2025 Outlook: Canadian Gambling Industry Trends and Forecasts

Introduction

The Canadian gambling industry has gone through a significant period of growth over the last few years, and there are many reasons to think that this is a trend that will continue–especially following the regulatory and licensing changes to the online casino market that have been spearheaded by the forward-thinking provincial government of Ontario.

Ontario became the first province in Canada to launch a regulated iGaming market, allowing operators from around the world the opportunity to get into a market that was ripe for new options. Previously, Canadians who wanted to play in online casinos would have to sign up for international platforms regulated away of Canadian soil. While this was useful in its own way, by creating a regulatory and licensing body, Ontario could then really monitor the usage of citizens, collect taxes from operators, and ensure that those who wanted to take part in gambling activities could do so safely.

However, this new market, launched in 2022, does not completely explain the growth of Canadian gaming. A combination of more market opportunities from regulatory space, as well as the adoption of smartphones, high-speed internet penetration, and the proliferation of digital payment solutions, seems to be an important factor, too.

The Rise of Mobile Gaming

Smartphones are rife in every country in the world, with more than 60% of the global population using smartphones in 2024. This number is set to grow, and in combination with the accessibility of high-speed internet connections in homes and businesses and the rollout of 5G across much of the developed world, access to the World Wide Web (and more importantly, apps) has never been more prevalent.

Many Canadian gamers are choosing to place their bets using their smartphone. It is convenient and easy, often providing a simpler experience than a computer with a seamless interface.

Mobile gaming is so prevalent these days that many businesses, especially established brick-and-mortar casinos, are making their online presence mobile-first–this means they are developing apps before websites.

Many commentators have stated that it will be mobile gaming that pushes the growth of every sector, from highly anticipated titles to online slots.

AI, Blockchain, and Big Data

This is not a point that is only relevant in Canada, but it is a big factor in the popularity of online casinos. Not only does AI and machine learning benefit the casino operator in providing them with detailed information about player preferences and behaviour, but it also offers customers the opportunity to have a gambling experience that is aligned to their needs, making it more personal than ever.

Add to this the ease and transparency of blockchain transactions, the opportunity for using cryptocurrency to fund gambling accounts, and the faster payouts that can occur with less human interaction, and the latest technological advances can make for a better gaming experience.

This is set to grow and develop over the coming years, adding to the reasons that players are more likely to get involved with online gambling.

New Game Types

Online casino customers want an immersive experience. They want to feel like they are in the casino when they are spinning the roulette wheel or playing blackjack. But more importantly, they want to feel like they have the chance to win, and with online casinos in Canada with high payout rates readily available, there is every chance of that. According to Becca Drew of Casino.ca, Lucky Ones has an impressive 98.47% RTP rate, so the chance of seeing some returns makes them the ideal provider for new players.

The games at the best online casinos offer real-time gameplay, with an experienced croupier at the helm, and often the opportunity to interact with both the dealer and the other players, building a more social experience than the norm for online gaming. Utilising augmented and virtual reality makes these games more authentic, and the experience better for everyone.

As virtual reality develops, we may see more VR casinos opening, allowing those with the right tools (like headsets, for example) the opportunity to walk into the Bellagio on the Las Vegas strip without leaving their house.

Alongside this is the social acceptance of gaming as a legitimate enterprise. Not only are eSports more recognised with mainstream media coverage, but it is also becoming a valid choice of career for young people - and with that comes more social acceptance of gambling as a fun pastime. This trend away from the stigma of gambling is largely due to do with the strict regulations and the legal framework underpinning the online casino industry in Canada.

What Challenges Does the Gambling Industry Face in 2025?

Despite the new freedom for Ontario, the rest of the Canadian provinces have yet to follow suit, leading to some uncertainty, which is always challenging. It has also meant a limit to the number of operators that can come into Canada and prevents lateral growth for the companies already part of the market.

This high competition means that operators have to work even harder to stand out amongst the crowd, and with the addition of strict safer gambling regulations to uphold, it is not straightforward even for the operators who have been lucky enough to be licensed.

So while growth is inevitable, it may end up being stunted due to the inertia of other provinces.

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Posted by kmorr906