Ontario’s iGaming sector has shown remarkable growth in the first quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year. iGaming Ontario’s latest market performance report highlights significant increases in both gaming revenue and total handle.
During Q1 2024, Ontario saw its total handle reach CA$18.4 billion (US$13.3 billion), marking a 31% increase compared to the previous year. Gaming revenue also saw a substantial rise, climbing from CA$540 million in Q1 2023 to CA$726 million in Q1 2024.
Casino games led the way, with slots, live and computer-based table games, and peer-to-peer bingo making up nearly 84% of total wagers. These games also contributed to 73% of the total gaming revenue. Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, noted, “With 50 regulated Operators and a one-third increase in wagering and revenue figures over the first quarter of last year, Ontarians who choose to gamble are finding many enjoyable options in our open regulated igaming market.”
Betting and Poker Contributions
Betting, including sports, esports, proposition, novelty bets, and exchange betting, accounted for CA$2.5 billion of total wagers and generated CA$181 million in gaming revenue. Meanwhile, peer-to-peer poker brought in CA$402 million in wagers and CA$16 million in gaming revenue.
On July 22, it was revealed that Ontario’s iGaming sector had contributed a combined total of $1.24 billion to federal, provincial, and municipal government revenues. According to Deloitte’s “Economic Contributions of Ontario’s Regulated iGaming Market – Year 2” report, the industry also sustained nearly 15,000 jobs.
Otton emphasized the broader benefits of this revenue, stating, “The revenue generated by Ontario’s competitive igaming market contributes directly to provincial priorities such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.”
The findings from Deloitte highlight the substantial economic impact of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market. The sector not only supports government revenues but also plays a crucial role in job creation, ensuring sustained economic benefits for the province.
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