both local governments and charities. In regulated bingo establishments, a portion of the revenue generated goes into the community treasury. For instance, in Ontario, which is the province that earns the highest bingo revenue, the game generated gross revenue of $1.1 billion in 1998. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) reported that despite a decrease in the number of bingo halls from 230 in 1998 to 79 in 2008, the Province still saw a total of $633 million in bingo wagering during the fiscal year 2007/08.
Community Involvement and Initiatives for Social Good
In addition, the money generated from bingo on many of the best bingo sites and halls in Canada has also been used to fund important charitable organizations. This is because a local bingo hall is run by a non-profit organization or charity in Canada, with proceeds going towards their cause. In 2016, the news reported Ontario's Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization initiative achieved a remarkable milestone by raising over $100 million to support local charities across the province through the revitalization of charitable bingo and gaming.
A joint program was initiated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA), and the Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario (CGAO) a decade prior. The money was used to fund local charities and organizations for projects such as the building of hospitals, support for veterans, or helping those in need.
Recent Trends in the Bingo Industry - The Turn to Online Bingo Canada
The bingo industry in Canada has moved towards online platforms in the past few years, coinciding with the overall increase in online games. Platforms like StumbleGuys have become increasingly popular, offering players the chance to play with friends in real-time from anywhere in the world. Online bingo offers an advantage over traditional land-based establishments due to its convenience and the wide variety of games available. The growth in popularity of this type of gaming has allowed provincial governments to increase revenue collections while supporting charities at the same time.
Online bingo in Canada has been steadily gaining popularity, with several of the best online bingo sites offering different variations of the game. The growing demand for online bingo games is evident from the fact that many Canadians can now play bingo games on their smartphones and tablets on platforms like WinkBingo. According to reports, mobile gambling accounts for nearly two-thirds of all wagers made in Canada. The introduction of more mobile-friendly Canadian online bingo sites is expected to further boost the growth in popularity of online bingo in Canada.
The future of bingo in Canada looks bright, as governments continue to embrace the game and recognize its potential for generating revenue and helping charities. With more Canadians turning towards online gaming every day, likely, the bingo industry in Canada will only continue to grow. You can find out more about the best bingo sites in Canada by reading our reviews. Whether you choose to play online or visit a local hall, we wish you luck with your bingo games!
Is Online Bingo Legal in Canada?
While setting up and offering any form of online gambling within Canada is illegal, Canadian citizens are allowed to play at any of the best online bingo sites based in countries like the UK or Malta. Once you choose the right online bingo site, you can get registered and start playing online bingo at once. Some of these sites also offer free bingo games, and this is particularly why bingo has gained popularity in Canada.
Canadian players can register, claim online bingo bonuses, play free online bingo Canada, and deposit and withdraw without any issues on many online bingo sites, even those based in the UK, which has some of the most liberal online gambling laws in the world. This makes it easier for beginners to play bingo online from any of the Canadian bingo sites that offer free online bingo games. You have the opportunity to play online bingo and connect with players from various countries by joining bingo rooms.
