TLDR
- Canadian gambling participation fell from 76% in 2002 to 64.5% in 2018, even as the industry continues to grow
- Revenue from Ontario’s regulated digital gambling sector jumped from CAD 1.3 billion in 2022–23 to CAD 2.9 billion in 2024–25
- Approximately 75% of Ontario’s regulated digital gambling revenue comes from online casino games, not sports wagering
- Revenue increases stem from higher engagement among current players, not an influx of new participants
- Betting partnerships with major sports organizations like the NHL, CFL, and CEBL have increased gambling’s mainstream visibility across Canada
Canada’s gambling sector faces a curious contradiction: fewer participants, yet record-breaking revenue.
Statistics Canada data shows that 76 percent of Canadians aged 15 and up reported gambling activity in 2002. Fast forward to 2018, and that figure had declined to 64.5 percent.
Yet despite this participation drop, Canada’s digital gambling sector has experienced explosive financial growth. Ontario stands at the center of this expansion, having established its regulated online gambling framework in April 2022.
During its inaugural full year of operation, Ontario’s digital gambling market generated approximately CAD 1.3 billion in gaming revenue, based on figures from iGaming Ontario. The second year saw this figure surge to CAD 2.2 billion.
The 2024–25 period brought revenue 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 reported approximately 2.6 million active player accounts during 2024–25. For context, Ontario’s total population stands at roughly 15 million.
This raises an important question: how can revenue climb while participation numbers fall? The explanation lies in existing gamblers increasing their platform engagement and expenditure.
Online Casino Is the Real Revenue Driver
Sports wagering dominates public discourse. Single-event sports betting gained legal status in Canada during 2021 following the passage of Bill C-218. However, online casino games actually generate the lion’s share of revenue.
During 2024–25, online casino activities produced approximately CAD 2.2 billion of Ontario’s CAD 2.9 billion total. Casino products therefore account for roughly three-quarters of all regulated digital gambling revenue 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 altered the competitive environment. Major North American operators flooded the market, with emphasis shifting toward more dedicated players rather than casual participants.
Arabuli also highlighted that regulation migrated players from offshore and unregulated platforms into the licensed ecosystem. This didn’t expand the overall gambler population but channeled existing players into regulated channels.
Betting Partnerships Are Everywhere in Canadian Sports
Following legalization, gambling companies have become ubiquitous across 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 designated sports betting and casino affiliate. The Canadian Elite Basketball League collaborates with TonyBet as its authorized online sportsbook partner.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment executed an agreement with Betty to serve as its official online casino partner within Ontario.
Gambling brands now dominate arena signage, broadcast content, and digital media. Betting has become increasingly integrated into how Canadians experience professional sports.
Despite this heightened visibility, more people aren’t gambling. Instead, public perception has evolved, particularly among younger demographics who view gambling as inherent to the sports viewing experience.
Canada lacks a unified gambling framework. Ontario operates a competitive model featuring dozens of licensed operators. Other provinces maintain government-controlled platforms.
Alberta has announced intentions to develop its own regulatory structure, indicating additional transformations on the horizon.
Most current growth statistics originate from provincial digital markets rather than nationwide surveys. The transition from physical lottery tickets and brick-and-mortar casinos to mobile applications represents a fundamental shift in Canadian gambling behavior.
Regulatory bodies now scrutinize responsible gambling mechanisms more closely and examine risk distribution when a smaller player base generates proportionally larger revenue.
Alberta’s forthcoming regulatory framework suggests Canada’s gambling environment remains in flux. As of March 2026, Ontario’s regulated market documented CAD 82.7 billion in total wagers for the 2024–25 fiscal period.
