World Series of Politics

World Series of Politics


Episode 19: Looking at Ontario's legal gaming market with Paul Burns

July 11, 2023

Brendan Bussmann and Brandt Iden dive headfirst into Canada’s only open betting and gaming market with Paul Burns of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA). 


Paul shares his thoughts on the early stages of Ontario’s regulated market, pointing out a strong channelisation rate suggests the Canadian province is making a successful leap from a grey to white market. 


This, he explains, has levelled the field where it comes to advertising. That hasn’t prevented the nasayers from massing, however. One of the opposition parties in the Ontario Parliament has put forward a bill to ban gambling advertising - even though gaming only accounts for 3% of total ads shown in the country.


Looking forward, Burns looks to the future of the Canadian gaming, examining the potential of sports betting and igaming in Ontario and beyond. With a foundation of responsible gaming standards and a commitment to player protection, there’s a strong case for other Canadian provinces to consider a regulatory rethink.