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New gambling trends in Canada: latest statistics

An overview of emerging trends in the Canadian gambling market, covering data-backed shifts, player behaviour, and upcoming regulatory changes.

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Canada’s online gambling landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovation and shifting player preferences.

I’ve gathered recent data and future projections to paint a clearer picture of what you can expect in 2025.

Technological advancements shaping online gambling

The integration of cutting-edge technologies is transforming the online gambling experience, making it more immersive, personalized, and secure.

Virtual-reality and augmented-reality casinos

I’ve heard the buzz around VR and AR for years. It’s always “the next best thing”. Truth is — it’s not, but we are seeing a shift in a positive direction.

A higher production quality is seen in imitated live-casino settings, and platforms like PokerStars VR and XR Casino lead the charge, with more immersive gameplay, interactive avatars, and atmospheric details.

Sports betting is even further behind; I’ve yet to see the WOW factor.

Artificial intelligence in gambling

Canadian casinos have been leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance player experiences for years before the AI boom. How? Chat bots!

You may have shuddered at the thought, but know that good things are coming: advanced natural language processing and machine learning continuously improve the bot experience. This is well showcased by Casumo casino, where AI-powered, 24/7 customer support rivals human interactions at many casinos our team reviewed.

Speech recognition is next on the horizon, with companies like Api.ai creating dynamic toolkits that allow design, implementation, and integration of conversational interfaces.

We’re also seeing a rise in AI algorithms designed to monitor and analyze player behaviour, creating more personalized game recommendations, notifications, and guides.

Emerging game formats and styles: what’s new and popular?

Casino games, including slots, live-dealer games, first-person table games, and peer-to-peer bingo accounted for C$18.9 billion (83%) of total wagers and $644 million (78%) of gaming revenue in Q3 of 2024.

Live-dealer games

Around 8% of players prefer live table games, but aside from minor AR integration, there’s not much happening for live games this year.

You’re in for a few new titles, as expected, and bigger collections from new and veteran providers. Here are some new titles to look forward to:

  • Ezugi Matka Live (Ezugi, January 2025)
  • Revolution Roulette (Ezugi, January 2025)
  • Fortune Roulette (Pragmatic Live, January 2025)
  • Busted or Bailed Live (Playtech, a December 2024 release worth checking out)

Multiplayer social games and sweepstakes

If you haven’t been paying attention to the sweepstakes and social-casino scene, tune in now.

This niche has seen explosive growth in the US since 2022, and we’re seeing similar casino trends emerging in Canada.

Platforms like WOW Vegas, Fortune Coins, High 5, and Chumba all deliver a casino-style experiences without an obligation to pay for it.

Here’s what’s next for this subsector.

  1. Cloud-based gaming — Real-time updates and scalability will continuously enhance the player experience across all devices, but the focus is locked on mobile players first.
  2. Competitive multiplayer features — Real-time multiplayer competitions are already here as well, but expect to see broader diversity (no more Fish Games, please), and more innovative gameplay on a larger scale.
  3. Further gamification — Achievements, leaderboards, and ranking are abuzz. We’re also seeing emergence of interactive games (think Aviator a la Monopoly Live), like Bingo Blitz.
  4. Broader provider integration — Gone are the days of having a small handful of social game providers. Social casinos are on track to integrating big industry names, like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt, already seen among key players like WOW Vegas.

Peer-to-peer games

While not exactly social in nature, peer-to-peer (P2P) games imitate what most players seek: competitive play against other players — not the dealer.

These games are on the rise, not just in revenue but in availability as well.

  • Two cards, casino chips, and a camera

    Peer-to-peer poker

    P2P poker accounted for C$1.6 billion in wagers over 2023–2024. We’re seeing wider ranges of cash games, tournaments, and exclusive events. GGPoker, for example partners with WSOP to deliver exclusive P2P tournaments. In the future, we’re expecting better integration of AR features, more authentic tournaments, and greater worldwide exposure.

    Available at: GGPoker, PokerStars, BetMGM Poker

  • Four numbered balls

    Peer-to-peer bingo

    Data isolating P2P bingo wagers isn’t reported, as it’s grouped with other casino games. But we do know that approximately 2-5% of Canadian online gambling accounts play bingo, which translates into an estimated revenue of at least C$51.7 million/year. What to expect? More platforms hopping on the bandwagon.

    Available at: Delta Bingo

Cryptocurrency and blockchain integration in online casinos

The adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is transforming payment methods in Canadian online casinos.

Cryptocurrencies offer faster transactions and greater anonymity, while blockchain ensures transparency and security in gaming operations.

Some Canadian online casinos, like Stake’s social casino, have started accepting cryptocurrencies, reflecting a long-awaited shift towards more flexible and secure payment options.

Dasha's
Dasha Goncharova

Unlike CAD, crypto is not a legal tender in Canada, which means there’s no governmental or regulatory oversight. Crypto is both fast-evolving and complex, which poses risk to operators and players alike.

If you play, pick casinos that are transparent about their crypto policies and have adequate security measures in place. Factor in the currency’s volatility and avoid direct crypto betting, as crypto is always traded at the current exchange rate and the value of your bet or withdrawal may fluctuate.

Fortunately, most casinos convert crypto deposits into Fiat; if you drop C$100 in BTC and BTC falls into the abyss a week later, you’ll still be playing with C$100.

Player choosing their preferences on a mobile phone, next to casino chips, and slot reels, indicated by hearts and thumbs up.

Evolving player behaviours and preferences — where’s the shift?

The online gambling landscape in Canada, particularly in Ontario, has experienced notable shifts in player behaviours and preferences. Data encompassing other provinces is not available to the same extent, given the grey-market nature of affairs.

Recent data highlights several emerging trends:

  • Certificate

    Trending towards regulated gaming

    A significant majority of Ontario players are now choosing regulated iGaming sites. An IPSOS study conducted in February 2024 revealed that 86.4% of players had engaged with regulated platforms in the preceding three months, a substantial increase from the estimated 30% prior to market regulation.

  • slot machine

    Online slots still dominate

    Over 50% of all online casino wagers are attributed to slots, underscoring the everlasting popularity. Trends are shifting primarily in the type of gameplay players opt for: more innovative releases and instant-win games, like Hacksaw’s Cubes and Crash by BC Originals.

  • Live dealer with dice

    Growth of live-dealer games and in-play betting

    The demand for immersive experiences is evident in the rising popularity of live dealer games. These games constituted 32% of the betting volume in Ontario’s online gambling market, reflecting players’ desire for real-time interaction. Across sports, 67% of player opt for live, in-game events over pre-match wagers.

  • mobile phone

    Mobile gaming surge

    Players increasingly favor mobile-optimized platforms and dedicated apps for enhanced convenience on the go. If an operator neglects mobile compatibility, they are now neglecting early 70% of the player base. Expect to see continued success across mobile-optimized games and platforms.

  • Headset

    Quality of support

    Player expectations in terms of quality of support are steadily on the rise. Human interaction is still favoured over AI-powered chatbots, and increasing importance of readily available online support is noted by the steep decline in usage of over-the-phone assistance. In a player satisfaction survey, 70% of participants also indicated that they prefer support in their native language.

  • Two chat bubbles

    Social-gaming boom

    Few things beat free-to-play gaming, highlighted by the rise of social casinos and gamified experiences. The combined revenue from these casinos pales in comparison to real-money casinos, but we’re seeing billions in profit, a growth rate of 89%, and an unwavering player demand. Interestingly, women comprise over 2/3 of the player base.

Responsible Gambling trends and regulatory developments

As the online gambling industry grows across Canada, there is an increased focus on responsible gambling and regulatory compliance.

While particularly evident in the regulated province of Ontario, trends seen there are likely to be adopted across the board when broader legalization is on the table.

Advanced Responsible Gambling tools

Online casinos are implementing sophisticated tools to promote responsible gambling, fueled by AI innovation and an increased need for player protection.

Features such as self-exclusion options and deposit limits are standard, but you can expect to see a deeper understanding of player behaviour and additional safety checks.

The same AI tools used for getting you the best game recommendations are also used to more accurately identify problem gambling patterns, helping support staff mitigate harm quicker and more efficiently.

Regulatory updates in Canada

Canadian provinces are continually updating regulations to keep pace with the evolving online gambling landscape, but we’re still in the budding phases of the market.

  • Scissors cutting a red ribbon

    Up next: Alberta

    Following the passing of Bill 16, which recognized the provincial government’s authority to manage gaming, Alberta is actively working towards establishing its own regulated online gambling framework. The province plans to implement a model similar to Ontario’s — aiming to open its market to private operators — as confirmed by the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally in June of 2024.

  • Certificate

    What’s new in Ontario

    iGamingOntario (iGO) established a baseline for player awareness of RG tools at 65.4%, working to increase the target by 5% year on year through more diligent monitoring of gambling advertisements and increased awareness campaigning and training. The Ontario government also sought a ruling on the legality of open liquidity (allowing Ontario players to participate in games with players outside of Canada). A decision is anticipated in the first half of 2025.

FAQs

Which Canadian provinces will legalize online gambling?

Apart from Ontario, only Alberta has confirmed intent to pursue the legalization of online gambling, following its passing of Bill 16. Integration is expected between 2025–2027.

What is the total gambling revenue in Canada?

As of January 2025, the Canadian gambling market was estimated to exceed C$16.2 billion.

Ontario’s online gambling market witnessed significant growth as well, with revenues reaching approximately C$2.4 billion in 2024.

How does the social gaming model work?

Through micro-transactions, similarly to online multiplayer video games.

Players can participate in most activities for free, but conversion of wins to real money is only possible through Sweeps Coins (SC), one of two virtual currencies in use by these platforms.

SC is mainly available through [optional] purchasable packs or through select contests (entered by spending SC). Players can also obtain SC for free, through mail-in requests, giveaways, social media contests, and daily/loyalty rewards.

How do cryptocurrency transactions work in online casinos?

Players can deposit and withdraw funds using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Tether. Transactions are processed through secure blockchain technology, offering fast and anonymous transfers.

Casinos that accept crypto will offer secure wallet integrations, and all transactions are generally processed instantly.

Are VR casinos safe to use?

Yes, VR casinos are generally safe, provided they are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities. Players should ensure they use secure internet connections and keep their software updated.

Sources

  1. https://www.jasoren.com/skills-and-technologies-driving-chatbot-innovation/
  2. https://igamingontario.ca/en/quarterly-market-reports/
  3. https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/regulation/alberta-to-follow-ontario-roadmap-in-launching-commercial-online-gambling-market/
  4. https://www.osler.com/en/insights/reports/2024-legal-outlook/the-landscape-for-internet-gaming-in-canada-evolves/
  5. https://madeinca.ca/gambling-canada-statistics/
  6. https://www.greo.ca/Modules/EvidenceCentre/files/Kim_%282017%29_Social_casino_games_-_Current_evidence_and_future_directions.pdf
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