Here in Canada, the real money gaming landscape has shifted dramatically over the past two years. Across the globe, iGaming has seen exponential growth, but following landmark events in 2022, Canada is emerging as a significant player in the space.
iGaming is a digital real money gaming industry, which encompasses any form of wagering online—be that playing remote verticals like online slots or participating in mobile sports betting. As the digital landscape becomes ever more expansive, many Canadians are now playing games at licensed platforms in conjunction with conventional video gaming.
Despite their soaring popularity, the regulated online casino and sports betting markets in Canada are still fairly new. What’s more, changes in regulation from province to province means that not all residents have access to the same gaming platforms. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at iGaming in Canada.
An Introduction to iGaming
As we mentioned above, the industry is home to several different real money wagering markets, encompassing gaming and sports betting. Here in Canada, the following key sectors are at play:
- Online Casino – Virtual casinos are by far one of the most popular iGaming sectors. They offer a range of traditional games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, all modernized for the digital realm and available at the click of a button. Online casino gaming has also moved into the mobile space, further increasing its reach and appeal.
- Sports Betting – Another growing sector, especially after single-event sports betting became legal in Canada in 2021. It allows Canadian bettors to wager on a wide range of sports, competitive and even political events, both domestic and international.
- Lottery and Bingo – These games, traditionally played offline, are now part of the iGaming ecosystem, offering an easily accessible option for casual players.
Legislated and Offshore Gaming in Canada
The legislation of iGaming in Canada is a nuanced topic, largely due to the fact that real money gaming is primarily regulated at the provincial level. Unlike other countries, where federal laws govern the industry, Canada’s approach to online gaming is fragmented, with each province developing its own set of rules and regulations. This results in a complex landscape for both operators and players, where the availability of services and the legality of certain gaming options can vary significantly depending on the province.
Ontario has emerged as the most progressive province in terms of regulating iGaming. In April 2022, Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market, opening the door for private operators to legally offer their services to residents under the oversight of the Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
The introduction of this regulatory framework marked a significant shift in Canada’s approach to online casino and poker gaming activities, as it created a safer, transparent, and more structured environment. With international operators now competing in a regulated space, Ontarians have access to a wide range of gaming options, including online casinos and sports betting.
Other provinces have also taken steps to regulate online gaming, though not as extensively as Ontario. For instance, British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba each operate government-run platforms that provide iGaming options for their residents. These platforms—while limited compared to Ontario’s market—offer a variety of games, such as lottery tickets, sports betting, and online casino options. However, they lack the diversity and range of activities seen in fully open markets like Ontario.
Offshore gaming operators have long been a significant part of the Canadian iGaming ecosystem. Since federal laws don’t prohibit Canadians from accessing offshore websites, many players turn to international platforms when provincial offerings are limited or non-existent.
These platforms are often licensed by jurisdictions like Malta, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man, where all real money gaming activities are heavily regulated. However, this does create a duality within the iGaming market in Canada, where players can choose between provincially regulated platforms and unregulated offshore options.
Shifts in Legislation and the Future of iGaming in Canada
The iGaming landscape in Canada is gradually evolving as more provinces explore ways to regulate and capitalize on the industry. Ontario’s decision to open its market to private operators has already seen over $2.4 billion in gaming revenue coming into the province during 2023/24 and it has no doubt set a precedent for other regions looking to create their own regulatory frameworks.
There has also been growing momentum on the federal level regarding the regulation of specific aspects of iGaming, particularly sports betting. The passing of Bill C-218 in 2021, which legalized single-event sports betting across Canada, was a pivotal moment.
Although federal regulation of iGaming remains a longshot, the passing of this bill nevertheless demonstrates a willingness to update the country’s iGaming framework.
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