How Popular Is Online Casino Gaming in Ontario vs Canada’s Other Provinces?

The changes in gambling regulations across Canada have had a significant impact on the popularity of online casinos across different provinces. The new regulations introduced several changes, including the legalization of single-game bets. Another notable detail was that each province would have its own set of rules.

This has resulted in significant differences in betting popularity across the provinces, with Ontario’s online casino market leading the way in terms of revenue generation and the availability of casinos and games within the province.

Ontario was the first province to launch a competitive online gaming market, while other provinces have not been as quick to develop their iGaming framework. In other provinces, state-funded lottery sites are still the main options for online gambling.

Are Other Provinces Following Ontario’s Lead?

• Some provinces have made progress with their igaming markets, with Alberta recently creating a framework for a similar market to Ontario. This is three years behind Ontario, so there is still a long way to go in terms of reaching the levels of success that Ontario is currently experiencing.
• It is estimated that Ontario’s online gambling market will reach $1.5 billion in revenue by 2026, outperforming all other Canadian provinces and establishing Ontario as one of the leading iGaming markets in the world.
• The significant success experienced in Ontario has undoubtedly been a catalyst for other provinces, which are now looking to replicate the revenue-generating potential in their own provinces. However, the slow progress has left them some distance behind, so iGaming popularity is nowhere close to the heights of Ontario, where over 1.1 million active player accounts have been recorded.
• Ontario’s gross gaming revenue increased by 36% in the year leading up to January 2025, and provinces such as Alberta are now investing in the regulatory framework needed to offer a similar iGaming market.
• It is estimated that the new regulated market in Alberta, once introduced, will deliver around CA $450 million, but it will require several years to gain the same momentum as Ontario.
• Ontario has 49 licensed operators with over 80 gaming sites. At the same time, other provinces have government-led iGaming platforms which do not offer the same level of choices or game quality as the ultra-modern Ontario online casinos.

What is Behind the Success of Ontario Online Casinos?

• Players living in Ontario have a huge range of platforms to choose from for online casinos. Private operators with success in other countries have been able to roll out high-quality sites designed specifically for Ontario players quickly. 
• Those looking for an online casino in Ontario now have a vast selection to choose from, and the competitiveness within the industry also means that generous bonus offers are available to help attract and retain even more players. 
• You will see from review sites that the top-ranked online casinos in Ontario have received positive feedback from players regarding their experiences using the various platforms.
• A significant amount of investment has been made in creating platforms that cater to mobile users, with over 70% of all online casino players in Ontario using their mobile devices to access games. The huge financial success in terms of revenue generation has enabled operators to invest further money in developing cutting-edge iGaming experiences, incorporating the latest technology.
• With live dealer casinos growing in popularity, Ontario has been at the forefront of offering high-quality live dealer games, featuring stunning studios and high-quality audio and visuals, to provide players with a casino experience that closely mimics a real-life casino. This offers a more immersive and exciting gaming experience compared to RNG (Random Number Generator) games, which are more commonly available.

Trusted Source: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario confirms that licensed platforms must meet high standards of integrity and player protection.

What Next for the iGaming Industry in Canada?

• Trends indicate that the iGaming market in Ontario is experiencing significant growth, with a notable increase in casino popularity and revenue. Over the next few years, as other provinces launch their own regulated casino frameworks, Canada’s overall iGaming market is expected to remain a dominant force.
• Technological advancements and the improvement in mobile gaming quality will help maintain interest in online casinos. New technologies, such as VR casinos, are expected to bring younger generations of players onto casino platforms. 
• While implementing the frameworks for iGaming across the other provinces will take time, the blueprint for success in Ontario can be used to help accelerate the process, adopting similar approaches to achieve comparable levels of success one day. 

Final Insights

Ontario has positioned itself as the benchmark for online casino gaming in Canada, setting a standard for choice, technology, and revenue growth. Other provinces are beginning to follow, but they remain years behind.

For players, this means that living in Ontario provides a far richer and more modern online casino experience than anywhere else in the country. For policymakers and operators in other provinces, Ontario’s success provides both a roadmap and a challenge: if they wish to compete, they must build equally competitive and player-friendly iGaming markets.

Canada’s iGaming future will depend on how quickly provinces close the gap with Ontario, but one thing is certain—Ontario has already secured its spot as a leader in the global iGaming landscape.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Online gambling involves financial risk and should be done responsibly. Laws and regulations vary by province, so always check local rules before playing. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, contact resources such as ConnexOntario for support.