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Canadian Online Casinos: Ontario Hits Record $22.7 Billion in Wagers in Q3 2024-25

Gamblers in Ontario achieved a new high in total bets for Q3 2024-25, as per information published by iGaming Ontario. 

Ontario's market continues to expand, featuring 50 operators and 83 authorized gaming sites reporting activity in the quarter that concluded on Dec. 31, 2024. Total bets reached $22.7 billion (excluding bonuses), marking a 22% rise from Q2 ($18.7 billion) and a 32% growth compared to Q3 2023-24. 

Internet Casino Leads the Industry 

Total gaming revenue ($825.8 million) saw a 10% rise from Q2 and a 25% rise compared to Q3 of the previous fiscal year. Gaming revenue encompasses the total cash bets, including rake fees, tournament charges, and other costs, across all operators, subtracting player winnings from cash wagers, and does not factor in operating expenses or other obligations. 

Casino games maintain a strong presence in the market – accounting for 83 percent of total bets ($18.9 billion) and 78 percent ($644 million) of gaming income. Casino games featured slots, live and digital table games, along with peer-to-peer bingo. 

Canadian gaming: Sports Wagering Increases Gradually 

Wagering on sports, esports, proposition and novelty bets, and exchange betting constituted 15 percent ($3.4 billion) of overall bets (increased compared to Q2), making up 20 percent of gaming revenue ($166 million). 

Peer-to-peer poker accounted for 1.8 percent of overall bets ($418 million) and 1.9 percent ($16 million) of gaming income. 

Great Canadian Finalizes Casino Agreement 

Great Canadian Entertainment has finalized the sale of two casinos on the west coast to Petroglyph Development Group Ltd. (PDG) has obtained all necessary approvals from the regulatory bodies. 

The sale of both properties – Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria – was first revealed last summer and autumn. PDG is an entirely owned company of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. 

The Snuneymuxw are a First Nation from the Coast Salish People, situated in the center of the Coast Salish Territory on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, including the Gulf Islands, Fraser River, Burrard Inlet, and Howe Sound. 

Regulatory Authorizations 

Great Canadian Entertainment manages 25 venues throughout Canada, offering over 18,000 slot machines, 600 live table games, dining options, and live shows.

"An incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our corporate team, our on-site teams at both properties, and PDG to achieve this successful closing,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian. “I am grateful for their efforts, as well as everyone at the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, who were thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in facilitating these closings.”

The agreement is important for the First Nation, as stated by Ian Simpson, CEO of PDG. 

“Acquiring these assets marks a pivotal shift for Snuneymuxw and Vancouver Island,” he said. “This transition will fuel the Island’s economy, strengthening the Snuneymuxw Nation and ensuring the benefits stay local.”