Ontario’s iGaming Revenue Soars Amid Calls for Ad Restrictions

Ontario’s iGaming market achieved a remarkable milestone in December, recording a non-adjusted gross gaming revenue of CA$425.4 million, a 5% increase from November. Cash wagers surged to over CA$9 billion, reinforcing the province’s status as one of the largest regulated gaming markets globally.

However, this financial success comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of sports gambling advertisements. A coalition of over 40 senators is now advocating for a ban on these ads, citing their impact on public health, and calling for immediate action to curb their influence on Canadians.

Ontario’s Record iGaming Performance

December’s financial data reveals total cash bets reached CA$9.501 billion, a 2% increase from November’s previous record of CA$9.33 billion.

The province’s non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) also set a new benchmark at CA$425.4 million, reflecting a 5% month-on-month growth.

Despite a 2% drop in active player accounts, average revenue per account rose 7% to CA$334. The casino sector continued to dominate, generating CA$320.5 million in revenue and capturing 75% of the market share.

In contrast, sports betting revenue declined to CA$99.1 million, while peer-to-peer poker saw a modest increase. As the market evolves, 48 licensed operators and 82 gaming websites are now active in Ontario, with more expected to join in 2026.

Senate Calls for Ad Ban

The debate surrounding sports betting in Canada has gained momentum. Senator Rob Black of Wellington County has joined the chorus advocating for a ban.

In a letter directed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Black and over 40 fellow senators are urging the government to take decisive action against advertising for sports gambling apps and websites.

The letter calls for both legislative and regulatory measures to curb sportsbook marketing across various platforms, including directives to the CRTC. The senators emphasize that since the legislation of single-event sports betting, Canadians have been overwhelmed by ads.

Ontario Public Health Concerns

The senators argue the ads are no longer just “part of the broadcast,” but are beginning to overshadow the sports themselves, and that their pervasive presence risks normalizing gambling.

The senators’ letter emphasizes public health issues, citing The Lancet’s description of gambling as an “expanding public health threat.” They advocate for restrictions on gambling promotion, marketing, and sponsorship, linking the surge in advertising to the legalization of single-event sports betting.