Three years in this is how Ontario’s regulated market is fairing
Ontario’s regulation of casinos and sportsbooks came online on April 4, 2022. Its main features are strict government oversight, player protection, and responsible gambling. Since the launch of Ontario Casinos and the regulated sports betting landscape, it’s been three years. Have the ambitious plans paid off?
In the meantime, Alberta’s Minister of Service and Dale Nally from Red Tape Reduction announced that Alberta will be launching a regulated market much in the same way as Ontario. However, the regulated iGaming market will launch later than originally anticipated.
Dale Nally also confirmed his plans to travel to Las Vegas. He will be taking part in the panel discussion on the Changing iGaming Landscape in Canada. This will play out at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Conference. An iGaming strategy engagement portal was launched through the government’s website. Its function facilitates feedback from players, casino owners, and local indigenous tribes.
Keep reading to find out more about how Ontario’s regulated market is fairing.
President of iGaming Ontario resigned
Inaugural Ontario Executive Director Martha Otton announced her retirement in August 2024. It was to be effective on December 31, 2024. Otton had a pivotal role in establishing Ontario’s regulated iGaming market. She has been guiding the process since February 2021.
The IGO’s Board of Directors began looking for a new President and CEO. In November 2024, the firm Odgers Berndtson began the search. In the meantime, Otton agreed to postpone her retirement until the end of March 2025. As of today’s date, they have not yet appointed anyone.
As Ontario’s regulated iGaming market approaches its third anniversary, there is much growth. On April 4, 2025, Ontario’s online casinos and sportsbooks are 3 years old! The pull towards a safer casino environment continues to grow and develop, and others are joining in.
50 Operators have signed up to operate 84 different casinos
It’s fair to say that the Ontario casino market has grown massively since its launch. In the early days of 2022, there were only 4 operators and 16 casino brands. Today, 50 licensed operators and 84 casino brands dominate the rapidly growing Ontario gambling landscape.
This growth underscores player enthusiasm and industry confidence. Ontario has quickly become Canada’s epicentre for iGaming. It has attracted many innovative global brands. This ensures cutting-edge, secure, and thrilling casino experiences for Ontarians. It’s fair to say that Ontario Casinos are just getting started!
Regulation covers 83% of the total Ontario casino market Share
The iGaming Ontario market performance report is now available. It reveals a massive 83% market share for Ontario’s regulated casino market. In April 2022, Ontario’s regulated market opened up.
By March 2023, H2 Gambling Capital reported an 83% market share. This is excellent news! This means that what Ontario online casinos and sportsbooks are doing is working.
Most online gaming activities in Ontario play out through regulated channels. For players, this means security and sites where your money is safe. The other 17% of the market is taken up by unregulated (grey) or illegal (black) market operators.
Following is the Q3 performance summary:
- Total Wagers: $22.7 billion – a 22% increase from Q4, and a 32% rise compared to Q3
- Total Gaming Revenue – $825.8 million (a 25% year-over-year increase)
- These figures include rake fees, tournament fees, and other charges.
- Operating expenses and other financial obligations are not factored into this total.
In Q3, 50 Operators were active, running a total of 83 gaming websites. The breakdown by gaming category includes:
- Slots, live and digital table games, and P2P bingo – $644 million (78%) in gaming revenue.
- Sports, esports, and exchange betting – $166 million (20%) in gaming revenue.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) Poker – $16 million (1.9%) in gaming revenue.
Ontario has an open licensing system. This has attracted top players in the online gambling sphere.
Players prefer real money sites with fair play, security, and responsible gambling measures.
The future looks very bright for Ontario casinos and sportsbooks. Projects show that this increase could climb to 95% in the coming years.
Alberta set to follow Ontario’s example
Alberta, Canada is following the Ontario example. They will be using the same framework and procedures. The Alberta launch is planned for early 2026. This after a postponement from their original launch date in 2024.
Despite initial ambitions for an earlier launch, Alberta’s iGaming market has encountered delays. Alberta aims to replicate this success by implementing a similar open-market model. Regulating the Alberta iGaming market, like Ontario, fosters a competitive environment for operators.
The province’s government acknowledged they need more time to consult with stakeholders. It also proposes to refine its regulatory framework. In October 2024, officials confirmed the postponement, now set for a 2025 debut.
Ontario’s iGaming market has set a precedent for regulated online gambling in Canada. In its first year, the market generated over $35.5 billion in total wagers. It also generated $1.26 billion in gaming revenue from 46 operators. By its second year, total wagers escalated to $63 billion. Gaming reached revenues of $2.4 billion, marking a 78% and 72% increase, respectively.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market continues to thrive. It serves as a benchmark for other provinces. In its second year, the market reported significant growth. Total wagers reached $63 billion, and gaming revenue at $2.4 billion.
Ontario’s approach has transitioned players from unregulated platforms to a secure, regulated environment. It’s done this with enhanced consumer protection, thus generating substantial economic benefits.
Ontario’s regulated market is still regarded as a success
Three years after its launch, Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is successful. The province has created a safer and more transparent gambling arena. There are heightened responsible gambling measures. This ensures Canucks can set limits on their gambling time and spend. The responsible gambling tools help keep gambling online responsible. With all this in mind, we can safely assume that the province has created a safer, more transparent gambling environment.
With 83% market share, $22.7 billion in wagers, and $825.8 million in gaming revenue, there’s no disputing it. The open licensing system has attracted 50 operators and 84 brands. This makes Ontario Canada’s iGaming hub.
The transition from unregulated platforms has strengthened player security. Responsible gaming practices are important at licensed CA Casinos. There are many challenges that remain. But for now, the iGaming Ontario’s path remains strong.
Ontario’s success is now influencing other provinces. Alberta is planning to launch its own regulated market by 2026. The launch has been delayed, but Alberta’s strategy to mirror Ontario’s success is on.
Ontario’s regulated gambling sites continue to grow and remain a benchmark for safe and competitive iGaming in Canada. Projections suggest the regulated share could climb to 95% in the coming years.
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