The Canadian federal government department Statistics Canada has published figures for net revenue from gambling in 2008. In 1992 revenue from government-run lotteries, VLTs, casinos and slot machines not in casinos was $2.73 billion and rose yearly until 2007, when net revenue was $13.7 billion. In 2008 revenue fell for the first time, albeit not by much, to $13.67 billion. Pari-mutuel betting, which had net revenue of $532 million in 1992, dropped to $378 million in 2008.

Casinos and slot machines outside casinos (mainly at racetracks) continued to increase their share of the gambling industry in 2008 (reaching 34% and 22% respectively) while revenue and representation dropped for lotteries (24%) and VLTs (20%). Saskatchewan brought in the highest gambling revenue per person ($825) followed by Alberta and Manitoba. The national average was $528.

Gambling participation and expenditure rates increased with household income. For example, 34% of households with incomes of less than $20,000 gambled in 2007 and spent an average of $678, while equivalent figures for those with incomes of $80,000 or more were 58% and $798. Men spent 50% more on gambling activity than women.

In the Canadian gaming industry, men increased their share of employment from 35% in 1992 to 51% in 2008. The rate of full-time jobs increased from 60% to 84% over the period. Compared with workers in non-gambling industries, those in gambling were more likely to be non-unionized (74% versus 69%), paid by the hour (81% versus 65%), and paid less ($19.85 hourly versus $21.30) and receiving tips at their job (33% versus 7%). (E-07.23.09)

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