Ontario’s regulated iGaming market attracted significant attention before its launch in 2022.

The province already had an established consumer base and strong interest in online gaming. Regulation created a new framework for operators, technology companies, payment providers, and other businesses in the industry.

The launch also raised broader questions about where Canada’s online gaming market could go next.

Three areas stood out: market growth, payment technology, and responsible gaming.

Market Growth

Gaming has long been an important part of Canada’s entertainment industry.

According to the Canadian Gaming Association, gaming is one of the largest segments of Canada’s entertainment sector.

The legalization of single-event sports betting in 2021 also changed the market. Provinces gained more flexibility in how they approached sports betting and online gaming.

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Ontario Leads the Way

Ontario became the first Canadian province to launch a regulated iGaming market.

The launch gave eligible international operators a path into the province’s regulated market.

Several major operators entered Ontario during the early stages of the market. The launch also attracted strong consumer interest.

The early response created interest in whether other provinces would follow Ontario’s approach.

Alberta and Other Provinces

Ontario was not the only province exploring changes to its gaming market.

Alberta also began examining options for expanding regulated sports betting and online gaming.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis agency announced plans to seek proposals from businesses interested in participating in the province’s sports betting market.

The developments in Alberta showed that interest in regulated gaming extended beyond Ontario.

As more provinces consider their own approaches, businesses entering Canada will need to understand the differences between provincial markets.

Payment Technology

Payment technology is another important part of Canada’s online gaming market.

Consumers expect payment experiences to be fast, secure, and easy to use. Local payment methods can also play an important role in meeting consumer expectations.

Pay by bank is one example of an account-based payment approach used in Canada.

Payment providers such as Paramount Commerce offer leading pay by bank solutions such as Interac e-Transfer®, Instant Bank Transfer, and other account-based services designed for the iGaming and sports betting experience.

When evaluating payment infrastructure for the Canadian market, businesses may want to consider:

• Local payment methods: Are familiar Canadian payment options available?
• Bank coverage: Can the payment provider connect with banks across Canada?
• Transaction speed: How quickly can deposits and withdrawals be processed?
• Risk controls: What tools are available to identify and manage transaction risk?
• Verification: Can the provider support applicable account and identity checks?
• Compliance: Does the payment setup support relevant regulatory requirements?

Payment needs can also change as a market develops. Businesses entering Canada should consider both current consumer expectations and how their payment infrastructure can adapt over time.

Responsible Gaming

Market growth is only one part of the story.

Consumer protection has also been a major focus of Ontario’s regulated gaming framework.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario established requirements covering responsible gaming, advertising, consumer protection, and other areas.

Responsible Advertising

Advertising rules are designed to help protect consumers.

The AGCO’s standards include requirements related to:

• Protecting minors and other vulnerable individuals
• Avoiding misleading advertising
• Managing inducements, bonuses, and credits
• Supporting responsible gambling

Businesses operating in Ontario need to understand these requirements before launching marketing campaigns.

Responsible Gaming Programs

Operators are also expected to support responsible gaming initiatives.

This includes providing consumers with tools and information that can help them make informed decisions.

Responsible gaming programs are expected to remain an important part of Canada’s regulated gaming market as more provinces develop their own frameworks.

What Comes Next?

Ontario’s launch created a new model for regulated online gaming in Canada.

Other provinces have since continued to evaluate how they want to approach online gaming and sports betting.

As the market develops, several areas will remain important:

• Provincial regulation
• Consumer protection
• Responsible gaming
• Advertising standards
• Payment technology
• Fraud and risk management
• Data and privacy

What Comes Next?

Canada’s online gaming market will continue to evolve as more provinces develop their regulatory frameworks and operators adapt to changing consumer expectations.

For operators entering or expanding in Canada, payments will remain an important part of the customer experience. Local payment methods, bank coverage, transaction speed, verification, risk controls, and compliance can all affect how a payment strategy performs.

Looking at payments for the Canadian market? Explore pay by bank solutions can support iGaming operators with Canadian payment needs, or connect with Paramount Commerce to discuss your payment requirements: https://www.paramountcommerce.com/book-a-demo

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