Summary
- Creating a vibrant online casino landscape in Ontario, featuring diverse private operators, would offer a compelling alternative to the centralized PlayAlberta platform.
- In direct response to offshore markets, a source of potential revenue amounting to billions of dollars.
- Player protection standards have been introduced, focusing on ID verification, self-exclusion options, setting betting limits, and offering real-time intervention. These measures are designed to significantly reduce gambling-related harm.
- Discover PlayNow.com, your gateway to excitement in Manitoba.
- Espacejeux.com in Québec
- Saskatchewan: Welcome to PlayNow.com
- Atlantic Provinces: ALC.ca - Dive into the heart of the Atlantic experience.
Online casinos captivate the hearts of many Canadians, yet the country is still on the journey to adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework that would make iGaming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Only a select few provinces currently offer a truly robust online casino experience, with Ontario leading the charge as a prime example. While others adopt a more limited and centralized strategy, they are contemplating a transformation, inspired by Ontario's success. Today, we explore which Canadian provinces make iGaming available to their eager players.
Provinces with regulated iGaming and online casinos
Right now, Ontario stands alone as the only province where private licensed operators can legally run online casinos. Since the launch of its iGaming market in April 2022, Ontario has become a powerhouse not only in Canada but across North America. The growth in the number of online casinos here has been impressive. Currently, around 87 websites operated by about 50 legal operators invite players in Ontario to explore their offerings. Boasting 1.9 million registered players, Ontario's online gambling scene is thriving, with revenue figures that reflect its success. As of July 2025, the province hit a staggering CA$311 million in online gambling revenue, marking a 29% increase from the previous year. In the fiscal year 2024-2025, Ontario is generating CA$3.2 billion, with CA$642 million of that coming as direct revenue for the province. Online casino games alone contribute a hefty CA$2.4 billion to this figure.
What other provinces offer legal online casinos in Canada?
Ontario might lead the way with the most advanced iGaming setup in the country, but it's not alone in this digital revolution. British Columbia and Alberta are making their mark with strong iGaming foundations as well. At present, both provinces are centralized: private operators aren't in the mix just yet. Instead, they offer online casino games through PlayNow in British Columbia and PlayAlberta in Alberta. Between the two, Alberta is forging ahead with bold strides towards iGaming freedom. In May, Alberta passed Bill 48, known as the iGaming Alberta Act, setting the stage for a fresh market landscape, reminiscent of Ontario's model. Once enacted, private companies will vie for licenses from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), operating under strict regulations. Bill 48 hasn't escaped criticism, with some pointing out its leniency on consumer protection. However, Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, suggests that these delicate matters are best left to the regulators rather than sitting with lawmakers.
The Ontario experience and the Alberta rollout – avoiding missteps
Alberta is truly on the right track, taking valuable lessons from Ontario’s journey instead of starting from scratch. By building on Ontario's experience and striving for improvement, the province shows a clear focus on quality over quick fixes. The flexible timeline is a testament to their commitment; they're not rushing under pressure but are determined to get things right. Of course, like others, Alberta will encounter challenges from offshore markets, but it’s prepared to tackle them head-on. The recent passage of Bill 48 is a proactive step to strengthen the economy and diminish the influence of the unregulated market. Alberta might not be the last province to draw inspiration from Ontario’s path and could even become a guiding light for others. So far, British Columbia has been cautious, staying away from major regulatory changes.
What other provinces have online casinos in Canada?
While Ontario and Alberta may be in the limelight right now, there are casinos available to players across Canada today. These casinos are fully regulated, completely legal, and although they might not offer an endless variety, they provide a solid range of choices. Ontario, with its bustling population of around 15.2 million, may dominate in numbers, but many people from other provinces and even groups of provinces like those in the Atlantic are already venturing into offshore gambling. This growing trend highlights why it's crucial for lawmakers to move forward with their efforts to regulate the industry, ensuring that Canadians have ample, reliable options closer to home.
Wrapping up: Online casinos in Canada – more options to be available soon
Canada stands at the forefront of a robust iGaming landscape, yet much of it remains centralized. Change is on the horizon, with efforts underway to usher in a more open and liberated market in the coming years. Currently, only Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut lack local iGaming platforms. However, this hasn't deterred players, who confidently venture to offshore websites to satisfy their gaming needs. As online gambling captures the attention of legislators and the financial benefits become increasingly evident, optimism grows. Many believe a shift toward a more liberalized market across Canada's provinces isn't just possible—it's inevitable, and closer than we might think.
