Canadian Betting Industry Update – June 2025 at a Glance

June brought a series of important updates to Canada’s betting market. The industry is clearly going through a period of reevaluation. The market is becoming more mature, while regulation is growing more targeted and confident. Previously, we covered developments on this topic for May here. Now, we’ll look at the latest key news – stories that have already made an impact and are worth keeping an eye on.

Monopoly-themed sportsbook launches in Ontario

Ontario continues to expand its roster of licensed iGaming platforms. In June, the province officially welcomed Monopoly Casino & Sportsbook – an online provider offering slots and sports betting, themed after the iconic board game.

The platform includes familiar options such as pre-match and live sports markets, along with standard wagers on football, hockey, basketball, and tennis. What makes it stand out, however, is its branding and user interface, both inspired by Hasbro’s Monopoly universe, and its focus on daily specials and themed promotions. Navigation is designed to be intuitive – users feel as if they’re “walking” through the Monopoly board.

This approach turns betting into more of an entertainment experience. What does this mean for the market? First, Monopoly Casino & Sportsbook offers players a refreshing alternative to traditional layouts, emphasizing ease of use and visual engagement. Second, it signals that Canada’s iGaming industry is ready to embrace major pop culture franchises.

NFL supports safe betting research

In early June, the NFL Foundation announced a three-year, $600,000 funding commitment to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to support independent research.

Recent studies show that college students and athletes face a heightened risk of gambling addiction, particularly due to increased access to online betting. However, there’s still a lack of comprehensive data on how young people interact with digital gambling platforms.

It’s not the NFL’s first step in the field of responsible gambling. The organization has previously allocated $6.4 million to projects with the NCPG and RGC, including the development of a helpline and educational initiatives in Canadian universities.

Stan Cho announces comprehensive review of Ontario’s gambling industry

Speaking at the Canadian Gaming Summit (which we covered in this article), Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, Stan Cho, announced a sweeping review of the province’s entire gambling ecosystem – both online and land-based. He noted that while Ontario has made substantial progress, a “B+ grade” isn’t good enough. The goal now is to reach an “A.”

The ministry plans a thorough evaluation of the current model to improve efficiency, enhance player protection, and create greater synergy between physical casinos and the growing online market. Since 2022, the digital sector has grown steadily, and Cho emphasized the importance of adapting to new realities.

He also reaffirmed that land-based venues remain an integral part of the overall strategy. For example, a new self-exclusion system in development is intended to work both online and at physical locations, forming a unified framework for responsible gambling.

Ontario prepares to crack down on illegal betting sites

The AGCO and the Ontario government are running out of patience with operators working in the grey market. During the CG Summit, regulatory officials were urged to move beyond soft warnings and take firm action. New measures are expected soon, including enhanced monitoring of unlicensed betting activity, website blocks, and financial penalties for non-compliant operators.

In recent years, AGCO has already pushed operators to either obtain a license or exit the market. But up until now, authorities lacked the power to act swiftly – cease-and-desist orders could only be issued after long processes. With the legal iGaming sector booming, that patience is wearing thin.

Regulators now aim to involve media outlets, payment providers, and banks in blocking promotion channels for grey-market sites. AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr has previously stated that advertising from offshore operators erodes trust in the regulated market and undermines fair competition.

This approach highlights Ontario’s commitment to strengthening the regulated sector and reducing the influence of unlicensed platforms.

Wrapping up

Ontario’s online betting market continues to evolve toward greater stability, transparency, and responsibility. New initiatives like Monopoly Sportsbook demonstrate how gambling can blend entertainment with modern technology. At the same time, government bodies are tightening oversight, closing loopholes for grey-market operators, and adopting a more comprehensive approach to player protection. All of this indicates that iGaming in Canada is entering a new, more mature phase of development.

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