Predicting Ontario’s Gaming Future

Hailey Campbell

Casino expert

Updated:
Predicting Ontario’s Gaming Future

Welcome to our latest guide, where we’ll explore everything to do with the future of Ontario casinos. From the groundbreaking technology that is set to change the online gambling landscape as we know it, to the legislative changes to land-based venues. There’s a lot of change on the horizon, and one thing’s for sure; it’s going to be exciting. So crack open the fortune cookie and enjoy our top predictions on what’s to come for Ontario’s gaming scene.

A New Era for Ontario’s Casinos

City at dawn

The Ontario gambling industry is thriving right now, especially since online sports wagering and casinos were officially legalized in the province in April 2022. Before that, online gambling was something of a gray area, and only available on overseas sites.

Additionally, there are now 25 land-based Ontario casinos making it the best province in the country for in-person gambling. The evolution and modernization, both in terms of legislation and technology, are helping to increase casino tourism in Ontario.

Thanks to massive technological changes, including the Metaverse, VR, and AI, we are at a unique turning point. Both the online and offline casino spheres in ON are on the verge of transforming to change the experience as we know it.

Before too long, you could be sitting in your Toronto living room and wandering through the halls of a Las Vegas casino at the same time. From a fairness perspective, provably fair technology is developing to the point that regulated online casino games have never been safer or fairer.

Tracking trends

You would probably think that technological developments will be more relevant to the future of Ontario casinos online. While there is some truth in that, it will also evolve the way that we play games at land-based venues as well.

Moreover, amendments to Ontario’s sustainability efforts, and plans to add more Vegas-style entertainment outlets to casino venues also look set to bring positive change.

Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting trends below:

  • Casino Technology: Many have predicted that Virtual reality (VR) might replace land-based casinos, as it gives you access to an in-person experience online. However, there are plans to make VR table games and slots available at land-based venues in Ontario. Moreover, Augmented Reality (AR), provides the perfect combination, as you can add 3D VR elements to the real-life casino game that you see in front of you.
  • Sustainability Efforts: Thanks to their flashing lights, use of heating, aircon, and an abundance of technology, casinos have long been criticized for being energy-guzzling machines. However, the Ontario gambling industry has now taken action, and most casinos are using energy-efficient technology including LED lights, HVAC systems, and more.
  • Entertainment Expansion: Part of the success of Las Vegas and Atlantic City is their land-based casinos offer so much more than just gambling. There are already some great casino wedding venues in Ontario, and we predict that they will add more non-gambling activities to appeal to a wider audience. More casino-based restaurants, concert venues, and leisure activities should be coming your way very soon.

How Will Online Casinos Evolve?

A hi-tech city

Now, let’s turn our attention to how technology will help evolve the best online casinos Ontario has to offer. From payments and personalization to the gaming experience itself, some big and exciting changes are on the horizon.

Here are the three areas in which we think technology will enable the most change:

Blockchain and cryptocurrency gaming

Cryptocurrency casinos have been around for a while, but now they are being regulated and more widely accepted by the mainstream Ontario gambling industry. Crypto payments are faster, safer, and help keep you anonymous while you play. Plus, blockchain-backed games that use provably fair technology are fairer than regular online casino slots.

AI and personalization

AI is having an impact, positive and negative on all aspects of our lives right now. When it comes to online casinos, AI can take personalization to the next level, as it can track your preferences and arrange the online casino lobby according to the games you like to play most. Additionally, an AI account host can be assigned to cater to your needs 24/7.

Virtual reality casinos

With a virtual reality headset, you can now be at home in Ontario, but explore the land-based casinos of Macau or Las Vegas. Moreover, fantasy-style casinos built in the Metaverse are already being created by some companies. This means that you could soon find yourself walking around a casino in a cartoon environment or on another planet.

Ontario’s Regulatory Landscape: What’s Coming?

The future of legislation

Thus far, we have focused mainly on the physical and technological changes that we believe are forthcoming. However, these are not the only two elements that will determine the future of Ontario casinos.

The industry will have to adapt to the technological changes that are impacting how we play at casinos every single day. For example, crypto payments used to be a black market thing, but due to their popularity, online gambling regulators across the globe are now working to embrace and regulate them.

Another area where legislation will affect the future of casinos is responsible gaming. There are now more tools than ever before to help protect potential problem gamblers in Ontario. These include things such as self-exclusion programs, time limits, and deposit controls.

Since legalization and the introduction of iGaming Ontario in 2022, things have been changing fast, and that only looks set to continue. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep on top of things so that you remain on the right side of the law. To do so, you can always refer to our guide to Ontario gambling laws. We will always update you as and when any changes take place regarding online and in-person gambling in ON.

Five Innovations that Could Shape Ontario’s Gambling Future

A robot hand touches a human hand

We’ve been a bit general up until now, so we’d like to get a little bit more specific. With that in mind, here are five innovative developments that we believe will shape the future of Ontario casinos online and offline:

  1. Mobile-First Gaming: Most of us already do the majority of our gambling and gaming on our smartphones and tablets, a trend that only looks set to continue. Most casino game software developers are now creating their games for mobile devices first, with the desktop versions now being the adaptations. Until recently, it was the other way around.
  2. Cross-Platform Play: Just as online gaming companies can facilitate cross-platform play between consoles, PC, and Mobiles, online casinos can do the same with land-based venues. Live streaming allows online players to play at the same table as people in a land-based venue. Meanwhile, you can already play online but withdraw your funds instantly in cash from your local land-based casino.
  3. Live Casino Streaming: As we said above, live streaming already has the potential to link online and land-based players. Additionally, live dealer games are becoming more immersive thanks to the quality of the streams and the development of VR and AR technology. As well as table games, live spins have now brought a real-time experience to slots.
  4. Enhanced Player Analytics: Big data means that online casinos have access to an amount of player information that the human mind simply cannot comprehend. While there are some negatives to this, it can be used positively by the Ontario gaming industry. We’re particularly excited about how player analytics will make for a more personalized experience for all players, not just VIPs.
  5. Interactive Slot Machines: Online slot machines have come on leaps and bounds over the past two decades, moving on from three-reel fruit spinners to 3-D graphics, cascading reels, and fun narrative-driven themes. In land-based casinos, expect to see more interactive slot machines in the near future, complete with touch screens and the inclusion of AR for a truly immersive experience.

The Role of Online Casinos in Ontario’s Future

Hands work at a computer

Given the rise and popularity of online gambling, you could be forgiven for thinking that land-based venues are slowly being replaced. On the contrary, trends suggest that the two can not only coexist but also help one another.

Many online and land-based casinos are already combining to offer a hybrid experience. For example, some online live dealer games now connect online players with dealers and players at brick-and-mortar venues.

Another way that they are cross-platforming is by using your online customer data to deliver a better experience when you visit a land-based venue. If they know what you like online, they can quickly and easily direct you to the parts of the venue that will appeal to you the most.

One such example of a forward-thinking online casino is PointsBet Ontario, thanks to its immersive selection of live dealer games, video poker, and slots. This brand is already leading the way in the Ontario gambling industry online, but many more brands look set to follow in its footsteps.

In Summary: Preparing for Ontario’s Casino Evolution

Woman ready at sprint start line

In summary, the future of Ontario casinos definitely looks exciting, with plenty of developments and innovations on their way. Whether you’re looking to enter a VR casino from the comfort of your own home or play an immersive slot machine at your local casino venue, there’s a lot to look forward to.

Do you want to keep up to date with the operators who are pushing the boundaries the most? Then bookmark our Ontario casino guide so that you can engage in this dynamic industry through the top brands.