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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.

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.

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