Ontario Online Casino Gaming Wagers See 31% Surge

Ontario has witnessed a remarkable 31% year-over-year increase in its iGaming sector, a surge driven largely by the rapid expansion of online casino gaming across the province. This growth culminated in a staggering CAD $82.7 billion in total wagers and CAD $3.2 billion in gross gaming revenue for the fiscal year 2024/25. Such impressive figures underscore Ontario’s vibrant and highly competitive market for enthusiasts seeking premium online casino gaming experiences.

Market Insights and Growth Trends

The report detailing these figures spans from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. It marks the third complete fiscal year since the regulated iGaming market in Ontario commenced operations on April 4, 2022. Heidi Reinhart, Chair of the Board of Directors, highlights, “These results showcase Ontario as a robust player in the igaming landscape, featuring an extensive lineup of operators alongside a world-class selection of games for players to enjoy.”

Operator Landscape

• 49 Operators: The market hosts 49 operators providing access to 84 unique gaming sites.
• Wager Growth: The total wagers registered a 31% increase compared to 2023-24.
• Revenue Growth: Total gaming revenue reflected a 32% rise from the previous year.

It’s important to note that the wagering numbers do not consider promotional wagers or bonuses, focusing instead on cash wagers, which include rake fees and other associated costs.

Play Preferences among Ontarians

According to a comprehensive study conducted by IPSOS for iGaming Ontario, an impressive 83.7% of Ontarians favored regulated sites for their gambling activities over the last three months. In contrast, 16.3% admitted to using unregulated platforms, marking a slight decline from last year, when 86.4% opted for regulated options.

This shift underscores a broader trend; before the launch of Ontario’s regulated market, it was estimated that up to 70% of online gambling transactions occurred on unregulated platforms. This steady movement towards regulated platforms indicates enhanced consumer confidence in safe gambling environments.

Market Breakdown by Category

The Ontario gaming market continues to be dominated by casino games, with a total of CAD $69.6 billion in wagers, showcasing a 34% increase from the previous fiscal year. Additionally:

• Betting (including sports and esports): Generated CAD $11.4 billion, a commendable rise of 17%.
• Peer-to-Peer Poker: Recorded CAD $1.7 billion in wagers, reflecting a modest 2% growth.

On the revenue front:

• Casino Revenue: CAD $2.4 billion, marking a significant 36% increase.
• Overall Betting Revenue: Reached CAD $724 million, with a 23% increase.
• P2P Poker Revenue: Maintained at CAD $66 million, stable compared to the previous year.

Conclusion

Ontario’s iGaming market is trending upwards with substantial growth in total wagers and revenues, particularly in the casino segment. The increasing shift toward regulated platforms indicates a positive trajectory for player safety and market development. This boom in growth not only reflects the province’s robust operator landscape but also the community’s trust in regulated gambling activities.