The Technologies Driving the Growth of the Canadian iGaming Market

The gambling business is a rapidly expanding sector with huge potential in many markets around the world. The evolution of technology supporting iGaming products and software has made great strides, from rudimentary video slot games in the late 1990s to cutting-edge HTML5 mobile slots and from simple table games with no side bets to live casino game shows available on all types of devices and web browsers.

The primary driver of this growth is the widespread adoption of smartphones by the general public. At the same time, the convenience of access to virtual casinos and online gaming platforms has made less tech-savvy users more and more likely to switch from land-based to online gambling. In this article, we will explain how a wave of new casinos in Canada are using technological developments to enhance their presence on the market and differentiate themselves from the competition.

1 – Slot Mechanics and Volatility

Slot mechanics and volatility are crucial factors that contribute to the growth of the Canadian iGaming market. Slots are the most popular type of online casino game, accounting for an estimated 70 to 80% of the total GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) in Canada. Higher slot volatility can result in impressive wins, sometimes up to 20,000 times the bet amount, which is often used for marketing purposes to attract slot players.

To enhance the slot experience, leading video slot developers are increasingly adopting new mechanics such as MEGAWAYS, licensed by Big Time Gaming, and bonus-related mechanics like Bonus Buy, which has been a hit among Canadian players since the launch of the Ontario licensing regime. To differentiate themselves from established local competition, new casino brands in Canada have introduced newer slot providers that offer higher volatility slots. This has created a strong demand for these companies, resulting in Evolution acquiring NoLimit City in a deal believed to be worth up to 350 million euros.

2 – Live Casino and Live Game Shows

Live casino table games and game shows have become increasingly popular over the past few years, thanks to companies like Evolution and Pragmatic Play. If you’re someone who enjoys the atmosphere of a brick-and-mortar casino but prefers the convenience of playing from home, or if you’re new to the casino experience and want to try it out in a more comfortable environment, then live online casinos are a great option. Here are some of the games you can play with a real dealer:

• Roulette;
• Blackjack;
• Baccarat;
• Teen Patti;
• Craps;
• Andar Bahar

In these online casinos, the game is controlled by a dealer located in a studio, and everything happens in real-time thanks to high-definition streaming and multiple cameras. You can enjoy classic games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Teen Patti, craps, Andar Bahar, and many others – the selection of tables and themes grows constantly. The dealers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for players in Canada, but the software is also key.

Evolution is currently the industry leader, with studios in Latvia, Malta, and Canada. The company developer offers tables with different language options and settings. Pragmatic Play is also catching up, and other companies like Playtech, Vivo Gaming, and Bombay Live are not too far behind. They invest in building studios and training staff and don’t stop producing high-quality games. It’s reasonable to expect these companies to become more visible across major online casino brands in the future.

3 – Live Streaming

Twitch is an online streaming platform that, while notoriously devoted to video games, offers other types of content as well. Simple chat, ASMR, cooking, as well as eSports streams. Online gamblers playing slots and table games or tournament poker also stream while doing their thing, and that serves as entertainment for a lot of viewers in Canada.

However, in October 2022, Twitch made an announcement that a change of policy had taken place that basically bans the overadvertising of offshore casino websites on its platform. At the time, the slots category on Twitch.tv was one of the 10 most watched. Since the introduction of the new rules, some of the high-profile streamers have left the platform or decreased their streaming activities. Nevertheless, streaming is undoubtedly one of the ways that an increasing number of online casino owners are turning to in order to promote their websites.

4 – An Increasing Variety of Casino Bonuses

The increase in competition and the number of players comparing welcome bonuses leads to more advantageous promotions for new players than ever before. Undoubtedly, casino bonuses are a strong attraction for players eager to prolong their casino gambling. The most common types of bonuses are:

• Welcome bonus on deposit
• Reload bonus
• Free spins
• Tournaments with prize pools
• Cashback
• Daily promotions

In addition, the programs related to VIP players have also developed a lot. Currently, many online casinos in Canada run a VIP program giving back to the most loyal and high-betting players. These types of players are entitled to personalized bonuses and more frequently. Of course, this all depends on how much and for how long a player has been gambling with the specific brand.