According to a recent report, the gambling revenue in Ontario, Canada, reached $825 million in 2024, representing a 25% increase from the year before. This makes it one of North America’s top 5 online gambling industries, alongside leading markets such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Michigan.

It’s also a significant accomplishment considering Canada’s stance on gambling. Over the last two decades, for instance, Canada’s grasp on gambling has been tightly controlled, with most activities limited to government-run lotteries and brick-and-mortar casinos.

As the framework has become more regulated and open, however, the iGaming market has been allowed to flourish, with Ontario, in particular, becoming a hotbed for user engagement and international operator interest.

So why Ontario, and what have been the factors driving its success? We’re going to look into seven reasons below, discussing the past, the present, and what the future might hold over the next five years.

Ongoing Regulation Effort’s 

In 2025, users can find numerous regulated sites for real money in Ontario, with the framework being overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission and its subsidiary, iGaming Ontario.

Both of these regulatory bodies have been crucial in creating a transparent and competitive market for online gambling, legalizing and licensing online operators while ensuring each organization prioritizes consumer protection, responsible practices, and fair play.

Data Protection and Gambling Programs

This has led to more users – and investors, for that matter – who might have been a little cautious to enter the market feeling far more relaxed. With data protection a big talking point in 2025 – to the point where industries are making it a primary marketing tool – gamers must know that their data is safe, and is always in the hands of the right people.

Through initiatives like mandatory encryption protocols, third-party audits, and transparent privacy policies, regulated casinos in Ontario have been able to capitalize on this, falling in line with regulation guidelines while also demonstrating that they’re the go-to platforms for data safety.

Growing Internet Access

Having fully implemented 5G back in 2020, Ontario also boasts some of the country’s best internet infrastructure, with high-speed connectivity readily available across the province. This has enabled seamless user experiences for online gamblers, including live-streamed games, multiplayer functionality, and on-the-go mobile betting.

All of these traits are crucial if a gaming company wants to keep players onside. Part of the reason for the iGaming industry’s success is that it prioritizes convenience and accessibility. If either of these two traits is compromised by poor connectivity, there’s no way for operators to maintain customer engagement and satisfaction, which will ultimately lead to a decline in their user base and revenue.

Ontario’s Economy

Another reason why Ontario has become a leading player in the iGaming market is its strong economy. Due to its high per capita income, the province has become a particularly attractive market for online gambling operators, with residents having greater disposable income to spend online.

This has ultimately led to a thriving consumer base across the board, with a significant influx of both local and global gambling brands eager to establish themselves and take advantage.

Diversity in Offerings

As well as speed and efficiency, many online casinos in Ontario also provide players with diverse gaming offerings, with the legalization of sports betting in 2021 allowing platforms to offer a wide range of betting options, including live sports betting, virtual sports, and cash-prize games all in one place.

This diversification has ultimately appealed to a broader audience, catering not just to traditional casino players, but also to sports enthusiasts who are looking for an easier way to place bets on their favorite teams. The sports betting industry, of course, has been flourishing worldwide, with an estimated global revenue of $84 billion being reported in 2024. With Ontario tapping into this market, there’s no telling just how far the province will go in its goal to become not just “one of the top 5 gambling industries in North America”, but the top gambling industry, full stop.

Conclusion

Speaking of the future, over the next five years, Ontario is only set to grow as a top gambling destination. According to numerous experts, the province could see as much as a 50% increase in iGaming revenue by 2029, with the growth fuelled by several key factors, including an expanding regulatory framework, increasing consumer confidence, and the continued rise in mobile platforms.

As well as this, experts are anticipating more international operators to enter the market, with increased competition leading to better user experiences, more innovative gaming offerings – especially with the development of VR and AR seeing huge strides – and potentially even lower costs. Whether a 50% increase really happens, there’s no doubt that Ontario will continue to prove itself, attracting even more players while maintaining a safe and sustainable environment for all.

Canada as a whole, for that matter, is said to become one of the world’s top iGaming destinations, with other provinces likely to follow Ontario’s lead in establishing their own regulated markets. As always, we’re all just going to have to wait and find out, but if Ontario is telling us anything right now, it’s: ‘Watch this space’.