With Canada’s online gaming sector continuing to change, Card Player's take on gambling in Canada, highlights how to choose reliable and vetted online casino operators—an area of focus as Ontario’s market continues to generate substantial activity. In April, the province reported $313.2 million in gross gaming revenue. Casino games accounted for $242 million of that total, while sports betting brought in $64.5 million and online poker generated $5.9 million. Casino games made up 78% of total revenue and 84% of all bets placed, with sports betting representing 14% of betting volume.
Toronto-based musician Drake’s reported partnership with a crypto gambling site has drawn increased attention to online gaming in Canada. His social media presence, which includes streams featuring online gaming, has raised the profile of the sector.
Ontario currently hosts over 50 licensed gambling operators, which has led to increased competition among providers.
Regulations include player protection measures such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion options. These safeguards are intended to support responsible gambling practices within the licensed market.
Payment methods have diversified, with some platforms now accepting cryptocurrencies alongside traditional options such as Interac and digital wallets. Most operators accept Canadian dollars without conversion fees.
Player preferences vary by demographic. Younger players show interest in sports and esports betting, while older participants tend to favour games such as blackjack, roulette, and slots. Mobile devices account for over 70% of gambling activity across age groups.
Sports betting revenues fluctuate in line with seasonal sports schedules and major events, including hockey, basketball, baseball, and football. Emerging categories like esports and mixed martial arts are attracting attention from younger bettors.
In contrast, casino game revenue may to be steadier, reflecting the underlying mathematical advantage of these games over time.
The regulated gambling sector has also contributed to employment growth in Ontario, creating roles in technical support, customer service, marketing and regulatory compliance. The presence of international firms has brought further investment and expertise to Toronto’s industry.
Ontario’s regulatory framework aims to transition gambling from unregulated environments into licensed operations, ensuring player protections and generating tax revenues to support public services. Licensing requirements include financial assessments, background checks and safeguards for player funds.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and participation in online gambling is done at your own risk. Online gambling is not regulated in all Canadian provinces, meaning consumer protections and oversight may not be in place depending on where you live.
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