Last Updated on October 12, 2025 5:37 pm by admin
The Canadian iGaming sector is booming with regulatory changes, technological advances, and increased demand from users. With approximately 75% of Canadians choosing some form of gambling including lotteries, online slots or sports betting, the region is becoming a gold mine for casino owners. According to experts, by the end of 2025, the total revenue of the gambling industry will exceed CAD 5.55 billion, and this growth will continue in the future. Below, we will discuss the current state of affairs in the sector and the trends to pay attention to.
Current state and perspectives of the Canadian market
The iGaming industry in Canada is currently undergoing a significant transformation. There is a clear leader in the sector, and other provinces are looking to follow suit. The country has provincial regulation, and Ontario is a shining example of a competitive market.
The regulated market in Ontario began rolling out in April 2022. In its third year of operation, the Ontario iGaming market generated CAD 82.7 billion in wagers and CAD 3.2 billion in gross gaming revenue. This is for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The industry is estimated to have created up to 15,000 jobs. It contributed CAD 2.7 billion to Ontario’s GDP in its second year.
The table below provides a summary of the current state of affairs in the gaming sector in other Canadian provinces.
| Province or Territory | Regulated iGaming Status | Brief Description |
| British Columbia | This is a region with a state monopoly from the British Lottery Corporation. The oldest online casino has been operating since 2004 | There are 1.2 million active accounts. British Columbia places a strong emphasis on player protection, including deposit limits and GameSense monitoring. |
| Quebec | The gaming industry is controlled by the government. Residents can access offshore sites. | There are currently around 11,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the region. There are no plans to expand the private market at this time. |
| Manitoba | The government controls iGaming. Users can launch offshore casinos. | The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba oversees the gaming sector. PlayNow Manitoba is the only licensed online casino. |
| Saskatchewan | There is no state iGaming. Offshore sites dominate the region. | This country has the highest per-household gambling spend. There are no plans to introduce a regulated online market. |
| Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island) | There is no private or fully state-owned online gaming. Offshore sites are popular. | New Brunswick has been discussing provincial licensing, but it has not been implemented. Smaller provinces have limited potential. |
| Territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut) | The choice of entertainment in the region is limited. There are no specialized iGaming platforms. | The small population in these areas limits the development of iGaming. The region is focused on First Nations gaming. |
After Ontario’s rise, Alberta is poised to become the second Canadian province to open a competitive online gambling market. In May 2025, Alberta passed the iGaming Act. It will allow online casinos to be regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Industry analysts expect the market to launch in early 2026.
The main challenges facing the iGaming market in Canada
While the iGaming sector in Canada is growing rapidly, it also faces some challenges. Reputable platforms like Rabona casino face significant competition from offshore companies, and strict responsible gaming requirements. Below, we look at how the country’s gaming industry is overcoming challenges.
- Regulation and licensing. As we have seen, Ontario is leading the way, but other territories have yet to adopt similar models. The lack of national regulation creates inconsistencies in player protection, tax rules, and provider access to the market.
- Offshore operations. Many Canadian users still prefer offshore online gambling platforms that are not regulated by local laws. This creates additional problems for locally licensed operators. They have to compete with international companies that often offer more generous bonuses and a lower house edge.
- Responsible gaming issues. As slots and sports betting become more popular, there is a growing need for responsible gaming initiatives to prevent gambling addiction.
At the 2025 Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto, experts discussed the main methods for solving such problems.
Trends and future forecasts
Let’s take a look at a few trends in the Canadian gaming sector that are shaping its current development and will impact the future of the industry.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Gambling platforms are using these tools to deliver hyper-personalized experiences, including real-time game recommendations, personalized bonuses, and dynamic user interfaces. Operators like iGaming Ontario (iGO) implement AI for predictive personalization. This increases engagement by tailoring content to personal preferences. By the end of 2025, 80% of licensed operators in Ontario and Alberta are projected to integrate AI for both personalization and responsible gambling.
- Mobile-first platforms and immersive technologies (VR/AR, Live Dealer). The Canadian mobile gaming market is projected to be worth $1.96 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.07%. Immersive technologies are driving this growth: virtual reality (VR) casinos and augmented reality (AR) features are becoming increasingly popular, allowing players to “walk” through virtual spaces. Mobile penetration is projected to reach 80% by Q4 2025, with VR/AR adoption doubling.
- Blockchain and cryptocurrency. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are gaining popularity due to secure and transparent transactions. More and more operators are accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies to attract tech-savvy players. This trend helps simplify payments, a key growth factor, allowing for faster withdrawals) and lower fees. By the end of 2025, 30% of Ontario operators and new entrants to the Alberta market will offer cryptocurrency payments.
Future iGaming changes will affect the range of games, advertising campaigns, financial transactions and other aspects of the casino experience.
Final words
The Canadian online gaming sector is experiencing significant growth with regulatory innovation, technological advancements, and strong consumer demand. Ontario’s regulatory system has become a benchmark for other provinces with the potential to scale. Gaming is changing with the adoption of technologies such as blockchain, AI-ruled personalization, and mobile optimization. In the future, online casinos will continue to develop responsible gaming to build customer trust.