Canada’s iGaming industry has risen to new heights over the last few years. According to a recent report, between April 2024 and March 2025, the regulated iGaming market alone generated $3.20 billion in gross gaming revenue, with the industry itself set to hit $15.59 billion by the end of this year.
There are many reasons for this, but two of the most important include licences and technology. Wide and complex fields, we’re aware! But there have been very specific developments that have significantly shaped the landscape, making it easier for operators to enter the market, offer innovative products, and ensure compliance at every step. So let’s take a look at how this has happened and what key factors have impacted the market.
Licensing Reforms Reshape Canada’s Online Casino Landscape
First off, licensing reforms. In April 2022, Ontario became the first Canadian province to launch a fully regulated private-operator online gaming market under the framework of AGCO and iGO. This meant that private companies could legally offer online casino and sports betting services to Ontario residents, provided they met strict regulatory and technical standards.
While iGO was originally a subsidiary of AGCO, two years later, it was restructured by statute under the iGaming Ontario Act, becoming a fully independent Crown agency earlier this year. As a result, Ontario now operates one of the most transparent and well-regulated iGaming markets in Canada, providing a model that other provinces are beginning to follow.
It’s also worth noting that this licensing reform didn’t just legitimise private operators, but it also brought offshore brands into compliance, ensuring tax revenue stays within the province and that players are protected through the most responsible gaming requirements.
Which Emerging Tech is Driving Innovation in iGaming?
So the landscape became more open and competitive, but regulation alone isn’t enough to guarantee the kind of rise we’re seeing today. That’s where emerging tech has come into the picture. From advanced random number generators and blockchain-based transactions to AI-driven game recommendations, technology is completely reshaping how players interact with online casinos and sportsbooks, leading to more engagement and, ultimately, more revenue.
Let’s look at AI, specifically. Yes, generative AI has been used in video games for a long time, but its usage in the gaming sector goes beyond that. Over the last few years, ML tech has been used by a number of platforms to significantly enhance both their own operations and the player experience. Some, for instance, use ML systems to monitor player behaviour, spotting unusual patterns that could indicate fraud, money-laundering, or problematic gambling habits. Others use AI models to analyse large volumes of historical and live data to predict player preferences, allowing them to tailor their offerings and present individual promotions to each player.
We also have some platforms using AI for marketing optimization and retention, with algorithms being used to segment users and determine which players to target with specific campaigns to improve their lifetime value. It’s tech like this that is making the biggest impact, as it spreads throughout numerous fields and ensures that casinos don’t just maximise revenue and operational efficiency, but players themselves have the best experience possible.
Why Real Money Casinos are at the Intersection of Licensing and Tech
In a way, then, real money casinos operate in a unique space where licensing and technology intersect. On one hand, strict licensing reforms have ensured that platforms operate legally, protecting player funds and complying with responsible gambling standards. On the other hand, technology innovations – from secure payment processing to AI-driven player support – have enhanced the user experience and made platforms safer and more engaging as a result.
Of course, for players, navigating the landscape of real money casinos can still be tricky, especially considering the licenses and regulations for the area they’re playing from. But there are ways to simplify the process, with Casino.ca, in particular, being one of the most trusted resources to source reputable casinos. Through using this – and doing their own research into licensing statuses and platform security measures – it’s become easier than ever to identify the safest, most high-quality real money casino platforms in Canada, which has subsequently boosted the industry further by ensuring that anyone who wants to find a casino can do so quickly and efficiently.
What Lies Beyond Expansion?
That’s the view of the iGaming industry in Canada right now, but what lies beyond expansion? As we noted before, Ontario, in particular, has provided the blueprint for many other provinces. And they’re beginning to catch up. While licensing reforms are taking a little longer, the momentum is undeniable, with provinces like Alberta and Quebec actively exploring private-operator frameworks that can mirror Ontario’s success.
Beyond licensing, technology is also set to drive the next phase of growth, especially considering how much more advanced AI is getting in the fields of player personalisation and fraud detection. Ultimately, what lies beyond expansion isn’t just more operators or higher revenue – it’s a more mature, technologically sophisticated, and player-focused market. A market where regulatory compliance and innovation work hand in hand to create safe and engaging experiences. It’s hard to say for sure where we’ll be in ten years, but if the last few years are anything to go by, Canada will likely continue to reach new heights.
