Will regulation hinder or help the growth of online gambling? From what we are seeing in Ontario and the interest in Alberta leading up to its regulations, a well-balanced jurisdiction can boost casino revenues.
Whether it was betting on their favourite hockey team or loading up the hottest new online slot releases, Canadians have always had a deep-seated love for gambling online.
When regulation and licensing were first introduced in Ontario, moving away from the broader Canadian position of allowing players to deposit and withdraw at offshore operators, there was some concern that it would stifle the industry.
However, broader revenue trends, the latest report from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and licensing steps in Alberta prove that the sector is alive and well!
According to figures released by industry experts, Canadian online gambling is a booming business. The 2025/2026 revenue figures reached an incredible new high of $9.6 billion.
The massive growth in the country has been attributed in great measure to Ontario successfully implementing a sound regulatory framework, which has led to impressive channelisation rates.
These record revenues come at the same time that online gambling surpassed land-based gambling contributions, highlighting the potential for licensed online casinos and sportsbooks to positively impact the local economy.
There has also been a marked increase in mobile casino revenue, as a more tech-savvy generation enters the market.
This mobile-first generation expects to be able to gamble when and where they want to, being less concerned about the device than they are about the experience they want to enjoy.
With improved internet penetration and advancements in mobile phones and tablets, there is no longer a need to leave your town and travel to BC or Ontario just to play Craps or roulette.
All you do now is load your favourite live casino games on your iPhone and enjoy the same social gambling experience from the comfort of your couch.
According to the latest figures from the AGCO, online gambling in Ontario is continuing to flourish, while maintaining the high standards of control and player safety set by the gambling authority.
One of the most promising results of the last year has been the increase in the region’s channelisation rate. This is the percentage of players in a regulated market that choose licensed casinos and betting operators over unlicensed options.
Ontario has achieved unprecedented success in this area, increasing its channelisation rate to 91.1%. This is up from the previous report period's marker of 83.7%!
Attorney General of Ontario, Doug Downey, celebrated the result, saying:
“These results are clear: Ontario is an international leader in upholding a safe, competitive, and regulated online gaming market. Only four years ago, our government took action to bring online gaming into a modern, regulated framework that protects players, supports greater choice for consumers, and tackles the illegal market.”
Adding:
“To date, we’re proud to see Ontario’s world-class online gaming model continue to support jobs, innovation, and economic activity across the province.”
This level of success shows that the gambling authority has found an important balance between government-instituted player safeguards, customer autonomy, and the business needs for a successful gambling industry.
When a market continues to attract new licensees, it is a clear indicator of a well-managed regulatory framework. This is even more important when the latest licensee to enter the market is a highly prominent global brand.
May 14th, 2026, saw the international Hard Rock brand, known for its casinos, bars, restaurants and more, receive its gambling license in Ontario. The license was given to Hard Rock Digital, and will see the operator launch both an online casino and sportsbook in the province.
It is expected to see a big push from the company’s land-based hotel and casino in Ottawa, allowing punters to take the Hard Rock experience home with them.
The online casino industry never sleeps, and even as they celebrate success in Ontario, the question on everyone's lips is “Where to next?”
As attention turns toward Alberta, software providers are already positioning themselves for the province’s regulated market launch.
The current list of approved providers in Alberta includes prominent companies like Play’n GO, EveryMatrix, and Gaming Corps. Additionally, providers like Soft2Bet and Greentube (the online division of Novomatic) are also bullish about the future of Alberta as a licensed gambling jurisdiction.
David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said.
“With legislation now passed and a framework being developed, the province is clearly positioning itself to follow Ontario’s competitive model. From our perspective, that presents both opportunity and responsibility.”
Adding,
“Having navigated Ontario’s launch successfully, we believe we are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Alberta’s rollout.”
With the iGaming Alberta Act coming into force on July 13th, it comes as no surprise that we’ve seen a rush of providers being licensed in recent months.
With more licensed operators and providers entering the market, Canadian players now have more choice than ever before.
To see what all the excitement is about, simply join one of our recommended Canadian casinos. Here you can claim a welcome bonus and enjoy world-class gaming within minutes.
If you live in Ontario, we recommend checking out our selection of locally licensed casinos to ensure you get the benefit of their player protections and transparent bonus terms.
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