Gambling is a popular pastime in Canada and Australia. As a matter of fact, studies show that there are over 19.3 and 6.3 million Canadian and Australian active gamblers, respectively. They engage in various activities, mostly sports betting and online casino gaming.
However, the gambling markets of both countries have some differences and similarities. These are in terms of legality, gaming options and betting markets, mobile gambling, and user penetration. Let us explore them below.
About the Canadian and Australian Sports Betting and Online Casino Gambling Markets
Sports betting is a leading gambling activity in Canada and is embraced by millions of people. In fact, the market is growing, and studies show that it will reach $0.99 billion in 2024 and $1.49 billion by 2029. This shows an 8.52% CAGR.
On the other hand, Canada’s online casino market is also experiencing steady growth. It is projected to reach $2.61 billion in 2024 and $3.49 billion by 2029. So, the market is growing at a 5.98% compound annual growth rate.
At the same time, Australia’s gambling industry is thriving. Research shows the country’s sports betting market will be $9.76 billion by 2024. Also, it will grow at 4.80% CAGR to reach $12.34 billion by 2029. The growth is promoted by factors like favorable local circumstances and a strong sports culture.
However, Australia’s online casino market faces strict regulations. The country prohibits Australian operators from providing casino gaming services to Aussies. Still, residents can engage in it, and they do it on various licensed offshore websites.
Comparisons Between Sports Betting and Online Casino Gambling in Canada and Australia
1. Betting Markets and Casino Games
Canada has a variety of betting options for its residents because it hosts many sports tournaments. They include Hockey, which is a popular betting market for Canadians. The NHL games, specifically the Stanley Cup playoffs, attract many punters. Football is also among them, with the NFL and CFL taking the lead. Other betting markets in the country are soccer, basketball, baseball, horse racing, and golf.
Australia also has a wide array of sports tournaments. Some include Aussie Rules, or AFL, the most popular, basketball, with NBL’s Oceania League attracting many bets. The nation also hosts the greatest horse racing events like the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Other sports in Australia are soccer, cricket, tennis, and rugby. They provide Aussies with many betting markets to choose from.
For online casino gambling, Canadian virtual casinos offer gamblers a variety of games. This includes slots, poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. So, Canadians enjoy various titles on their gaming adventures.
Similarly, online casinos in Australia have a variety of games. But slots, also known as pokies, are the Aussie favorites. Fortunately, many virtual casinos in the country have hundreds of titles, including free slot games you can play without making any deposit. They also feature tables and live games to widen player choices.
2. Legality
Sports betting in Canada is legal, and persons above 18 years can engage in it. Canadians bet on many local and international sports events on various licensed sportsbooks. The favorable legality has enabled operators like DraftKings and Fanduel to enter the market. But they are subject to interstate regulations. States have special bodies responsible for monitoring gambling operations. One is the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission for Alberta. Ontario also has the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
However, Canada’s criminal code is against the provision of online casino gambling services in the country. It restricts operators from establishing virtual casinos in any state, which is a big challenge to the country’s gambling industry. But the criminal code doesn’t restrict Canadians from playing online casino games. They access them on licensed offshore platforms under jurisdictions like the USA, the UK, Malta, and Gibraltar.
Online sports betting is also legal in Australia, as in Canada. Aussies join and place their bets on various licensed platforms in the country. However, each platform has to comply with interstate and territory regulations to be allowed to operate. It should also follow the rules set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
On the contrary, Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 also prohibits operators from offering online casino gaming services. Despite that, Australian residents engage in it on offshore websites.
3. Mobile Gambling
Mobile sports betting is popular in Canada because statistics show that 66.23% of bettors in the country use apps. Several factors promote it, such as the increased smartphone ownership in the country. Also, the best Canadian sportsbooks have dedicated betting apps with excellent services available for free download.
Online mobile casino gambling is also more popular in Canada. In fact, the country’s mobile games market is projected to have over 13.7 million users by 2027. Many of them are casino gamers.
Comparably, Australia’s mobile sports betting market has also experienced exponential growth. Many Aussies use betting apps for their gambling adventures. Studies show that 39.5% of regular online bettors in the country are active users.
Besides that, Aussies embrace mobile casino gaming as well. The widespread smartphone ownership and fast and cheap internet connection enable them to enjoy the games on handheld devices.
4. User Penetration
The Canadian online sports betting market has many users, and their number is growing. Studies show that its user penetration will reach 25.5 million people by 2029. The same is happening in the country’s online casino gambling market. Many Canadians are joining it and are projected to amount to over 15.7 million users by 2029.
In contrast, Australia has fewer sports bettors compared to those in Canada. But despite that, their number is growing steadily, and research reveals that it will be 9.7 million people in 2029. Additionally, more Aussies are joining online casino gambling because the restrictions apply to only operators and not players.
Both Gambling Markets Are Developing
The Canadian and Australian gambling markets have many similarities despite a few differences. Their user penetration and revenue are growing steadily. Also, online sports betting and casino gaming are the biggest growth drivers in both markets. For more information, you can read our blog with other articles on the subject.
