Canadian sports betting operators are facing more pressure to strengthen payment controls and player protection as regulated online gambling continues to grow. Ontario remains the main test case. The province’s regulated iGaming market handled $82.7 billion in wagers in fiscal 2024-25, up 32% from the previous year, with betting revenue reaching $654 million.
Payments face closer checks
Payments have become a bigger compliance issue as more betting activity moves through online accounts, cards, bank transfers, e-wallets and other digital channels. FINTRAC has warned that online gambling can be used to move proceeds of crime through licensed and unlicensed sites. It has also flagged risks linked to bank accounts, payment service providers, prepaid cards, vouchers, e-wallets and virtual currencies.
Operators need to monitor deposits, withdrawals and account behaviour more closely. Banks and payment companies also play a larger role in identifying suspicious activity linked to gambling accounts.
For sportsbooks, the payment process is no longer only a customer experience issue. Regulators also expect stronger checks around identity, source of funds and unusual transaction patterns.
Player protection remains a key test
Ontario’s latest annual report showed awareness of responsible gambling tools among surveyed iGaming players at 71.5% in 2024-25. That was up from the 65.4% baseline in 2023-24.
The province is also preparing a centralized self-exclusion system. iGaming Ontario selected Integrity Compliance 360 and IXUP in 2024 to build the system. It will allow players aged 19 and older to exclude themselves from all regulated Ontario iGaming sites through one process.
Once available, all registered operators in Ontario will be required to take part. The system will also cover OLG.ca, creating a single exclusion route across private operators and the provincial lottery platform.
Alberta launch adds another layer
The pressure is spreading beyond Ontario. Alberta is preparing to launch a competitive regulated online gambling market in 2026, with major operators already positioning for entry.
That will make payments, onboarding and responsible gambling controls part of the early test for new operators. Ontario has already shown that market growth brings more scrutiny, not less.
Canada’s sports betting market is still young compared with the U.S. and Europe. The next phase is likely to be judged less by how many operators launch and more by how safely they move money, verify players and handle customers showing signs of harm.
