Ontario igaming market launch creates 1,300 new jobs
According to PlayCanada, new positions will be created in the Canadian province due to the launch of online gambling operations on April 4.
Canada.- Nearly 1,300 jobs will be created in Ontario due to the launch of online gambling operations, according to a report released by PlayCanada, which tracks the Canadian gaming market. Ontario is scheduled to be the first Canadian province to launch private online gambling operations on April 4.
PlayCanada.com compiled data and other information from industry insiders and economic experts. It included research of job listings in comparable jurisdictions. The research concludes that about half of some 2,600 jobs that will come to Canada with the nationwide expansion of online gaming will be high-quality jobs with better-than-average compensation.
Robyn McNeil, managing editor of PlayCanada.com and chief co-author of the report, said: “We have found by looking globally that online cannibalization is largely a myth, often propagated by brick-and-mortar casino operators understandably concerned that online gaming will eat into their profits.
“The truth is that online casinos and sportsbooks often act as a tide that lifts all boats, expanding the market to the benefit of all industry stakeholders.”
Dustin Gouker, who oversees the Play network of sites that includes PlayCanada.com, added: “Land-based casino operators will have to adjust, but the introduction of private online gambling operators should be a net benefit for Ontario and beyond. Ultimately, the benefit of regulated, private online gambling operators to the economy will be tangible.”
Ontario to open legal igaming market on April 4
In January, iGaming Ontario (iGO), a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO), announced that Ontario would open its legal igaming market on April 4. Approved operators would need to sign off on an operating agreement with iGO before they would be able to launch.
The AGCO continues to approve igaming operators and suppliers. LeoVegas Group has been registered as an igaming operator and Play’n GO was awarded a supplier licence that will see the company’s portfolio made available for players when the regulated market opens.
Rush Street Interactive has been granted an igaming licence for its online casino and sportsbook brand BetRivers. In the last weeks, Gaming Realms, Bragg Gaming Group, 888 Holdings, Inspired Entertainment and Kambi have also received igaming licences in the province.
