Canada

Global Online Poker Market Size/Share Worth USD 170 Billion by 2030 at a 12% CAGR: Custom Market Insights (Analysis, Outlook, Leaders, Report, Trends, Forecast, Segmentation, Growth, Growth Rate, Value)

Published

3 years ago

April 26, 2023

Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled “Online Poker Market Size, Trends and Insights By Device Type (Mobile, Desktop), By End-user (Gambling Enthusiasts, Dabblers, Social Exuberant), and By Region – Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2023–2030” in its research database.

“According to the latest research study, the demand of global Online Poker Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 85.4 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 96.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 170 Billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 12%during the forecast period 2023 to 2030.”

CMI research report offers a 360-degree view of the Online Poker market’s drivers and restraints, coupled with the impact they have on demand during the projection period. Also, the report examines global opportunities and competitive analysis for the Online Poker market.

Online Poker Market: Overview

Online poker is incredibly popular and will only continue to grow in popularity as a result of the widespread use of smartphones, acceptance of Bitcoin and other digital currencies, and ease of access to casino websites. Aiming to promote the desired level of confidence in the online betting business, technological developments coexist with the annual expansion of online poker.

For example, virtual reality in gaming creates a simulation of the surroundings; users can interact with them in a real way with specialized equipment such as gloves with sensors.

VR delivers a more realistic gambling experience, higher sound quality, and a realistic game design, as well as allowing players to interact with other players and dealers. Through the creation of new growth potential, VR has assisted the market in improving the gambling experience.

Growth Factors

The market is being driven by expanding internet penetration as well as a rise in the number of people using their mobile phones to play online games both at home and in public. In addition, factors including legal and cultural acceptance, simple access to internet gambling, celebrity endorsements, and corporate sponsorships are promoting industry expansion. The industry is expected to grow more as a result of the affordable mobile applications that are readily available everywhere.

Online poker games place a strong emphasis on creating informational tools that help and support players, protect the integrity of gambling, and guard against fraud. Many online gambling websites provide a free-play version of their games, which presents company growth possibilities.

Many nations have legalized gambling because it creates jobs and generates more tax money for municipal and state governments. In places where casinos play a part in tourist vacations, gambling has also had a good impact on local retail sales for the hotel industry, which has helped the business grow quickly.

Additionally, the adoption of blockchain technology has significantly impacted market expansion. Transparency in gambling activity is ensured by the blockchain’s ability to make safe payments. Due to the speed and security of Bitcoin transactions, gambling offers a wide range of chances. Because bitcoin transactions are subject to fewer regulations, they are now widely employed in online gambling.

(A free sample of the Online Poker report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.)

Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following:

Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2023 updated report.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package
About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research)
Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request
Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2023
Includes Tables and figures have been updated
The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis
Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology

(Please note that the sample of the Online Poker report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.)

Segmental Overview

The market for Online Poker is segmented into device type and end-user. By device type, the mobile segment is anticipated to witness a tremendous CAGR during 2023-2030. Innovative mobile phone technologies have produced stunning smartphone gaming images, increasing access to online gambling on mobile devices. It’s convenient for gamblers to use their mobile devices to place bets. The easy availability of mobile phones at affordable rates, together with cutting-edge features like improved graphics and larger storage capacity is credited with driving the sector’s growth. Players can enjoy a number of benefits from mobile online gambling, including loyalty points, more deposit choices, and multiplayer opportunities with players from all around the world.

Regional Overview

Europe is expected to hold the largest share of the online poker market. The majority of the growth is attributed to the legalization of online gambling in countries such as Italy, Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Malta, and Spain. Moreover, the high disposable income, high spending on leisure, and growing popularity of online gambling, in the region is supporting the market growth. Whereas, the Asia Pacific region is projected to witness a high CAGR during 2023-2030. The relaxation in government rules across Asian countries concerning online betting is boosting the market. Also, increasing spending the population on leisure activities is expected to fuel the market. However, the negative mental impact on players and bans in certain countries is hindering the growth of the market in the region.

Key questions answered in this report:

What is the Online Poker market’s size and its expected growth rate?
What are the primary driving factors that push the Online Poker market forward?
What are the Online Poker Industry’s top companies?
What are the different categories that the Online Poker Market caters to?
What will be the fastest-growing segment or region?
In the value chain, what role do essential players play?
What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the Online Poker market sample report and company profiles?

Key Offerings:

Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2023−2030
Market Dynamics – Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends
Market Segmentation – A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by Regions
Competitive Landscape – Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors

Report Scope

Feature of the Report	Details
Market Size in 2023	USD 96.2 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2030	USD 170 Billion
Market Size in 2022	USD 85.4 Billion
CAGR Growth Rate	12% CAGR
Base Year	2022
Forecast Period	2023-2030
Prominent Players	Tencent, Playtika, Zynga Inc., PokerStars, Arkadium, Baazi Games, MPL, Quadrific Media Pvt Ltd., Pocket52, BLITZ POKER, Ignition, Americas Cardroom, BetOnline, Every game, True Poker, Bovada, Juicy Stakes and Others
Key Segment	By Device Type, End-user, and Region
Report Coverage	Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Recent Trends
Regional Scope	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America
Buying Options	Request tailored purchasing options to fulfill your requirements for research.

Competitive Landscape

By examining market segments and projecting market size, the reports also aid in understanding the dynamics and organizational structure of the global Online Poker industry. The study serves as an investor’s guide thanks to its clear depiction of competitive analysis of key companies by product, price, financial condition, product portfolio, growth plans, and regional presence in the worldwide access control market.

March 2022: PokerBaazi.com, India’s biggest online poker platform from the house of Baazi Games, on Monday (March 14), launched the #BaaziBillion campaign to mark the unique milestone of clocking a total of 1 billion hands on the platform and commemorate the seven-year journey of the brand in contributing to the poker economy of India.
April 2023: Juicy Stakes came up with a Blackjack Quest and Almost 400 Free Spins Up For Grabs
February 2023: GGPoker revealed the details of the upcoming WSOP Spring Circuit online tournament series
April 2023: The company came up with online poker’s biggest PKO tournament
July 2022: PokerBaazi.com has launched a new advertising campaign called ‘You Hold the Cards,’ which stars brand ambassador Shahid Kapoor. The brand’s ‘You Hold the Cards’ campaign aims to raise awareness of poker as a skill-based sport and establish it in Poker.
June 2022: PokerStars, part of Flutter Entertainment, announced today it has been granted full registration to operate in the Canadian province of Ontario, by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

(We customized your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customizing your report.)

Some of the prominent players

Tencent
Playtika
Zynga Inc.
PokerStars
Arkadium
Baazi Games
MPL
Quadrific Media Pvt Ltd.
Pocket52
BLITZ POKER
Ignition
Americas Cardroom
BetOnline
Every game
True Poker
Bovada
Juicy Stakes
Others

The global Online Poker market is segmented as follows:

By End-user

Gambling Enthusiasts
Dabblers
Social Exuberant
Teenagers
Adults

By Type

Texas Hold’em Poker
Omaha
7-Card Stud
5-Card Draw
Follow The Queen

By Application

Gambling
Entertainment

By Platform

PC
Tablet
Smartphone
Gaming Console
Arcade Games

By Payment Mode

Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Net Banking

Spectacular Deals

Comprehensive coverage
Maximum number of market tables and figures
Subscription-based option offered
Best price guarantee
Free 35% or 60 hours of customization.
Free post-sale service assistance.
25% discount on your next purchase.
Service guarantees are available.
Personalized market brief by author.

On the basis of Geography

North America

The U.S.
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
The UK
Spain
Germany
Italy
Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia
UAE
Egypt
Kuwait
South Africa
Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Brazil
Argentina
Rest of Latin America

This Online Poker Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to the following Questions

What Developments Are Going On in That Technology? Which Trends Are Causing These Developments?
Who Are the Global Key Players in This Online Poker Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information?
What Was the Global Market Status of the Online Poker Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Online Poker Market?
What Is the Current Market Status of the Online Poker Industry? What’s Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What’s Market Analysis of Online Poker Market by Considering Applications and Types?
What Are Projections of the Global Online Poker Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports?
What Is Online Poker Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry?
What Is the Economic Impact On Online Poker Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends?
What Are Market Dynamics of Online Poker Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities?
What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Online Poker Industry?

Reasons to Purchase Online Poker Market Report

Online Poker Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors.
Online Poker Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment.
This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market.
Online Poker Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region.
The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled.
Extensive company profiles comprising company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players.
The Industry’s current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions.
Online Poker Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter’s five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain.

Reasons for the Research Report

The study provides a thorough overview of the global Online Poker market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole.
Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth.

What does the report include?

Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Online Poker market analysis.
The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Online Poker market is covered in the report, as well as those companies’ strategic product development ambitions.
According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report offers comparable data for the important regions.
For each segment mentioned above, actual market sizes and forecasts have been given.

Who should buy this report?

Participants and stakeholders worldwide Online Poker market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Online Poker industry.
Managers in the Online Poker sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Online Poker market.
Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Online Poker products’ market trends.
Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans.

AiGC

Soft2Bet Eyes Alberta iGaming Market Expansion in Canada

Published

19 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

soft2bet-eyes-alberta-igaming-market-expansion-in-canada

Soft2Bet, a global provider of turnkey iGaming solutions, has announced plans to pursue entry into the regulated gaming market in Alberta as part of its broader strategy to expand its footprint across Canada.

The company confirmed that its entry will depend on regulatory approval once the province finalizes its evolving legal framework for online gaming. The move reflects Soft2Bet’s growing commitment to the Canadian market and its strategy to scale operations across newly regulated territories in North America.

A Strategic Move Toward Alberta’s Emerging iGaming Market

As one of Canada’s most economically robust provinces, Alberta has quickly become a focal point for iGaming operators and technology providers preparing for potential market liberalization.

Industry forecasts indicate that Alberta’s regulated online gaming sector could become one of the country’s most lucrative regional markets. Estimates from analysts at Citizens JMP Securities suggest that the province’s iGaming industry could generate over $700 million in annual revenue once the market reaches maturity.

Soft2Bet’s early evaluation of the market demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to identifying high-growth opportunities in newly regulated jurisdictions.

Monitoring the iGaming Alberta Act

Soft2Bet is closely observing developments surrounding the proposed regulatory framework established under the iGaming Alberta Act. The legislation outlines the structure for Alberta’s regulated online gaming industry and establishes oversight responsibilities for provincial authorities.

Under the proposed system, the Alberta iGaming Corporation would oversee the province’s online gaming ecosystem, while regulatory enforcement would remain with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis.

Soft2Bet has indicated that it is preparing to meet Alberta’s anticipated compliance and technical standards, ensuring its platform technology aligns with the province’s regulatory expectations.

Building on Canadian Experience

Soft2Bet’s potential expansion into Alberta builds upon its experience operating in Ontario, where the company already offers localized gaming services through its consumer-facing brand ToonieBet.

The Ontario market has become one of North America’s most successful regulated online gaming jurisdictions since its launch in 2022, attracting numerous international operators and platform providers.

By leveraging insights from its Ontario operations, Soft2Bet aims to deliver tailored gaming experiences for players in Alberta while maintaining full compliance with regional regulations.

Localization as a Key Strategy

Localization remains a central pillar of Soft2Bet’s international growth strategy. The company emphasizes adapting its platforms and gaming products to match the cultural preferences, language requirements, and regulatory expectations of each market in which it operates.

Soft2Bet plans to apply this hyper-localized approach in Alberta by ensuring that its gaming offerings reflect the specific needs and preferences of Canadian players.

This includes customized content, localized branding, and user experiences that resonate with regional audiences.

Commitment to Innovation and Player Experience

According to company leadership, innovation remains a driving force behind Soft2Bet’s expansion strategy.

David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet, highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering engaging gaming experiences that align with local player expectations.

The company continues to invest in platform technology and product development to create dynamic gaming environments that combine entertainment, compliance, and user-friendly design.

Expanding Across Regulated Markets

Soft2Bet’s interest in Alberta is part of a broader roadmap for 2026, which includes entering additional regulated markets around the world.

As governments increasingly adopt regulated frameworks for online gaming, technology providers like Soft2Bet are focusing on scalable solutions that allow them to quickly adapt to different regulatory environments.

Turnkey platforms, which include player management systems, gaming content, and compliance tools, have become essential for operators looking to enter new markets efficiently.

Canada’s Growing iGaming Landscape

Canada has rapidly become one of the most promising regions for online gaming growth in North America. The success of Ontario’s regulated market has encouraged other provinces to explore similar frameworks.

If Alberta successfully launches a competitive iGaming market, it could further strengthen Canada’s position as a key hub for regulated online gaming innovation.

Operators, developers, and platform providers are closely monitoring the regulatory process, positioning themselves for entry once licensing becomes available.

Looking Ahead

For Soft2Bet, Alberta represents a strategic opportunity to expand its presence in Canada while reinforcing its reputation as a global iGaming platform provider.

By preparing early for regulatory approval and leveraging its experience in Ontario, the company aims to deliver localized gaming experiences that meet the expectations of Canadian players and regulators alike.

As Alberta moves closer to establishing its regulated online gaming framework, Soft2Bet’s planned market entry signals the growing interest from international technology providers seeking to participate in Canada’s evolving digital gaming ecosystem.

The post Soft2Bet Eyes Alberta iGaming Market Expansion in Canada appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Canada

Soft2Bet Evaluates Alberta Market Entry to Strengthen its Canadian Footprint

Published

19 hours ago

March 16, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

soft2bet-evaluates-alberta-market-entry-to-strengthen-its-canadian-footprint

The Premier Operator and Platform Provider Announces Plans to Pursue Alberta Strategy as Part of its Roadmap, Anticipating the Region’s Upcoming Regulatory Framework

Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, today announced its intention to pursue entry into the Alberta market, pending regulatory approval. This strategic focus leverages Soft2Bet’s operational experience with localized offerings, including its Ontario-facing brand, ToonieBet.

Strategic Market Potential & Compliance

Alberta (Canada) represents one of the most significant growth opportunities in the North American iGaming landscape. With Canada’s youngest adult population and the highest GDPs per capita in the country, the province is well poised for a successful transition to an open, competitive market. Industry projections by Citizens JMP Securities suggest that Alberta’s regulated iGaming market could exceed $700 million in annual revenue at maturity.

Soft2Bet is closely monitoring the development of Alberta’s regulatory framework under the iGaming Alberta Act, which establishes the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) as the oversight body alongside the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) as the regulator. Reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, Soft2Bet is preparing for the province’s specific technical requirements.

The planned entry into Alberta aligns with the company’s strategic plans for 2026 to drive sustainable growth, and enter several new regulated territories.

“Innovation is paramount at Soft2Bet, and our goal is to develop exciting products that meet our customers where they are most comfortable,” said David Yatom Hay, General Counsel, Soft2Bet. “As we evaluate our entry into Alberta, pending regulatory approval, we are committed to delivering localized, engaging experiences that reflect the unique preferences and culture of each market.”

Excellence in Canadian Localization

Soft2Bet aims to leverage its experience in Ontario to enhance the gaming experience for users in Alberta, Canada, with innovative, compliant products. A core component of the company’s regional strategy involves taking localization further by adapting its brands to local culture, regulatory standards, and player preferences.

To support its hyper-local focus, Soft2Bet targets comprehensive native-language support across its priority regions, ensuring its services are deeply integrated into the local culture of each active regulated market.

The post Soft2Bet Evaluates Alberta Market Entry to Strengthen its Canadian Footprint appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

Fewer Canadians gamble than 20 years ago. So why is Canada’s market still growing?

Published

4 days ago

March 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

fewer-canadians-gamble-than-20-years-ago.-so-why-is-canada’s-market-still-growing?

By CasinoCanada.com

In 2002, 76 percent of Canadians aged 15 and over reported gambling in the previous year, according to Statistics Canada’s report Fighting the Odds. By 2018, that figure had fallen to 64.5 percent, based on the agency’s Gambling Rapid Response module.

At first glance, that suggests gambling participation in Canada has declined over the past two decades.

Yet over the same period, gambling has become more visible, more digital and more embedded in sport and everyday life. Sports betting brands sponsor professional teams, betting segments are embedded in live broadcasts, and provincial regulators report billions of dollars in annual online wagering.

How can participation fall while the industry expands? The answer lies in how Canada’s gambling market has changed, and in who is driving its growth.

This analysis draws on national participation surveys and provincial financial reporting to compare long-term participation trends with recent regulated market performance.

Research highlights of this article

National gambling participation declined from 76% in 2002 to 64.5% in 2018.
Ontario’s regulated online market generated approximately CAD 1.3 billion in revenue in 2022–23, rising to CAD 2.9 billion in 2024–25.
Total wagers in Ontario increased from approximately CAD 63.2 billion in 2023–24 to CAD 82.7 billion in 2024–25.
Online casino accounted for roughly three quarters of Ontario’s regulated online revenue in 2024–25.
Approximately 2.6 million active player accounts were recorded in Ontario in 2024–25.

Growth without more players

If fewer Canadians report gambling today than in the early 2000s, market growth cannot simply be explained by expanding participation. Since its launch in April 2022, Ontario’s regulated online gambling market has grown year over year. According to iGaming Ontario’s Annual Reports, in its first full fiscal year, the market generated approximately CAD 1.3 billion in gaming revenue. That rose to CAD 2.2 billion in 2023–24, before reaching CAD 2.9 billion in 2024–25. Total wagers also significantly increased from approximately CAD 63.2 billion in 2023–24 to CAD 82.7 billion in 2024-25.

The latest annual report also recorded approximately 2.6 million active player accounts in a province of roughly 15 million residents. Even allowing for multiple accounts per individual, the figures suggest a highly active digital environment concentrated among a defined segment of players.

The implication is clear: recent market growth appears to be driven less by an expanding audience and more by increased activity per active player.

Operators active in the market say the same shift is visible in player behaviour since Ontario introduced its regulated online framework. Dmitry Arabuli, CEO at Tonybet, said: “Since regulation launched in Ontario, the player landscape has changed significantly as many of the largest North American operators entered the market. Competition increased, with the focus shifting from chasing large volumes of casual participants to building stronger relationships with more informed and engaged players. These players tend to interact more frequently with betting products and show stronger loyalty to the platforms they trust.”

“Regulation also drew a clearer line between grey-market operators and licensed platforms. Many players who were previously using offshore sites have migrated towards regulated products. This did not necessarily expand the total number of gamblers, but it redirected an existing player base into the licensed ecosystem.”

Despite sports betting dominating headlines since the passage of Bill C-218 in 2021, online casino remains the commercial engine of Ontario’s regulated market. iGaming Ontario’s 2024–2025 annual report shows that online casino generated approximately CAD 2.2 billion of the CAD 2.9 billion in total gaming revenue.

In other words, casino accounts for roughly three quarters of the province’s regulated online revenue.

Sports betting reshaped visibility, but casino sustains the economics.

Modern growth appears to be driven less by player acquisition and more by retention and increased engagement within the existing customer base.

A provincial and digital transformation

One reason the national picture can appear contradictory is that Canada does not operate a single gambling model.

Ontario runs a competitive regulated online market with dozens of licensed operators. Other provinces continue to rely primarily on government-operated platforms. Alberta has signalled plans to introduce its own regulated framework.

Since 2018, most of the meaningful growth data has been provincial and digital, not national and survey-based. While participation surveys provide a broad snapshot, provincial market reports reveal how play is evolving in practice.

The shift from retail-based lottery and venue gambling to app-based multi-vertical platforms represents a structural transformation. Gambling is increasingly platform-based, integrated into smartphones and digital ecosystems rather than tied to specific locations.

That structural change helps explain how the industry can grow even without broader participation.

Visibility versus participation

Following the legalisation of single-event sports betting, sportsbook partnerships and advertising have expanded across professional sport. Major leagues, including the National Hockey League, have entered into official betting partnerships at the league level, while Canadian competitions such as the Canadian Football League and Canadian Premier League have also announced sponsorship agreements with licensed operators.

Betting brands now feature prominently in arena signage, broadcast integrations and digital content, embedding gambling directly into the commercial presentation of professional sport.

Dmitry Arabuli, CEO at Tonybet, said: “Ontario regulation made gambling become much more visible in sports broadcasts, live events and daily sports culture. It opened significant opportunities for operators such as Tonybet to do business in Canada legally and build brand awareness through marketing and PR campaigns. For example, Tonybet has previously partnered with the Canadian Premier League and currently works with the Canadian Elite Basketball League.”

Arabuli added that these partnerships help operators connect with highly engaged sports audiences. “These partnerships help strengthen brand awareness, target high-value players, and improve customer retention by building trusted and long-term relationships in the Canadian market.”

Yet fewer Canadians report gambling than two decades ago.

This disconnect between rising visibility and declining participation creates a cultural tension. Gambling is increasingly framed as a routine extension of sport rather than a distinct commercial activity.

For younger audiences in particular, repeated exposure through live broadcasts and social media feeds helps position betting as part of the sporting experience itself, regardless of whether participation is expanding.

Visibility, in other words, is reshaping how gambling is perceived, even if it is not expanding its audience.

Selected examples of publicly announced partnerships, as of 13 March 2026, are outlined below.

Selected Professional Sports Betting and iGaming Partnerships in Canadian Sport

League / Organisation	Betting Partner	Nature of Partnership	Scope
National Hockey League (NHL)	ESPN BET; theScore Bet	Official league betting partner	North America / Canada
Canadian Football League (CFL)	ToonieBet	Official sports betting and casino partner	Canada
Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL)	TonyBet	Official online sportsbook partner	Canada
Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE)	Betty	Official online casino partner	Ontario

Sources: Various league and operator press releases; compiled by CasinoCanada.com.

Risk concentration and policy relevance

If growth is increasingly driven by more intensive digital play among a defined group of participants, the social and regulatory implications become more complex.

Market expansion rooted in activity rather than recruitment raises questions about how gambling risk is distributed. A smaller base of highly active players may account for a disproportionate share of wagering volume.

At the same time, regulators are increasingly focused on channelisation, responsible gambling tools and sustainable market design. If the future of Canada’s gambling market depends more on engagement intensity than expanding participation, policy debates may shift accordingly.

The conversation may move away from how many Canadians gamble and towards how gambling is structured, monitored and integrated into daily digital life.

The next phase

Alberta’s regulatory plans suggest Canada’s gambling evolution is not over. But the next stage may not be about expanding participation. It may be about managing a digital market driven by deeper engagement among a smaller group of players.

Canada’s gambling market is no longer expanding simply because more people are playing. It is expanding because the way people play has fundamentally changed.

The paradox remains: fewer players, larger market.

Methodological note: National participation figures are drawn from Statistics Canada surveys conducted in 2002 and 2018. More recent insights are based on publicly available provincial regulator reporting, which measures wagering, revenue and account activity rather than survey participation. As such, national participation trends and provincial activity data are not directly equivalent but are analysed comparatively to assess structural change.

The post Fewer Canadians gamble than 20 years ago. So why is Canada’s market still growing? appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.