Ontario’s Online Gambling Landscape: A Two-Year Review

Since Ontario embraced an open, regulated online gaming market two years ago, a recent study commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario reveals a significant shift towards regulated platforms among gamblers in the province. Conducted by IPSOS, the study indicates that a staggering 86% of players now prefer regulated sites, marking a milestone in the quest to minimize the use of underground and unregulated gaming platforms.

"This marks another significant stride in our ongoing efforts to provide players and businesses with a secure, competitive, and safer online gaming environment," remarked Attorney General Doug Downey. He further expressed anticipation for iGaming Ontario's sustained success and its pivotal role in shaping the global online gaming landscape.

Key Survey Findings

Males emerged as the primary online gamblers, constituting 64.5% of regulated iGaming site users in the past three months, as opposed to 35.5% of females. Notably, the 35-54 age group exhibited the highest engagement in online gaming, accounting for 42.5% of consumers, followed by the 19-34 age bracket at 38.7%. Education-wise, individuals with university degrees displayed the highest participation at 38.1%, followed by high school graduates or less at 31.9%.

From an income perspective, 52.5% of individuals earning below $75,000 engaged in online gaming, compared to 47.5% of those earning above $75,000. Moreover, statistics revealed varying frequency levels of online gambling: 35.2% in the past year, 29.5% in the past three months, and 20.3% in the past month.

Ontario's Rise in the Global Gaming Market

Ontario's strategic regulatory reforms have propelled it into one of the world's largest regulated online gaming markets. Vixio, a leading regulatory intelligence company, ranked Ontario sixth globally by gross gaming revenue in 2023, surpassing established markets like Michigan and New York. Additionally, iGaming Ontario received the prestigious 2023 Regulatory Initiative of the Year award from Vixio, acknowledging its remarkable contributions.

Insights into Betting Preferences

iGaming Ontario provided insights into customers' gaming preferences over the past fiscal year. The province's online sports betting market, featuring 27 operators, ranks among the top five in total wagers in North America. Basketball emerged as the most popular sport, with a diverse array of over 60 sports markets available.

In the casino segment, constituting approximately 82% of total wagers, blackjack emerged as the favoured table game, commanding a significant share of total table game wagers. With more than 5,000 certified games and 47 operators, the casino category offers a plethora of choices, including slots, live and computer-based table games, and peer-to-peer bingo.

Despite being the smallest segment, online poker witnessed remarkable growth, with Ontario becoming the largest ring-in online poker market by gaming revenue in North America. This trend underscores the strong affinity Ontarians hold for poker.

Looking Ahead

As Ontario enters its third year in the regulated online gaming market, stakeholders are poised to leverage these insights to enhance player experiences and further invest in the province's gaming ecosystem. Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, expressed anticipation for future developments as the organisation collaborates with operators to delve deeper into Ontario players' interests.

The success of Ontario's regulated online gaming market not only reflects its commitment to player protection but also underscores the province's emergence as a global leader in the gaming industry.