How Ontario's iGaming Success is Shaping Canada's Market

Since gambling laws changed across Canada in 2022, the iGaming industry has been booming. Ontario became the first province to launch a competitive online gaming market, with games like poker, slots and bingo giving Canadians the opportunity to play their favourite games for real money prizes.

In 2024-25, the Ontario iGaming revenue hit CA$3.20 billion, proving that there is not only a huge demand from players but also highlighting just how important iGaming has become for the Canada economy. The revenue total increased by a staggering 32% from the previous year, as Ontario based gamblers flocked to experience the thrill of the growing iGaming options.

Incorporating the latest technology solutions, Ontario casino games draw huge numbers of players, with options such as live casino experiences, thousands of slot game choices and the thrill of progressive jackpot games for the players who like to try and win big money prizes.

Popular table games include live Blackjack and Roulette, with a huge choice of themes and different rule variations.

Legalisation of Online Gambling in Canada

Ontario has led the way for the Canadian iGaming industry, with other provinces following suit. Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba all have their own licensed online casinos, while many other provinces have legalized the access to international online casinos.

Mobile First iGaming

One of the key enablers in the growing popularity of iGaming in Ontario has been the development of mobile-first platforms, allowing players to access all the exciting games from their mobile device. Having the opportunity to play games like poker and slots, and place sportsbook bets from mobiles has redefined the industry. The convenience of downloading an app or accessing online casinos via a mobile browser, with easy navigation and a high-quality user experience has been a game-changer.

Seeing the financial success of iGaming in Ontario and the strategies used to make the platforms easily accessible has been a blueprint for success across the rest of the iGaming market in Canada. The effective adoption of mobile-first technology is just one example of the strategies being carried over, with a high demand from Canadians who want to play casino games on their mobiles.

Sports Betting Options

Another huge success story for Ontario’s iGaming industry has been the roll out of exciting sports betting options, spanning practically every major sport plus many more niche sports to bet on. Sportsbook options include a huge range of markets for gamblers to explore, including Canada’s most popular sports like the NHL, as well as international sports and tournaments.

Many of the sports betting options also include live streaming to add to the exhilaration by watching the sports live so they can see how their bets perform and even place in-play bets throughout games and races. Providing live streams increases engagement, as bettors can feel closer to the action and can see real-time promotions during sports events.

Staying Ahead of the Game

Not just in Ontario but the entire global iGaming industry is experiencing elevated success when they explore the latest technologies. For example, AI has been integral in monitoring player behaviour changes so that providers can adapt their offerings to meet the emerging needs of players.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are reinventing the iGaming experience, bringing casino players deeper into the excitement with immersive games. VR casinos enable players to feel like they are in a real-life casino, interacting with the dealer and other players, hearing the sound of slot machines in the background and heightening the buzz of a win.

More online casinos are identifying new ways to enhance iGaming experiences through VR headsets. By simulating Las Vegas casino rooms, players can enjoy the realistic experience of being in a physical casino, while having the convenience of playing in the home.

VR allows players to interact with objects, for example, placing chips on the table and collecting chips after a win, rather than playing through a flat screen with minimal interactivity.

What Next?

It is expected that Ontario’s iGaming market is going to continue growing at speed and other provinces are using Ontario’s approach to generate similar successes. The economic benefits are clear to see and the future of iGaming in Canada is an exciting prospect with many opportunities to leverage for online casino providers and a world of endless options for players looking for thrilling digital entertainment.