Ontario’s online gambling market just shattered another monthly record. Players across the province wagered CAD $9.25 billion in October — the highest since regulation began in April 2022. It’s the third straight month of growth and a 24% jump over last October’s total.
For the average online casino or sportsbook user, that translates to more competition, better game selection, and operators eager to attract and keep your attention.
Casino Gaming Remains Ontario’s Powerhouse
Online casino games continue to dominate. Of October’s $9.25 billion in wagers, nearly $7.9 billion came from casino play — a staggering 85% of total activity. That translated to $303.8 million in operator revenue, a 43% increase compared to the same month last year.
Slots, blackjack, and live dealer games remain go-to choices, and it’s clear that casino operators are stepping up their platforms to keep players engaged. Whether it’s improved user interfaces, faster payouts, or richer bonus offers, the product is evolving fast.
Sports Betting Climbs, But Operators Feel the Pinch
With the NFL, NBA, and NHL seasons in full swing — plus lingering interest from the Blue Jays’ playoff run — sports betting surged to $1.23 billion, up 16% from September.
But more betting didn’t mean more revenue for sportsbooks. They pulled in $58.3 million for the month, as favorable outcomes for players chipped away at margins. The hold rate sat at just 4.7%, suggesting bettors enjoyed better-than-usual returns on their wagers.
Poker Sees Modest Boost as Legal Shift Opens the Door to Bigger Action
Peer-to-peer poker saw $131 million in wagers, with revenue climbing 10% to $5.6 million despite a slight drop in betting volume. While poker is still a smaller piece of Ontario’s iGaming puzzle, a major legal development could change that.
A recent Court of Appeal decision clears the way for Ontario to open up player pools internationally. This means local players could soon be competing in larger, cross-border tournaments — potentially unlocking higher prize pools and a more dynamic poker ecosystem.
Player Activity Hits Record Levels
Ontario’s market isn’t just growing in dollars — it’s growing in users. October saw 1.29 million active player accounts, up 36% from a year ago and 9% from the month before. Average revenue per user reached $286.
More accounts, more competition, and a deeper menu of betting options are good news for players. Operators are offering better loyalty programs, sharper odds, and smoother tech as they fight to keep users engaged.
What This Means for Ontario Players
Whether you’re spinning slots after work or locking in a Sunday parlay, there’s never been more to choose from. With new operators entering the market and the game selection growing, players are seeing better value and improved platforms all around.
The big question is whether this momentum can last. Winter sports, holiday promotions, and potential cross-border poker pools suggest there’s still plenty of fuel in the tank.
For now, Ontario is setting the pace for online gambling in North America — and players are right at the center of the action.
