Top 6 Milestones That Shaped Canada's Digital Gaming Landscape in 2024
Canadian digital gaming saw significant developments in 2024, with six major stories shaping the industry landscape.
Alberta's New Gaming Framework Alberta announced plans for a competitive, regulated igaming model similar to Ontario's system. Major operators like PointsBet Canada, Betway, PENN, and NorthStar expressed interest in entering the market, with an expected launch in mid-2025.
Ontario's Market Expansion The Ontario market grew to 50 licensed operators and 82 gaming websites. Q2 2024-25 showed:
- Total wagers: $18.7 billion (31.7% year-over-year increase)
- Gaming revenue: $738 million (35.4% year-over-year increase)
- Created 15,000 jobs
- Generated $1.24 billion in government revenues
Canadian flag waves against blue sky
AGCO's New Advertising Standards February 2024 saw stricter advertising rules in Ontario:
- Ban on athletes in igaming advertising
- Restrictions on celebrities appealing to minors
- Public support: 68% of Canadians favored banning current players and celebrities from betting ads
Player Participation Trends IPSOS study revealed 86.4% of Ontario players used regulated sites, up from 85.3% in 2023. This marks significant progress from the 70% unregulated play before market regulation.
Ontario Superior Court Decision The court dismissed Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke's challenge to Ontario's gaming model, confirming iGaming Ontario's approach aligns with the Criminal Code.
National Advertising Legislation Bill S-269, aimed at developing national gaming advertising standards, cleared the Senate but faces delays in the House of Commons due to:
- Privilege debate over unredacted documents
- Upcoming October 2024 election
- Political uncertainty in minority government
The bill's fate remains uncertain as the House reconvenes on January 27.
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