The Canadian Gaming Association released a report this week that claims gambling is Canada's number one pastime. According to the report gambling is, "Canada's largest and most financially significant entertainment industry". Gambling apparently accounts for 267,000 jobs and adds about $15.3 billion in Canadian dollars to the countries economy.

Press reports in Canada are describing the report as being the most detailed and comprehensive study of its kind that was ever done. It also identifies 135,000 people that are directly employed in gambling with related industries adding more jobs to the tune of 267,000 jobs total.

Canadian Gaming Association President Bill Rutsey said, “Gaming has grown significantly over the past decade to become an essential pillar of the entertainment industry in Canada. It is now demonstrably clear how the majority of spending in the industry goes directly back to Canadians in the form of paycheques, construction in communities, and revenues for the programs and services and charities that we value."

The report didn't specify the role online gaming and specifically online bingo halls play in the report's findings. Online bingo games are growing in Canada with many Canadian online players taking part in online bingo halls.






- 2008-04-10