All Eyes on Canada: New Casino Licenses and Online Expansion Shape 2025

 Canada’s iGaming scene and it’s starting to turn heads across North America. Ontario has emerged as a major hub, boasting one of the largest regulated online gaming markets on the continent. With 50 operators servicing 83 gaming sites, players have more digital gambling options than ever. And not only are there more options online but the games available are also safer than ever, thanks to rigid licensing structures by the Canadians and advanced technology being used. 

The thing about Canada is that each province has its own way of regulating the market. There are some overarching rules and policies imposed overall; however, it’s fascinating to see how each province regulates its gaming market. Additionally, it must be noted that online casino gambling is an umbrella term and that under this heading, many different categories fall, such as sports betting, live betting and card betting. Understanding the finer nuances is critical.

Provincial Online Gambling at its Finest

Canadian provinces have quickly recognized the potential of online gambling, both in terms of revenue and player engagement. Ontario took the lead by launching a regulated iGaming market in April 2022. Since then, the province has seen an impressive surge in activity, showing just how much demand exists for regulated, digital casino options.

The numbers are striking. As of Q2 of the 2024-25 fiscal year, Ontario’s online gambling market surpassed CA$22.7 billion in total spending. That represents a 32% increase from the previous year. By Q4 2024-25, there were about 997,000 active player accounts, each spending roughly CA$277 monthly. These figures reflect not only the popularity of online gambling but also the effectiveness of provincial regulation in creating a safe, accessible environment for players.

Single-Event Sports Betting Is Making an Impact

A major milestone in Canadian gambling came with Bill C-218 in 2021, which legalized single-event sports betting nationwide. Before this bill, operators were limited to parlay bets, which restricted the type of wagers players could place. Now, provinces can offer single-event betting, giving gamers more flexibility and catering to long-standing demand.

Ontario’s sports betting segment alone reached CA$3.4 billion in bets in Q3 2024-25, a 10% increase from the previous year. This growth indicates strong public interest and demonstrates how regulatory changes can unlock new market potential. Sports betting is truly at the forefront of gaming, as it merges the passion people have for sports with the thrill of being able to place bets.

Live Dealer Games are Making a Splash

Live dealer games are bridging the gap between traditional casinos and online platforms. These games stream real dealers from studios or casinos, letting players interact in real time. Players benefit from authentic casino experiences while staying in the comfort of their homes, and platforms often include detailed insights through reviews to help users choose the best options. One of the reviews that players read the most is about how they can find casinos with high payouts as they want to make sure they’re playing on sites that actually give them value for their financial investment, as well as their time investment. And the best thing about this is that these high payout casinos are as safe as can be, as they’re strictly regulated in Canada but they’re also safe due to advanced technology.

Video Streaming and Social Engagement at its Peak

Streaming has completely changed how players experience online casinos. Beyond just playing games, streaming allows players to watch others spin slots, play poker or try their luck on roulette in real time. This creates a more social environment, where interaction and engagement are just as important as winning.

Casinos have recognized this shift and are leveraging streaming both as a marketing tool and as a way to enhance the gaming experience. Players now enjoy watching games unfold, reacting in real time and engaging with hosts who provide insights or tips. This adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability because watching someone else win or lose can be just as thrilling as playing.

Streaming also opens up opportunities for content creators and internet celebrities to collaborate with online casinos. Their audiences often tune in for entertainment but they also discover new games and platforms through these broadcasts. This combination of social engagement, live interaction and entertainment has helped make live streaming a cornerstone of Canada’s iGaming market.

Some of the key features of this trend include:

• Real-time game interaction
• Social chat and community engagement
• Partnerships with content creators and streamers
• Live dealer integration for an authentic casino feel
• Visual and audio enhancements for an immersive experience
• Accessibility on mobile devices for gaming on the go
• Entertainment value beyond just playing games
• Marketing opportunities for online casinos

This trend shows that online gambling is no longer just about placing bets; it’s about creating an experience where social connection, entertainment and gameplay all intersect, keeping players engaged longer and making gaming more enjoyable overall.

Mobile Gambling Usage

Mobile devices are another major driver of growth. Canada had about 11.8 million mobile gamers in 2023, a number expected to rise to 14.1 million by 2028. The market is projected to generate nearly US$1.96 billion by the end of 2025, growing steadily to US$2.48 billion by 2029.

Most online casinos now offer mobile-friendly websites or dedicated apps, making it possible to play anytime, anywhere. It’s easy to see that mobile accessibility has become an essential feature, letting gamers enjoy their favorite titles on the go.

Safer and More Immersive Experiences

Online operators are focusing on responsible gaming measures, robust encryption and fair-play protocols to protect players. At the same time, technological advancements like immersive live dealer setups, intuitive mobile interfaces and integrated streaming are making gaming experiences more engaging and realistic.

Some trends shaping this evolution include:

• Expansion of regulated provincial markets for safer gameplay
• Growth of single-event sports betting for flexible wagering
• Live dealer games that combine real-time interaction with professional casino environments
• Streaming partnerships for social engagement and entertainment
• Mobile-first platforms to accommodate on-the-go players
• Advanced security measures to protect users and encourage responsible gaming

Canada’s iGaming market is clearly entering a new phase. With the combination of new casino licenses, provincial regulation and cutting-edge online expansions, the country is setting the stage for a safer, more interactive and incredibly dynamic gaming environment. Players can now enjoy a wealth of options, access better technology and engage in experiences that feel more immersive than ever before. As the market grows, it’s not just about gambling; it’s about creating a complete gaming ecosystem that caters to both casual players and serious enthusiasts. It’s just important for players to always keep safety and security in mind.