Gaming is massive in Canada, with millions playing games on consoles, PCs, and increasingly, mobile devices. Interestingly, recent statistical surveys have shown that more than half of Canada’s gamers last year were female. This shows just how much things have changed in the last two decades, which have seen the primary demographic of gamers represented by males aged 18-34.
The emergence of mobile as a legitimate platform for gaming has turned the industry on its head, drawing in players from all backgrounds, and boosting other sectors of gaming such as online casinos and sports betting. So, what’s behind the shift from men to women gamers in Canada? Let’s take a look, and check out what kind of games are making waves in the Great White North.
Women outnumbering men
The figures from Canada are striking — gaming is a traditionally male pursuit, overwhelmingly so pre-2007. And it isn’t just Canadian women who are picking up controllers — some statistical analysis claims that the split between genders has been 50/50 since 2019. This can only be a positive for the gaming industry, but it has to respond with the way games are developed to reflect the more diverse tastes and interests of a diversifying market.
That isn’t to say specific genres of games should be skewed one way or the other — sports games, for example, are fairly evenly split, which is reflective of the percentage of male/female sports fans. Now, 52% of American football viewers in the US are female, as found by MIDiA’s Q4 2019 survey.
Reasons behind the stats
Several factors have contributed to this trend. Firstly, the gaming industry has become more inclusive and diverse, with more games being developed that cater to a wide range of interests and demographics. This has helped attract more female gamers who now have a wider selection of games that appeal to their preferences.
Secondly, the rise of mobile gaming has made gaming more accessible to a broader audience, including women. Mobile games are often more casual and require less time commitment, which can be appealing to those who have busy schedules or are new to gaming.
Furthermore, the visibility of female gamers and content creators on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has played a crucial role in inspiring and encouraging more women to engage in gaming. Female streamers and esports players have built substantial followings and have become role models for aspiring female gamers.
Influence of online casinos
For the last fifteen years, online casinos have been going from strength to strength. Not only do they perfectly illustrate the widening appeal of gaming brought about by mobile platforms, they now make up a major part of the gaming economy.
Online casinos are hugely popular across the world, and have a large and diverse following in Canada. And more and more women are leaning towards this trend.
Players are drawn in for many reasons, and have a wealth of options to choose from. Here are some of the reasons behind their popularity:
Bonuses and promotions
With so many casinos vying for customers, it’s not a surprise that there are plenty of bonuses and promotions to choose from. Canadians can find helpful resources to compare the best bonuses available for their favored games. Players will usually receive a bonus upon signing up, and there are often freebies offered to loyal customers.
Selection of games
Take a look at any online casino and the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer quantity of available games. Players can hit the card tables for hands of blackjack and poker, spin the roulette wheel, or enjoy a vast selection of slot machines. The powerful engines behind the games mean that slots can now incorporate enhanced gameplay, offering an exciting and immersive experience to customers.
Wide appeal
Many patrons of online casinos have never set foot in a bricks-and-mortar gambling establishment, but are enjoying the games on mobile apps around the country. The popularity of online casinos can be explained to a large degree by this widening appeal. In such a large nation, Canadians may not live near a land-based casino, so playing online might be their only opportunity to have some fun and potentially win some cash.
Technology
Now that almost everyone has a smartphone or tablet, and the level of technology in even the most rudimentary devices is so high, mobile gaming has exploded. This has hugely diversified, and as a result, increased the traffic online casino operators are seeing.
Women across the world are embracing gaming, and not just on mobiles. Female usage of consoles and computers is also on the up, and the market has made major leaps forward not just in Canada, but also in the United States, India, China, the United Kingdom, and many other regions. This diversification can only have a positive long-term impact, and not just economically. Also, in terms of a more equal and progressive gaming culture.
Disclaimer: Gambling involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk. This post contains material that may or may not be legal in your country. Please play subject to applicable law.
