TLDR
Contents
- Gambling participation across Canada fell from 76% in 2002 to just 64.5% by 2018, even as the industry experiences massive expansion
- Ontario’s iGaming market revenue exploded from CAD 1.3 billion in its 2022–23 debut year to CAD 2.9 billion by 2024–25
- Online casino gaming generates approximately 75% of Ontario’s regulated iGaming revenue, far outpacing sports wagering
- Revenue expansion stems from increased spending by current users, not an influx of new participants
- Major sports league partnerships with the NHL, CFL, and CEBL have normalized gambling within Canadian sports culture
Canada faces an unusual situation: fewer people are gambling than in previous decades, yet the gambling sector is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Statistics Canada data shows that in 2002, 76 percent of Canadians aged 15 and above reported gambling activity within the previous year. Fast forward to 2018, and that figure had contracted to 64.5 percent.
This participation decline hasn’t prevented Canada’s digital gambling sector from expanding rapidly. Ontario represents the epicenter of this growth following the April 2022 launch of its regulated iGaming framework.
During its inaugural complete fiscal year, Ontario’s regulated market generated approximately CAD 1.3 billion in gaming revenue, based on iGaming Ontario figures. The subsequent year saw this figure jump to CAD 2.2 billion.
The 2024–25 period saw revenue climb to CAD 2.9 billion. Total wagering activity increased from approximately CAD 63.2 billion in 2023–24 to CAD 82.7 billion in 2024–25.
The province tracked approximately 2.6 million active player accounts throughout 2024–25. For context, Ontario’s population sits at around 15 million.
This raises an important question: how can the market expand while participation numbers shrink? The explanation lies in current players dedicating significantly more time and money to gambling platforms.
Casino Gaming Dominates Revenue Generation
Sports wagering commands most media attention. Canada legalized single-event sports betting in 2021 following Bill C-218’s passage. However, online casino games actually generate the majority of revenue.
Throughout 2024–25, digital casino gaming produced approximately CAD 2.2 billion of Ontario’s total CAD 2.9 billion revenue. Casino gaming represents roughly three-quarters of all regulated digital gambling income within the province.
While sports betting transformed gambling’s public perception in Canada, casino games silently power the financial engine.
Dmitry Arabuli, CEO at Tonybet, explained that Ontario’s regulatory framework transformed the competitive environment. He observed that major North American operators flooded the market, shifting industry focus from recreational users to highly engaged players.
Arabuli also highlighted how regulation migrated players from offshore and unregulated platforms into the licensed ecosystem. This didn’t increase total gambler numbers but channeled them into regulated spaces.
Sports Gambling Brands Dominate Canadian Athletics
Following legalization, betting companies have become ubiquitous in Canadian professional sports. The National Hockey League established official betting relationships with ESPN BET and theScore Bet throughout North America.
The Canadian Football League formed a partnership with ToonieBet as its official sports betting and casino collaborator. The Canadian Elite Basketball League collaborates with TonyBet as its official digital sportsbook partner.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment finalized an agreement with Betty as its official online casino partner throughout Ontario.
Gambling companies now feature prominently on arena signage, throughout broadcasts, and across digital platforms. Wagering has become increasingly integrated into how Canadians experience professional athletics.
Despite this heightened visibility, more people haven’t started gambling. Instead, it has transformed public perception of gambling, particularly among younger demographics who view it as an inherent component of sports entertainment.
Canada lacks a unified gambling framework. Ontario operates a competitive structure featuring dozens of licensed operators. Other provinces maintain government-controlled platforms.
Alberta has indicated intentions to establish its own regulated system, suggesting additional transformations on the horizon.
Recent growth statistics originate primarily from provincial digital markets rather than national surveys. The transition from physical lottery tickets and brick-and-mortar casinos to mobile applications represents a fundamental shift in how Canadians engage with gambling.
Regulatory bodies are now scrutinizing responsible gambling mechanisms and examining risk distribution when a concentrated player base generates disproportionate revenue.
Alberta’s forthcoming regulatory initiatives demonstrate that Canada’s gambling environment continues to transform. As of March 2026, Ontario’s regulated sector recorded CAD 82.7 billion in total wagers for the 2024–25 fiscal period.
