How #Poker has helped #Canada become a casino gaming powerhouse

While so many trends come and go across the globe, the unmistakable glitz and glamour of casino gaming remains a major draw to a huge number of people. The casino industry in general is in rude health at present, with Statista.com outlining that the gross gaming yield from global casinos is forecast to reach $130 billion in 2019.

In addition, the world of online casino gaming is also thriving, with the industry offering gamers a chance to play everything from poker to blackjack when they’re at home or on the move. Again, according to Statista.com, the value of the worldwide online gaming market will be more than $94.4 billion by 2024.

One country which has really embraced both land-based and online casino action is Canada, with the region developing a major presence in this sector and particularly having a strong reputation for all things poker-related.

A popular pastime

While locations like the UK, Macau and Las Vegas have famous reputations for gambling in general, you may not have realized just how huge the pastime is in Canada.

According to industry software provider Slotegrator in an article published on Medium, Canada comfortably sits alongside the aforementioned regions to be one of the top ten countries in the world when it comes to casino gaming. The organisation’s analysis of the industry in the country found that three-quarters of residents regularly visit land-based establishments, with adults spending an average of $570 per year on games like poker. However, the industry is not only focused on land-based casino games, as further research on ResearchAndMarkets.com has revealed how in recent years there has been a shift from traditional gaming to the online world.

In terms of the factors which may have had an impact on Canada's reputation for poker and casino gaming in recent years, the importance of its close proximity to the US should not be underestimated. In 2011, legislation changes meant that the online poker scene south of the border was hit hard, with many players therefore choosing to head to countries such as Canada to pursue their interest in the game.

Massive revenues

All of the above has made the poker and casino gaming industries a major money-spinner in Canada. According to a report compiled by Fantini Gaming Research and released last year, gaming revenues in the country reached CAD17.3 billion in 2017, marking an increase of almost five per cent from the previous year.

Ontario was found to be responsible for more than 40% of the country’s total gaming revenue – generating funds of CAD7.4bn – with Quebec being the second-largest province for gaming with revenues of CAD3.6bn.

A range of poker variants are popular in Canada Source: Pixabay

Looking more specifically at poker, a range of variants of the game have proven to be popular both in land-based casinos and online in Canada. From Texas Hold’em to Omaha and Stud, all of the major variations of poker have become a hit with players in the country. In addition, poker is played at tournaments of all shapes and sizes, from major World Series affairs to more low-key events like free poker tournaments. As 888poker outlines, the latter events allow players to enter the competition for free but still offer cash prizes and other prizes to winners. There will of course be more players who enter and the tournaments can be quite lengthy, but these work well for new players who don't want to lose any cash and need to work on their strategic skills. They can identify their opponents' style and learn when and against whom to play tight.

Major tournaments

However, while free tournaments generally feature no restrictions on who can play, only the absolute best of the best get to take part in some of the biggest events which Canada plays host to.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) International Circuit tends to feature a stop in the country, with the 2018-19 season actually kicking off in August last year with a date at Montreal’s Playground Poker. The circuit is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions in poker, with the season culminating in the invitation-only Global Casino Championship that features a minimum prize pool of $1 million.

Another major competition which includes a stop in Canada is the World Poker Tour (WPT) DeepStacks mid-major circuit. The schedule for the first half of 2019 also included a date at Playground Poker at the start of February, while the circuit is set to return to the country in the middle of April for the DeepStacks Edmonton event.

Top players

Considering Canada’s strong poker scene, it is perhaps unsurprising that some top players have emerged from the country through the years. There are almost too many great Canadian competitors to count, but one who undoubtedly deserves a mention is Daniel Negreanu. Also known as Kid Poker, the Toronto-born star is regarded as one of the best poker players in the world and has won six WSOP bracelets as well as two WPT championship titles. According to TheHendonMob.com database, he is also the second-most successful poker player in the world with winnings of more than $39 million.

Another notable Canadian player is Jonathan Duhamel, who was born in Boucherville, Quebec and has secured three WSOP bracelets in his career. However, his biggest claim to fame was undoubtedly winning the Main Event in 2010, with the victory making him the first Canadian to do so.

Finally, you may be surprised by a couple of other Canadians who have enjoyed success at poker in the past. Guy Laliberte may be best known as the co-founder of Cirque de Soleil, but he has taken part in a range of tournaments down the years. In addition, Jennifer Tilly may have made her name as an actress but she has also enjoyed a strong poker career, securing a WSOP bracelet at an event held in 2005.

A well-earned reputation

As all of the above highlights, Canada’s reputation for poker and casino gaming is undoubtedly well earned. The industry has generated significant revenues for the country, while its experience at hosting stops on the biggest circuits highlights how it is a major player in this world.

This of course begs the question as to whether the country can develop its presence in casino gaming further and at this point, it is fair to say we would not bet against it.

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