2024 was a record-breaking year for Canada’s online gambling industry, with revenues soaring to an impressive $24 billion. Despite facing some regulatory uncertainty along the way, what was once considered a niche activity enjoyed by a select few has now evolved into a mainstream form of entertainment, captivating millions of Canadians.
Players across the nation have embraced the convenience and excitement of online gambling, thanks to the advent of cutting-edge platforms and immersive gaming experiences. From virtual slots to live dealer games, the diversity of offerings continues to attract a broad spectrum of players.
This unprecedented boom has been propelled by expert insights and platforms that spotlight opportunities for players to maximise their experiences. For instance, NoDeposit365.ca has become a trusted compass, offering tailored strategies and exclusive access to no deposit bonuses, enabling gamblers to engage with confidence and value.
Let’s take a closer look at how Canada achieved its record-breaking revenue in 2024.
Booming Industry
Canada’s online gambling industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, fueled by recent changes in gambling laws and the adoption of competitive licensing models. These shifts have opened the market to private operators, driving rapid growth and innovation. Ontario has been at the forefront of this transformation, playing a crucial role in the industry’s record-breaking revenue.
Although the province legalized online gambling only in 2022, Ontario has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry, with 51 operators managing 83 gambling websites—and that number continues to grow. This competitive environment has not only improved the quality of services but also significantly boosted provincial revenues. The decision to legalize popular offshore brands has been a game-changer, transforming a previously unregulated market into one that benefits both players and the government.
Other Provinces
In contrast to Ontario’s open and competitive iGaming environment, other provinces in Canada adhere to more regulated and government-controlled systems, with platforms like Loto-Québec, PlayNow in British Columbia, and Play Alberta dominating their respective markets. These government-run platforms offer limited variety and flexibility compared to Ontario’s diverse range of licensed operators. Despite this, several provinces have seen significant revenue from their platforms.
Loto-Québec reported $403.9 million in gaming revenue for the 2023/24 fiscal year, marking a healthy $13 million increase over the previous year. While this is a solid result, it still falls short of Ontario’s revenue, given the similar population sizes. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC), through its Play Alberta platform, achieved $179 million in net sales, a respectable figure but again less than Ontario’s substantial earnings. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) saw impressive results with $872.7 million in gaming revenue, reflecting strong performance across the Atlantic provinces. However, PlayNow has shown mixed results across regions. In Saskatchewan, it generated only $5.4 million, significantly less than in other areas. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) performed better, reporting $476 million in revenue and anticipating a 7% increase in 2024/25.
On the other hand, Manitoba experienced a slight decline in gaming revenue, with figures dropping from $75.4 million in 2022/23 to $74.9 million in the latest period, showing a small decrease in the market. While many provinces are seeing solid performance, their government-run platforms lack the competition and variety that have driven Ontario’s higher revenue and overall success in the industry.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite its continued success, Canada’s online gambling industry faces several challenges that require ongoing attention and adaptation. One of the most pressing issues is the evolving regulatory landscape, as operators must keep pace with changes in gambling laws across the country. In particular, the sports betting sector has encountered significant hurdles.
The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the prorogation of Parliament in early 2025 has cast doubt on the future of federal sports betting legislation, including Bill S-269, which aimed to regulate sports betting advertisements. The bill, which had passed the Senate and was awaiting further action, is now stalled, effectively halting progress until the next parliamentary session. This uncertainty leaves the industry in limbo, as the growing market for sports betting advertisements lacks a clear national framework.
At the provincial level, operators also face the ongoing challenge of maintaining fair play and responsible gambling. As the industry continues to expand, ensuring player safety and protecting against addiction is crucial. Operators are investing in tools and programs designed to help users gamble responsibly, but the evolving nature of the market requires continual adaptation and oversight.
Technological advancements are both a source of opportunity and challenge. Blockchain and cryptocurrency integration offer greater transparency and security, which is increasingly being adopted in provinces like Nova Scotia. However, the use of these emerging technologies also necessitates careful regulation to prevent fraud and ensure fairness. Meanwhile, AI-powered tools continue to enhance personalization and improve fraud detection, making the online gambling experience safer and more tailored to individual users.
These challenges, combined with regulatory uncertainty like the current situation surrounding sports betting legislation, underscore the need for ongoing innovation and flexibility within the industry. To remain successful, Canada’s online gambling sector must navigate these hurdles while continuing to adapt to changing laws and technologies.
