Ontario iGaming Market 2026: Growth, New Operators & What's Next

Market Overview

Launched in April 2022, Ontario's iGaming market was Canada's first experiment with allowing private companies to offer regulated online casino and sports betting. Overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operated through iGaming Ontario (iGO), the market has exceeded expectations.

The model is straightforward: operators apply for registration with the AGCO, meet strict standards for responsible gambling, game fairness, and player protection, then partner with iGO as the conduct and manage entity. Players in Ontario get access to brands they trust, with the safety net of provincial regulation.

For Canadian players outside Ontario, the options look different. While Ontario residents can choose from 50+ licensed operators, players in other provinces typically access offshore platforms or provincial government sites. Our guide to the best online casinos in Canada covers options available across the country.

2026 Growth Numbers

The numbers tell the story of a market hitting its stride:

Revenue has grown quarter over quarter since launch. The online casino segment (slots and table games) accounts for roughly 60% of total gaming revenue, while sports betting makes up the remaining 40%. Ontario's 20.5% tax rate on gross gaming revenue has generated hundreds of millions for provincial coffers.

New Operators Entering the Market

The AGCO continues to register new operators. In 2025-2026, several notable brands have entered or expanded their Ontario presence:

• Expanded slot libraries — Established operators have significantly grown their game catalogues, with some now offering 3,000+ titles
• Live dealer investment — Multiple operators have launched dedicated Canadian-dealer live casino studios
• Faster payouts — Competition has driven payout speeds down, with several operators now offering same-day withdrawals
• Crypto integration — Some newer entrants are pushing for cryptocurrency payment options within the regulatory framework

For players who want to try the latest platforms, we maintain a regularly updated list of new online casinos in Canada that covers both regulated Ontario operators and trusted offshore options for other provinces.

What It Means for Players

The growth of Ontario's regulated market has had several positive effects for players across Canada:

Better Bonuses and Promotions

Competition among operators means more generous welcome offers and ongoing promotions. While AGCO regulations limit some promotional tactics (no "risk-free" bet language, for example), operators compete aggressively on bonus value and loyalty programs. Check our casino bonuses guide for the latest offers.

Faster Withdrawals

When dozens of operators compete for the same player base, withdrawal speed becomes a differentiator. Many Ontario-licensed casinos now process withdrawals within 24 hours, and several offer instant payouts via e-Transfer. This competitive pressure has also improved payout times at offshore casinos targeting Canadian players. Our fast withdrawal casinos guide highlights the quickest options.

Stronger Player Protections

AGCO-regulated operators must comply with strict responsible gambling requirements: mandatory deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, prominent responsible gambling messaging, and segregated player funds. These standards have also raised the bar industry-wide, as offshore operators adopt similar features to remain competitive.

Will Other Provinces Follow Ontario?

Ontario's success has other provinces paying attention, but progress has been slow:

• British Columbia — Has explored opening the market but faces pushback from the BC Lottery Corporation, which operates PlayNow.com as a monopoly
• Alberta — The province has signaled interest in a regulated model similar to Ontario's, but no legislation has been tabled
• Quebec — Loto-Québec operates Espace Jeux and has resisted private competition. Quebec previously attempted (unsuccessfully) to block offshore gambling sites at the ISP level
• Atlantic Provinces — Atlantic Lottery covers the four Atlantic provinces but has shown no movement toward private-operator licensing

For players outside Ontario, offshore casinos remain the primary option for accessing a wider range of games and operators. The key is choosing platforms with strong reputations and reliable Canadian payment methods like Interac.

2026 Outlook

Looking ahead for the rest of 2026, several trends are worth watching:

• Market consolidation — Some smaller operators may merge or exit as the market matures and competition intensifies
• Responsible gambling tech — AI-powered tools for detecting problem gambling behaviour are becoming standard across regulated operators
• Cross-province discussions — Federal-provincial talks about a national iGaming framework continue, though consensus remains elusive
• Mobile-first innovation — Native app experiences and mobile-optimized live dealer games are the new battleground for player acquisition

Ontario's iGaming experiment has proven that regulated private-operator markets can work in Canada. The question isn't whether other provinces will follow — it's when.