Online Gambling Trends in Canada for 2025
The Canadian online gambling scene is evolving rapidly in 2025, with new trends and hot topics shaping the way players enjoy their favourite games and betting options. Let’s take a look at what’s currently trending and what’s on the horizon!
What’s Hot in the Canadian Mobile Gambling Market:
Mobile gaming continues to dominate the Canadian gambling scene as more players opt for convenience and entertainment on the go. Top mobile casinos are offering seamless experiences on both Android and iOS, with dedicated apps and fully optimised mobile websites.
When it comes to sports betting, ice hockey remains the most popular sport to bet on — no surprise given Canada’s passion for the game! Following closely are basketball, soccer, and American football, with mobile sportsbooks offering live betting and in-play options to enhance the thrill.
As for mobile casino games, slots continue to conquer, with themed video slots, classic slots, and progressive jackpots attracting the most attention. Players also enjoy mobile table games and live dealer games.
Crypto Gambling: Gaining Ground
Cryptocurrency continues to be a hot topic, with more Canadian players embracing the benefits of crypto gambling. From Bitcoin and Ethereum to newer coins like Litecoin and Dogecoin, crypto casinos are on the rise. Players are drawn to fast transactions, increased privacy, and lower fees. Plus, many platforms offer exclusive crypto bonuses and promotions, making it an attractive option for modern gamblers.
While Ontario has established its own regulated iGaming market, the rest of Canada remains more open, allowing offshore operators to cater to players. Crypto casinos have become particularly popular outside of Ontario, where regulations are less stringent, giving players more flexibility in choosing their preferred platforms.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, expect to see more innovations in both mobile gaming and crypto casinos. With the rise of AI-powered games and VR experiences, the gambling landscape is bound to become even more immersive. Additionally, there may be further regulatory changes as other provinces watch Ontario’s model and consider their own frameworks.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the hottest trends and the most reliable platforms in the Canadian online gambling world!
Gambling Legalities in Canada
It is illegal to start an online casino within the borders of Canada offering services to the population. As a rule, Canadian based online casinos are all state-run and regulated by the provincial governments, so that fair and responsible gambling can be monitored in the region.
There is one exception to state-run operators: The Kahnawake Indian reserve in the Mohawk territory of Quebec offers casinos the opportunity to operate within their borders. The local government turns a blind eye to it, as the reserve is semi-dependent; run mainly by the tribal Chieftains. All 200 casino businesses within this jurisdiction are independently regulated.
Provincial gambling regulation started back in 1970, but of course did not include online activities, as it was too early for this technology. So, gambling was offered in the form of race-betting, land-based casino entertainment, and video lotteries, which were often run to fund charities and the like.
Online gambling offered from outside of the country is not illegal for Canadian residents, even though the state would rather have its citizens playing at well-regulated institutions within the country. As a result, there are a great number of first-class casinos offering their services to Canadian residents from international bases in Europe and beyond.
"75% of Canadians are involved in some form of gambling, with lotteries (45%) reigning supreme. Sports betting (12%) while casinos (26%) follow closely behind. Males of the 45-64 age group of Canada participate more in gambling. Low-income individuals gamble more and face greater risks of problem wagering. 65% of Canadians over 18 have gambled in past years." (Source: National Crowdfunding & Finetech Assosiation)
Ontario Online Gambling and Regulations
Happily for players, as of April 2022, a new regulator has come on board, making it possible for online casinos in Ontario to operate fully legally! Many casinos have already been approved, a lot are applying, and we are sure many will follow. With this speed, the AGCO regulator is quickly becoming one of the biggest and most competitive in North America.
The new iGaming Ontario Market has various requirements, rules, and restrictions for online casino operators and players, such as users only allowed to play at casino sites in Ontario only if they are 19 years or older. This and the other rules by AGCO are valid for the borders of Ontario, and players cannot register or play outside of them.
While having a regulated market in Ontario is great news for all players in the area, we still advise them all to get familiar with details about the Ontario license and the specifics of gambling services and activities in the region.
CasinoWow Recommends: If you are interested in learning more about how everything works in Canada, you can check out our guide on gambling regulations in Canada.
You should also keep in mind that this page is solely dedicated to Canada outside of Ontario, so the regulations in this region and all the rest differ. Not only that, but also the legal gambling age is different in the different provinces of Canada. Here they are:
- Legal age 18: Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta.
- Legal age 19: Yukon, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Top Customer Service and Regulation
The big wide web can be a daunting place for an eager gambler. There are several rogue casinos out there that are responsible to no one for their methodology and business practices. Dealing with these casinos could cost you money and time and bring tremendous heartache.
Our ‘WOW’ approved Canada casino list offers reputable casinos regulated by some of the finest licensors in the world. We suggest that you remain with casinos regulated in jurisdictions like:
When you see a licence issued by either the UKGC or MGA, you can truly rest assured that their business practice, security measures, and gaming software are top-notch.
CasinoWow has offered you only casino brands with a proven track record of ethics and security. Rest assured that the casinos on our list will treat you with utmost care. Most offer a 24-hour live chat line should you need a speedy resolution to any situation.
Ensuring that the casino’s software is regularly audited is a good idea. All of the best Canadian casinos online employ outside auditing companies, such as eCogra and TST to perform testing on their platforms and systems, to ensure that they all fall within the industry standard.
Language and Currency at Canadian Casinos
Casinos are offering their services to Canadians in English and French (for those in Quebec). It is vitally important to play games in a tongue that you understand because a misunderstanding could cause you much frustration, not to mention cost you money.
Some vital terms and conditions need to be understood regarding gameplay, bonus options, playthrough requirements, withdrawal procedures and limits, etc.
Оnline casinos in Canada offer you to bet in CAD (Canadian Dollars). This is a great benefit, as playing in another currency may be a little confusing. Being aware of the value of each wager staked, and each win or loss made is vitally important to good bankroll management.
Sitting with a calculator converting currency is not ideal when gambling online. Moreover, receiving pay-outs in your currency means that you will not have to pay extra foreign exchange conversion costs from money withdrawn.
At Canadian casinos, there is also the option to play online with crypto. This allows players to make the most of the hottest crypto bonuses and explore new crypto games while betting with crypto wallets and currencies.
Important Characteristics of the Canadian Online Casinos
We believe that it's important for you to be well-prepared before you start playing for real money in Canada. That's why we did our research and selected the most important factors that form a casino into a safe and secure gambling space. Before you start playing, consider the factors below.
1. Currency and Language Availability
We already mentioned that some casinos offer betting in CAD (Canadian Dollars) and are in English or French. However, before registering and playing, check out the casino's website and the currencies in it.
On this page, we've recommended casinos that respond to those requirements to make your gameplay truly safe and convenient.
2. Safe Payment Options
Players in Canada have access to many different payment options, from fiat to crypto and hybrid, but it's always important to make sure you choose casinos that offer the best and most secure ones. Before you start playing, ask yourself these questions: Which payments offer instant withdrawals? Which payments are most secure, and I'll be sure to get my money? Which payments I can use for fast deposits?
We'll take a closer look into the payments further on this page, but for now remember these recommendations from us: VISA & Mastercard, iDebit Canada, Instadebit Canada, Interac, and Neosurf.
3. Customer Support
Another really important matter to take into account is the customer support provided by the casino you choose. Always go for those that offer 24/7 customer support, whether it's via email, phone, or chat. Having someone who can assist you with any problems that may appear with your account can be crucial.
Leading Casinos in the Canadian Market
Just because Canada is far from the gaming hub of Europe does not mean that they are relegated to second-tier online casinos. The first-tier operators are beating on the door of Canadian players regularly. Canadians can play at top-rated casinos that hold the finest software and licensing, such as Roobet Casino, Brutal Casino, and BitStarz Casino.
Light up and get ready to experience this one-of-a-kind crypto casino with more than 3000 casino games and fun ways to play.
Brutal Casino is a popular hybrid casino with a quality range of promotions and tournaments. Enjoy over 2,000 games and VIP rewards.
BitStarz is a top-rated online casino, offering Bitcoin and regular money betting on over 6,000 games.
Join Shotz Casino today to experience a fun-filled, safe and secure crypto-gambling experience with the best games, top bonuses and more.
Enter a world of luxury with Lucky Ones Casino on desktop or mobile and take your pick of 9,500+ games and daily promotions.
These five casinos are the ones we consider most convenient for real-money gaming in Canada. However, if you want to make a choice of your own, here is how to make an informed decision! We've prepared a checklist of what you need to be looking for when picking an online casino to play at in Canada!
Checklist for choosing the best online casino in Canada
Checking these factors will help you find a safe and enjoyable online casino in Canada:
- Licensing & Regulation – Make sure the casino has a valid license from reputable authorities like the UKGC, MGA, or Curacao.
- Game Selection – Look for casinos with a diverse range of games, including slots, table games, live dealer options.
- Payment Methods – Check if the casino supports Instadebit Canada, iDebit Canada, Interac, Neosurf, debit/credit cards, or crypto for seamless transactions.
- Security & Fair Play – Verify SSL encryption, RNG certification, and responsible gambling measures for a safe experience.
- Bonuses & Promotions – Compare welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs, ensuring fair wagering requirements.
- Withdrawal Speed – Choose casinos with fast and hassle-free withdrawal processes, preferably under 24-48 hours.
- Customer Support – Look for 24/7 support via live chat, email, or phone to resolve any issues quickly.
- Mobile Compatibility – Ensure smooth gameplay on mobile devices through dedicated apps or mobile-friendly websites.
- CasinoWow's take – Read our unbiased casino reviews, guides, and news to make an informed decision!
We always want to be sure you can make the right decision, so we've worked hard on our casino reviews. Not only that, but we also took the time to make a list of all the casinos we do not recommend you play at! They are all unlicensed casinos and blacklisted.
You can also check out this handy summary of the pros and cons of playing at Canadian online casinos:
Pros & Cons of Online Gambling in Canada
Advantages
- Diverse Options: Players can access both regulated and offshore casino platforms.
- Variety of Games: Wide selection of slots, live dealer games, and sports betting options.
- Convenient Banking: Multiple payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and crypto.
- Mobile Accessibility: Most online casinos are optimised for smartphones and tablets.
- Competitive Bonuses: International operators offer generous promotions and loyalty programs.
Disadvantages
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Outside of Ontario, casinos operate in different ways.
- Tax Considerations: Professional gamblers may be subject to taxation on winnings.
- Addiction Risks: Easy access to gambling platforms can lead to problem gambling.
Crypto gaming experience in Canada
In Canada, the online gambling landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the growing adoption of cryptocurrency casinos. Players are increasingly exploring platforms that accept digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, attracted by benefits such as enhanced privacy, faster transactions, and access to a diverse range of games.
Legal Considerations in Canada
The legal status of cryptocurrency gambling in Canada remains ambiguous. While owning and using cryptocurrencies is legal, their application in online gambling operates in a grey area due to the lack of specific regulations addressing this practice. This creates uncertainty for both operators and players, as the legal standing of crypto gambling platforms remains unclear.
Considerations for Canadian Players
Given the uncertain legal framework, Canadian players interested in crypto casinos should exercise caution:
- Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on the latest regulations concerning both online gambling and cryptocurrency use in Canada.
- Ensure Security: Select platforms that implement robust security measures, hold valid licenses, and have positive user reviews.
- Understand Tax Implications: Be aware that, unlike the Canadian dollar, crypto assets are not legal tender in Canada, and a government or central bank doesn't issue or oversee them. (Source: Government of Canada)
In summary, while crypto casinos present an innovative and potentially rewarding avenue for online gambling, Canadian players must navigate a complex legal environment and should proceed with informed caution.
Safe and Secure Payment Methods
Having a great selection of casinos to play at is one thing, but do they offer easy payment and withdrawal options when you want to deposit and withdrawal cash? CasinoWow listed casinos have a variety of options available for you. Aside from the standard bank transfer or EFT/Wire transfer options, there are several safe and speedy banking methods offered by Canada Casinos. These often include:
Credit and Debit Cards
Most online payments are still concluded by debit and credit cards these days. It probably has something to do with the familiarity of the process. Most working people have a debit or credit card and are therefore knowledgeable about the payment procedures involved. The deposits are usually made swiftly, although withdrawals can take a few days.
Instant Banking
Instant banking allows you to process electronic transfers from your bank account through a third-party banking service. This adds an extra layer of security for your data, as no information need be inputted on the casino site. The third-party provider offers protection and security of your transfer via banking level multi-layer encryption. Payments occur instantly. However, withdrawals can not often be made this way. Two prominent Canadian Instant Banking methods include Instadebit and Citadel Canada, which are commonly offered by Canada online casinos.
E-Wallets
Electronic Wallets are a digital third-party payment facility that allows you to deposit and withdraw cash from online casinos in record time. Most deposits and withdrawals are instant and attract a minimal cost. E-Wallets allow for you not to have to input financial data at your chosen casino. Merely login to your account and submit the payment request.
The most efficient E-Wallets used for online casinos include Skrill, Neteller and PayPal.
Casino Bonuses and Promotions for Canadian Players
Canadian online casinos often offer exclusive bonuses and promotions, especially for those playing in CA$. This ensures a bit of pampering time, as you are afforded extra bucks to try your hand at a plethora of games available. Check out our list of the latest bonuses at Canadian online casinos.
Common promos include first-time play bonuses involving free spins and deposit match incentives at times. Though these bonuses are subject to wagering and playthrough requirements, one can hardly scoff at free money that affords you the chance of extra wins.
There are no specific restrictions you need to look out for. All you need to do is make sure you are playing at a licenced online casino for Canada and read the reviews for it, to make sure you can enjoy a safe and entertaining play there.
However, some of the bonuses that stand out are deposit match bonuses, crypto bonuses and specific casino bonuses for Canada.
An example of such bonuses, only for Canadian players, is the BitStarz Welcome Bonus for Canada. It offers a first deposit 100% match bonus up to CA$400 or 1 BTC + 20 instant free spins.
Responsible Gambling in Canada
Over 70% of Canadians partake in some form of gambling annually. In 2002, 18.9 million Canadians gambled, with lotteries & occasional games leading the way. Stated by NCFA Canada.
Another important stat from Statistics Canada is:
1.6% of adult gamblers in Canada, or 304,400 persons, are at moderate to high risk of gambling disorders, including mental health issues, runaway debt, stress to families, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
This shows a high risk of gambling problems in the country, and we feel it's our responsibility to share that with you. CasinoWow is dedicated to providing safe environments for gambling without any risks.
Apart from the AGCO in Canada, there is The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). They are an independent non-profit organisation helping with the prevention of problem gambling in Canada for 40 years. If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can contact them and ask for help.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is another appropriate channel to seek help from. They have a hotline and medical services for anyone that needs then.
Canadian Online Casinos Summary
Canada’s online gambling market is thriving, offering players a mix of regulated provincial platforms and offshore casino sites. While Ontario has a fully regulated iGaming market, the rest of Canada operates in a legal gray area, allowing residents to access international online casinos. Canada has different areas and they all have their own legal restrictions, rules, and allowances. So, make sure you are well-informed before you start playing.
As for gaming, players in Canada enjoy a vast selection of casino games, from slots and live dealer games to sports betting. Ice hockey remains the most popular sport for betting, but other markets like basketball, football, and esports are gaining traction. The rise of mobile gaming and cryptocurrency casinos further diversifies the industry, with more players opting for digital payment solutions and blockchain-based platforms.
The Future of Canadian Online Gambling
The industry continues to evolve, with potential regulatory shifts that may impact offshore casinos. More provinces may follow Ontario’s model, leading to a fully regulated market nationwide. Additionally, the rise of cryptocurrency gambling and mobile-first gaming platforms is shaping the future of online casinos in Canada.
Disclaimer: Please remember that we are not providing legal counsel and that gambling regulations vary between Canada and Ontario. Always follow the laws of the region you are in so you are fully informed.
We've tried our best to share all about the gambling laws, regulations, games, bonuses, payments and casinos in Canada, but if you think something can be added or have any other questions on the topic, please feel free to contact us, and we will gladly discuss it with you!
CasinoWow is in the business of linking the best players with the best providers. We want to ensure that you are kept secure and suitably entertained. As such, we have done all the leg work in selecting the best online casinos in Canada to service your needs. If you want to play just about any online casino game with peace of mind, then choose from our online casino list and be WOWed!