Ontario iGaming Market Hits Record $9.88B in Wagers as Casino Play Surges

Ontario's regulated iGaming sector achieved a significant milestone in July 2026, recording CAD$9.884 billion in total wagers - a 4% increase compared to June and a new record for the province's online gambling market. The growth reflects sustained momentum in Canada's most mature iGaming jurisdiction, with casino play emerging as the dominant driver of expansion.

Casino wagering climbed 6% month-over-month to CAD$8.78 billion, commanding 89% of the overall market handle. This substantial segment generated CAD$330.4 million in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR), representing an 80% share of total provincial revenue. Sports betting handle reached CAD$992 million, though this segment declined 4% from June, while peer-to-peer poker remained a minimal contributor at CAD$116 million in handle.

Overall market revenue reached CAD$413.6 million in non-adjusted gross gaming revenue, up 3% month-over-month. The active player base expanded to 1.365 million accounts, representing a 3% increase from the previous month. Average revenue per active player held steady at CAD$303, suggesting the market's growth is being driven by increased participation rather than changes in player spending patterns.

A catalyst for July's performance was the FIFA World Cup tournament, which ran from June 11 through July 19 and encompassed matches across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The international sporting event generated record-setting handle numbers across Ontario's licensed sportsbooks, offsetting an otherwise modest decline in sports betting activity as the tournament concluded.

The province also witnessed its first major new market entrant when Hard Rock Bet launched in Ontario during July. This marked Hard Rock's inaugural international expansion beyond the United States, leveraging the brand's association with Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, which opened in July 2025. The platform combines sports betting with an online casino offering more than 3,000 games including slots, table games, and live dealer content.

Ontario's regulatory framework continues to support operator diversity. The market now comprises 48 licensed operators managing 83 active gaming websites. This measured approach to licensing maintains competitive pressure while ensuring regulatory oversight remains manageable for provincial authorities.

The July results underscore the maturity of Ontario's iGaming market, which launched in April 2022 and has experienced consistent growth despite initial concerns about cannibalization from the gray market. The CAD$9.88 billion handle demonstrates that consumer demand for regulated online gambling remains robust. Casino verticals continue to dominate player spending, consistent with long-standing patterns in North American iGaming. As additional brand launches occur and market penetration deepens, the trajectory suggests Ontario could sustain record-setting performance in coming months.