Key Moments:
- Ontario sportsbook revenue in September fell 23% month over month
- Total cash wagers in Ontario increased by 5% compared to August
- Active player accounts rose 15%, while average revenue per account declined 15%
Revenue Falls as Betting Volume Rises
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market experienced notable shifts in September, as disclosed by iGaming Ontario. While total cash wagers climbed by 5% over August to CA$8.55 billion, overall revenue slipped 2% to CA$329.4 million. This dynamic was visible in the sports betting vertical, where gross revenue declined 23% month over month to CA$46.5 million, despite sports wagers surpassing the CA$1 billion threshold for the first time since April.
Impact of Blue Jays, NFL, and NHL Seasons
Ontario sportsbooks benefited from heightened activity driven by the Toronto Blue Jays’ unexpected playoff surge, the start of the NFL season, and excitement leading up to the NHL season. As a result, total sports betting cash wagers reached CA$1.061 billion, representing a 39% increase from August and a 12% market share. However, the strong hometown support for the Blue Jays has been linked to increased liabilities for operators, contributing to the drag on sportsbook revenue.
Casino Remains Dominant
The casino segment continued to outpace other categories, generating CA$7.343 billion in total cash wagers—a 2% increase, resulting in an 86% market share. Casino revenue reached CA$277.8 million, up 4% from August, accounting for 84% of the market.
Player Account Growth and Poker Performance
September saw a 15% increase in active player accounts in the Ontario market, although the average revenue per account dipped 15% to $282 compared to August. Peer-to-peer (P2P) poker activity contracted, with cash wagers totaling CA$144 million (down 4% month over month) and revenue at CA$5.1 million, a 25% decrease, for a 2% market share.
Ontario iGaming Market – September Highlights
| Vertical | Total Cash Wagers (CA$) | Revenue (CA$) | Change in Wagers (MoM) | Change in Revenue (MoM) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Betting | 1,061,000,000 | 46,500,000 | +39% | -23% | 12% (wagers), 14% (revenue) |
| Casino | 7,343,000,000 | 277,800,000 | +2% | +4% | 86% (wagers), 84% (revenue) |
| P2P Poker | 144,000,000 | 5,100,000 | -4% | -25% | 2% (market share) |
| Total | 8,548,000,000 | 329,400,000 | +5% | -2% |
- Author
Daniel Williams
