Ontario, Canada, has swiftly established itself as one of the leading iGaming markets in North America within just one year of its inception. The province’s legal iGaming sector, launched on April 4, 2022, has already generated CAD$35.6 billion ($26.5 billion) in wagers and approximately $1.4 billion in gaming revenue, ranking Ontario among the top five iGaming jurisdictions in North America, as reported by iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The Rise of Ontario’s iGaming Market:
Ontario took the pioneering step of becoming the first Canadian province to introduce an open, regulated iGaming market. Since its launch, more than 1.6 million active player accounts have been created on websites operated by over 40 operators with agreements under iGaming Ontario, turning the province into a highly competitive iGaming landscape.
Province attorney general Doug Downey expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Ontario’s iGaming market has displaced the pre-existing unregulated market and made Ontario a recognized leader internationally in this industry since its launch in April 2022. We are truly proud of this strong, responsible, competitive online gaming model.”
Acknowledging the leadership of iGaming Ontario, Downey commended executive director Martha Otton, Board chair Dave Forestell, and the entire team for their role in transforming Ontario into a global leader in the iGaming sector.
Consumer Insights:
Statistics from iGaming Ontario reveal that, on average, active player accounts in the province spend approximately $70 per month. Furthermore, a survey conducted by Ipsos in March 2023, released by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), highlighted that about 85 percent of respondents who engaged in online gambling in Ontario over the past three months did so on regulated platforms.
Popular Betting Choices:
The survey also shed light on the preferred sports for betting among Ontario residents. Basketball emerged as the top choice, with 28 percent of betting wagers, followed by soccer at 15 percent, football at 14 percent, hockey at 9 percent, and baseball at 8 percent.
Online Casino Trends:
In the realm of online casinos, data indicated that nearly half (48 percent) of all wagers were placed on slots, while almost a third (32 percent) favored table games with live dealers. The remaining 19 percent of wagers were allocated to computer-based table games.
Ontario’s remarkable success in the iGaming sector, achieved within a year of its launch, underscores the province’s commitment to fostering a responsible and thriving online gaming industry. With substantial revenues, a diverse range of gaming options, and a growing number of engaged players, Ontario is poised to continue its journey as a prominent iGaming hub in North America. The collaborative efforts of iGaming Ontario, under strong leadership, have played a pivotal role in shaping this success story.