Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has made significant economic strides, generating more than CAD$2 billion in revenue for the provincial government since its inception two years ago. According to a recent report by Deloitte, in its second year, Ontario’s competitive iGaming market (excluding the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s iGaming offering) has sustained nearly 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs, marking an increase of 2,800 jobs from the first year.

A Recognized Leader in iGaming

“Our made-in-Ontario iGaming sector is being recognized internationally for its success as a leader in this space,” said Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey. “Working together with our partners and industry, we will continue to drive innovation and deliver robust player protections, all while displacing the unregulated market. Our iGaming sector is not only a job creator here in Ontario but it shows the world our ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and responsible iGaming industry.”

Deloitte’s report highlights that the total government revenue generated through the iGaming market reached $1.24 billion in the second year. This revenue includes $790 million supporting provincial government revenue, $75 million bolstering municipal government revenues, and $380 million aiding federal government revenue.

“This report puts Ontario’s iGaming market government revenue contribution at over $2 billion since it launched and with job contribution up by 24% from its first year, the benefits to Ontarians are significant,” said Heidi Reinhart, chair of the iGaming Ontario board.

Economic Contributions and Growth

Ontario’s iGaming market contributed $2.7 billion to Ontario’s GDP in its second year of operation, up from $1.58 billion in the first year. For every dollar spent by iGaming operations, an estimated $1.40 of GDP was supported in the Ontario economy, an increase from $1.14 in the first year.

The iGaming market has already achieved or nearly reached many of Deloitte’s year-five projections in its second year, with government revenue at 94%, direct jobs sustained at 120%, total full-time jobs sustained at 9%, and GDP contributions at 93% of the initial expectations.

“Through the development and growth of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, we’re helping achieve the government’s goals in terms of job creation, innovation, and development while providing a safer experience for consumers,” added Martha Otton, executive director of iGaming Ontario.

Detailed Economic Impact

The report from Deloitte indicates that Ontario’s regulated iGaming market sustained 14,935 full-time equivalent jobs in its second year, a significant increase from the previous year. The market’s contribution to the GDP amounted to $2.7 billion, with a notable portion of $1.3 billion supporting labor income. This economic activity resulted from both operational activities and capital investments by licensed iGaming operators.

The breakdown of government revenue supported by the iGaming market is substantial: $790 million in provincial government revenue, $75 million in municipal government revenue, and $380 million in federal government revenue. These revenues include various taxes such as the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), property taxes, and corporate and personal income taxes.

Comparing Year 1 and Year 2 Results

The growth from Year 1 to Year 2 of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is significant. The estimated contribution to Ontario’s GDP grew by 70%, from $1.6 billion to $2.7 billion. The contribution to labor income increased by 45%, rising from $905 million to $1.3 billion. Employment contributions saw a 24% rise, growing from 12,070 full-time equivalent jobs to 14,935. Additionally, the contribution to provincial and municipal government revenue in Ontario increased by 66%, from $525 million to $865 million.

This robust growth illustrates the dynamic impact of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market on the province’s economy. The sector not only creates jobs but also drives significant revenue for the government, supporting a variety of public services and initiatives.

Source:

ONTARIO IGAMING MARKET SUSTAINING 15,000 JOBS IN SECOND YEAR SINCE LAUNCH, gamingintelligence.com, June 20, 2024.

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