Despite significant regulatory efforts, unlicensed online gambling operators still command a substantial portion of the Canadian market. While Ontario leads the country in regulating online gaming, other provinces continue to struggle with competition from grey market operators.
According to H2 Gambling Capital, as of March 2024, Ontario's total online gaming revenue reached $3.17 billion, with 93% of activity now occurring on regulated platforms. This represents a significant shift from pre-regulation levels, when offshore operators controlled 75% of the market. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) accounts for 16% of the regulated market, while private licensed operators hold 77%.
However, the situation varies across Canada. Alberta’s regulated platform, Play Alberta, has never captured more than 30% of the province’s online gaming market, leaving 70% to unregulated operators. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Loto-Québec fare slightly better, holding 49% and 44% of their respective markets.
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Super Group dominates Canada’s unregulated online gaming sector, holding 35% of the grey market share with brands like Betway, Spin, and Jackpot City. Other key players include Stake (10%), bet365 (9%), Sports Interaction (6%), and 888 (5%).
With Alberta considering regulatory expansions and Ontario targeting 95% market regulation by 2025, Canada’s gambling landscape is evolving. However, grey market operators continue to thrive, raising questions about future enforcement and market shifts.
