Canada

Fantasy Sports Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 – 2027)

Published

4 years ago

July 25, 2022

Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Fantasy Sports Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 – 2027)”

Key Highlights
In recent years, the introduction of multiple sports leagues in badminton, soccer, football (rugby), basketball, and volleyball has driven a shift in sporting culture. Technology advancements, increasing smartphone and internet penetration, have accelerated the growth of sports in various countries. An enthusiastic fan base has emerged, with an increasing number of people participating in, discussing, and competing in these sports, which has changed the way fans engage in sports, fueling the growth of fantasy sports.
Sports Tech is expected to create opportunities for highly skilled software engineers, data scientists, and cyber security professionals. It will likely increase sports viewership, sponsorships, and participation, directly impacting sports development. Hence, sports fan engagement platforms, such as Fantasy Sports, are altering how fans interact with live sporting events.
Several software and platforms are introduced in the market to help the users customize and analyze their players, allowing them to choose the right players for their draft based on data. For instance, according to The Analyst, in June 2022, the Stats Perform group introduced their new and improved NBA Draft Model, which helps the users/franchises to plan and choose their players based on a performance slider. These sliders represent different on-field actions and stats of a professional athlete, giving an overall DRIP rating and helping users make the appropriate choice. Some sliders include boxes, passes, shooting, post-ups, attacking, etc.
One of the major market drivers for online sports gambling and fantasy sports is the convenience offered when compared to other channels, particularly when the betting is conducted through a connected mobile device such as a smartphone. Bets are placed through computers, smartphones, and other connected devices through the internet. With the increase in the proportion of bettors who place a bet using mobile internet, there are increasing growth opportunities for the market.
Further, increased internet penetration and usage of low-cost smartphones among the urban and rural populations, and realization of monetization through revenue streams, like in-app purchases, pay-per-download, and subscription services, by gamers, and in-app advertisements, incentive-based advertisements, etc., by the ecosystem, have been driving the growth of fantasy sports market.
As fantasy sports are similar to sports betting, they can position themselves as an important and legal alternative to sports betting in the future. However, the fairness and legality of fantasy sports and the secure nature of transactions are known only to fewer people, suggesting that further awareness and education should be required to familiarize people with these core aspects of fantasy sports.
Even though COVID-19 caused problems for some fantasy leagues, these leagues have remained active despite the shortened professional seasons starting in 2021. Despite the pandemic’s setback, the long-term prospects for fantasy sports are anticipated to stay positive. The market has seen a major influx of new participants and well-funded new startups due to renewed interest brought on by the legalization of “sports betting”in the United States. People’s obsession with fantasy sports is a major factor in the industry’s expansion. According to Sensor Tower, ESPN fantasy sports had 60,000 downloads and made USD 30,000 in revenue during July 2020. ?

Key Market Trends

Fantasy Soccer to Hold a Major Share

Fantasy football or soccer is the most popular, just like the real game, with thousands of leagues to compete in. According to FIFA, football, or soccer as it is more often known in the United States, has over 5 billion fans worldwide. Some major football leagues include Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga, MLS, Serie A, Ligue 1, etc.
Fantasy soccer has various equivalent formats played worldwide with over nine million participants. Entrepreneurs are offering these sports platforms from multiple locations to appease the growing demand from fans for virtual versions of their preferred sports.
The fantasy football leagues (for soccer) often replicate the official leagues in various jurisdictions, such as Fantasy Premier League, Fantasy La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, etc. However, players can also build customized leagues with several possibilities.
Various leagues have partnered with fantasy sports platforms to engage fans better and increase their fan base. For instance, in March 2022, MLS announced a multi-year partnership with Sorareto to launch non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for all MLS clubs and players that can be collected and used by the platform’s 1.5 million users across 184 countries in its blockchain-based fantasy game. Major League Soccer (MLS) created a new emerging venture team focused on three areas, increasing the league’s fan base, driving revenue, and bringing in new and emerging technologies to be utilized by the league and its 28 clubs.
Moreover, prominent market players such as DraftKings, FanDuel, etc., are generating revenues significantly from fantasy soccer platforms. For instance, according to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, In February 2021, DraftKings accounted for the highest share of adjusted revenue from fantasy sports in Pennsylvania, amounting to approximately USD 1,1170.03 thousand. In comparison, FanDuel’s fantasy sports revenue reached roughly USD 743 thousand.

North America to Hold a Significant Market Share

North America presently holds a prominent position in the football (rugby) fantasy sports market. In the future, it will account for notable expansion due to economic growth, the increasing demand for football (rugby), a growing number of internet-accessible tools, and sports sponsorships, partnerships, acquisitions, and innovations.
For instance, in February 2021, To expand current daily fantasy sports (DFS) and content partnership to Canada, the National Football League (NFL) and DraftKings Inc., a pioneer in the digital sports entertainment and gaming industry and for its daily fantasy sports and mobile sports betting apps, have made a partnership. The two organizations’ connection has been strengthened by the announcement of an expanded agreement, which will also improve the DFS user experience in Canada as the NFL season moves closer to the Super Bowl.
American football (rugby) has a much more significant player base than other fantasy sports like fantasy baseball, basketball, or ice hockey in the US. Since the NFL accepted the concept of fantasy leagues considerable percentage of all fantasy league players nationwide currently participate in fantasy football (rugby). For decades, all fantasy leagues were unofficial and had no connection to the NFL. DraftKings became the league’s first official daily fantasy partner in 2019. Through the agreements, the operators will have access to official game information and content and a presence on NFL.com and the official NFL app.
Fantasy football (rugby) and fantasy gridiron football are the two most prominent fantasy sports in the United States. Due to rising interest in football leagues like the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League (GOPPPL), National Football League (NFL), and American Football League, football (rugby) alone commands the largest portion of the fantasy sports market.
Canada has a significant gaming industry. Canada’s gaming industry is diverse, from online gambling to fantasy football and multiplayer first-person shooter games. The expansion of the Canadian fantasy gaming market has been driven by several key factors such as technological innovations, consumer preferences for new products, shifts in public perception, and innovation. This has further translated into interest from international companies wanting to make a strong foothold in Canada.
The region is witnessed various acquisitions for increasing performance metrics. For instance, in December 2021, A daily fantasy sports business called Betcha Sports, which blends gaming with social networking elements, was acquired by Vivid Seats for USD 25 million in Vivid Seat stock.

Competitive Landscape

The Fantasy Sports Market is fragmented, and the companies are leveraging strategic collaborative initiatives to increase their market share and increase their profitability. However, with technological advancements and product innovations, mid-size to smaller companies are growing their market presence by securing new contracts and tapping new markets.

April 2022 – DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation announced that they have agreed to a deal to expand their relationship and pave the way to offering the DraftKings online and retail sports betting experience in Puerto Rico, subject to applicable licenses and regulatory approvals being obtained. The DraftKings retail sportsbook will be located inside the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and is expected to open in the coming weeks, pending receipt of applicable licenses and regulatory approvals. Once complete, the space will feature a massive video wall, bar and dining services, two over-the-counter ticket windows, and six betting kiosks.
December 2021 – Flutter Entertainment plc announced the acquisition of Sisal, Italy’s prominent online gaming operator, from CVC Capital Partners Fund VI for a consideration of EUR 1.913 billion / GBP 1.62 billion. The acquisition fully aligns with the Group’s strategy of investing in building leadership positions in regulated markets globally.

Canada

High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval

Published

5 hours ago

July 10, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

high-5-games-expands-across-alberta’s-open-igaming-market-following-aglc-supplier-approval

High 5 Games, the creator of premium casino content for the land based, online and social gaming markets announced it has secured supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), extending its games beyond Play Alberta to all licensed operators in the province’s newly opened commercial iGaming market.

High 5 Games has entertained Alberta players since 2024 through Play Alberta, the province’s government operated gaming platform, where titles such as DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and more have become established player favourites. With Alberta’s commercial market now open, that same proven portfolio is available to all licensed operators entering the province.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market will be opening on July 13, 2026, making it the second Canadian province after Ontario to welcome private sector operators. Overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), the market launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, one of the most anticipated regulated market openings in North America this year.

The approval extends High 5 Games’ regulated North American footprint, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia. Alberta players will gain access to High 5’s catalogue of player favourite titles, including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and other titles through launch partnerships with operators.

“Alberta players already know and love our games through Play Alberta, that is a head start no newcomer to this market can claim. With the open market live, every operator in the province can now offer their players the award winning High 5 titles they have been playing for years, from day one.” says Tony Singer, CEO at High 5 Games.

High 5 Games’ content is certified across New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, British Columbia and the studio has developed more than 300 games over three decades of game making.

The post High 5 Games Expands Across Alberta’s Open iGaming Market Following AGLC Supplier Approval appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

AGLC

High 5 Games wins AGLC supplier approval ahead of Alberta iGaming launch

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

high-5-games-wins-aglc-supplier-approval-ahead-of-alberta-igaming-launch

The supplier can now distribute its online casino titles beyond Play Alberta to all licensed operators in the province.

High 5 Games has secured supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), allowing the studio to supply its online casino content to all licensed operators in Alberta’s newly opened commercial iGaming market.

The company has been live in the province since 2024 via Play Alberta, the government-operated platform, where it said titles including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank and Green Machine have become player favourites. With the commercial market now open, High 5 Games said the same portfolio can be offered across operators entering Alberta.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market is set to open on July 13, 2026, becoming Canada’s second province after Ontario to allow private-sector operators. The market is overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) and launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, according to the company.

High 5 Games said the AGLC approval expands its regulated North American footprint, which it listed as including New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. The company said it has developed more than 300 games over three decades.

The post High 5 Games wins AGLC supplier approval ahead of Alberta iGaming launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BCLC

Canada’s Safer Gambling Gap: Why Market Success Doesn’t Always Equal Player Safety

Published

1 day ago

July 9, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

canada’s-safer-gambling-gap:-why-market-success-doesn’t-always-equal-player-safety

Canada’s online gambling market is the third-largest in the world. It generated approximately CAD 13.15 billion in 2025, growing faster than virtually any other country. By the metrics the industry tends to reach for, it is a success story.

Unfortunately, where many of the metrics that matter for player protection are concerned, the story is different. Unlike several other countries, Canada has no national self-exclusion register and no national licensing framework.

While Ontario is regulated, and there is a lot of excitement around Alberta opening its regulated market this summer, the overwhelming majority of online gambling in the country still happens on unlicensed platforms.

An Ontario or Alberta player who self-excludes still can gamble through offshore sites or outside the province. Canada has no single stop button.

Key Findings

Canada has no national self-exclusion register, no national licensing framework, and the last national survey predates the legalisation of single-event sports betting.
Offshore leakage outside Ontario ranges from 49% to 93% by province. The offshore market grew at 40% year-on-year in 2025.
Ontario has a 91.1% channelisation rate, but 20.2% of players also play on unregulated sites.
Player awareness of RG tools in Ontario stands at 65.4%, according to iGO’s own Leger survey baseline. No province publishes data on actual tool uptake rates.
A CMAJ study found gambling helpline contacts in Ontario rose 198% after market privatisation, concentrated almost entirely in men aged 15 to 44.

A Fragmented System

Canada’s gambling framework is a product of its constitution. Sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act distribute authority to the provinces, and Section 207 of the Criminal Code permits them to conduct and manage lottery schemes within their own borders. A 1985 federal-provincial agreement completed the transfer, leaving Ottawa without a gambling regulator and the country without national standards of any kind.

The result is ten parallel regimes, all operating at different standards. Ontario operates an open market, and Alberta is building a similar structure. Every other province runs a government monopoly: BCLC’s PlayNow, Loto-Quebec’s Espace-jeux, and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.

The issue is that there is no connection between these. A responsible gambling tool in one province has no power in another. A self-exclusion registered in Ontario does not block a player from gambling elsewhere.

Changes do not appear to be on the horizon, with no federal legislation on those issues currently before Parliament.

The Offshore Risks

The Blask 2025 USA and Canada iGaming Landscape Report highlights the scale of this problem. Saskatchewan carries an estimated 93% offshore leakage rate. Alberta and Manitoba sit at 88%. Quebec, where Loto-Quebec has operated since 2010, holds only around 17% of a market estimated at CAD 2.3 billion.

Even British Columbia, with years of PlayNow operations behind it, retains approximately 49-51% of its online market, according to Blask’s reports. Offshore platforms grew at 40% year-on-year in 2025, nearly double the 23% growth of domestic licensed operators.

Ontario’s Success and Limits

Ontario deserves genuine credit for its current position, and it is often hailed as an example of a strong regulatory market.

The regulated market generated CAD 82.7 billion in wagers and CAD 2.9 billion in gross gaming revenue in FY2024/25. Channelisation, measured by the share of online gamblers using regulated platforms, reached 83.7% in early 2025 and 91.1% on the most recent IPSOS survey.

However, the Ontario story is often viewed as the national story, and this is not the case. Even within the province, 20.2% of players using regulated platforms also gamble on unregulated sites.

BetGuard, launched in May 2026, finally delivered the centralised self-exclusion system that the market should have had from day one, allowing a player to exclude from all regulated platforms at once.

The early take-up numbers show more than 500 people registered for BetGuard in its first two weeks. That is not a negligible start, and iGaming Ontario has stated it will measure the platform’s success by renewal rates, term lengths selected, and connections to addiction support services.

However, Ontario’s market has 1.235 million active player accounts. The gap between the scale of the regulated market and the early uptake of the tool is wide.

The deeper problem is that BetGuard is province-bound. A player who is excluded in Ontario is not blocked elsewhere.

Many other countries have solved this problem. GAMSTOP in the UK covers all licensed remote operators under a single registration. Spelpaus in Sweden does the same across online and land-based channels. BetStop in Australia covers approximately 150 licensed wagering providers with a five-minute sign-up.

Canada has no equivalent, and there is currently no route to making one.

What the Evidence Says

The academic case for nationally coordinated self-exclusion is strong. A comparative review of self-exclusion programmes across multiple jurisdictions found that the reach and enforcement of any scheme vary directly with how completely it covers the market.

A review of BCLC’s voluntary self-exclusion programme found that 97% of participants who gambled while excluded did so at venues not covered by their agreement. The exclusion worked where it applied, but not beyond that.

The tool-uptake literature is equally sobering. Studies analysing voluntary deposit-limit setting across large player populations find uptake rates in the low single digits over three-month periods. Ontario does not publish equivalent figures, but iGO’s own Leger survey in 2024 found that only 65.4% of regulated players were aware of available RG tools.

The gap between knowing a tool exists and using it is consistently wide, and no regulator publishes data on actual tool engagement rates. That absence is itself a significant accountability problem.

Where public health data does exist, it is alarming. British Columbia’s 2025/26 prevalence study found that 35% of past-year online gamblers showed moderate or high-risk behaviour.

The most striking recent evidence comes from a January 2026 CMAJ study analysing contacts with Ontario’s ConnexOntario helpline over thirteen years.

The study found that gambling-related contacts increased from a monthly rate of 13.4 per million before online gambling launched, to 17.0 after PlayOLG’s introduction, to 26.2 following the market opening in April 2022.

The increases occurred almost exclusively in adolescent boys and men aged 15 to 44, with the 15-to-24 age group estimated to have seen contacts rise by 337.8%.

A regulated market that generates record-breaking wagers and a near-200% increase in gambling-related helpline contacts simultaneously is simply demonstrating that market growth and player protection are not the same thing.

The Future

Alberta’s launch will introduce centralised self-exclusion from day one, requiring all registered operators to integrate with AGLC’s self-exclusion programme as a condition of registration.

This is a huge step in the right direction, but, like BetGuard, it will still be province-bound.

The case for a shared register is strong. Licensed operators are also competing with offshore threats. A functioning national self-exclusion infrastructure, combined with the channelisation benefits that a well-regulated market delivers, serves their commercial interests as directly as it serves players’ welfare.

If Canada is going to solve its responsible gambling issues, it needs to admit that the fragmented framework has shortcomings in customer care and stop using Ontario’s success as a stand-in for the country as a whole.

The post Canada’s Safer Gambling Gap: Why Market Success Doesn’t Always Equal Player Safety appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.