In 2025, the real money online casino Canada market reached a new level. According to iGaming Ontario, in just one province, the volume of bets last year exceeded CAD 63 billion, and the gross revenue of gambling platforms amounted to approximately CAD 2.4 billion.
The main problem facing the industry is the different rules in each province and players’ simultaneous access to offshore sites. For users, it is a question of choosing between security and a wide range of games; for the state, it is a challenge for tax control; and for casinos, it is fierce competition with international brands.
The Online Casino Market in Canada in 2025
Canada remains one of the few countries where online gambling is regulated on a provincial basis. Ontario has an open iGaming license model with dozens of companies, while Quebec and British Columbia have state-controlled markets. The variety of systems creates different conditions for players and sites, and also keeps people interested in the best Canadian online casinos.
Key trends for 2025:
- Growth in the share of mobile casinos, which account for over 70% of bets;
- Increased demand for live games with professional dealers;
- Use of cryptocurrencies and digital wallets for simplified transactions.
The combination of local control and global access forms a unique structure for the Canadian market, where official rules coexist with high player involvement in offshore projects.
Provincial Differences – Who Regulates and How
Each province sets its own rules for online gambling. Ontario has created a system of open licenses, British Columbia’s market is controlled by state-owned corporations, and in some regions, legal online casinos are completely absent. Due to the fragmentation of laws, the market has become heterogeneous:
| Region | Who regulates | Access for players | Market features |
| Ontario | iGaming Ontario | Dozens of licensed private sites | The most open market in the country |
| Quebec | Loto-Québec | Only a state-owned platform | No competition, limited choice of companies |
| British Columbia | BCLC | State-owned PlayNow website | Similar monopoly |
| Alberta | AGLC (partially) | Several projects | Limited options |
| Other provinces and territories | No local license | Only offshore sites | Unregulated gray market |
This uneven distribution has led to a situation where players in one part of the country have access to Canadian online casinos, while those in another part have access only to state lotteries and offshore sites.
Access to Offshore Casinos
Despite the growing popularity of local casinos, thousands of Canadians continue to play on international sites. The reason is simple: offshore operators offer what most provincial gambling operators do not. Foreign websites offer a wider selection of games, much more generous bonus programs, and cryptocurrency transactions have become commonplace.
But with opportunities come risks. Offshore companies are not subject to Canadian jurisdiction, and disputes over payments are difficult to resolve. There are no guarantees of refunds in the event of a conflict, and no access to local ombudsmen or regulators. For players, this means that the high attractiveness of offshore companies is accompanied by vulnerability in terms of rights protection.
The state is trying to restrict the activities of illegal gambling operators. In Quebec and British Columbia, attempts have been made to block individual sites and restrict financial transfers. However, complete isolation has not been achieved. Access to international sites remains open, and many users choose this route when they want variety and more favorable conditions. That is why the offshore segment remains an important part of the online casino Canada market, even if official regulators are trying to restrain it.
Player Rights and Protection
Licensed provincial sites in Canada offer a protection system that provides a basic level of security for users. In offshore casinos, such mechanisms are either imperfect or non-existent.
The main elements of the player protection system are as follows:
- Game fairness control. RTP is verified by independent auditors, and the results are published in reports by iGaming Ontario and Loto-Québec.
- Financial limits. Players can limit their deposits and session duration to reduce risks.
- Responsible gambling. Official websites have built-in self-restriction tools and reminders about playing time.
- Institutional support. Ombudsmen, regulatory bodies, and hotlines are available for players showing signs of addiction.
- Prospect of self-exclusion. While programs are currently only available in certain provinces, there are discussions about creating a national database that would cover all casinos.
In the offshore segment, security measures are limited, so participation in international projects is risky. The national protection system is an important advantage of online casino Canada, and its development is directly linked to user trust.
International Context
The Canadian online gaming market is developing according to its own rules, but it is inevitably compared to other large jurisdictions. In the US, regulation depends on the state: in some places, the market is open (New Jersey, Pennsylvania), but in most regions it is still illegal. In the UK, there is a single regulator, the Gambling Commission, which sets strict rules for all companies and closely monitors advertising and player protection.
In Australia, the situation is even tougher: online casinos are almost completely banned, with only sports betting and lotteries allowed, causing users to flock to offshore sites. These examples are important for Canada. The British model demonstrates how uniform rules can make the market transparent and predictable. The American experience confirms that partial market liberalization brings in billions in tax revenues. The Australian scenario, on the other hand, is a vivid confirmation that a total ban on gambling pushes users toward online betting outside the control of the state.
Against the backdrop of restrictions and bans, the influence of offshore sites registered in Curacao is growing significantly. They offer more games, lucrative bonus programs, and cryptocurrency payments, which are often not available at local casinos. These companies are not subject to Canadian rules, but they occupy a significant market share and remain a real alternative for players. As a result, Canada has a choice: either tighten regulations and offer competitive conditions within the country, or accept that offshore operators will continue to lure users away.
