By Louise Williams
October 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Owing to technological advancements and regulatory shifts, Canada’s gambling market is growing year by year. As gambling regulations are primarily under provincial jurisdiction, some provinces such as Ontario have grown more rapidly than others. This has led to the Ontario gambling market experiencing an 8% jump in total wagers in August. In this context, let’s explore the current state of Ontario’s gambling market and factors surrounding this jump.
The Current State of Ontario’s Gambling Market
Ontario requires compliance with high standards ensuring a safe experience for players.
Ontario’s iGaming market has been growing steadily since its launch in April 2022. At this time, Ontario became the first province in Canada to launch a legal and regulated online gambling market. The province implemented a private-operator model, allowing multiple licensed companies to offer online casino games, poker and sports betting under regulatory governance. This marked a change from the previous government monopoly, giving people in the region more choice over their gaming experiences. The regulatory body iGaming Ontario implements strict standards for security, fairness and responsible gambling with player protection tools, spending limits and resources for vulnerable groups. For those in the area, casino.org tested all the online casinos licensed by the AGCO and iGO, confirming compliance with these high standards and ensuring a safe experience for players.
Ontario’s Gambling 8% Spike in August Wagers
Recent figures reveal that the market saw CAD $8.14 billion in total cash wagers in August, up from CAD $7.56 billion in July and revenue was at CAD $335 million, an 8% month-over-month increase. This jump can be explained by the approach of the autumn sports season, particularly the return of the NFL in September which spurred more interest in sports betting. On top of this, peer-to-peer poker contributed to this surge as more people engaged in competitive games. Active players also increased which pushed the total number of accounts up 7%.
A view that will enhance your visit to the Casino.
On the revenue front, online casino came in at CAD $267.8 million for August, a six per cent month over month increase, for an 80% market share. Many people in Ontario prefer having a digital experience rather than going to traditional casinos like Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara as they can play games like slots whenever they want without having to travel. Unlike other provinces like Alberta which only has one government-operated online platform, Ontario’s regulated market gives players more options. Additionally, in August, new operators entered Ontario’s market, including DraftKings’ Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG), which launched on the 19th. Their entry brought fresh competition and added variety, attracting new players while boosting overall engagement across the platform.
The 8% jump in total wagers for August also comes at a time of leadership change at iGaming Ontario. The board of directors recently appointed Joseph Hillier as president and CEO, effective September 8, following Martha Otton’s retirement and David Smith’s interim tenure. iGaming Ontario said: “The board of directors looks forward to supporting Joseph as he leads iGaming Ontario to build on Ontario’s iGaming market success and deliver on key priorities including an anti-money laundering system for operators, and a centralised self-exclusion platform for Ontarians.”
The Future of Gambling in Ontario
Ontario has now become one of North America’s key gambling hubs and is now on par with New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As a result, increased wagers and operator revenue could boost provincial tax income and create more opportunities for reinvestment. At the same time, players will be more protected with the implementation of responsible gambling tools, secure payments and strict age verification. In the eyes of the public and other operators, this will make Ontario appear more trustworthy and reliable.
Furthermore, modern technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence could dramatically transform Ontario’s iGaming market. VR and AR create realistic, interactive gaming sessions allowing players to envision themselves in immersive virtual gambling environments without leaving home. More AI integration will help operators in Ontario to personalise the experience, helping them to enhance customer support and detect problem gambling patterns. This personalised element could attract more people in Ontario to try out gambling activities, thus boosting engagement, retention, revenue and the overall growth of the market.
The NFL activity draws thousands to the gambling opportunities.
Ultimately, August 2025 was a monumental month for Ontario’s iGaming industry. With recent statistics in mind, it’s clear that the Ontario gambling market is thriving as showcased by the 8% jump in total wagers in the month of August, owing to the return of the NFL, more active users and a growing interest in peer-to-peer poker. With more investment opportunities and global operator interest in Ontario’s offerings, the future looks bright for the province and could inspire other provinces to follow suit. So, if you live in Ontario, why not explore the variety of online casinos from the comfort of your own home?
Wow – I had no idea this was such a lucrative business for those companies. Are they publicly traded? Can we get in on the action? I am not a gambler but this was very interesting. With that much money made, I hope these companies will start giving back to Ontarions by supporting programs that serve those in need?
Editors Note: igaming Ontario – division of the Alcohol and Gaming unit pumps ten of millions into the Trillium Foundation which in turns pumps that money back into your community.