Ontario’s iGaming Landscape Sees Growth: Casino Games Lead the Charge
In April, Ontario’s digital gaming sector reported a significant surge, with overall iGaming revenue reaching CA$313.2 million (approximately US$228.7 million). This figure represents a notable 25.3% increase compared to the same month last year, showcasing the resilience of the online gaming market in the Canadian province, even amid shifting consumer spending habits.
According to iGaming Ontario, the total revenue exceeded $250 million in April, surpassing the previous month’s tally and registering a 5.8% increase from March’s CA$296 million. A significant portion of this revenue—CA$242.8 million—came from casino games alone, marking a robust 35.6% growth year-on-year. In contrast, sports betting contributed CA$64.5 million, remaining stable compared to the previous year’s figures, and poker generated CA$5.9 million, a slight uplift of 3.5%.
When dissecting the revenue distribution, online casinos dominated the landscape, accounting for an impressive 78% of total revenue. Sports betting trailed with a 21% share, while poker held a modest 2%.
Spending Trends Among Ontario Players
Despite the uptick in revenue, consumer spending patterns indicated a tightening. Total wagers in April reached CA$7.8 billion, reflecting a 26.4% year-on-year increase. However, this amount fell short of March’s CA$8 billion, illustrating a 2% decline in month-on-month spending.
Breaking down the betting behaviors, online casino wagers surged by 29.4% from last year, totaling CA$6.58 billion. Meanwhile, sports betting saw a 14.1% increase, reaching CA$1.07 billion. Poker remained steady, with wagers at CA$144 million, although all categories experienced a slight dip from March’s figures.
Active player engagement also demonstrated growth, with 1.1 million accounts recorded in April—up 20.3% from the previous year and showing a 2.8% rise from March. The average revenue generated per active account climbed by 4% from last year to CA$287, and it was also 2.9% higher than March’s average.
The trends observed in Ontario’s iGaming market reflect a dynamic landscape, enriched by substantial growth in casino gaming, despite some fluctuations in consumer spending. As players continue to engage with online platforms, the evolution of the iGaming scene promises ongoing intrigue and potential for expansion.