Year-End 2024 Review of Canada's Online Gambling Industry
In the vibrant world of Canadian gaming, the second quarter of fiscal-2024 witnessed a significant milestone as the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority reported its highest quarterly net revenue of $461.7 million, marking a 13.8% year-over-year increase.
The Canadian gaming landscape has been a bustling hub of activity, with several notable events taking place throughout the year. In January 2024, Aristocrat and IGT announced deals with Loto-Quebec to distribute video lottery terminals in the Quebec market, starting in the summer. These deals aimed to enhance the gaming experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Canadian gaming industry has also been focusing on implementing stricter advertising standards. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) released new advertising standards in February 2024, prohibiting the use of athletes and celebrities who would likely appeal to minors in internet gaming advertising and marketing in Ontario. This move was supported by a Maru Public Opinion survey in March 2024, which found that most Canadians wanted current team players and celebrities banned from sports betting ads, and two-thirds said commercials should not be allowed during live sports games/events.
The Ontario Superior Court also dismissed an application brought forward by the Mohawk Council of KahnawaΜ:ke challenging the Ontario government's move to allow online gaming in the province, further solidifying the province's commitment to regulated igaming.
In the realm of online casinos, Joseph Hillier was appointed as the next CEO for a Canadian company in 2025, becoming the President and CEO of iGaming Ontario effective September 8, 2025. Meanwhile, Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, announced her retirement effective December 31, 2024, and will stay on until a replacement is found in March 2025.
The BCLC was recognised for excellence in player health, awarded the World Lottery Association's Level 4 certification in January 2024. This certification underscores their commitment to responsible gaming practices.
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) also reported record-breaking profits, with $346.6 million in gross revenue for their recent fiscal year.
In partnership news, FanDuel announced a new partnership with the Professional Women's Hockey League in November 2024, becoming an Official Sportsbook Partner and exclusive In-app Streaming Partner. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) also added Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto as host of its first ever international circuit event in March 2024.
The annual Canadian Gaming Summit was held again at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in June, where it was confirmed that a new, regulated, open, Ontario-style igaming market for Alberta was set to launch in mid 2025. Deloitte's Economic Contributions of Ontario's Regulated iGaming Market - Year 2 report, released at the Summit, stated that Ontario's regulated competitive igaming market sustained nearly 15,000 jobs and added a combined $1.24 billion to federal, provincial, and municipal government revenues.
Lastly, Rivalry, a Toronto-based sportsbook and igaming operator, launched a new crypto product called the Rivalry Token. This move marks a significant step towards embracing digital currency in the Canadian gaming sector.
As the Canadian gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and innovative gaming experiences for players across the country.
