Follow Ontario gambling market developments, laws, and operator updates.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation distributed nearly $6.9 million in hosting payments to Durham Region's municipalities and First Nations for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting the growing impact of local casinos.
Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, Stan Cho, has announced that changes to online gambling advertising laws are on the horizon. This comes in response to rising concerns from mental health experts about the impact of gambling ads on addiction.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has imposed a $120,000 fine on Great Canadian Entertainment after unauthorized gaming software was found at several casinos. The investigation revealed multiple instances of unapproved bill validator software, raising concerns about compliance and gaming integrity.
BetGuard has been launched in Ontario, allowing individuals aged 19 and older to voluntarily opt out of regulated online gaming platforms. This initiative aims to enhance responsible gaming practices and supports the government’s commitment to player protection. By opting out, players can prevent access to their accounts and receive no marketing communications from regulated igaming sites.
Ontario's iGaming market reached a historic CAD$9.6 billion in handle for March 2026, marking a 20.6% increase year-over-year. Despite a slight drop in active player accounts, gross gaming revenue rose to CAD$387 million.
Liberal MPP Lee Fairclough has introduced Bill 107, targeting online gambling advertising in Ontario. The proposal comes in response to a dramatic rise in gambling-related calls, particularly among young individuals. With penalties that could reach $1 million, Fairclough argues that such advertising contributes to a growing public health crisis.
February brought a notable decline in Ontario's online gaming and sports betting revenue, dropping 14.7% to CA$342.4m. This marks the third consecutive month of revenue below CA$400m. Active player accounts also saw a decrease, signaling potential challenges in the market.
