Ontario’s regulated online gambling market continues to gain ground, with new figures from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario showing that 91.1% of players in the province are now using licensed operators.
The AGCO said the latest results point to strong channelization in the market, meaning the vast majority of gamblers are choosing legal and regulated platforms instead of offshore or unlicensed alternatives. The regulator described the figure as a positive sign for player protection efforts and market oversight.
Ontario launched its regulated iGaming framework in April 2022 and has since become one of the largest open online gambling markets in North America. The province allows private operators to offer online casino games, sports betting and poker under the supervision of the AGCO and iGaming Ontario.
According to the regulator, the high participation rate in licensed platforms reflects growing consumer awareness and confidence in the regulated sector. Officials noted that licensed operators must meet strict standards related to responsible gambling, anti-money laundering measures, game integrity and player fund protection.
The AGCO also pointed to ongoing enforcement activity against unregulated operators. The regulator has repeatedly warned offshore companies targeting Ontario residents without approval and has taken action against firms failing to comply with provincial rules.
Industry observers have often highlighted channelization as one of the key measurements of success in newly regulated gambling markets. Higher channelization rates are generally seen as evidence that regulation is working by moving players away from black-market sites and into safer, monitored environments.
Ontario’s online gambling sector has expanded rapidly since regulation began, attracting major international brands and generating billions in wagers each quarter. Regulators believe maintaining a competitive legal market remains essential to keeping players within the licensed ecosystem.