Canadian Gaming Ass.’s 2007 National Gaming Monitor
ED.: CGA is the association representing the gam(bl)ing industry.
Number one reason Canadians gamble is for fun, not money - National survey of attitudes and gambling behaviours reveals surprising insights
HALIFAX, April 11 /CNW/ - Twice as many Canadians gamble simply for the
fun of it, than gamble in an effort to make money, according to the annual
National Gaming Monitor : a cross-country survey of the opinions of 1,000
Canadians on the subject of gaming. Forty-eight per cent of those who gamble
say they do so for its entertainment value, while 22 per cent say their prime
motivation for gambling is to win money.
The research also shows that the vast majority of Canadians who gamble do
so responsibly: 80 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they establish a
set budget, and 90 per cent of those stop playing after their money has been
spent.
“The results of the 2007 National Gaming Monitor show that the vast
majority of Canadians enjoy gambling as leisure activity and budget for it
accordingly as a way to spend some of their entertainment dollars,” said Bill
Rutsey, President of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA).
The survey also reveals that the average Canadian gamer is in fact
relatively affluent. Generally speaking, gamers are approximately 50 years
old, earn between $75,000 and $85,000, and are more likely to own their own
home than rent. The average Canadian gamer spends approximately $800 on all
combined gambling activities (including lotteries) per year.
The survey did reveal, however, that Canadians have significant
misconceptions about problem gambling. The majority of respondents mistakenly
believe that up to 30 per cent of those who gamble are problem gamblers. Yet
third party researchers consistently report that problem gambling rates across
Canada (and internationally) range from one-half of one per cent to 1.5 per
cent. (Source: Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling, Canadian Gaming
Digest 2004-2005.)
“We recognize that problem gambling is a very real and serious concern
for the people and their families who are dealing with the issue,” said Mr.
Rutsey. “People need support and treatment to tackle their individual problems
head-on. That’s why as an industry we continue to work with governments and
stakeholders to provide people with the necessary resources. I’m proud to say
that Canada contributes more per capita than any other country in the world to
address problem gambling.”
Nine percent of those surveyed indicated they do not gamble. Of those
nine percent, almost one-third said they do not participate because it’s
against their moral or religious beliefs, while another one-third said it was
because gaming is not appealing to them.
About the Survey
The national survey of 1,000 respondents was commissioned by the CGA and
conducted by PMG Consulting of Waterloo, Ontario. It was fielded between Feb.
13, 2007 and March 15, 2007, and represents a margin of error of plus or minus
2.73 per cent, 95 times out of 100.
2007 Gaming Summit
The complete survey results will be discussed at the upcoming 2007 Gaming
Summit to be held in Toronto from April 25 -27. The Summit will feature 125
exhibitors and attract more than 1000 attendees, and will cover topics such as
regulatory oversight, security, corporate social responsibility, E-lotteries,
charitable gaming, First Nations gaming, and many other areas. Central to the
Summit will be the release of the first ever National Economic Impact Study of
gaming in Canada. More information on the 2007 Canadian Gaming Summit can be
found at www.canadiangamings ummit.com.
About the CGA
The Canadian Gaming Association represents the gaming industry’s leading
operators, manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders nation-wide.
A backgrounder on the 2007 National Gaming Monitor is available at
www.canadiangaming.ca.
