In April 2022, Ontario made history by launching Canada’s first regulated online gambling market, which opened the doors to private operators under the oversight of iGaming Ontario (iGO). Other provinces are observing Ontario’s approach and they are looking at potential benefits and pitfalls. We wanted to see what sets Ontario apart, how other provinces compare, and whether the rest of Canada is ready—or even willing—to take the same gamble. 

How Canada Handles Online Gambling 

In Canada, gambling laws fall under provincial control, as outlined in Section 207 of the Criminal Code. This section covers both online casino gaming and online sports betting, giving each province the freedom to decide whether to allow single event wagering and how to regulate it. 

To keep things manageable, most provinces have established their own regulatory bodies to oversee online gambling. For years, the model was simple: one government-run platform per province—PlayNow in B.C., Espacejeux in Québec, and so on. 

Naturally, that lack of variety left many Canadians looking elsewhere. Offshore casinos started attracting more players with bigger bonuses, more games, and flexible payment methods. That sparked concerns about consumer protection and lost tax revenue, forcing provinces to re-evaluate the status quo. 

Ontario was the first to act. It introduced a legal framework that allows qualified private platforms—those with proven safety measures—to register and operate under provincial oversight. 

Ontario’s Distinctive iGaming Framework

With the launch of its iGaming market in April 2022, Ontario broke the mold. The province moved away from the single-operator model and began licensing private companies to offer online gambling services under the watchful eye of iGaming Ontario (iGO) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). 

The result was a competitive but fully regulated market where Canadian players can access a wide range of trusted platforms. At the same time, the province finally recaptures revenue that was once flowing offshore. 

Economic Impact of Ontario’s iGaming Market

Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has delivered serious economic results. According to the official Deloitte report commissioned by iGaming Ontario, the sector added around $2.7 bn to the province’s GDP in its second year and supported nearly 15,000 full-time jobs. 

Government revenues totalled $1.24 bn, benefiting federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Operators directly employed over 2,600 workers, with an average salary of $122,500—well above the provincial norm. With clear growth in jobs, wages, and public funds, Deloitte’s data confirms that Ontario’s model performs. However, with that success comes a growing list of challenges that the province, and others considering this model, can’t afford to ignore. 

Concerns and Considerations 

While Ontario’s regulated iGaming model has clear economic upsides, several downsides and concerns have been raised: 

Increased Gambling Advertising

Since the market opened to private operators, Ontario has seen a major spike in gambling ads—on TV, online, and during live sports broadcasts. Critics say the volume and frequency of ads can normalise gambling and pose risks to vulnerable populations, particularly youth. 

Problem Gambling Concerns

Easier access to gambling and the sheer number of licensed operators can contribute to higher rates of gambling-related harm. While the framework includes tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits, experts argue that more could be done in terms of education and harm reduction. 

Regulatory Challenges 

Managing dozens of operators is more complex than overseeing a single, government-run platform. It requires strong enforcement and sufficient regulatory resources. 

Market Saturation

With 70+ sites by the latest Ontario iGaming report, operators are competing for the same pool of users. This can lead to aggressive promotions, bonus wars, and potentially unsustainable business practices, especially among smaller operators. 

Other Provinces: Current Status and Future Prospects

Ontario is currently the only province with a regulated market open to private operators, but it’s not the only one making moves. Alberta is preparing to launch a similar system, while Québec has chosen to stick with its government-run model. In the meantime, you can check out these online casinos that provide a legal and safe environment for Canadians looking to play now. 

Below, we highlight where Alberta and Québec stand today and include a full table showing how each province handles online gambling—platforms, regulators, and whether private operators are allowed. 

Alberta

Alberta is on the cusp of launching its own regulated online gambling market. The Legislative Assembly recently passed Bill 48, the iGaming Alberta Act. The Alberta iGaming Corporation will oversee the market, with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) acting as the regulator. The province aims to launch the market by 2026, and this will allow private operators to compete alongside the existing government-run platform Play Alberta.  

Québec

In contrast, Québec has opted to maintain its current model. The provincial government has rejected proposals to deregulate online gambling and end Loto-Québec’s monopoly. Concerns about increased exposure to gambling advertisements and the potential rise in problem gambling, particularly among youth, have influenced this decision.  

Province	Platform Name	Regulator/Authority	Private operators allowed	Offshore casinos popular?
Ontario	Multiple licensed operators (iGaming Ontario)	AGCO / iGaming Ontario	Yes	Less so
Alberta	PlayAlberta.ca	AGLC	Pending (expected 2026)	Yes
British Columbia	PlayNow.com	BCLC	No	Yes
Manitoba	PlayNow.com	MBLL	No	Yes
New Brunswick	ProLine Stadium Online	ALC	No	Yes
Newfoundland and Labrador	ProLine (via Atlantic Lottery Corporation)	ALC	No	Yes
Nova Scotia	ProLine (via Atlantic Lottery Corporation)	ALC	No	Yes
Prince Edward Island	ProLine Stadium (via Atlantic Lottery Corporation)	ALC	No	Yes
Québec	Mise-o-jeu	Loto-Québec	No	Yes
Saskatchewan	PlayNow.com	SaskGaming / BCLC	No	Yes
Northwest Territories	None	Territorial Government (MACA)	No	Yes
Nunavut	None	Territorial Government	No	Yes

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s foray into a regulated online gambling market has yielded notable economic benefits and set a precedent for other provinces. While Alberta moves towards a similar model, Québec remains cautious, highlighting the need to balance economic interests with social responsibility. As things keep shifting, provinces will need to keep a close eye on what’s working, what’s not, and how to keep players safe while keeping the game fair.