Ontario’s regulated online gambling market has started 2026 with another milestone, posting record monthly player spending and reinforcing its position as one of North America’s largest iGaming jurisdictions.
According to figures published by iGaming Ontario, licensed operators processed CA$9.52 billion in total cash wagers during January 2026, marking the highest monthly player spending recorded since the market launched in April 2022.
The figure represents a slight increase from the CA$9.501 billion wagered in December 2025, which previously held the record, and a major jump from the CA$7.85 billion wagered in January 2025.
Despite the surge in betting activity, the market’s monthly revenue reached CA$401.5 million, slightly down from December’s record CA$425.4 million, though still one of the strongest months since regulation began.
Online Casino Continues to Dominate
4
As has been the case since Ontario legalised and regulated online gambling, online casino games remain the dominant product category.
In January 2026:
- CA$8.18 billion in wagers were placed on online casino games
- This represented 86% of all iGaming player spending in the province
- Casinos generated roughly CA$308.9 million in revenue, or 77% of total market revenue
Slots, table games and live-dealer formats continue to drive the majority of engagement across Ontario’s regulated platforms.
Sports betting also delivered strong performance, accounting for CA$1.18 billion in wagers, representing roughly 12% of total market activity.
Meanwhile, online poker remains a much smaller segment, generating around CA$156 million in wagers, equivalent to roughly 2% of the market.
A Rapidly Expanding Player Base
Another indicator of the market’s momentum is the continued growth in active player accounts.
In January 2026, the province recorded approximately 1.326 million active accounts, with an average monthly spend of around CA$300 per account.
This expansion reflects both rising consumer adoption and aggressive marketing by operators competing in Ontario’s increasingly crowded digital gaming ecosystem.
Today the province hosts 48 licensed iGaming operators and more than 80 regulated gaming websites, creating one of the most competitive online gambling markets in North America.
Context: A Breakout Year for Ontario iGaming
The strong start to 2026 follows a record-breaking 2025.
Across the full year:
- Total wagers reached nearly CA$100 billion
- Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue exceeded CA$4 billion
- Both figures represented significant year-on-year growth.
Since the regulated market launched in April 2022, cumulative operator revenue has surpassed CA$10 billion, generating an estimated CA$2 billion in tax revenue for the province.
Ontario’s tax rate of roughly 20% on operator revenue has made iGaming a meaningful contributor to public finances.
One of North America’s Largest Digital Gaming Markets
4
Ontario’s success illustrates how rapidly regulated iGaming markets can scale when supported by clear legislation and a competitive licensing framework.
Within just four years, the province has evolved from a newly regulated market handling CA$1.08 billion in wagers during its launch month to one processing over CA$9 billion per month.
That growth now places Ontario among the largest online gambling markets in North America, with wagering activity exceeding several established U.S. state markets.
For operators, the province represents a strategic gateway into Canada’s digital gaming economy. For policymakers, it demonstrates how regulation can shift gambling activity from unregulated offshore sites into a transparent, taxable framework.
The Bigger Picture
Ontario’s iGaming expansion reflects broader global trends reshaping the gambling industry.
Digital betting platforms, mobile gaming apps and live-dealer casino experiences have transformed how players engage with gambling products. At the same time, regulatory frameworks in jurisdictions such as Ontario are enabling governments to capture tax revenue while introducing consumer protections.
With record player spending already marking the start of 2026, Ontario’s market appears poised for another year of strong growth — reinforcing its status as a leading example of regulated iGaming success in North America.