National survey of attitudes and gambling behaviours reveals surprising insights

April 11, 2007 – Twice as many Canadians gamble simply for the fun of it, than gamble in an effort to make money, according to theannual NationalGaming 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 betweenFeb. 13, 2007 and March 15, 2007, and represents a margin of error of +/ – 3.1, 19 times out of 20.

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 theSummit 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.canadiangamingsummit.com.

About the CGA

The Canadian Gaming Association represents the gaming industry’s leading operators, manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders nation-wide.

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A backgrounder on the 2007 National Gaming Monitor is available at www.canadiangaming.ca.

 

Contact:

Paul Burns, VP Public Affairs, Canadian Gaming Association
416-304-6870
416- 579-3922

  national_gaming_monitor_backgrounder.pdf  Bytes