Canada’s iGaming scene continues to expand, growing at a rapid pace due to the consumer trends and behaviours that are being experienced. The industry has become mobile-first for many players, while the implementation of seamless payment methods has further helped build trust between them and operators.
Canada’s growth has seen many notable advancements in recent years, with Ontario leading the way as the central hub. The province introduced new regulations in 2021, while there has been a restructuring of government bodies this year.
Effective May 12, 2025, the iGaming Ontario Act, 2024, made iGO a fully independent Crown agency, separating it from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). iGO now reports directly to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and manages commercial agreements with operators, while the AGCO maintains its role as the independent regulator.
Ontario hosts approximately 50 operators across 83 gaming sites, and with tougher regulations in place, other provinces have been taking note and are weighing up whether this model would work for them. Alberta is one instance, as it looks to tighten its own regulations.
Many players within the state are using the sites that can be found at Maple Casino, where they can enjoy a wider selection of games, bonuses, and faster payment processes, allowing them to receive the same positive experiences that others across Canada are enjoying when casino gaming.
Court of Appeal for Ontario Decides That Ontario Can Legally Offer International Liquidity
Ontario’s favourable position toward the industry has also been enhanced in 2025, with the province’s top court making a decision that could attract significant growth in the near future.
On 12 November 2025, the Court of Appeal for Ontario ruled, in a 4–1 decision, that the province has the legal authority to offer “international liquidity” in online gaming with jurisdictions beyond Canada. The court confirmed the model is lawful in principle but noted that key operational details and an official launch timeline have not yet been set.
The ruling restores the option for Ontario to re‑enter shared, pooled markets for products like online poker and Daily Fantasy Sports, where bigger player pools usually mean larger prize funds and more game variety. This is presented as a win for consumers who favour pooled formats, positioning Ontario to compete more strongly with international platforms.
By enabling cross‑border liquidity, Ontario can make its regulated market more attractive to global operators, increase player engagement, and support higher, more stable revenues for both industry and government. The Canadian Gaming Association signalled it wants to work with the province, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and iGaming Ontario to translate the legal victory into a functioning model, which would underpin long‑term market expansion.
Canada’s Existing Strong iGaming Market
The Canadian online casino sector is already liquid, with projections suggesting that further growth is still possible. According to published findings by Statista, revenues are expected to reach US$9.57bn by 2025. At the same time, it is estimated that a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.54% will be achieved between 2025 and 2030, leading to a projected market volume of US$10.85bn.
In addition, user penetration will be 70.6% in 2025 and is expected to hit 74.5% by 2030, which has been made possible through smartphones and tablets.
Mobile play across Canada continues to dominate the market, helping to drive the growth that is being experienced nationwide.
In 2023, roughly 11.8 million Canadians played casino games on mobile devices, with projections reaching 14.1 million by 2028. By the end of 2025, mobile gaming revenue is forecasted to reach nearly US$1.96 billion, contributing significantly to Canada’s overall online gambling market. In Ontario alone, the total spending surpassed CA$22.7 billion by mid-2024, marking a 32% year-over-year growth.
The number of active online casino players in Ontario reached approximately 1 million by late 2024, with an average monthly spend of around CA$277 per player. Smartphones supporting 4G/5G are prevalent, enabling high-quality mobile gameplay that is accessible anytime, anywhere.
Smartphones have become extremely accessible, with numerous models available on the market at lower costs. While some options are at higher price points, casino gaming is very versatile. It can operate smoothly across all devices, allowing players to save a few Canadian Dollars on purchasing a top-end device. This allows them to have more disposable income to play these games, helping them play responsibly and avoid using funds that they may not have to lose.
