Ontario’s iGaming market success proves that private operators can drive provincial revenue and create tech jobs while ensuring local player safety

Casino.org’s Elsa Fiott breaks down why Ontario’s high player-adoption rate makes its regulatory framework the new standard for other provinces.
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It is hard to overestimate the impact that regulation has had on Ontario’s online gambling market. Since its launch in 2022, the province’s online casino scene has firmly established itself as one of the most economically significant gambling ecosystems in the world. The Ontario model is now influencing policy discussions across Canada.

To help us unpack how regulation has shaped this economic engine, we spoke to one of the foremost experts at Casino.org. Elsa Fiott has been lending her expertise to Casino.org’s Canada team for six years, where she tests and reviews the latest online casinos and stays up to date on all local iGaming markets.

As a specialist in the Ontario online casino market, she is the perfect person to ask about how the open market has benefited the province and its residents. With Ontario’s framework continuing to evolve, this conversation offers a timely look at the forces driving one of North America’s most dynamic digital markets.

Hi Elsa, thanks for talking to us today. First, could you explain what makes Ontario’s iGaming market different from that of other provinces?

“In simple terms, Ontario is the only province in Canada to operate a competitive, regulated iGaming market. Unlike the rest of Canada, where government monopolies run online gambling, Ontario has allowed dozens of private operators to enter the market under strict oversight. This model is most reminiscent of the tried and tested regulated markets across Europe.

In just shy of four years, that market has become one of the world’s most economically influential digital gaming hubs. Ontario has climbed to become the sixth-largest iGaming market globally, driven by billions in wagers, strong consumer adoption, and a regulatory model that has attracted major international operators.

Key to that success has been the province’s ability to attract players to the market. Ontario has achieved one of the highest channelization rates in the world, reaching 86.4 per cent in 2024. Elsewhere in Canada, players prefer using offshore casinos instead of the limited offerings provided by their local government-run platforms. I think this illustrates effectively what Ontario has done right.”

How do Ontarian casino fans benefit from a regulated iGaming market?

“First off, the standard and choice of products are higher. Ontario’s market has attracted world-class platforms that are safe, good value for money, and offer a generous variety of games. Competition among operators leads to better user experience, more game variety, and improved innovation. Readers can see the sheer number of trusted online casino Ontario options on our platform, which helps players to navigate this busy market.

Players also benefit from a robust set of consumer protections. Strict oversight by AGCO and iGaming Ontario ensures that operators adhere to rules on fairness and offer responsible gambling tools, which help to reduce harm. If something does go wrong, for instance, a casino refuses to pay out, there are clear complaint and dispute processes. Most offshore casino sites are perfectly safe to use, provided players choose platforms with robust licenses. However, without local oversight, users aren’t protected if their funds disappear.”

What benefits does regulation have for Ontario’s local economy?

“Ontario’s regulated online casino market delivers several clear economic benefits, and they all stem from one core shift. Money that once flowed to offshore operators now stays in the province and fuels its economy. The most immediate impact is the revenue generated through taxation and regulatory fees. Since launching its open iGaming framework in 2022, Ontario has seen billions in annual wagers translate into meaningful provincial revenue that supports public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Regulation has also created a thriving job market. The iGaming sector supports thousands of positions across technology, compliance, marketing, payments, customer service, and media. These aren’t short‑term or low-skilled roles. They’re part of a growing ecosystem of high‑value digital work that strengthens Ontario’s broader tech and entertainment industries.

Ontario’s competitive licensing model has attracted some of the world’s largest gaming brands to set up shop in the province, where they have each invested heavily in infrastructure and talent. This inflow of capital has been instrumental in positioning Ontario as a North American hub for digital gaming. The province’s transparent reporting and stable regulatory environment give operators the confidence to invest long‑term, which in turn supports sustained economic growth.”

You mentioned that Ontario’s market offers consumers more choice. How can players navigate this busy market and find the best deal?

“It’s true that Ontario’s market presents its own set of challenges for players trying to decide on a platform. The good news is that there are many, many good options. At the moment, there are 80 iGaming sites available, provided by 46 operators licensed in the province. No player is the same, and different platforms cater to different types of players.

The first port of call when choosing an online casino should be a trustworthy review site. Affiliate platforms are really shaping the online casino ecosystem at the moment by empowering players with honest information and helping them to get the best deals. That’s our mission at Casino.org: to help players elevate their online casino experiences to new heights.

I would always recommend that players consider what exactly it is they’re looking for at an online casino. If that’s the latest slots, then ToonieBet is a solid option with an extensive portfolio including titles from NoLimit City and Playtech. Casino Days is one of the best options for those who like to play on the go, thanks to its fully optimized mobile site and app.”

You mentioned that Alberta is due to launch its own regulated market soon. How well do you think the Ontario model will translate to Alberta and other areas of Canada?

“It is really exciting that Alberta is following in Ontario’s footsteps, and I’m hopeful that other provinces might follow suit, too. Alberta is already well-positioned for success and is planning to add some improvements that Ontario didn’t have at market launch, such as centralized self-exclusion. Alberta’s smaller population suggests that its market won’t quite reach the scale of Ontario’s, although revenue projections of $700 million to $1 billion annually within three years indicate strong economic potential.

Practically speaking, the Ontario model is better suited to areas with large populations, due to the cost of investment. That doesn’t mean that smaller provinces and territories can’t launch their own private markets, just that a different model might be more economically viable. For instance, a few areas banding together to create a shared market could work in theory.”

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