Canadian Gaming Industry Delivers Real Benefits to All Regions of the Country

Industry tops $17.1 billion in revenue, directly supports over 182,000 jobs

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) released its National Economic Benefits of the Canadian Gaming Industry, which examines the size, growth of the and impact of the Canadian gaming industry as it welcomes gaming industry professionals from across Canada and around the world who are gathered at the Edmonton Convention Centre for the 23rd Annual Canadian Gaming Summit.

In 2017, the industry produced $17.1 billion in gaming win, which includes $1.0 billion in non-gaming revenue (food and beverage, entertainment, accommodations, retail) and demonstrates that gaming in Canada is a strong pillar of the broader hospitality industry and a significant generator of jobs and income for communities. Gaming in Canada directly supports approximately 182,500 jobs with an average salary of almost $65,000, which translates into $11.9 billion in labour income. Additionally, the industry purchases over $14.6 billion in goods and services annually, generating $18.9-billion of value-added GDP to the Canadian economy.

Gaming also sizably exceeds other segments of the entertainment industry in terms of the direct impact on the economy. Over the same period, gaming revenues exceeded those of social establishments, spectator sports, performing arts, movie theatres, and magazine and book sales combined.

“Gaming in Canada continues to grow and is an important employer and provider of meaningful returns to the Canadian economy balanced with socially responsible measures,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO, Canadian Gaming Association. “The size and scope of the industry have created a positive economic environment, where many of the goods and services needed to sustain operations are now produced and/or offered in Canada, and a number of Canadian companies are exporting gaming-related products and services internationally.”

Real Benefits in Local Communities

Canada’s gaming industry is a significant contributor to communities across Canada – it is increasingly technology-based and internationally-focused and represents a full spectrum from uniform manufacturers to global providers of printing solutions and game technology. Present in almost every region of the county, gaming remains a vital contributor to local communities as well as proud corporate neighbours who invest in their locations.

The following companies illustrate the diversity of Canada’s gaming industry as well as the large and small communities where they operate.

Nanoptix Inc., in Dieppe, New Brunswick, is a global provider of printing solutions and technologies for the gaming, lottery, kiosk, POS and amusement markets. Unisync™ Corp., in Mississauga, Ontario, is a leading customer-­focused provider of corporate apparel. Pollard Banknote, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a trusted and reliable full-service instant ticket printing and related services partner and serves over 50 clients worldwide. Jackpot Digital, in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a leading electronic table games manufacturer and mobile gaming provider for the cruise ship industry and regulated casino industry.

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment, in Burnaby, British Columbia, is one of the largest and most diversified gaming and entertainment companies in Canada, with 27 gaming properties in three provinces and more than 8,000 employees.  Gateway always strives to be a good corporate neighbour, working closely with community leaders to ensure it takes an active role in supporting economic development but also supporting important community and charitable initiatives through Gateway Gives, its corporate giving and community engagement program.

“Last year, we contributed over $1,000,000 to more than 1,500 community and charitable organizations across Canada,” said Tony Santo, CEO, Gateway Casinos. “We strongly believe in offering not just our resources, but also our time, our know-how and our properties in supporting local efforts in the communities where we operate.  We support and encourage all of our employees to be actively involved in projects, causes and initiatives that aim to build stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities.”

An Evolving Industry

As the companies listed above demonstrate, Canada’s gaming enterprises, technologies, products and expertise are in constant demand. The expansion and evolution of our industry has been driven by several key factors: technological innovations, shifts in public perception, consumer preferences for new products, and the innovation occurring in a globalized, competitive market. This has also translated into interest from international companies wanting to make a home in Canada.

“Gaming in Canada has been a success from an economic development, revenue, and employment perspective,” added Burns. “Governments have profited from new tax revenues, local economies have profited from new companies, jobs have been created, and significant capital investment and economic activity have materialized.”

The CGA has created a series of infographics, including provincial snapshots, that are available for download along with the full study and a summary, on canadiangaming.ca.

About the Canadian Gaming Association:
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) is a national trade association that works to advance the evolution of Canada’sgaming industry. The association’s mandate is to promote the economic value of gaming in Canada; use research, innovation, and best practices to help the industry advance; and create productive dialogue among stakeholders.

The CGA is co-owner of both the Canadian Gaming Summit, Canada’s premier annual conference and exhibition for gaming professionals, as well as Canadian Gaming Business magazine. Visit www.canadiangaming.ca to learn more about the CGA and gaming in Canada

Source: Canadian Gaming Association