Poll finds 91% of Ontario online gamblers are using regulated sites over offshore operators

When the Ontario online gaming market launched in 2022, regulators hoped that they could curb the number of locals using illegal offshore gambling sites. It appears they've accomplished this goal, with an Ipsos study showing that 91.1% of Ontarian gamblers use legal, licensed sites. By contrast, only 8.9% of respondents said they exclusively use illegal offshore gambling sites. 

These poll results may also be encouraging for Alberta online casinos, with the province getting set to launch its regulated market in July. 

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario commissioned Ipsos to poll locals on their online gambling preferences. The Ipsos research reveals that 7.4% more players are using regulated ON sites compared to last year (83.7%). 

It also shows that the number of players using offshore sites has dropped from 16.3% to 8.9%, a 45.4% decrease.

An even bigger indicator of the turnaround comes from April 2022, when over 70% of gamblers said they primarily played with illegal operators. That number has dropped dramatically over the past four years.

"Today's findings are further proof that Ontario continues to strike the right balance of providing players the choice and protection they need to have confidence in the regulated igaming market," said iGaming Ontario CEO Joseph Hiller. "iGaming Ontario is committed to building a safe and robust marketplace for players and operators alike." 

The Ipsos poll shows that most Ontario residents and visitors would rather use regulated, safe online casinos versus those operating outside the province.

This is in large part due to the work put in by iGaming Ontario and AGCO to provide better alternatives to offshore sites. Today, the province features almost 80 gambling operators that follow local regulations.

"These results are clear—Ontario is an international leader in upholding a safe, competitive, and regulated online gaming market," said Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey. "Only four years ago, our government took action to bring online gaming into a modern, regulated framework that protects players, supports greater choice for consumers, and tackles the illegal market."

Alberta recently opened its market up to allow commercial operators to provide online casino games for real money and sports betting. Soon, it will feature leading gambling apps like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

It has been looking towards Ontario as a model as it prepares to launch Alberta online casinos and sportsbooks. The Ipsos research will likely give the Energy Province confidence for the future.

Like Ontario in 2022, Alberta also struggles with too many of its residents using unregulated gambling sites. By offering commercial operators alongside the government-run PlayAlberta, it figures to capture more tax dollars from locals and tourists. Additionally, it will provide Albertans with some of the safest and best online casinos available.

Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.

Jeremy Olson