The Rise of Online Gambling in Ontario: Three Years of iGaming Growth and Success

Ontario’s Online Gambling Market Celebrates a Major Three-Year Milestone

Today marks three years since the official launch of Ontario’s regulated online gambling market, with significant achievements noted in operator participation and consumer engagement.

Online gambling
Image by wilhei from Pixabay

Market Overview

As of now, there are 49 licensed igaming operators active in Ontario, alongside 84 gaming websites, showcasing the growth and popularity of the industry. Massive cash wagers have been recorded, which reflect the increased interest and trust in regulated online gambling.

In April 2022, the market kicked off with an impressive CAD$1.079 billion in cash wagers. Fast forward to February 2025, the wagers soared to CAD$7.125 billion, with the number of active accounts increasing from 277,000 to over 1.12 million.

Success Driven by Regulation

Paul Burns, President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA), credits robust regulatory measures and strong consumer protection for fostering this growth. He expressed optimism for future expansions as Alberta prepares to join Ontario with a similar gaming framework in 2026.

Industry Reflections

It’s incredible to witness the evolution of Ontario’s gaming landscape. Amanda Brewer, a Senior Executive at the CGA, emphasized the collaborative efforts contributing to responsible gaming principles, ensuring a sustainable market growth path.

Conclusion

Ontario’s iGaming market has made remarkable progress in just three years, establishing a strong reputation with its focus on player protection and responsible gaming. As other provinces prepare to follow suit, the achievements of Ontario’s market set a powerful example moving forward.