The regulated online gambling market in Ontario has reached new heights, with gross gaming revenue climbing to CA$3.20 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This impressive 32% year-over-year increase marks the highest annual total since the Canadian province launched legal iGaming in April 2022, according to data released by iGaming Ontario.
How a Gambling Affiliate Network Drives Industry Growth
The remarkable growth in Ontario’s iGaming market highlights the increasingly important role that marketing partners play in the ecosystem. A reputable gambling affiliate network serves as a bridge between operators and potential players, helping licensed platforms expand their reach while adhering to regulatory requirements. These specialized marketing networks have been instrumental in educating Ontarians about the transition from grey market operators to the new regulated environment.
With the province now hosting 84 websites operated by 49 licensed operators, affiliate marketing has become essential for brands looking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape. Specialized affiliate partners with deep knowledge of the Canadian market can help operators navigate regional preferences and compliance requirements while capturing market share.
Breaking Down Ontario’s Record-Setting Year
The detailed report from iGaming Ontario revealed that casino games generated the largest portion of revenue at CA$2.40 billion, representing a substantial 36% increase from the previous year. Sports betting contributed CA$ 724.0 million, growing by 23%, while online poker revenue remained steady at CA$ 66.0 million.
Total wagers across all verticals reached an impressive CA$82.7 billion, up 31% from 2023-24. Casino games attracted the highest volume with CA$ 69.6 billion in wages, followed by sports betting at CA$ 11.4 billion and poker at CA$ 1.7 billion.
The final quarter of the fiscal year (January–March 2025) set new records, with revenue hitting CA$903 million and wagers totalling CA$22.9 billion during these three months.
Monthly Reporting Shows Continued Momentum
In a shift toward greater transparency, iGaming Ontario recently began releasing monthly performance data in addition to quarterly and annual reports. The March 2025 figures revealed total monthly revenue of CA$294.8 million—a 22.3% increase year-over-year and 5.3% higher than February’s results.
Casino gaming continued to dominate the market with CA$ 240.3 million in March revenue, while sports betting and poker contributed CA$ 47.9 million and CA$ 6.6 million, respectively. The data showed approximately 1.1 million active player accounts during the month, with average revenue per active account reaching CA$ 278,00.
Canadian Gambling Market Expansion Beyond Ontario
While Ontario has established itself as a leader in regulated online gambling, the broader Canadian market continues to evolve at an impressive pace. Recent industry data suggests the overall Canadian gambling market is now valued at approximately CA$29.7 billion, maintaining Canada’s position as the fourth-largest gambling market globally.
Online gambling participation has seen remarkable growth across the country, with over 19.3 million active online gamblers nationwide. The demographic profile of Canadian gamblers has also evolved, with women now making up a big portion of online gaming participants according to recent surveys. Mobile devices have emerged as the preferred platform for placing bets, particularly among female gamblers.
Regional Dynamics and Market Trends
Regional differences remain significant across Canada’s gambling landscape. British Columbia has historically generated the highest revenue from online gambling at approximately CA$421 million annually, followed by Ontario at CA$295 million and Quebec at CA$244 million. However, these rankings may soon shift with Ontario’s regulated market showing such robust growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changing consumer preferences, with Alberta’s land-based casino revenues dropping by 24%, prompting provinces to launch their online platforms. Despite this shift, traditional forms of gambling remain popular, with lottery tickets being the preferred choice for 65% of regular gamblers across Canada.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
The success of Ontario’s regulated market can be partially attributed to technological innovation and user experience improvements. Online casinos in Canada boast a 97% overall return rate of winnings, compared to just 61% for physical casinos. This significant difference has helped drive user adoption.
Mobile gambling continues to gain prominence, with most new accounts being created on smartphones or tablets. The convenience of mobile platforms, combined with the wide variety of gaming options available, has made online gambling increasingly attractive to Canadians who previously might have only visited physical casinos occasionally.
Future Outlook and Challenges
Market analysts have praised the Ontario regulatory approach as a successful model that balances consumer choice with appropriate safeguards. Industry experts note that the province has effectively navigated the complex transition to a regulated marketplace, creating favourable conditions for both operators and players while maintaining high standards for responsible gambling measures.
They project that online casino revenue across Canada could grow at a rate of nearly 8% annually through 2027, potentially reaching CA$4.5 billion. This growth presents both opportunities and challenges, as provinces work to balance economic benefits with responsible gambling measures.
With projections indicating that user penetration for online gambling could reach 51% of eligible Canadians by 2027, the industry faces increasing scrutiny regarding player protection. Ontario’s regulated market has emphasised responsible gambling tools, setting standards that other provinces may follow as they consider similar regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
As Canada’s iGaming market continues to mature, the impressive growth demonstrated by Ontario’s regulated approach suggests that the combination of appropriate regulation, technological innovation, and strategic marketing partnerships will remain key drivers of success in this dynamic industry. With record-breaking revenue figures and increased transparency through monthly reporting, Ontario has positioned itself as a model for other provinces considering similar regulatory frameworks for online gambling.
