As featured in the press and seen online, things aren’t cheap these days. In fact, with the cost of living going through the roof, people are making cutbacks. As one of the most alluring forms of entertainment, gaming is a preference for many. However, it isn’t exactly cheap these days. As such, many diehard gamers are assessing more affordable options, including free gaming sites.
Love gaming? Try Canada’s best free sites
Housing extensive gaming libraries, there are some excellent websites out there that have your back. For gamers who are beginning to question whether or not gaming is a luxury they can afford, all is not lost. It’s a problem, though. For example, in Canada, a newly released standard addition console game can cost upwards of $100. That’s without factoring in the cost of an actual console itself and the various accessories gamers are encouraged to buy. For many consumers, it’s simply not affordable.
That’s where some of Canada’s best free gaming sites come in handy, with people all over the world turning to these tried and trusted websites. While they might not compare to the sophisticated products on a PlayStation 5 console, they still deliver the fun and entertainment gamers crave. Below, we highlight some of the best options.
Kongregate is a portal for free online games
Kongregate is still going strong in 2025. Alongside leaderboards for the top and badges to earn, there are some fantastic free games to play. Signing up is recommended, though, especially if you’re keen to make use of their various features. Still, whether you do or not, there are shooters like Bloons Super Monkey to experience, action titles like Kuja to play, and American football-themed favorites such as Retro Bowl to tackle. A gaming site with a strong reputation, Kongregate is superb.
Addicting Games has thousands of releases
While not every release on Addicting Games is impossible to put down, there are some top-notch products on there. In fact, it’s a site that offers thousands of options across diverse gaming categories, including retro classics and new releases. Titles like Dwarf Legacy are currently standing out, while Santa’s Quest is also popular. In truth, though, there are hundreds of enticing titles, all of which can be enjoyed in a matter of seconds.
Casino.com Canada boasts a range of games to try for free
If you’re partial to casino gaming, be it slot games or classic table products like blackjack, then Casino.com Canada boasts a range of demo games to try for free. These demos let gamers explore a specific product before spending their hard-earned cash, with the site’s team of trusted experts sharing only the very best games to sample. A website that also specializes in providing casino gamers with promotions and bonuses, there is an array of titles to consider playing for free, including online slots like J Mania Diamonds and Mad Hit Hidden Cities.
Pogo Games has been around for over 20 years
Pogo Games is a go-to option for many gamers. For over 20 years now, it has been regarded by many as the home of casual games.
Although you’ll have to register to access the site’s full collection of titles, Pogo Games is a go-to option for many gamers. For over 20 years now, it has been regarded by many as the home of casual games. Owned by Electronic Arts, it caters to both retro players and gamers seeking modern products, with no downloads required once you join its vibrant gaming community.
Alternative options
While the aforementioned sites are the best out there, there are some other viable options. For example, Arkadium is brilliant for crosswords and the classics, while the Epic Games Store serves up multiplayer masterpieces like Fortnite and Valorant. If you want to play with your children, CBC has a range of games for kids. Even Reader’s Digest Canada is an underrated hub for interesting games and puzzles.
Another reason to live in Burlington – even if the taxes are too high and you can’t afford the rent.
How many insurance claims will this work out to?
Rising auto insurance costs in Ontario may be changing how drivers handle collisions. A study examines the relationship between reported accident history and high-risk driving behaviour across Ontario cities, identifying municipalities where these two measures diverge in unusual ways, patterns that may point to accident-reporting anomalies.
Ontario drivers see an average 96% increase in car insurance premiums at renewal after an at-fault accident.
With the average Ontario premium now ~$1,900, a single at-fault collision can push annual costs to $3,700+, often for multiple years.
Brampton, Belleville, and Peterborough show the largest gaps between dangerous driving behaviour and reported accidents, suggesting potential underreporting.
Several mid-sized cities, including Brantford, Scarborough, and North Bay, also show risky driving patterns that outpace reported collision history.
Toronto and Ottawa show minimal ticket–accident gaps, indicating accident reporting aligns more closely with driving behaviour in major urban centres.
At the opposite end, cities such as Kingston, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and Burlington report accidents at higher rates than dangerous driving tickets, suggesting collisions are more likely to be formally reported.
When even a minor at-fault collision can add nearly $1,800 per year in insurance costs, often lasting three to six years, many drivers face a difficult financial decision. With bumper and sensor repairs frequently costing $1,500–$2,000 and most drivers carrying $1,000+ deductibles, settling repairs out of pocket can appear cheaper in the short term, even if it creates long-term risk distortions.
Dr. Armita Rahmani, Regional Supervising Coroner, East Region, Kingston Office, announced the scheduling of inquests into the deaths of Shimon Abrahams, Quinn Borde, Shane Gammie, Christopher Sipes, and Qin Long (Qinlong) Xue.
Collins Bay is a Medium Security institution. Kingston has more than five Correctional institutions in the area. The death of five inmates over a four-year period seems high. Should questions be asked?
All five men died while in custody or after transfer to hospital from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston.
The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. Bonnie Goldberg will be the presiding officer and Kristin Smith and Erin Winocur will be the inquest counsel.
Mr. Abrahams, 41, died on June 13, 2022; Mr. Borde, 39, died on April 2, 2022; Mr. Gammie, 35, died on November 24, 2018; Mr. Sipes, 51, died on November 21, 2019; and Mr. Xue, 26, died on November 13, 2020.
All five men died while in custody or after transfer to hospital from Collins Bay Institution in Kingston.
The Collins Bay Institution is a Medium Security prison.
Given the news about prisoner abuse at Maplehurst provincial prison in Milton – attention should be paid to what is happening at the Correctional Insitutions.
The ages of these five men are relatively young. All except one are under 40 years of age.
Focus Burlington was able to pull together the data needed to show what the City of Burlington tax bill will look like in June 2026.
On December 10th, 2025, Halton Regional Council approved their 2026 budget. With the Regional data now available, Focus Burlington was able to pull together the data needed to show what the City of Burlington tax bill will look like in June 2026.
There are four components to your tax bill.
The tax bill citizens get includes what the School Boards need; what the Regional government needs; what the Halton Regional Police need and what the city of Burlington needs.
There was no increase from the Boards of of Education. The amount of money needed by the Region increased by 3.3% over 2025. The Regional Police increase over 2025 was 6.4% The City of Burlington increase over the what they taxed for in 2025 was 5.8%
That bottom line: year-over-year tax increases. No shame whatsoever in producing numbers like this. They will want your vote next October.
We’ll see the total value of all the property taxes we pay, the total line on the tax bill, increase by 4.49%.
Burlington has the most significant increase, at 5.8%. Burlington’s taxes account for about half the bill. The low increase in regional taxes and the zero percent increase in education taxes reduce the total increase.
That 26.92% cumulative increase may not seem excessive – do you know anyone who got that kind of a pay increase over five years? And compare it to the cumulative 10.29% inflation increase over the same period of time. Tax increases are TWO AND A HALF TIMES MORE THAN INFLATION. And the Mayor calls the 2026 budget an inflation budget?
Halton Region is also responsible for our water bill, and we’ll see a 6% increase in our water and wastewater rates.
Here’s how the increases have looked since the 2022 municipal election.
Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator, $1,000 spent in 2022 would require $1,102.92 in 2026.
Inflation rates have been much lower than the City of Burlington tax increases. According to the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator, $1,000 spent in 2022 would require $1,102.92 in 2026.
This box is where you get to decide if you want the same people making decisions as to how much you are going to be taxed. With a voter turnout of around 30% – 7-% of the population likes paying high taxes.
Next year is an election year. We won’t hear anything about the 2027 budget until after the elections. Burlington’s 2026 tax increase is the lowest increase we’ve had in the last four years.
Year-over-year increases compound. Burlington’s 10.21% increase in 2024 applied to the 15.59% increase in 2023.
For Burlington residents with wages, pensions, or other forms of income closely linked to inflation, the city’s year-after-year, above-inflation increases will make life in Burlington unaffordable.
Kearns: the only member of Council who voted against the budget.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns is the only member of Council that voted against the budget.
A surprise drop of 76,068 people in the third quarter 2025, the largest decline on record, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
The drop, which the agency attributes to a decline in non-permanent residents, such as international students, is larger than any other recorded since it began keeping records in 1946.
The country’s population was 41,575,585, as of Oct. 1, 2025, down 0.2 per cent from July 1, per numbers posted online Wednesday.
Is there enough room for the people we have now?
Ontario and B.C. had the largest population decreases at 0.4 and 0.3 per cent, respectively.
In a post on its website, Statistics Canada says that 176,479 fewer non-permanent residents are the “primary reason for the decrease in Canada’s population over this period.”
The agency cites a 73,682 person drop in study permit holders and a 67,616 person drop in work and study permit holders. There were also 35,231 fewer work permit holders.
The numbers are considered estimates and will be updated.
What does a Letter of Intent from the FWC26 Canada Football Ltd. (FIFA26 Canada) mean?
It certainly isn’t a contract.
This is the content of the letter the municipality of Chatham-Kent received late in November. Burlington would have received a similar letter.
“FWC26 Canada Football is pleased to confirm its intent to collaborate with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to explore bringing FIFA Canada’s Caravan, a nationwide touring fan experience celebrating the FIFA World Cup 26™, to Chatham-Kent.
FIFA logo for the 2026 World Cup
“Following our recent discussions, FIFA26 Canada recognizes Chatham-Kent as a strong candidate for hosting a stop along the Caravan’s coast-to-coast-to-coast route. Based on the enthusiasm, capacity, and alignment demonstrated during our meeting, we believe your community would be able to deliver a memorable and inclusive FIFA World Cup 26™ experience to both local residents and visitors.”
The Games take place between June 11th to July 19th. Six of the Games will take place in Toronto. Good luck on getting a ticket.
“Through this Letter of Intent, FIFA26 Canada expresses its commitment to continue working with your community to:
This is a suggested location for Vancouver. The only thing that comes close to something like this is Spencer Smith Park. Programming that location will take some innovation and ingenuity.
Identify and confirm a suitable venue for the activation
Define operational requirements and timelines
Develop programming that reflects local culture and aligns with FIFA World Cup 26™ fan engagement objectives
Formalize the partnership through an agreement outlining respective roles, responsibilities, and financial contributions, including the activation fee, which is payable to FIFA26 Canada
Each FIFA Canada’s Caravan event will include:
Corporate Activations with FIFA Canada partners,
Soccer-themed activities that can showcase local soccer communities
On-stage entertainment
Screening of a FIFA World Cup 26™ soccer game
Food and Beverage Opportunities
Media moments
“This Letter of Intent does not represent a binding agreement but confirms both parties’ shared interest to include Chatham-Kent as part of FIFA Canada’s Caravan program.”
How would this apply to Burlington?
Is there a bigger space in the City that would accommodate the space a FIFA Caravan would need?
The Recreation, Parks and Culture (RPC) people have to find a location. We have learned, but could not confirm that they want about 10,000 sq feet of space.
The date that the Caravan might arrive in Burlington has not been announced – that assumes that Burlington is actually going to be one of the 15 cities that are visited.
No word yet on how long the Caravan visit would be.
Burlington has to quickly figure out how to integrate what is taking place in terms of soccer activities and align that with what FIFA wants.
Starting on Saturday, December 20, until end of service on Sunday, December 21, Lakeshore West Line rail service will be temporarily modified to accommodate critical track work. These track closures are required to make essential improvements to bring you better, faster and more frequent trips.
During this time, Lakeshore West train service will run all stops between Niagara Falls and Oakville GO.
GO replacement buses will operate at Oakville and Clarkson GO stations to take customers to Bramalea GO for connection to eastbound service on the Kitchener line to Union Station.
There will be no GO Transit service to or from Port Credit, Long Branch, Mimico or west from Exhibition GO stations. Customers traveling to and from those stations are encouraged to use the TTC.
Special GO Train services will run between Exhibition GO and Union Station.
On Friday, December 19, there will also be some late-night service adjustments.
More information about Lakeshore West Line service adjustments and alternate route options is available HERE.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for On the GO Alerts to receive real time updates about trip schedules, delays or disruptions.
Regular service will resume on Monday, December 22.
Riders can transfer for free with One Fare between GO Transit and most local agencies, including the TTC. Customers are encouraged to use gotransit.com to plan their trips. You can also check the GO Transit Service Updates page for real-time details.
Burlington might become involved in the FIFA 2026 World Soccer Games in a small way. City Council approved the spending of up to $160,000 to have the Caravan, a traveling exhibit that will visit 15 Ontario cities.
When two Ontario municipalities approve public funding for the same FIFA Canada’s Caravan activation, one might expect broadly similar decision-making paths. Yet a closer look at how Chatham-Kent and Burlington each arrived at their approvals reveals starkly different approaches to process, disclosure, and fiscal clarity – differences that matter, particularly when public dollars and compressed timelines are involved.
The word “activation” was new to me – I think it means to make something happen.
Soccer teams are popping up all over the place. The FIFA games will drive thousands of kids to the sport, and for a few days in June of 2026, the world will slow down to watch the “beautiful game”
Both councils ultimately said “yes.” How they got there, however, could not be more different.
Timing and Agenda Discipline
Chatham-Kent approved its funding on December 15, 2025, through a normal agenda item. Burlington, by contrast, approved its funding earlier, on December 9, 2025, but did so under the Urgent Business section of Council’s agenda.
That distinction is more than procedural trivia. Burlington’s own by-law is explicit: urgent business is reserved for time-sensitive staff reports and must clearly indicate why the recommendation is urgent. It also requires review by both the Clerk and the City Manager to determine whether the matter truly belongs on a Council agenda or should be referred to a standing committee.
Chatham-Kent’s approach suggests a process that allowed for ordinary notice, documentation, and deliberation. Burlington’s urgent route raises an immediate governance question: was the urgency inherent to the opportunity, or did it arise from late awareness and compressed internal timelines?
Initial Awareness and Lead Time
Emilie Core, Director of Recreation, Park and Culture
Here the contrast sharpens.
Chatham-Kent formally became aware of the FIFA opportunity on November 1, 2025, when it received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from FIFA outlining the activation of Canada’s Caravan. Use of the description Letter of Intent is a bit confusing – it appears to mean that they are going to talk about something.
That document was attached to the staff report, giving Council a clear reference point: what FIFA was proposing, what was being requested, and what the municipality was being asked to commit to.
In Burlington, the timeline appears far more reactive. When Councillor Bentivegna asked when staff first learned of the opportunity, the response was candid: “we literally found out Nov. 29,” facing a December 1 deadline, for which staff then requested an extension and brought the report to council under “Urgent Business”.
Two municipalities, the same national activation- yet one had nearly six weeks of awareness with formal documentation, while the other had mere days and no L.O.I. presented to Council.
That difference alone might explain why one item moved routinely and the other was deemed “urgent.”
The Role of the Letter of Intent
Chatham-Kent’s LOI matters because it anchored the discussion in specifics. FIFA required an activation fee of $50,000 per LOI, a figure that was clearly disclosed and understood by Council before any vote was taken.
In Burlington, no such clarity was provided. No LOI was produced, and no specific activation fee from FIFA was requested by Council or offered by staff during deliberations. As a result, Council approved a funding envelope without the benefit of knowing what portion, if any, was contractually required by FIFA versus locally determined.
From a governance standpoint, that is a significant divergence. One council approved funding with a defined external obligation on the table; the other approved a lump sum, absent a documented request from the organizing body.
Dollars Approved – and How They Were Explained
The financial contrast is perhaps the most striking.
Chatham-Kent approved $75,000, broken down clearly:
$50,000 activation fee payable to FIFA, plus
$25,000 for municipal event delivery expenses.
Burlington approved $160,000, more than double the Chatham-Kent amount, plus the cost of half of a staff position, with no dollar figure specified for that staffing component.
In Burlington’s case, the funding was presented as a lump sum, without a detailed breakdown comparable to Chatham-Kent’s. Council – and by extension the public – is left without a clear understanding of how much of the $160,000 was externally required, how much was discretionary, and how staffing costs would ultimately be absorbed.
Scrutiny Isn’t Opposition – It’s Stewardship
None of this is an argument against hosting the FIFA Caravan. Communities rightly want to participate in national and international events that promote sport, tourism, and civic pride. The issue is not what was approved, but how.
Chatham-Kent demonstrated a process marked by early awareness, documented requests, transparent cost breakdowns, and use of the regular agenda. Burlington’s process, by comparison, relied on urgency, incomplete documentation, and broad financial approval under tight time pressure.
That difference matters because process is policy in action. When councils normalize urgent items for non-emergency spending decisions, or approve significant funds without full cost transparency, they set precedents that extend far beyond a single event.
A Tale of Two Approaches
In the end, these two approvals tell a larger story about municipal governance. Chatham-Kent treated the FIFA Caravan as a planned investment, while Burlington treated it as a last-minute opportunity requiring expedited approval.
Residents are entitled to ask whether urgency was unavoidable – or whether earlier awareness, clearer documentation, and committee-level scrutiny might have produced a more measured and transparent decision.
In municipal government, the difference between those two paths is not procedural nitpicking. It is the difference between managing opportunity and being managed by it.
If you live in Ontario and enjoy sports, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once: Is sports betting actually legal here? The short answer is yes. But like most things involving money and regulation, the details matter.
Ontario’s sports betting market has changed dramatically in recent years. What was once limited, confusing and often pushed offshore is now regulated, transparent and widely accessible. Still, many bettors are unsure about what’s allowed, where to bet safely and how the rules affect them personally.
Let’s break it all down in plain language so you know exactly where you stand.
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Ontario for individuals aged 19 and older, as long as bets are placed through sportsbooks licensed by iGaming Ontario and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Quick answer: Is sports betting legal in Ontario?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Ontario for individuals aged 19 and older, as long as bets are placed through sportsbooks licensed by iGaming Ontario and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Betting on single games is fully permitted, and both government-backed and private operators are allowed to operate legally within the province.
How sports betting used to work
For decades, sports betting in Canada was restrictive. You couldn’t legally bet on a single game. Instead, you had to place parlay bets through government-run lotteries. Want to bet on just the Leafs game? Too bad. You needed to combine multiple outcomes and hope everything went your way.
Regulated online gambling market under the oversight of iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Not surprisingly, many bettors turned to offshore websites. These sites weren’t illegal for players to use, but they also weren’t regulated by Canadian authorities. That meant less protection, fewer guarantees and limited recourse if something went wrong.
The big change that opened the door
Everything changed in August 2021.
That’s when Canada passed legislation allowing single-event sports betting nationwide. This was a huge shift. Suddenly, provinces had the authority to regulate sports betting properly rather than pushing players toward unregulated platforms. And Ontario didn’t waste any time.
In April 2022, the province launched its regulated online gambling market under the oversight of iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. This created a legal framework for private operators to offer sports betting to Ontario residents. Theindustry in Ontario has been growing ever since.
And yes, that includes betting on single games.
So, is sports betting legal in Ontario today?
Yes, it’s fully legal if you use licensed operators approved by Ontario regulators.
If you’re at least 19 years old and physically located in Ontario, you can legally place bets online through regulated sportsbooks. These platforms must follow strict rules related to fairness, responsible gambling, data security and payouts.
In the middle of this regulated landscape, Ontario Sportsbooks now include both government-backed platforms and well-known private operators that meet provincial standards. This gives you more choice, better odds and stronger consumer protection than ever before.
Is in-person sports betting legal in Ontario?
Ontario is unique in North America., allows a wide range of private operators to compete. This creates a healthier market for bettors.
Yes, but options are more limited compared to online betting. Some land-based casinos and gaming facilities in Ontario offer sports betting kiosks or sportsbooks operated by approved providers. However, the widest range of markets, odds and features is still found online through licensed sportsbooks.
Most bettors choose online platforms for convenience, live betting options and broader coverage of sports and leagues.
What makes Ontario’s market different?
Ontario is unique in North America. Unlike many U.S. states that limit betting to a handful of casinos or sportsbooks, Ontario allows a wide range of private operators to compete. This creates a healthier market for bettors.
Here’s what that means for you in practical terms:
You get competitive odds because sportsbooks are competing for your business.
You see more betting options, including live betting and niche sports.
You benefit from clearer rules and accountability.
If a sportsbook operates legally in Ontario, it must answer to regulators. That’s a big deal if disputes ever arise.
How do you know a sportsbook is legal?
This is where many bettors get tripped up. Legal Ontario sportsbooksmust be registered with iGaming Ontario and hold a license from the AGCO. These platforms are required to verify your identity, ensure fair play and promote responsible gambling.
A simple rule of thumb? If a site clearly states it is licensed in Ontario and restricts access to users outside the province, it’s operating within the law.
If you’re ever unsure, reputable review sites can help. For example, Sportsbookreview.com provides detailed breakdowns of sportsbooks, covering reputation, odds quality, bonuses and user experience. Many bettors use it as a research tool before committing their money to a new platform.
Doing a bit of homework upfront can save you a lot of frustration later.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Ontario?
Offshore sportsbooks operate in a legal gray area. While it is generally not illegal for players in Ontario to access offshore betting sites, these platforms are not regulated or protected by Ontario authorities.
This means players have fewer consumer protections, no guaranteed dispute resolution and limited oversight. That’s why regulators strongly encourage bettors to use licensed Ontario sportsbooks, which must meet strict standards for fairness, security and responsible gambling.
How to legally place a sports bet in Ontario
Getting started is straightforward:
1. Choose a sportsbook licensed by iGaming Ontario.
2. Confirm you are at least 19 years old and physically located in Ontario.
3. Create an account and verify your identity.
4. Deposit funds using approved payment methods.
5. Place your bet and use responsible gambling tools if needed.
Licensed sportsbooks are required to verify location and age, so access from outside Ontario is restricted.
What sports can you bet on?
The better question might be: What can’t you bet on?
You can wager on almost any sport.
Ontario’s regulated sportsbooks cover a wide range of sports, including hockey, football, basketball, soccer, tennis and MMA. You will also find betting markets for college sports, international leagues and major tournaments.
Player props, futures and live betting are widely available. Want to bet on who scores the first goal or how many assists a player gets? You can do that. Novelty and esports markets are also growing, though availability varies by sportsbook.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, and that’s a good thing.
Ontario regulators place limits on certain betting activities to protect players. For example, sportsbooks must offer responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion programs.
Advertising is also regulated. Operators can’t make misleading claims or target minors. If a sportsbook violates these rules, it risks losing its license.
From a bettor’s perspective, these safeguards help create a safer environment. You still get freedom and choice, but with guardrails in place.
What about taxes on winnings?
This is one of the most common questions. For most casual bettors in Ontario, sports betting winnings are not taxable. The Canada Revenue Agency generally considers gambling income non-taxable unless you’re betting as a business or primary source of income.
If you’re placing the occasional wager for entertainment, you typically don’t need to report your winnings. That said, tax situations can vary, so it’s smart to consult a professional if you’re betting large amounts or very frequently.
Why legal sports betting matters
Legalization isn’t just about convenience. It’s about protection. When you bet through regulated Ontario Sportsbooks, your funds are segregated, your data is protected and disputes are handled through official channels. That’s a far cry from the old days of offshore betting with little oversight.
It also keeps money within the province. Tax revenue from legal sportsbooks supports public programs rather than disappearing overseas.
For bettors, legalization brings peace of mind. You know the rules. You know your rights. And you know where to turn if something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions about sports betting in Ontario
Is sports betting legal on mobile in Ontario?
Yes. Licensed sportsbooks allow betting through mobile websites and apps as long as you are located in Ontario.
Can tourists bet on sports in Ontario?
Yes, as long as they meet the age requirement and are physically present in the province.
Is live betting legal in Ontario?
Yes. Live or in-play betting is widely available on licensed sportsbooks.
Can I bet on international sports?
Yes. Ontario sportsbooks offer betting on international leagues, tournaments and events across multiple sports.
What you should do next
If you’re thinking about betting on sports in Ontario, here’s the key takeaway: it’s legal, regulated and safer than ever if you choose licensed platforms.
Take a few minutes to research your options. Read reviews. Compare odds. Use responsible gambling tools. And never bet more than you can afford to lose.
When Ontario launched its regulated iGaming market in April 2022, expectations were cautious. Canada had never operated an open, competitive online casino system at the provincial level, and skeptics questioned whether players would migrate from offshore platforms to a tightly regulated environment.
Less than three years later, Ontario has answered those questions decisively. By every meaningful measure, revenue, player activity, operator participation, and product depth, The Ontario online casino market has become Canada’s largest and most mature.
Regulatory Model
Ontario’s success begins with its decision to adopt an open licensing framework. Rather than limiting online casino operations to a single government platform, the province allowed private operators to apply for licenses through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario while partnering commercially with iGaming Ontario.
This model lowered barriers to entry without sacrificing oversight. Operators could bring existing technology, game libraries, and user bases into the regulated system, while the province retained control over compliance, consumer protection, and revenue collection.
The result was immediate scale. Dozens of licensed online casinos entered the market within the first year, creating competition that simply did not exist elsewhere in Canada.
Online Casino Growth
While sports betting drew headlines during launch, online casino gaming quickly became the backbone of Ontario’s iGaming economy. Slots, live dealer games, and digital table games account for the majority of total wagering and revenue each month.
This mirrors global gambling behavior. Casino games generate steadier engagement than event-based betting, with players returning daily rather than seasonally. Ontario’s regulatory framework recognized this reality by allowing a full range of casino products from day one, rather than rolling them out gradually.
As a result, player retention stabilized early, giving the market a durable foundation rather than a short-lived surge.
Industry Competition
That competition has expanded access to live dealer studios, localized game offerings, and faster payment options
Licensed operators compete on game variety, user experience, mobile performance, and promotional structure. That competition has expanded access to live dealer studios, localized game offerings, and faster payment options that were previously inconsistent across offshore platforms.
Just as importantly, competition forced transparency. Bonus terms, wagering requirements, and withdrawal conditions are regulated and standardized in ways that allow players to compare platforms meaningfully. Independent review sites and comparison resources emerged as tools players use to navigate this crowded environment, helping them identify which licensed casinos and promotions best suit their preferences.
Trust and Consumer Protection
One of the most significant drivers of Ontario’s online casino growth has been trust.
Before regulation, Canadian players had limited recourse in disputes with offshore operators. Ontario’s framework introduced mandatory player verification, responsible gambling tools, complaint resolution processes, and clear enforcement mechanisms.
These protections changed how players behave. Larger deposits, longer engagement periods, and higher lifetime value per user are common patterns in regulated markets once trust replaces uncertainty. Ontario followed that trajectory closely, particularly among players who had previously avoided online casinos altogether.
Marketing
Unlike more restrictive jurisdictions, Ontario allowed licensed casinos to market their products aggressively within defined standards. This visibility mattered.
Television, digital media, and sponsorships normalized online casino play for mainstream audiences. Combined with familiar international brands entering the market, this exposure shortened the learning curve for players who were new to regulated online gambling.
At the same time, strict advertising rules around responsible gambling messaging prevented the market from becoming unchecked or predatory, preserving long-term sustainability.
Blueprint for the Rest of Canada
Broader national engagement beyond just Ontario’s borders.
Other provinces continue to operate closed or limited online gambling systems, often funneling players to single government-run platforms. Ontario demonstrated that a competitive, regulated model can outperform monopolies in both revenue generation and consumer satisfaction.
As a result, Ontario is now viewed as the reference point for any future expansion of legal online casinos elsewhere in Canada.
While Ontario clearly leads Canada in regulated online casino activity, interest in digital gambling is rising in other parts of the country as well. In provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, established local platforms have long provided residents with legal access to online casino games, helping build a base of engaged players outside Ontario’s market.
These services show that Canadian players in other regions are also embracing online gaming, and as technology, mobile access, and regulatory discussions evolve, demand for broader online casino availability continues to grow across the country. Overall Canadian online gambling revenue, including casino activity, is on an upward trajectory, reflecting broader national engagement beyond just Ontario’s borders.
The academics make huge contributions to the shaping of public policy; Brock University has been doing this for years.
Microsoft’s recent announcement of its plan to invest $7.5 billion in Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure over the next two years placed a strong emphasis on protecting the country’s digital sovereignty by ensuring that data is stored locally.
But for Brock University data governance expert Blayne Haggart, this claim relies on a broad misconception of what digital sovereignty looks like.
Microsoft admitted that they have to follow U.S. law under the Cloud Act, which gives the U.S. the authority to obtain digital data held by U.S.-based tech companies.
“In the digital space, sovereignty isn’t determined by where your data centres are located, but by which company runs the servers that make up the cloud,” says the Professor of Political Science. “Microsoft admitted in a June hearing before the French Senate that they have to follow U.S. law under the Cloud Act, which gives the U.S. the authority to obtain digital data held by U.S.-based tech companies, no matter where in the world this data is stored. Securing digital sovereignty is a promise the company can’t deliver.”
Though any government demands for data could be fought in U.S. court, Haggart says this is no assurance of protection.
“Even if Microsoft were to fight an honest court battle, they could lose and data would be vulnerable,” he says. “But the U.S. government can also threaten or exert pressure to make companies give up this data, as was the case with the National Security Agency’s secret surveillance later made public by Edward Snowden.”
We cannot rely on an American technology company’s “promise not to peek” at sensitive research, policy and proprietary data.
Haggart says all Canadians, from individual citizens and those working in the private sector to universities and governments, need to be aware they cannot rely on an American technology company’s “promise not to peek” at sensitive research, policy and proprietary data.
Instead, he suggests Canadians seek out or develop technology alternatives to reduce dependency on U.S. software companies.
While he acknowledges that it might be a difficult process, he believes investing in the development of homegrown technology and diversifying technology products would be a sensible use of government spending to ensure a nationally secure digital infrastructure.
Haggart: “Network capacity that is more independent from the U.S. This would be a huge challenge, but it’s not impossible.”
“We need to start developing in-house expertise and in-house systems that can replicate the functionality of what we get from Microsoft or Google and working with other companies, particularly in Europe, to build out digital services and network capacity that is more independent from the U.S. to create a true alternative,” he says. “This would be a huge challenge, but it’s not impossible.”
Overall, Haggart says Canadians need to understand what is at stake and how their data might be used or accessed as U.S. technology companies ramp up efforts to increase adoption of AI around the world.
“We need to have a more mature discussion about what sovereignty actually means in the digital age, and basically it comes down to control,” he says. “If you don’t control the software, you don’t control the data.”
“The symposium is designed to bring together emerging and established scholars to discuss issues of digital regulation, which are becoming more and more salient, including regarding questions of digital sovereignty,” he says. “There’s a greater need for policy-makers and for all Canadians to understand them as important policy areas.”
Olivia and Noah continue to top the charts as Ontario’s most popular baby names in 2024. Olivia has clinched the number one spot as the top girl name in Ontario for the 16th consecutive year, while Noah took the top spot as the most popular name for boys for the sixth year in a row.
The top 10 names for girls and boys in 2024 were:
Olivia
Choosing names for newborns: Odd that historical names don’t make the most popular list.
Charlotte
Sophia
Amelia
Emma
Ava
Maya
Sofia
Mia
Isla
Noah
Will the name for the child be taken from the most popular or perhaps something original from the family history.
Liam
Theodore
Oliver
Jack
Henry
Benjamin
Lucas
Muhammad
Leo
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement points new parents to Service Ontario where there is a 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle that makes life easier for Ontario parents, saving them time registering their newborn and applying for essential documents from the comfort of their home.”
ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle allows parents to quickly apply for their child’s birth certificate, Social Insurance Number, Canada Child Benefits (including the Ontario Child Benefit) and Education Savings Referral service all through one application.
Parents must register their child’s birth within 30 days to ensure they receive essential documents.
Data may show wages have caught up with the dramatic price hikes of 2022, it’s not true for all workers and certainly not in all neighbourhoods of the country.
Trades workers have recently been at the centre of a lot of politics in Canada, but in most of Canada that attention hasn’t translated into wages that keep up with prices, according to two datasets released by Statistics Canada on Monday.
The data is also a reminder that while high-level aggregate data may show wages have caught up with the dramatic price hikes of 2022, it’s not true for all workers and certainly not in all neighbourhoods of the country.
Aggregate data can hide key facts. After all, when Elon Musk steps into a room everyone in it is a billionaire, on average.
Except in Vancouver, labourer wages lose to inflation
Across five major Canadian cities, the wage of a unionized construction labourer only kept up with prices in Vancouver.
The results are from the Construction Union Wage Rates tables and Consumer Price Index tables, both released by Statistics Canada on Monday.
Construction labourers’ pay packets fell significantly behind price hikes in Halifax, Calgary and Toronto, according to the data. In Halifax, over the past fives years, labourer wages rose just 7.0 per cent while prices went up 22.1 per cent, the data shows.
Trades wages up but not as much a prices
Union labourer wage, Nov 2020-Nov 2025
Among five trades in five cities, 20 of 25 groups fell behind
And the losses weren’t just for labourers. In the constructor sector from November 2020 to November 2025, the wages of plumbers, electricians, sheet metal workers and carpenters also mostly fell behind price increases in their city, the data shows.
Among the five selected trades in the five major cities, a total of 25 groups, only carpenters in Calgary and labourers, plumbers, sheet metal workers and electricians in Vancouver kept ahead of inflation.
In all five cities, plumbers topped the wage scale, with electricians or sheet metal workers usually running next. But, excepting workers in Vancouver, these workers also lost ground to prices.
In an era when politicians love to announce “historic investments” in infrastructure, in many places the big numbers are making small impact for the people who do the work.
Rate of price increases has declined from mid-2022 peak
Monthly change in consumer price index, year over year, Nov 2020- Nov 2025
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is alerting residents of upcoming lane closures this weekend on the QEW Niagara Bound Skyway Bridge, from December 17 to December 19.
Two left lanes on the QEW Niagara bound (from North of the Skyway Bridge) and including the Skyway Bridge will be closed
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre has announced that Dr. Wally Pieczonka will be the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee
Dr. Wally Pieczonka
The installation of Pieczonka, distinguished philanthropist and lifelong champion of the arts is to be honoured at BPAC on December 19, 2025
Being made the 2025 inductee into the Hall of Fame recognizes his extraordinary lifetime contributions to Burlington’s performing arts sector and his transformational philanthropic leadership. A distinguished physicist, engineer, and founder of Burlington-based Gennum Corporation, Dr. Pieczonka has been a resident of the city for more than 60 years and is widely regarded as one of its most generous arts supporters.
Through the legacy of the Pieczonka Family Foundation, Dr. Pieczonka has invested millions of dollars to strengthen arts, culture, education, youth, and mental health initiatives across Burlington and the surrounding region. His now endowed fund at the Burlington Community Foundation, which includes the assets of the Pieczonka Family Foundation and the Mavis Pieczonka Memorial Fund, generates annual charitable grants, ensuring sustainable support for the arts for generations to come.
BPAC Executive Director Sara Palmieri noted that Dr. Pieczonka’s work has shaped the cultural fabric of the city for decades. “Dr. Pieczonka’s generosity has profoundly shaped the arts landscape in Burlington,” Palmieri said. “His belief in the unifying power of the arts and his commitment to future generations embody the spirit of our Hall of Fame. We are honoured to celebrate his extraordinary legacy as our 2025 Inductee.”
Dr. Pieczonka will receive the Hall of Fame Award on Friday, December 19, 2025, immediately prior to the 7:30pm performance of Sultans of String: Christmas Caravan at BPAC.
The global holiday celebration, featuring 2024 Hall of Fame recipient and award-winning musician Chris McKhool, is being presented as a Pay-What-You-Can performance, including free admission, reflecting BPAC’s commitment to ensuring accessible arts experiences for the community.
Team management and the negotiation of sports contracts have become an academic discipline. Brock University is leading in this field.
After a historic post-season run, the Toronto Blue Jays organization went straight to work this winter by quickly signing several high-profile players, including pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers.
Assistant Professor of Sport Management Ryan Clutterbuck
Perhaps the biggest questions now in the minds of Jays fans across the country — and Assistant Professor of Sport Management Ryan Clutterbuck — is what does free agent Bo Bichette want? And can the American League champs give it to him?
“Last off-season, the Jays locked up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year $500 million extension, a full year before he was eligible to test free agency, but chose not to do the same with Bichette, despite similar contractual timelines and both being homegrown fan favourites,” says the Brock University expert, who researches and teaches negotiations, organizational behaviour and leadership in sport.
“He bet on himself and now he’s about to cash in on that wager, whether it’s with Toronto or some other team,”
After bouncing back from injuries to mount an impressive post-season performance, Bichette entered free agency in high demand.
“Good for Bichette. All season, he bet on himself and now he’s about to cash in on that wager, whether it’s with Toronto or some other team,” Clutterbuck says.
He says the complexities of getting deals across the plate extend far beyond the widely reported financials..
“Of course, the number is important. But when contracts are reported, it’s typically very straightforward: the number of years, guarantees and signing bonus, and total compensation,” he says. “That’s interesting, but it’s only a piece of the pie.”
He says most contract decisions, in and outside professional sport, come down to a balance between interests and positions. What do job seekers – such as Major League Baseball (MLB) free agents – want and what are their underlying motivations for wanting it.
For high-profile free agents like Bichette, it’s not one single issue or demand (their position), but a range of boxes (their interests) that must be checked to finalize a deal.
Clutterbuck: “Why people choose to work where they work and what ultimately makes them happy or unhappy,”
“In my second-year organizational behaviour in sport organizations course, we talk about why people choose to work where they work and what ultimately makes them happy or unhappy,” Clutterbuck says. “Money is a part of that, but there’s so much more that goes into the decisions these players are making.”
When free agents are weighing competing offers, assuming compensation is competitive, they may also consider whether they like the coaching staff, the teammates they would be joining on the field and the overall culture of the organization.
There’s also family and lifestyle perspectives to consider.
“It’s not just about what you want,” Clutterbuck says. “We all saw those celebrations on the field after the big wins: There’s families, there’s wives, there’s girlfriends. How and where do they want to spend their eight-month, 162-game season and off-season?”
Clutterbuck says external influences also impact player decisions. The role and impact of player agents — who have a personal and professional interest in maximizing the total compensation — and the MLB Players Association (PA) is also part of the equation.
“The PA’s interest is that players to get as much money as they possibly can because teams will then use those deals as comparables for future free agents, which impacts how much money their membership makes,” he says.
So, when can Blue Jays fans expect a deal to be finalized?
“What I would expect is that he and his agent will be talking with all the available suitors as quickly as they can to make a deal somewhere. It will happen soon.”
Because there are very few incentives to remain in free agency without a contract – short of pursuing a bidding war between rival clubs – Clutterbuck says it’s likely that Bichette and the Jays’ situation will conclude sooner than later.
“He doesn’t want to be a free agent any longer than is absolutely necessary. Worst case scenario is he gets hurt while training or rehabbing in the off-season without a contract in place, and now there’s questions and concerns about his value and durability,” he says. “What I would expect is that he and his agent will be talking with all the available suitors as quickly as they can to make a deal somewhere. It will happen soon.”
The Statement Councillor Lisa Kearns issued related to the decisions she made on the 2026 budget that has been passed by the city needs a closer look.
Kearns explains her position, pointing out that just three of her ten suggested changes were accepted by her colleagues.
Of the seven members of Council, just three: Kearns, Sharman and Galbraith, have real business experience.
Lisa Kearns, along with Councillors Sharman and Galbraith are the only people with real-world budgeting experience. She has the sharpest mind on the current city Council, and while she isn’t always right, when she talks numbers, one wants to pay attention.
I was impressed while watching the budget debate take place and disappointed at the way the final budget increase numbers were arrived at.
In the days ahead the Gazette is going to go back to the ten budget changes Kearns put forward and try to determine what the difference would have been if her suggestions were accepted. And at the same time make public why her colleagues decided not to support her positions.
What Kearns makes clear is that the current Council didn’t try all that hard to lower the increase that taxpayers are now stuck with.
The Gazette learned earlier today that Gary Carr’s wife Terea passed away earlier today.
At the start of each term of Council, an Acting Regional Chair by-law is adopted, which provides for the appointment of an Acting Regional Chair when the Regional Chair is absent. The monthly rotation is set in alphabetical order by members’ last names and addresses the entire term of Council. While a member is serving as Acting Regional Chair, they have and may exercise all the rights, powers and authority of the Regional Chair.
Regional Chair, Gary Carr was unable to serve on December 3rd; a replacement had to be found. The weather on the 3rd was such that many Regional Councillors chose to attend virtually.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward got to serve as the Regional Chair during a budget session. Might she find the Chair a comfortable seat and decide to run for the Office of Regional Chair next October?
A Regional Staff member explained what happened on December 3rd. “It is also important to note that if the member whose turn it is to serve as Acting Regional Chair is unable to act, then the next member in the rotation is to act in the place of the Regional Chair. If that member cannot act, then the next member is asked until someone is able to act.
“This was the case at the December 3 meeting when we asked Mayor Krantz (who is assigned Acting Regional Chair duties for the month of December), but he declined chairing since he was attending virtually (it’s difficult to chair a hybrid meeting virtually). We then asked Mayor Lawlor, but she was also attending virtually and declined, then Councillor Malboeuf (who declined) then Mayor Meed Ward (who accepted and chaired that meeting).
What would have happened, we wondered, if Meed Ward had not been available?
Whatever was ailing Chair Carr, we wish him a speedy recovery.
Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns published a Statement on the role she played in getting a budget for 2026 in place.
We did not see that statement until earlier today. The Statement is set out below:
I respectfully acknowledge that the 2026 Burlington City Budget is hard for taxpayers to accept.
Council has approved a 5.8% increase in spending compared to last year. I believe we need to be more prudent stewards of your tax dollar. To help address housing affordability, we must first ensure that people can stay in the homes they already have.
Municipal spending is a concern voiced by many, including young families, small business owners and seniors in our community.
Municipal spending is a concern voiced by many, including young families, small business owners and seniors in our community. This stark reality of 2026 ought to demand the same spending restraint that everyday people are exercising in their daily lives.
I carefully examined every detail of the budget, questioned council spending, and found almost $750,000 in potential savings or cost reductions. However, only three out of my ten proposed motions were approved by the Committee. I put every effort into the budget process: workshops, meeting residents in community spaces (arenas, library, our Seniors’ Center), and on line.
These were authentic and empathetic conversations, free from embellishment or bias. Our residents recognize the strengths of our city services and assets, but we must exercise fiscal restraint during times when many are making sacrifices.
I am grateful for the constructive dialogue on managing funding to promote equity in our city. I was encouraged to see a prioritized focus on savings through workforce optimization, equipment efficiencies, and process improvements-initiatives that align with the community’s expectations of leadership.
I continue to scrutinize consulting expenses, the introduction of new permanent positions, and costs that provide incumbent advantages. While investments are made to support future growth, we persistently face challenges in achieving meaningful increases that grow the tax base. This results in a draw from the tax stabilization reserve fund, lowering it even further below target. A more balanced approach is needed to support residents here right now.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Finance and Leadership teams for their diligent work in reviewing documents and recommendations; your expertise and commitment have been exemplary I also acknowledge the residents who have participated and engaged in the process, though it is concerning to see declining involvement. It was helpful to review numerous written questions & answers, including those from council members.
Kearns: “I continue to scrutinize consulting expenses and the introduction of new permanent positions.”
It is important for readers to understand that my approach to the budget process is driven by a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the well-being of our community. Actions speak louder than words. I want to make it clear that my concerns are not rooted in opposition for its own sake, but in a thoughtful evaluation of how best to serve Burlington’s residents during challenging economic times.
Regrettably, I was unable to support last year’s budget, and on behalf of my constituency, I am unable to endorse the 2026 budget as well. The vote was 6-1, with me the only one opposed.
By Tim Jones 
While not every release on Addicting Games is impossible to put down, there are some top-notch products on there. In fact, it’s a site that offers thousands of options across diverse gaming categories, including retro classics and new releases. Titles like Dwarf Legacy are currently standing out, while Santa’s Quest is also popular. In truth, though, there are hundreds of enticing titles, all of which can be enjoyed in a matter of seconds.
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Ontario’s regulated sportsbooks cover a wide range of sports, including hockey, football,
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Haggart notes the need to improve understandings of digital regulatory policies and tech regulation is a key focus of an
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