Ontario’s iGaming Market Sets the Standard for Canada’s Online Gambling Boom

Anna Müller, Senior Content Writer at ImplusQ, shares how Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has become a shining example for Canadian provinces aiming to replicate its success.

Since launching in April 2022, Ontario’s legal gambling framework has skyrocketed — generating CA$3.2 billion in gross gambling revenue (GGR) from April 2024 to March 2025, with wagering surging to CA$82.7 billion, a 31% increase year-over-year. This growth is driven primarily by online casino gaming, which has become the most popular segment. Importantly, about 84% of players now use regulated platforms, marking a major victory in moving consumers away from offshore sites.

Ontario’s rapid success stems from a bold strategy of tackling offshore gambling head-on, emphasizing player protection and generating revenue for the province. Its “zero to hero” transformation is now influencing other regions.

Alberta, for example, initially pursued a more cautious approach with a government-run platform, Play Alberta. However, facing challenges like player confusion over regulation and a dominant offshore market, Alberta is now adopting a commercial regulated market modeled after Ontario, targeting an early 2026 launch. Balancing online and physical casino interests remains complex, with ongoing regulatory evolution.

Meanwhile, physical casinos across Canada are grappling with external pressures, especially from U.S. trade tensions impacting the import of gaming hardware. Unlike land-based venues, the online sector remains largely unaffected due to its global and home-grown software ecosystem.

Ontario’s model demonstrates that with the right regulations and focus on consumer safety, online gambling can thrive — setting a powerful blueprint that other provinces are eager to follow as Canada’s iGaming landscape expands.