Ontario iGaming revenue hits new record as player numbers in regulated sites surge
Ontario’s regulated online gambling market posted another record quarter in Q1 2026 as more players continued shifting toward licensed operators. New market figures showed increases in both gross gaming revenue and active player accounts during the period. The latest results also point to stronger channelisation across the province as regulated sites continue pulling players away from offshore platforms.
Regulated operators continue expanding market share
The open iGaming framework has been available to operators since 2022, when the Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario was positioned to oversee gambling operations in the province. Since then, dozens of iGaming operators have entered the market, giving players access to regulated options, something that still lacks across most of Canada.
It was expected that player participation would rise as more legitimate casinos entered Ontario; this is precisely the outcome iGaming Ontario and the AGCO want. The commission and policymakers are keen to sway players from non-licensed offshore sites to regulated markets, and recent data showed active player participation surging, with up to 91% of Ontarians now in licensed sites.
Revenue growth was also seen across verticals, and regulated operators captured a larger share of online gambling activity in the province. In total, the province recorded CA$1.13bn in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue.
Policymakers to focus on sustainability
Ontario is Canada’s largest regulated online gambling market with many local and international operators. The recent growth shifts industry discussion toward long-term sustainability and consumer protection, which is already at the forefront of priorities among stakeholders and policymakers.
Stakeholders increasingly believe that stronger channelisation allows regulators to monitor gambling activity more effectively while reducing player exposure to unregulated markets. Ontario’s regulatory model is already drawing attention from other provinces exploring online gambling expansion, with Alberta now scheduled to launch its own regulated market this June.
What this means for regulated gambling market
Industry commentator Allan Asava says:
“Ontario’s latest figures show that Canada’s regulated gambling market is continuing to mature rather than simply expand. Players are joining licensed platforms, and this will help regulators get even more visibility and insight into gambling activity and consumer behaviour.
Competition between operators is also increasing, with the focus extending beyond customer acquisition to retention and player protection. Operators will be expected to invest more in compliance systems and responsible gambling tools that help build long-term trust.
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