Ontario’s Regulated Online Casino Market Continues to Grow as More Players Choose Licensed Platforms
Ontario’s regulated online gambling market continues to set new records, showing that more players are choosing licensed platforms over unregulated alternatives. The latest figures from iGaming Ontario show another strong month for the province’s online casino industry, with billions of dollars wagered and hundreds of millions in gaming revenue. This sustained momentum reflects broader digital adoption trends across Canada’s entertainment sector.
The numbers show how Ontario’s regulated market has matured since launching in 2022. Increased competition, improved consumer awareness and a growing selection of licensed operators are all helping shape a market that continues to expand. It also highlights how quickly regulation has reshaped player behavior in the province.
Long-term outlook points to huge growth
The online gambling market in Canada is projected to reach US$5,733.0 million by 2033. This explosive expansion represents an expected compound annual growth rate of 14.8% from 2026 to 2033, signaling a highly lucrative long-term trajectory for Canada’s digital gaming industry.
These figures show that online gambling remains a popular form of entertainment for many Ontario residents. While monthly totals naturally fluctuate throughout the year, the broader trend continues to point upward as the regulated market attracts more players and operators. The steady growth also shows how quickly Ontario has become one of North America’s most established regulated gambling markets. This level of consistency has helped reinforce investor confidence in the sector.
Online casinos continue to drive growth
Although sports betting and online poker remain important parts of Ontario’s regulated market, online casinos continue to account for the overwhelming majority of activity.
In May, online casino gaming represented:
• 88% of all wagers placed across regulated operators
• 79% of total gaming revenue generated during the month
• The largest share of player activity among all regulated gambling products
The popularity of online casino games is not particularly surprising. Players can access thousands of slots, live dealer tables, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and specialty games from home or on mobile devices. The convenience of playing whenever they choose continues to be one of the biggest factors driving market growth.
Competition benefits players
Ontario’s regulated market has also become increasingly competitive. There are now 45 licensed operators running 79 regulated gaming websites across the province. That level of competition encourages operators to improve their products while offering better promotions, loyalty programs, payment options and customer support to attract new players.
For consumers, having more choice also makes it easier to find a platform that matches their preferences. Websites that have compared online casinos in ON, like Casino.ca, help players evaluate licensed operators based on factors including game selection, available bonuses, banking methods, security features and overall user experience before creating an account.
Rather than simply choosing the first casino they see, players now have access to detailed comparisons that make it easier to identify reputable regulated platforms.
More players are choosing regulated websites
Perhaps one of the most encouraging findings in the latest report is the continued migration toward regulated gambling platforms. Recent research found that 91.1% of Ontario online gamblers now play on regulated websites, compared to 83.7% during the previous year.
That increase shows a growing confidence in Ontario’s regulated market. Licensed operators must meet strict standards for responsible gambling, player protection, security and fairness, giving consumers greater confidence than they have had when using offshore gambling websites.
Several factors have likely contributed to this shift:
• Greater public awareness of regulated operators
• An increasing number of licensed casinos available to players
• Stronger responsible gambling tools and consumer protections
• Competitive bonuses and improved gaming experiences
As more players recognize these benefits, regulated operators continue to gain market share.
What the numbers say about the future
Ontario’s latest performance suggests the province’s regulated online gambling market still has room to grow. While record-breaking months naturally receive the most attention, perhaps the more important takeaway is the market’s consistency. Even after several years of operation, wagering totals remain exceptionally strong, while revenue continues to reach new milestones.
The large number of licensed operators has created a competitive environment that encourages innovation, giving players access to better technology, wider game libraries and improved customer experiences.
At the same time, higher participation on regulated platforms supports the province’s broader goals of improving consumer protection and reducing reliance on unlicensed gambling sites.
The market shows no sign of slowing down
Ontario’s May results show that the province’s regulated online gambling market continues to mature in a positive way. Strong wagering activity, growing revenue and increasing use of licensed operators all point to a market that has gained the trust of players while continuing to evolve through competition and innovation.
As more Canadians become familiar with Ontario’s regulated system, the province is likely to remain one of the leading examples of how a competitive and well-regulated online gambling market can benefit both consumers and the industry alike. As the sector continues to evolve, technologies such as artificial intelligence are also expected to play a growing role in areas including fraud detection, responsible gambling tools and personalized player experiences, further supporting the development of licensed platforms.



