When it comes to discussing the industries which are undoubtedly thriving in the country at the moment, one area which simply cannot be ignored at present is gambling.
So many of us enjoy a night at the casino or the chance to sample online games and this is clearly having an impact, with the industry seemingly enjoying a period of rude health at present.
An online and offline success
The success of local land-based casinos like the Casino du Lac-Leamy and the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino are certainly evidence of that, although they are both undoubtedly facing some challenges from the online world.
Casino sites have become hugely popular thanks in part to the input of software providers like Microgaming, an award-winning company which is thought to have developed more than 850 different casino games to support the industry. As this site on the newest Microgaming casinos outlines, the company even has one eye on the future and is developing the first online slot for use on the Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
However, despite such innovations, old-school casinos do still appear to be holding their own. Recent reports revealed that the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino recently gave a boost to the Ontario government, with the City of Ottawa receiving around $1 million of the site’s receipts in the first two months of 2019. This level of funds can perhaps be used as an indicator of just how well the casino is doing at the moment.
Looking ahead
It was against this successful backdrop that the latest Canadian Gaming Summit was recently held. Hosted at the Edmonton Convention Centre in the middle of June, the event was far from a celebration regarding the position that the industry has found itself in. In fact, it was predominantly focused on examining one issue alone – the future.
The #CGSummit starts today at @yegconvention. We have a full slate of #programs, stimulating #education sessions, a #marketplace featuring many exciting exhibitors and multiple #networking opportunities. Get the details on our website. See you there! https://t.co/KAjytcy6yx pic.twitter.com/8oPWGO6P7k
— Canadian Gaming Summit (@GamingSummit) 18 June 2019
The theme of the 2019 event was ‘Driving Change’ and as its website outlines, the summit was focused on hearing different ideas and approaches regarding how the industry can embrace change and ultimately be successful. A range of sessions was held with this idea in mind with one, for example, considering the issue of cashless wagering and how the industry can adopt alternative payment methods which are being increasingly used by players.
It also looked at why eSports matter to the country’s casino industry, while the Canadian Gaming Association also launched a new programming opportunity. Known as the CGA Academy, the initiative revolved around learning and training through the introduction of new technology and ideas.
A great position
With the total gambling gross yield worldwide expected to reach around 495 billion US dollars this year, it is fair to say that the industry is undoubtedly in a great position in Canada and many other countries at the moment.
However, the Canadian Gaming Summit seems to have highlighted how the industry is not resting on its laurels and remains determined to drive its success even further. It will be fascinating to see how it develops its offerings in the months and years ahead.