Growth is inevitable
The Canadian online gambling landscape is prepared for rapid expansion shortly. However, both provincial and federal regulators will ensure this growth is managed to avoid unchecked escalation. Here’s the latest on Canada’s igaming updates.
Enhanced regulations for responsible gambling; restricted promotional activity
In anticipation of the country's online gambling markets expanding, authorities are gearing up to establish more comprehensive regulations focused on responsible gaming, which will include restrictions on advertising.
Currently, Bill S-269 is currently under review at the national level. This legislation seeks to establish a unified advertising framework for sports betting and is awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons after successfully passing through the Senate last November.
The forthcoming bill is expected to mirror the updates made in Ontario regarding the Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming (RSIG) , which, as of last February, prohibited the participation of athletes and celebrities in promotions for online gambling. Expect to see more similar advertising restrictions implemented across Canada as the industry moves towards a regulated environment.
Follow Ontario’s model
Gambling regulations are essential to safeguard Canadian players, particularly those at higher risk for gambling-related issues. The rapid growth of online gambling introduces additional challenges regarding safety as companies vie for a slice of the market. It is crucial to protect Canadians from marketing strategies that appeal to youth or promote irresponsible gambling practices.
Being the first province with a fully regulated gambling market in Canada, Ontario has taken significant measures to shield individuals from the adverse effects of advertising and serves as a model for other provinces and territories. This is one reason why Bill S-269—and other regional regulations—are likely to align with Ontario's RSIG standards.
Real reasons for the follow
All of this effort is fundamentally about preparing for another motivating factor driving other provinces to emulate Ontario’s approach: the proven profitability of the market.
Over the past year, according to iGaming Ontario , wagers and income have shown impressive year-over-year growth of 31.7% and 35.4%, respectively. The most recent quarter revealed a total revenue of $738 million.
Even provinces with smaller populations than Ontario still stand to gain substantial tax revenue opportunities without their own regulated markets. Consequently, provinces and territories across Canada are gearing up to enter the online gambling arena, eager to do so promptly.
This is the year Alberta regulates
Bill 16, known as the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act , was recently approved in Alberta in late 2024, positioning the province as a likely next contender in regulate an online gambling market . As the title suggests, this Bill aims to streamline the process for lawmakers to revise gambling regulations in Alberta.
This simplification will undoubtedly facilitate the establishment of an igaming industry in the province, and with the passage of Bill 16, we could witness Alberta launching its market as early as this year. We’re optimistic about this outcome.
The Deal: Other provinces and territories set to follow
Alberta is expected to be the first to imitate Ontario’s model, but it certainly won’t be alone—possibly even within this year. Various other regions are also aiming to regulate online gambling just as Ontario has done, motivated by similar goals: to protect at-risk players, combat money laundering, and capitalize on the lucrative igaming industry in Canada.
As Ontario continues to dismantle obstacles and demonstrate the market’s undeniable potential, 2025 seems to be the year when Alberta and other provinces join in with their regulated online gambling frameworks—or, at the very least, start laying the groundwork toward that goal.
And of course, the sooner they establish their presence, the better it will be for them.
