Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has shown a surge in both wagers and revenue since its launch on April 4, 2022. In its first year, total wagers reached $35.5 billion, generating $1.4 billion in gaming revenue. By its second year, wagers increased by 78% to $63 billion, with revenues climbing to $2.4 billion. The average monthly spend per active player rose threefold over the same time, reaching around $200 in the final quarter of 2023-24.
A key driver of this performance is the market’s accessibility. By Q1 of the 2024-25 fiscal year, Ontario had over 1.9 million active player accounts across 50 operators and 80 platforms, marking a sharp increase year-over-year. Wagers in the same quarter totaled $18.4 billion, with online casinos accounting for $15.5 billion, up 33.6% compared to the previous year.
Economic Footprint
The economic impact of Ontario’s iGaming ecosystem extends beyond wagers. During its first year, the market generated over 12,000 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed nearly $1.6 billion to provincial GDP. Projections for 2031-32 estimate these numbers could rise to 22,000 jobs and a $4.7 billion GDP contribution. Government revenue is expected to exceed $2.1 billion annually, reinforcing the sector’s potential for robust returns.
Comparing Wagering Patterns in Canada’s iGaming Markets
Ontario has demonstrated the potential for substantial growth within a regulated iGaming market. For instance, its total wagers in the first quarter of 2024-25 alone reached $18.4 billion, with Ontario online casinos leading the way at $15.5 billion. This dominance highlights the strong consumer adoption of regulated platforms offering varied options like slots, table games, and live dealers.
As Alberta prepares its launch, understanding these metrics will be crucial. While sports betting in Ontario has shown consistent growth, Alberta’s initial reliance on government- operated Play Alberta may limit flexibility. Industry experts suggest Alberta must prepare for increased competition to mirror Ontario’s market diversity.
Focus on Consumer Protection
iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario have prioritized comprehensive consumer protection measures. Central among these initiatives is a self- exclusion system to empower responsible gambling. Additionally, Ontario’s regulatory
environment balances player engagement with public safety, offering a blueprint that Alberta could replicate to maintain focus on consumer welfare.
Key Trends in Ontario
In Q1 2024-25, online casino wagers continued to heavily outperform other betting sectors, representing 84% of player wagers and nearly 73% of all market revenue. Sports betting saw progressive revenue growth, up 31.2% from the previous year to $181 million, despite wagers dipping 7.4% compared to Q4 2023-24. Peer-to-peer poker, a smaller segment of the market, grew 14.9% year-over-year to $402 million. Alberta regulators may examine these performance variances as they set priorities for product offerings.
Alberta’s Opportunity
Alberta’s plans to launch its regulated iGaming market by fall 2025 aim to mirror Ontario’s success while addressing local challenges. The province currently operates under a monopoly model through its Play Alberta platform but intends to expand into broader online gambling categories, including sportsbooks and live-dealer casino games. The introduction of “enabling” legislation next year will define this competitive landscape, paving the way for private participation.
Current discussions indicate that Alberta is considering harmonizing its regulatory policies with those of Ontario. This approach would minimize potential contradictions and streamline market entry for operators. Stakeholder alignment, particularly with First Nations and land-based operators, has been flagged as a critical area for attention during consultations.
Industry Collaboration
Ontario’s success is frequently attributed to collaboration between government entities and private operators. Reports suggest that such stakeholder partnerships allowed a unified implementation strategy, reducing red tape and ensuring smooth market operation. With Alberta potentially facing delays in engaging stakeholders thoroughly, Alberta could focus on replicating Ontario’s level of engagement to foster trust within the industry.
Advertising Restrictions
Ontario has faced some challenges regarding advertising practices. The government is pushing for tighter restrictions, including bans on celebrity endorsements, aiming to curb gambling exposure among vulnerable populations. As Alberta envisions its market strategy, careful consideration of advertising policies could prevent public backlash and ensure long-term consumer trust.