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How Ontario’s Regulated iGaming Sector Is Performing Three Years After Legalization

Ontario’s regulated online gambling market is officially three years old, and the numbers are staggering. With billions of dollars wagered and thousands of new jobs created, the province has quickly become a leading destination for legal online casinos and sports betting platforms. But despite its rapid growth, the industry is under scrutiny for how it advertises to the public — particularly vulnerable groups like youth and problem gamblers.

In this article, we explore the latest performance data, economic impact, and public health concerns surrounding Ontario’s online gaming industry in 2025.

Ontario’s iGaming Sector Surpasses Expectations

PowerPlay, a global gambling platform licensed under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has experienced rapid success in the province. According to PowerPlay sportsbook manager Bill O’Brien, the market has far exceeded expectations.

“Everyone always knew Ontario was a market with huge potential, but it has surpassed what anyone kind of expected it to be,” says O’Brien.

The latest iGaming Ontario 2023–2024 annual report confirms this momentum:

• $63.3 billion was wagered by Ontario residents.
• $2.2 billion in total gaming revenue was generated.
• This reflects a 78% increase in betting activity and 75% rise in revenue compared to year one.

Online Gambling’s Contribution to Ontario’s Economy

Beyond entertainment, Ontario’s legal online gambling industry has become a significant driver of the province’s economy. According to a Deloitte report commissioned by iGaming Ontario:

• Over 15,000 new jobs were created in the industry.
• The sector contributed $2.7 billion to Ontario’s GDP in just its second year.

As the market matures, analysts expect these figures to keep climbing. O’Brien predicts even larger gains in 2025 and beyond as new platforms enter the space and existing ones scale up.

The Rise in Gambling Advertising and Its Consequences

However, with growth comes responsibility. Critics argue that online casino advertising in Ontario has spiraled out of control. Bruce Kidd, co-chair of the Ban Ads for Gambling campaign, warns that current regulations don’t go far enough.

“There has been an explosion of unregulated ads,” Kidd says. “It’s directly linked to increased participation and addiction.”

While AGCO introduced rules to ban professional athletes and celebrities who appeal to minors from gambling ads, Kidd and others believe a full advertising ban is the only way to protect the public.

Mental Health Experts Warn of Addiction Risks

Nigel Turner, a scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), has been tracking the rise in gambling-related help calls. After the legalization of online gambling in Ontario, CAMH saw a sharp increase in callers struggling with addiction.

“There was a rapid escalation in calls to the helpline following legalization,” Turner notes.

Although calls leveled off in mid-2024, Turner says they still spike around major sports seasons. He encourages people to use free support services and resources like the CAMH helpline or recovery programs.

Responsible Gambling Tools Are Essential

To promote safer play, AGCO mandates that all licensed gambling platforms in Ontario include:

• Deposit and betting limit-setting tools
• Self-exclusion programs
• Reality check notifications

Turner urges users to set personal gambling limits online and to take full advantage of these tools before gambling begins.

“Use those tools, set them, and stick to it. Don’t get caught in the belief that you’re ‘due for a win’ — that’s one of the most dangerous gambling myths.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Growth with Responsibility

Ontario’s online gambling landscape is evolving fast. As we await the release of the 2024–2025 iGaming Ontario report, the province faces a crucial challenge: maintaining a strong, profitable industry while minimizing harm.

The numbers show promise, but concerns about marketing, addiction, and long-term societal impact can’t be ignored. For Ontario to remain a model for responsible iGaming growth, it must strike a balance between innovation, regulation, and public health.