Ontario’s iGaming market has become the benchmark for Canadian provinces considering open licensing. Launched in April 2022, the province now hosts 49 operators across 84 betting sites. In 2024, it generated CA$3.2 billion in gross gambling revenue—up 32% year-over-year—and contributed over CA$1.4 billion in tax revenue. With a channelisation rate nearing 90%, Ontario has proven that a regulated environment can successfully lure players away from offshore sites.
BC Ready to Make the Leap?
British Columbia could soon follow Alberta into regulated iGaming. Legal expert and Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) board member Peter Czegledy says there’s mounting momentum for BC to embrace a competitive model. Currently, the province’s only legal platform is the government-run PlayNow. But with an active unregulated market and untapped tax revenue, Czegledy sees room—and reason—for change.
“BC is a significant jurisdiction with an established gaming industry,” he said. “It has a capable regulator and recent legislative updates suggest gambling remains an active file for the government.”
While BC has yet to formally commit to regulation, Czegledy notes that the province has the infrastructure and political readiness to manage a shift, assuming proper direction and resources are provided.
Pressure Builds as Alberta Moves Forward
Alberta, having legalized iGaming in May 2024, is drafting regulations with a launch expected in 2025 or 2026. A recent Ipsos survey commissioned by the CGA found that 77.3% of Alberta gamblers use offshore sites, while only 10.4% use the province’s official platform, PlayAlberta—a stark indicator of how much ground a regulated market could recover.
BC’s Offshore Problem
In British Columbia, just 39.6% of gamblers use PlayNow, while 60.4% turn to unregulated platforms. Those figures not only reflect lost provincial revenue but also raise concerns about player protection—key motivators behind Ontario’s earlier move.
Czegledy believes BC has the right ingredients to take the leap. “With proper mandate and funding, the province’s existing regulator can manage the responsibilities of a broader market.”
Quebec Hesitant Despite Public Support
Once viewed as a likely third mover after Ontario and Alberta, Quebec has instead held firm to its monopoly model, with Loto-Québec as the sole operator. Despite growing support for change—67% of Quebecers back liberalisation according to a 2023 Mainstreet Research survey—the government remains resistant.
Opponents argue that state-run oversight offers stronger consumer protection. Czegledy agrees the concerns are valid and predicts Quebec will take a unique path—likely slower and more independently governed.
Change Is Coming—One Province at a Time
According to CGA CEO Paul Burns, the debate has moved past “if” to “when.” With offshore operators still dominating across much of the country, the pressure to modernise is mounting. Ontario’s success has made a compelling case—and now, BC appears next in line.
As Alberta finalises its plans, BC and Quebec have become the provinces to watch. Canada’s shift to open iGaming remains cautious—but the trajectory is clear.
