Ontario’s 91.1 per cent channelisation rate and Alberta’s upcoming online gambling market launch are reinforcing the Canada iGaming market’s position as one of the fastest-growing regulated gambling sectors in North America.
Canada’s iGaming market is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive regulated online gambling sectors in North America, with new industry analysis highlighting strong regulatory performance, rising player adoption and significant growth opportunities across multiple provinces.
According to an analysis released by iGaming.com, as cited by Gambling News, Canada’s iGaming market is attracting increasing attention from operators, affiliates, technology providers and investors. The report points to Ontario’s 91.1 per cent channelisation rate and Alberta’s upcoming regulated market launch as key indicators that the Canadian iGaming industry is entering a new phase of expansion.
Ontario online gambling market continues to set the standard
One of the strongest indicators of success within Canada’s iGaming market comes from Ontario, where a new Ipsos survey commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario (iGO) found that 91.1 per cent of online gamblers now choose licensed gambling websites.
Ontario Gaming Minister Stan Cho says 91% of the province’s online gamblers now use provincially regulated sites (the channelization rate), up from 83% last year. pic.twitter.com/RMQ0Rp8v9P
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) May 21, 2026
The figure represents a 7.4 percentage-point increase compared with the previous year and marks one of the highest channelisation rates reported in any regulated online gambling market globally.
Ontario’s open-market model launched in April 2022. Before regulation, government estimates suggested that approximately 70 per cent of online gambling activity occurred on unlicensed websites. Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey said the province has become ‘an international leader in building a safe, competitive and regulated online gambling market’, while Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho highlighted the importance of responsible gambling tools and consumer protections in building player confidence.
Alberta iGaming market launch draws industry attention
Beyond Ontario, attention is increasingly focused on Alberta. The province is preparing to launch its regulated commercial online gambling market on 13 July. According to iGaming.com, the Alberta iGaming market represents one of the most significant upcoming opportunities in North America, with approximately 70 operators reportedly preparing for entry and multiple licensing applications already under review.
Among the companies positioning themselves for launch is bet365, which has already secured approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Industry analysts expect Alberta to follow a model similar to Ontario’s successful framework, creating greater competition, enhanced player protection and new tax revenue opportunities.
Additional analysis published by Online-casinos.com, as reported by iGaming Business, identified Alberta among the most closely watched emerging gambling jurisdictions globally, alongside Brazil and Finland. Roy Brindley, gambling expert at Online-casinos.com, said governments are increasingly recognising that regulated online gambling markets can improve player protection while generating substantial tax revenues.
Canada online gambling market reaches $9.5 billion
The growing appeal of the Canada’s iGaming market is supported by wider industry data. According to the latest USA and Canada iGaming Landscape 2025 report from iGaming market‑intelligence platform Blask, Canada’s online gambling market reached an estimated valuation of $9.5 billion in 2025, making it the world’s third-largest iGaming market by Competitive Earning Baseline (CEB), behind only the United Kingdom and the United States.
The report found that Canada recorded the fastest year-on-year growth among the world’s five largest iGaming markets. More than 230 brands are currently competing for Canadian players, highlighting both the scale of the opportunity and the increasing competitiveness of the Canadian iGaming industry.
Offshore gambling remains a key challenge
Despite rapid growth in the regulated sector, offshore operators continue to represent a significant challenge for Canada’s iGaming market. Blask estimates that offshore operators generated approximately $1.6 billion in additional value during 2025, compared with roughly $800 million added by regulated domestic operators.
The report noted that around 63 per cent of brands serving Canadian players remain unlicensed nationally, with offshore operators continuing to compete aggressively for market share.
However, Ontario has emerged as a notable exception. By allowing former grey-market operators to transition into the regulated system, the province has successfully channelled the majority of player activity into licensed platforms. The latest AGCO and iGO survey suggests Ontario’s channelisation rate has now surpassed 91 per cent, strengthening its reputation as one of the most successful regulated gambling markets globally.
Responsible gambling measures strengthen market confidence
The continued growth of the Canadian iGaming market is being supported by stronger responsible gambling initiatives and regulatory enforcement. In April, iGaming Ontario introduced its new Centralised Self-Exclusion system, known as BetGuard, developed in partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 and Dataworks. The tool is not yet active but represents a major step towards enhanced player protection across the province’s regulated gambling sector.
At the same time, AGCO has intensified enforcement efforts against unlicensed operators, using market intelligence and player survey data to identify non-compliant websites and strengthen oversight of advertising, age verification and responsible gambling standards. These measures are increasingly viewed as essential to sustaining high channelisation rates and maintaining consumer trust.
Canada’s regulatory model attracts global attention
Industry observers note that Canada’s regulatory approach increasingly contrasts with developments in parts of Europe, where policymakers are considering additional gambling taxes and levies. While some European jurisdictions are moving towards stricter taxation frameworks, Canadian provinces continue to focus on regulated competition, consumer protection and channelisation strategies designed to migrate players away from unlicensed platforms.
According to iGaming.com, these contrasting approaches could influence future investment decisions by operators, suppliers and technology providers seeking stable regulatory environments.
“Canada is quickly establishing itself as one of the most attractive regulated gambling markets in North America,” said Prof. Dr. Andreas Ditsche, CEO of iGaming.com, as quoted by Gambling News. “The combination of strong player protection measures and high channelisation rates is attracting attention from operators worldwide.”
As Ontario continues to deliver strong channelisation results and Alberta prepares for launch, the Canada iGaming market is increasingly being viewed as a global model for regulated online gambling growth, player protection and long-term industry development.
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