Canadian Online Betting in 2025: Key Developments of the Year

The year 2025 marked a turning point for Canada’s online betting industry. The market continues to expand, regulators are searching for a balance between revenue and responsibility, and operators are setting new records. Let’s take a closer look at what has changed over this period and what bettors can expect going forward.

Launch of Alberta’s open iGaming market

One of the biggest developments of the year was Alberta’s adoption of the iGaming Alberta Act on May 7, 2025. This legislation lays the groundwork for a regulated and competitive online betting market. Previously, the province was served only by the government-run Play Alberta platform. According to expert estimates, it controls around 20–25% of the local market, while the remaining 75–80% falls into the grey zone – offshore sites operating without a provincial license.

The new law establishes the Alberta iGaming Corporation, a government agency responsible for overseeing the market and contracting with commercial operators. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis remains the regulatory authority and continues to manage Play Alberta. Initially, the government aimed to launch the open market before the start of the NFL season in the fall of 2025. However, more realistic timelines were later set for the second half of 2026. At present, the province is finalizing regulatory details, including tax rates, licensing fees, advertising standards, and responsible gambling tools.

For operators already active in Ontario – such as FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers, and theScore Bet – Alberta is expected to become the next major expansion opportunity. Their existing Ontario licenses are likely to simplify the approval process in Alberta.

Growing concerns around online betting

A report from Greo Evidence Insights showed that Canadians who place online bets are 45 times more likely to exhibit signs of problem gambling than those who only play lotteries. The most vulnerable group is young adults aged 18–29. Nearly one in three people in this age bracket engages in online betting. In one of our earlier articles, we explored why younger audiences are particularly susceptible to developing gambling-related issues.

In addition, licensed insolvency trustees in Ontario are reporting an increase in clients facing debt issues linked to betting. One trustee cited a client who lost $250,000 in a single year, as well as another bettor who accumulated $100,000 in debt over two years. Typical debt levels range from $20,000 to $80,000, although cases as high as $263,000 have been recorded. In September 2025 alone, Ontario residents spent $329.4 million on iGaming platforms – 20% more than in the same period last year.

Tighter rules for betting advertising

In November 2025, the Canadian Senate passed Bill S-211 at third reading and sent it to the House of Commons. The bill proposes the creation of a countrywide framework for regulating sports betting advertising.

The legislation does not introduce a full ban on advertising. Instead, it defines limits on volume, placement, and the use of celebrities in betting promotions. Senator Marty Deacon, who supports the initiative, has stated that the growth of betting advertising has outpaced consumer protection measures introduced after single-event betting was legalized in 2021.

If the bill passes the House of Commons without amendments and receives royal assent, the Heritage Department and the CRTC will have one year to develop an appropriate oversight system. Potential restrictions include banning advertising during game broadcasts, as well as during pre- and post-match interviews.

The industry has pushed back against the proposal. The Canadian Gaming Association argues that advertising is already regulated at the provincial level and that federal oversight would introduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

Technological shifts in the betting landscape

Online bookmakers are actively implementing artificial intelligence to personalize offers, adjust odds in real time, and provide betting recommendations. While these tools increase player engagement, they also pose risks for vulnerable users.

Micro-betting is gaining traction. Players can wager on individual moments within a match – whether a pitcher throws a ball or a strike, how many rebounds a basketball player will make, or even the colour of the Gatorade poured over the winning coach after the Super Bowl. This format significantly increases the number of betting opportunities within a single event, intensifying engagement and creating a sense of continuous play. We covered this topic in more detail in a separate piece.

Platforms are also focusing on faster payouts. Many operators now offer instant withdrawals via Interac or integrated digital wallets. Simplified verification for regular players speeds up access to funds, but it also requires stronger oversight from bookmakers to prevent fraud.

Expanding role of First Nations in gambling

In November, the Snuneymuxw First Nation in British Columbia announced plans to become a major player in the province’s gambling industry. In 2025, they completed several acquisitions of land-based casinos. This was made possible by a high degree of autonomy – Canada’s government grants sovereignty over Indigenous lands, including the freedom to engage in economic activities. Revenue generated from gambling will be directed toward infrastructure development and social programs.

More broadly, Indigenous communities have long occupied a distinct niche in Canada’s iGaming sector, operating independently of provincial monopolies. One example is the Kahnawàke Gaming Commission, a separate regulatory authority in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake in Quebec. The commission actively issues licenses to international online bookmakers and casinos and also regulates land-based poker rooms. In doing so, it achieves two goals at once: generating funds for territorial development and ensuring player protection in the event of disputes.

The legalization of single-event betting in Canada has somewhat complicated matters for independent regulators, including those run by First Nations. Strong new competitors have emerged, such as iGaming Ontario. However, proactive steps taken by Indigenous communities demonstrate that they will continue to maintain a meaningful share of the market.

What lies ahead for the betting industry

The future of the market will depend on several factors. First, the pace at which new provincial markets open. Alberta will become the second province with open competition after Ontario, while other regions are still evaluating their options. British Columbia and other western provinces are assessing how to adapt their licensing systems for private operators. Atlantic provinces are also exploring the potential of regulated digital betting. Ontario will continue to dominate thanks to its first-mover advantage and large population, but Alberta could emerge as a strong competitor once its open market launches. The role of First Nations territories should not be underestimated either. Most experts believe that 2026 will mark a year of large-scale expansion beyond Ontario. Operators are already preparing infrastructure, tailoring products to local requirements, and forming partnerships.

Second, advertising regulation could significantly reshape the landscape. If the federal government introduces stricter marketing rules, operators will need to rethink customer acquisition strategies. Technological innovations are also likely to face closer scrutiny. If AI-driven tools are seen as encouraging engagement without adequate player protection, they may also be subject to tighter restrictions.

Finally, responsible gambling is becoming a top priority. Provinces and regulators are already working on centralized self-exclusion systems, enhanced monitoring of player behaviour, and mandatory spending control tools. Data showing rising debt levels and problem gambling among younger bettors is pushing both regulators and operators to find a sustainable balance between profitability and player protection.

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