AGCO says 91.1% of players choose regulated gambling sites

• AGCO has welcomed the results of its latest survey, indicating a strong uptake of the regulated gambling market locally
• The number of people to play in the regulated market has reached 91.1%, indicative of the channelization rate
• 8.9% of respondents are players who only play at unregulated websites, but their number has declined steadily

Ontario is on track to have one of the highest channelization rates of any regulated gambling rates worldwide, with the local watchdog, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), reporting a 91.1% channelizaiton rate for players in the province.

AGCO sees a steady increase in regulated market participants compared to a year earlier

Channelization rate refers to the percentage of players who stick and play with regulated gambling websites. While there are still 8.9% of people who play only on unregulated websites, this is a major drop from the 16.3% to have reported the same last year.

According to AGCO, this is a clear example that the regulatory framework launched in April 2022 has worked out for the better and has consistently delivered on the important end result of bringing more people into the fold of regulated gambling.

Attorney General of Ontario, Doug Downey, weighed in on the latest results, calling them an important milestone for the province:

"These results are clear: Ontario is an international leader in upholding a safe, competitive, and regulated online gaming market. 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. To date, we’re proud to see Ontario’s world-class online gaming model continue to support jobs, innovation, and economic activity across the province."

What has been achieved in Ontario may now serve as a footprint for Alberta, another Canadian province that will be launching its own betting and gaming market.

AGCO has issued a reminder as to why playing with regulated websites only is important, citing concerns over match-fixing, responsible gambling, identity and data theft, and more.

Trend needs to be tested over the coming months

While not negligible, the 8.9% of people who play on unlicensed websites only constitutes a significant decrease. Whether this trend lasts, however, will have to be examined next year.

"It’s encouraging to see more and more Ontarians choosing regulated sites when they gamble online. This continued shift reflects the strength of Ontario’s model and its focus on protecting players. The AGCO remains committed to addressing the residual illegal market and ensuring regulated operators meet Ontario’s strong regulatory standards," concluded AGCO Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr.

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