Fewer Canadians are gambling today than two decades ago, yet the country’s regulated online gambling market continues to expand rapidly, according to new analysis published by CasinoCanada.
The study combines national participation data from Statistics Canada with financial reports from iGaming Ontario to examine how gambling behaviour in Canada has evolved over time.
Statistics Canada data shows that in 2002, 76% of Canadians aged 15 and over reported gambling within the previous year. By 2018, that figure had declined to 64.5%, indicating a long-term reduction in overall participation. 
However, at the same time Canada’s regulated online gambling market has experienced significant growth since Ontario launched its competitive iGaming framework in 2022.
According to iGaming Ontario’s annual reports, the market generated approximately CAD 1.3bn in gaming revenue during its first full fiscal year, rising to CAD 2.2bn in 2023–24 and reaching CAD 2.9bn in 2024–25.
Total wagering volumes have also increased substantially, climbing from around CAD 63.2bn in 2023–24 to CAD 82.7bn in 2024–25.
CasinoCanada’s analysis suggests the figures highlight a structural shift within the market, where growth is increasingly driven by greater engagement among existing players rather than a broad expansion in participation.
Eugene Ravdin, Head of PR for CasinoCanada, said:
“What we are seeing in Canada is a clear paradox. Overall gambling participation has declined over the past two decades, yet the market itself is expanding rapidly. That suggests growth is increasingly being driven by deeper engagement among existing players rather than a surge in new gamblers.”
Ravdin added that gambling’s growing visibility through sports sponsorships, broadcast integrations and digital platforms may also be influencing perceptions of the sector.
“At the same time, gambling has become far more visible through sports sponsorships, broadcast integrations and digital platforms. That creates an interesting tension between how gambling is perceived in public life and what participation data actually shows.
“For policymakers and regulators, understanding that gap will become increasingly important as the market continues to develop.”
The full analysis explores how digital platforms, sports betting marketing and provincial regulatory frameworks are reshaping Canada’s gambling landscape.
