Canada’s regulated online gambling sector has scaled up quickly—led by Ontario’s open market—on the back of better connectivity, mobile access, and tighter platform standards. Technology, not marketing hype, is shaping Canada’s online gambling growth. From mobile apps to live-streamed tables, new tools are driving how players engage with the sector.
Canada’s regulated iGaming market has grown sharply since the launch of Ontario’s open online gambling market in April 2022. In the fiscal year 2024/25, Ontario alone has recorded C$82.7 billion in wagers, producing C$3.2 billion in gaming revenue—an increase of roughly one-third compared to the previous year. These figures indicate sustained demand for online casino and betting services, driven largely by improved technology and access.
This article explores the technological changes that have fueled this growth, from infrastructure and devices to payment systems and live gaming experiences, and what they reveal about the future of Canadian iGaming.
A Digital Revolution in Gambling
Canada’s iGaming expansion reflects both legal and technological changes. In 2021, amendments to the Criminal Code allowed provinces to offer single-event sports betting, and Ontario created an open, competitive online gambling framework. These moves created the need for modern platforms capable of supporting high-volume, regulated activity.
The result is a digital-first gambling ecosystem. Ontario’s data for 2024/25 shows C$69.6 billion of wagers placed on casino games, C$11.4 billion on sports betting, and C$1.7 billion on poker. This breakdown highlights the dominance of casino-style products, but it also reflects the flexibility of digital platforms to accommodate diverse forms of play.
High-speed broadband has underpinned this digital shift. More Canadian households now have reliable internet connections, enabling players to stream games, place in-play bets, and verify identities online. This infrastructure expansion has allowed operators to support more users simultaneously, reduce downtime, and provide interactive services that were previously limited to physical casinos.
From Desktops to Smartphones
The online gambling industry used to rely on desktops, but now the shift is to smartphones. Almost all Canadians under the age of 45 possess smartphones, and mobile and digital payment methods have cemented their place in everyday life. This makes casual mobile gaming access more convenient.
The competitive operator market in Ontario has focused on mobile-first services. Licensed apps are required to provide high convenience and a smooth user experience in compliance with regulatory standards. Players have shifted to engaging primarily through mobile apps, and this has decreased a number of barriers to registration, deposits, and gameplay.
Recent research suggests that over 80% of players in Ontario use regulated sites, clearly demonstrating that mobile convenience paired with high-quality platforms has kept most users within the legal system.
The gambling payment systems are no exception with the mobile devices. Touch card payments, digital wallets, and instant fund transfers have become commonplace. Furthermore, they become especially relevant for online gambling as they simplify the process of funding, betting, and withdrawing winnings. This has created a seamless experience that supports regular engagement while ensuring fund security.
Faster, Smarter, Safer
The speed and reliability of Canada’s broadband and cellular networks are pivotal for online gambling. The functioning of real-time betting markets, live dealer tables, and interactive games depends on low-latency networks and robust server capacity. The expansion of broadband and mobile networks across Canada has allowed operators to meet these demands, reducing delays, minimizing errors, and improving the overall gaming experience.
The “smarter” functions of technology, such as identity verification, geolocation controls, anti-fraud systems, and responsible gambling features, ensure operators enforce strict provincial benchmarks. For example, regulated providers in Ontario have to ensure strict compliance related to player age verification, privacy, and game fairness. Along these lines, these controls implement a stable environment, minimizing the potential for conflicts and illegal operations.
Alongside safety measures for users, gambling payment methods have also prioritized safety. Payment verification and account confirmation limit the use of non-regulated and offshore payment services. Recent policy changes aiming to broaden payment options have prioritized small banks, thus subsidizing a greater use of legally regulated payment methods. All these changes, in conjunction, bolster users’ confidence and stimulate robust market expansion.
Live and Immersive Experiences
One of the most visible technological changes in Canadian iGaming is the rise of live dealer games. These products combine high-definition streaming with interactive betting interfaces, replicating the experience of a physical casino table. Operators have invested in studios, cameras, and software systems that deliver real-time action while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Beyond video streaming, operator platforms increasingly incorporate personalization tools. Lobbies adjust dynamically based on player behavior, and promotional content highlights in-play betting opportunities. Single-event sports betting, enabled by federal law reforms, has introduced micro-markets and real-time prop bets that depend on low-latency data feeds. These developments have transformed the player experience, making online gambling more immersive and engaging than ever.
The adoption of these technologies is also measurable. In Ontario, casino games continue to attract the highest number of wagers, and live dealer products account for an expanding share of that total. Players report high satisfaction with interactive formats, reflecting the success of streaming and real-time systems. By combining visual, social, and interactive elements, operators have created a more compelling online environment, while regulators ensure that games remain fair and secure.
Looking Ahead
The trends indicate that Canada’s online gambling industry will continue to grow slowly. Improvements to infrastructure, automated payment processes, and continuous oversight will provide additional impetus.
The numbers from Ontario indicate user behavior is shifting toward steady usage rather than explosive growth, indicating market maturity and further penetration. Other provinces still stuck using closed, monolithic government-run systems may be looking at Ontario for inspiration.
In this case, they will very likely implement similar mobile-first approaches, real-time payment systems, stringent regulatory compliance, and show that technology enables growth within a regulated environment.
