In the current digital era, there are new entertainment options regularly entering the online space. Avenues that have existed for decades already have finally been given the platform to display the full range and quality of their products.
Sports betting is a prime example of an activity that has massively benefited from the advances made in technology and software. A decade ago, sports betting was relatively unheard of in Canada and even frowned upon by many. However, since 2021, that perception has changed.
27th August 2021 marked a significant day in the world of online sports betting in Canada after the federal government passed legislation to legalize gambling on single-game events. From this moment, the new legislation allowed avid sports fans in Canada to bet on an outcome of a single sporting event.
The topic had been hotly debated for many years due to the success and revenue produced by sports betting activity in prominent markets such as the United Kingdom and U.S as well as the danger of Canadians placing bets in the grey and illegal markets.
But what the federal government might not have predicted is the knock-on effect such legislation would have on the iGaming industry in the country.
Opening the Door for Online Gambling
By passing legislation to legalize single-game betting, the Canadian government were essentially showing their hand on their stance towards online gambling in the country. While 27th August 2021 will go down as a significant moment for the industry, the 4th April 2022 proved an even more significant moment for online sports betting in Canada.
On this day, the province of Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced ground-breaking legislation to fully regulate and legalize online gambling, including online casino play, for residents of the province.
While other provinces have not yet followed suit, Ontario has gone on to establish itself as one of the leading markets in the iGaming industry, competing with the likes of Germany, France, Brazil, and India in the emerging market race.
In just over three years, Ontario has produced CA$3.2 billion worth of gross gaming revenue, further justification for the governors in Ontario. May 2025 alone generated CA$338 million that can be reinvested for the benefit of Ontario.
Canada focusing on the future
Canada has always been a forward-thinking country with initiatives on sustainability and migration highlighting the emphasis on long-term planning. The strides taken in the iGaming industry in recent years is another example of Canada preparing itself for a digital future.
People around the world are becoming more reliant on digital devices such as smartphones and computers and for the entertainment industry, this is where the market lies.
It remains to be seen if other provinces in Canada will follow Ontario’s example. Perhaps it is not necessary with Ontario performing so well on the global market. One thing is certain, however. Canada’s stance on online gambling has relaxed significantly.
Priorities are still set on promoting responsible gambling and protecting the public from harm such as gambling addiction. But the door has been opened for gambling in Canada and there is a good chance the landscape will continue to change in the coming years.
