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Canada is facing one of its largest years yet in online gambling. However, regulators and officials are stumped by the figures they’re seeing. There is a significant rise in revenue; however, the number of actual players keeps going down. This is painting a rather confusing picture.
There seems to be a big difference between financial activity and the number of players. In a market that is worth billions of dollars and constantly rising, you would think that the number of players in the country should be rising just as much. However, data suggests that what is truly happening is that those currently engaged are spending more time and deposits on sites, as opposed to new players bringing up the revenue tallies. This is creating a tricky market to regulate, as it means officials are facing more experienced players, as opposed to a bunch of newcomers.
Ontario’s Online Gambling Market Reaches New Heights
Ontario has become one of the most important regions in Canada’s online gambling industry. Since the introduction of its regulated online market in 2022, the province has produced massive results, with billions generated through digital gaming platforms.
Over a three-year period, Ontario’s online gambling sector has created approximately CAD 7.064 billion in gross revenue and contributed more than CAD 1.4 billion in tax revenue. Revenue has also grown significantly, increasing by around 129% from the first year of operation to the third year.
These figures show just how quickly the online market has expanded. The growth has not been limited to one area of gaming either. Online platforms now offer a variety of experiences, including online blackjack in Canada, slot games, live entertainment options and sports betting markets. This range of variety, paired with more advanced technology and robust safety features, has created a gaming environment in which existing players are being more and more drawn in, which has contributed to the rise of revenue in the Canadian market.
Fewer Players, Different Gambling Patterns
Data from Statistics Canada shows that overall gambling involvement among Canadians has changed over time.
In 2002, 76% of Canadians aged 18 and over said they had taken part in gambling during the previous year. By 2018, this number had dropped to 64.5%, showing that overall participation had declined.
However, these figures do not necessarily reflect the complete picture of how gambling is changing. The rise of regulated online platforms has introduced new ways for existing players to access games and entertainment.
Rather than simply attracting a larger number of participants, online platforms appear to be changing how people engage with gambling. Players who already play certain games can now access them through digital services with more flexibility and variety. Just think of the rise of mobile gaming and on-the-go apps and games.
Digital Platforms Driving Market Expansion
Figures from iGaming Ontario show that the market produced around CAD 1.3 billion in gaming revenue during its first full fiscal year. That figure increased to approximately CAD 2.2 billion in 2023–24. It then reached CAD 2.9 billion in 2024–25.
The amount of money wagered online has also increased during this period. Total wagers rose from CAD 63.2 billion in 2023–24 to CAD 82.7 billion in 2024–25. This shows a clear growth in the scale of digital activity.
These numbers highlight how quickly online gambling has developed into a major part of Canada’s gaming industry. The combination of regulated platforms, a wide selection of games and easy digital access has helped shape this growth.
As more entertainment options become available online, players have more choice in how they spend their time.
Understanding the Revenue and Participation Difference
The contrast between rising revenue and falling participation may seem surprising but it shows a big change in player behaviour. Looking only at the number of participants does not always show the full picture of an industry, which is why it’s important to look beyond the first figures.
A market can experience financial growth even when participation levels change. As briefly touched on above, this can happen when active players engage with online platforms more frequently or explore a wider variety of available options. Players can now choose from different types of digital entertainment depending on their interests, whether that involves casino games, sports betting or other online formats.
What Comes Next for Canada’s Online Gambling Industry
Canada’s online gambling market is continuing to develop, with digital platforms becoming a central part of the industry. Strong revenue growth and changing participation patterns suggest that player behaviour is evolving rather than following a simple upward or downward trend.
The current picture of Canada’s online gambling sector is a fascinating one. Revenue is rising, platforms are expanding and player habits are shifting. Together, these trends show how the industry is changing and how digital gambling is becoming an increasingly important part of Canada’s entertainment market.