Canada’s iGaming industry is experiencing explosive growth in 2025, with Ontario at the forefront. The province’s strategic regulatory framework, increasing player engagement, and the influx of major operators have transformed it into a global hub for online gambling. Meanwhile, Alberta prepares to enter the scene to replicate Ontario’s success.
Ontario’s iGaming Market by the Stats
Ontario’s iGaming market is on a tear. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the province reported CA$3.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), a 32% increase from the previous year. Total wagers reached CA$82.7 billion, up 31% year-over-year.
Casino gaming led the charge, generating CA$2.4 billion in revenue from CA$69.6 billion in wagers—a 36% revenue jump. Sports betting followed with CA$724 million in revenue, reflecting a 23% increase. Peer-to-peer poker remained steady at CA$66 million.
April 2025 alone saw CA$313.2 million in iGaming revenue, with casino games accounting for 78% of the total. The number of active monthly players surpassed 1.09 million, indicating strong user engagement.
The Backbone of Ontario’s Success
Ontario’s iGaming market didn’t just get lucky. It’s been a slow, methodical grind since 2022. The backbone of this sector is a regulatory framework that actually works well.
Back in April 2022, Ontario opened the doors to a regulated iGaming market. But they didn’t just slap a license on anyone with a flashy website and call it a day. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) built a system that balances operator opportunity with player protection.
Fast forward to 2025, and Ontario doubled down. In May, they passed the iGaming Ontario Act, legislation that made iGO an independent agency. This move didn’t get much mainstream press, but it changed the game. Ontario put transparency first by separating the regulator from political influence and the province’s financial interests. That independence meant fewer backroom deals and cozy relationships between politicians and operators. Just cold, hard oversight.
The new legislation also introduced additional licensing requirements that forced operators to clean up their act. Rigorous background checks, stronger anti-money laundering protocols, and higher standards for player safety. It didn’t stop there. Consumer protection measures got a serious upgrade with centralized self-exclusion programs, mandatory compliance with GameSense, and real-time data tracking to catch problem gambling before it spirals out of control.
Then there’s the tax structure. Ontario found the sweet spot between aggressive taxation and giving operators a free pass. iGaming taxes reinvest revenue into education, public health, and social programs. Players can feel good knowing their bets help fund real initiatives. The government stays committed to keeping that money flowing back into communities, not just corporate pockets.
Players Fuel the Fire
Looking at the numbers, it’s obvious there’s strong player demand. But let’s cut through the noise. This isn’t just about people killing time on a Friday night. It’s about how Ontario’s iGaming regulation flipped the script on how people gamble. Before 2022, you had to drag yourself to a casino or some dingy sports bar to place a bet. Playing online is now easy and safe, thanks to a solid regulatory framework. You’re not limited by location, opening hours, or the mood of the bouncer at the door. It’s all there, 24/7.
And players love it. Since most people are glued to their phones, mobile gaming is the biggest slice of this pie. The vast majority of users are tapping and swiping their way through slots, sports bets, and live dealer tables. And they’re not wasting time with games that give them the shaft. High-RTP slots like Mega Joker (99% RTP) are popular among players looking for a big win without losing a significant percentage of their bankroll in the long term. Ontario’s regulation opened the door to all this, and mobile gaming kicked it wide open.
Major Operators Entering the Ontario Market
Ontario’s booming iGaming scene hasn’t gone unnoticed by the big players. According to iGaming Ontario, 49 licensed operators are running 84 gaming sites across the province as of 2025. The competition is fierce, and the prize is a slice of one of the fastest-growing gambling markets in North America.
BetMGM, one of the industry’s heavyweights, has made a massive push into Ontario since the market opened. Backed by MGM Resorts International, BetMGM.ca has used its brand muscle and deep pockets to secure a significant foothold, rolling out creative marketing campaigns and partnering with local sports teams to build its name. Its slick mobile app and massive library of slots, table games, and live dealer options have made it a go-to for players who want that Vegas experience from their couch.
High Roller Technologies is also getting in on the action. They’ve submitted their Internet Gaming Operator license application and are eyeing a second-half 2025 launch with their flagship brand, HighRoller.com. Targeting the high-stakes crowd, they’re looking to bring a premium experience to the market.
Alberta: The Next Frontier
Alberta is poised to become Canada’s second regulated iGaming market. The passage of Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act, sets the stage for a competitive online gambling environment. The act establishes the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a Crown agency responsible for overseeing private-sector operators under a “conduct and manage” model similar to Ontario’s.
Stakeholder consultations are ongoing. A soft launch is anticipated by late 2025, and a full market opening is expected in Q1 2026.
Major operators, BetMGM and Super Group (comprising Betway, Jackpot City, and Spin Casino), have expressed strong interest in entering Alberta’s market.
A Model for the Future
Ontario’s iGaming success is a win for the province and a blueprint for the entire country. Smart regulation, trustworthy operators, and significant operator investments are rewriting the rules of Canada’s online gambling market. Alberta’s ready to jump in, and other provinces won’t be far behind.
With revenue set to nearly triple by 2030, Canada’s iGaming sector is the fastest-growing piece of the digital economy. Whether you’re an operator, investor, or just someone who likes to place a bet, the future is here and built to last.
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