TORONTO – Ontario’s regulated online gambling market recorded a slight dip in wagering activity in April, with total cash bets falling 3% from March’s record levels, according to new figures released by iGaming Ontario.
The province handled CAD $9.31 billion in wagers during the month, down from CAD $9.59 billion in March. Regulators attributed the decline to seasonal slowdowns following March Madness and a recent contraction in the number of active operators.
Despite the softer handle, total non‑adjusted gross gaming revenue rose 5% month‑over‑month to CAD $405.4 million, buoyed by strong online casino margins. Active player accounts increased 2% to 1.265 million, with average revenue per account reaching CAD $321.
Casino Continues to Dominate
Casino gaming remained the market’s largest vertical, accounting for 87% of all wagers at CAD $8.14 billion — a 2% decline from March. Casino revenue totaled CAD $314.1 million, representing 77% of the market and a 1% month‑over‑month decrease.
Peer‑to‑peer poker saw the steepest drop of any category, with cash wagers falling 30% to CAD $128 million and revenue sliding 24% to CAD $5.3 million.
Sports Betting Revenue Surges
Sports betting handle slipped 3% to CAD $1.04 billion, maintaining an 11% share of total wagers. But revenue surged 40% from March, reaching CAD $86 million and accounting for 21% of total market revenue — a sign of favorable operator margins during the month.
Ontario’s iGaming framework requires operators to remit 20% of revenue to the provincial government, with the remaining 80% retained by operators. The figures do not include results from the government‑run Proline platform.
Market Adjustments Continue
As of May 29, Ontario had 44 licensed operators running 77 gaming websites. The market saw several brands exit in recent months, including Casumo and Conquestador, while Toronto‑based Rivalry suspended player activity in February during a corporate restructuring.
Hard Rock Digital received approval earlier this month and is preparing to launch its online casino and sportsbook in the province.
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, launched in April 2022, continues to expand despite seasonal fluctuations, with April’s revenue growth underscoring the strength of the casino vertical.
