Online Gambling in Canada in 2025
Ontario leads online gambling in Canada. Alberta is next, aiming to legalize private online gambling services following Ontario’s open licensing system. This is definitely the moment to act for any business looking at the iGaming industry in a country better known for hockey, but now leading iGaming expansion news.
Canada is becoming North America’s most structured iGaming landscape, with Ontario generating CA$307 million in revenue in June 2025 alone. At the same time, the provincial government in Alberta is now developing its own open licensing framework, with a commercial launch expected in early 2026.
This article shows how to operate in Canada effectively: what to know about regulations, where online casino is legal, how to build trusted online gambling services, and why offering the right online slots and sports products is paramount. NuxGame is here to guide operators in launching and growing gambling activities in casino and sports betting in Canada 2025.
Quick Facts
Online Gambling Laws in Canada: Where You Can (and Can’t) Operate (Yet!)
The iGaming regulations in Canada don’t follow a single national model, and that’s what makes expansion tricky for operators. Canada’s online gambling laws allow each province to regulate gambling its own way, creating both opportunity and confusion.
Ontario is currently the only province with a full open-license model. It’s regulated by AGCO and iGO, supports over 50 operators, and offers a healthy mix of casino games and online sports betting. Just behind is Alberta, which is expected to launch its open-license market by early 2026, using Ontario’s success as a strategy base.
But don’t expect the same freedom in western Canada just yet, because everyone still plays by old rules here. British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec still rely on provincial monopoly platforms such as PlayNow and Loto-Québec, which do not allow private operators to offer services.
And now, operators also need to watch for changes coming from the federal side. A new proposal, Bill S-269, aims to establish new rules on gambling ads across Canada, which could tighten how you market your brand. This adds another layer of regulation for international operators to deal with (on top of the already fragmented provincial requirements).
To cut a long story short, every operator planning to make a gambling website in Canada and succeed must first understand where and how to start. And that’s exactly what our team of international experts and lawyers can help you with. Contact NuxGame for a free consultation!
Casino Is King in Ontario, Sports Nationwide
The latest iGaming trends show that Canadian players are making their priorities through undeniable demand. Nationally, sports betting slightly surpasses casino by popularity share (35% vs. 30%), but Ontario tells a different story: in FY 2024–25, a striking 83% of wagers came from online casino, while sports and lottery stayed in the minority. The message for operators is obvious from the data: casino products must lead your portfolio if you want a durable market position in the online gambling industry.
Drilling down further, slots and live dealer games top the charts. Slots remain the universal entry point, while live dealer provides the authenticity players crave. At the same time, Canadian online sports betting isn’t to be ignored. It may bring in less revenue per bet, but the engagement is strong: basketball, hockey, football, and esports generate the highest betting activity.
Stay highly profitable in Canadian gambling operations by focusing on the following vital priorities from our experts:
- Extensive slot catalogues: players expect endless choice.
- Live dealer streams: real interaction equals higher trust.
- Strong sports coverage: NBA, NHL, NFL, and esports.
- Lottery integration: legacy players expect it.
- Classic games of chance: blackjack, roulette, poker keep users loyal
Bonus tip: you need to choose the best iGaming software that resonates with Canadian demand to really make these priorities pay off.
Where to Start in Canadian Sports Betting
Meeting sports betting regulations is the requirement you must satisfy before rolling out a legal and reliable sportsbook in Canada. Operators who fuse regulatory accuracy with player-friendly design are guaranteed to do well in the online gambling industry. Here’s where to start if you want strong results in gaming and regulated online gambling.
- Geolocation and Compliance. Ontario is open-license; most provinces are restricted. Build systems that separate users by province.
- Smart Risk Management. Ontario has heavy NHL traffic. Odds must reflect this to avoid losses.
- Player Journey Design. Fast mobile betting, prop markets, and live betting are a must.
- Localization for Trust. Speak to Canadians directly with local culture, slang, and payment icons.
- Payment Flexibility. Players expect Interac, Apple Pay, and crypto as standard.
With these basics in place, your online gambling website will adhere to strict gambling rules and attract players faster. Combine your sportsbook with a Canadian online casino offering and adaptable crypto casino software to stay competitive.
Top 5 Features Sportsbook Services in Canada Need in 2025
| Feature | Why It’s Important | Operator Benefit |
| Geolocation Compliance | Required under Ontario’s regulated online gambling rules to prove players are inside the province | Prevents violations of Canadian gambling laws and protects licensing |
| NHL-Focused Bet Types | Hockey is Canada’s most popular sport, with strong betting demand in Ontario and other provinces. | Builds player loyalty by offering bets that feel locally relevant |
| Live Betting Interface | In-play betting is legal in Ontario and expanding fast | Players stay active longer |
| Mobile Payment Options | Canadians use Interac widely; Apple Pay and crypto payments are growing in iGaming markets | Attracts younger players and reduces payment drop-offs |
| In-Play Data Integration | Real-time stats and betting options improve the overall experience | Encourages repeat bets and boosts engagement levels. |
How to Stay Legal in Canadian Online Gambling
You can’t just launch a casino in Canada and hope for the best these days. You need to get an online gambling license, respect each province’s rules, and avoid any move that may look like illegal gambling. And this situation is getting more demanding for operators.
Bill S-269, which is still under discussion, may bring national ad policies, creating a change from the province-led model. Ontario’s AGCO has already set the tone with strict policies on promotions, player protection, and responsible gambling. On top of that, age restrictions aren’t uniform either: in some provinces it’s 18, in others 19.
Follow these tips to operate safely and grow your casino in Canada:
- Always get a license before launching in a new province.
- Stay updated on advertising standards, because they’re changing fast.
- Use open and accurate marketing that won’t break local guidelines.
- Check the legal age for gambling in every province.
- Quebec has its model for online gambling, so make sure you do your homework.
Last but not least: choose partners and legal services for iGaming carefully to avoid any risk of running an illegal operation. Offline gambling may be simpler in many ways, but going online brings bigger growth potential (just be ready for tighter regulations).
Curious about what’s happening in iGaming outside of Canada? Take a closer look at the:
If you're considering Canada, first learn how players behave and how provinces operate. The best operators don’t rush in: they invest time in preparing systems that scale with changing laws. Choose technology and partners capable of adjusting fast. This strategy will help you build a stable business, even in an unpredictable regulatory landscape.
— Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame
Conclusion
Gambling is legal in Canada, but only in specific ways. Ontario is fully regulated and open to private brands. Alberta is catching up. Elsewhere (Quebec and British Columbia), provincial monopolies are still the norm. You need to follow online gambling regulations, offer local payment methods, and adapt fast to changing market rules if you want to grow your business here. That’s where we come in. iGaming software from NuxGame is your best bet if you’re ready to scale in Canada today. Contact our support managers and let’s start discussing your business!
