Canada is experiencing a gambling boom, with many citizens engaging in casino activities both at land-based venues and online platforms. In fact, according to data, six in ten Canadians (60%) gamble every month. This includes purchasing lottery tickets, sports betting and playing casino games such as poker, blackjack and slots. With more than half of Canadians regularly playing gambling games, let’s profile why the casino sector is worth investing in.
Current Status of Canadian Gambling Industry
The Canadian gambling industry is thriving, with citizens taking part in all sorts of gambling activities such as lotteries, online betting and sports wagering. In Canada, gambling is managed and regulated at a provincial level, meaning that every province sets its own rules. Every province has an authoritative body, such as Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) which oversees licensing, implements regulations and ensures responsible gambling for those over the age of 18 or 19. Despite its relatively small population compared to land mass, Canada is still a significant player when it comes to the success of online casino companies. Sites like Casino.org have become go-to resources for players looking to maximize their chances, their reviews highlight the best payout casinos in Canada, featuring verified win rates of over 97%. That kind of transparency builds trust, and trust drives traffic. Players are more likely to deposit and play regularly at platforms that openly share high Return to Player (RTP) rates and undergo independent auditing.
Factors Influencing Growth of Canadian Gambling Sector
In recent years, there have been significant shifts in Canada’s gambling industry which has impacted its rise. For instance, Ontario has experienced a record-breaking revenue in terms of iGaming. This can be attributed to the legalisation and regulation of online gambling in April 2022, when the province officially confirmed the launch of its regulated online market, giving players the choice of safe, secure platforms with a catalogue of gaming options.
Investment Potential in Canadian Gambling
In 2025, it would be wise to invest in the Canadian gambling sector especially with the implementation of responsible gambling practices which has made the Canadian gambling landscape more transparent. Measures such as self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, age verification and campaigns have led to increased participation among slightly older Canadians. In fact, research shows younger Canadians are the least likely to gamble and those 35-54 are the most likely to partake in gambling and gaming. As this demographic is slightly older, they tend to have more income and a preference for regulated platforms. For potential investors, this translates to a stable and valuable customer base, leading to more profits in the long-term.
The expansion of regulated online gambling across Canadian provinces presents lucrative opportunities for investors. In the coming years, it’s likely that many provinces in Canada will seek to replicate the standard that Ontario has set. For example, Alberta is preparing to launch its own regulated online gambling market with the intention of attracting operators and offering residents a legal gambling experience.
Canada’s gambling market is increasingly attractive compared to the UK even though provinces like Ontario legalized single-event sports betting in April 2022, well after the UK’s implementation. Despite the later start, Canada’s market is rapidly expanding, with mobile-optimised platforms that allow convenient gaming on smartphones and tablets, along with a diverse range of gaming options that cater to every type of gambling fan. For many investors, the UK market is showing signs of saturation and limited growth potential. Therefore, Canada presents fresh opportunities, with a growing number of casinos and a larger population that could provide long-term stability for investors entering an expanding, regulated market.
Additionally, Canadian provinces provide consistent rules for operators, creating a stable market, unlike the U.S., where gambling laws vary by state and federal rules sometimes cause legal uncertainty. While offshore platforms operate in Canada’s grey market, regulated provincial sites still attract a notable number of visitors. There are ongoing efforts to curb the activity of unregulated offshore operators. While no specific plans are in place, there are discussions focusing on reducing the influence of these unregulated offshore operators which could be beneficial for investors who are seeking predictable returns. On top of this, many investors are already heavily invested in the U.S. gambling market because of its large population and array of established casinos. In contrast, Canada remains relatively untapped, with growing provincial regulations and new online platforms, offering fresh opportunities for early investors.
The Last Word
Ultimately, the Canadian gambling industry is going from strength to strength, with more citizens engaging in gambling activities on a regular basis. With increased revenue, more oversight and enhanced responsible gambling measures, Canada’s gambling sector is promising. Although there is more competition in this sector in comparison to just a few years ago, this also presents investors with more opportunities, especially with the possibility of increased regulation which will pave the way for more transparent platforms and higher long-term potential.