Key Moments:
- Ontario sports betting revenue increased by 27% month-over-month in September, according to iGaming Ontario
- Total wagering volume reached CA$9.71 billion ($6.94 billion), while non-adjusted gross gaming revenue climbed 5% to $416.3 million ($297.7 million)
- Active player accounts hit a record high of 1.413 million, marking a 17% increase month-over-month
Football Season Kickoff Energizes Wagering Activity
The onset of the football season spurred a significant increase in sports betting across Ontario in September. Sportsbook cash wagers rose by 27% from the prior month to $1.074 billion ($768 million), boosting market share in this segment to 11%. This growth in betting activity coincided with the NFL’s return, while online casino betting still claimed the largest share of the market despite a 3% month-over-month decrease in cash wagers to $8.504 billion ($6.08 billion), accounting for 88% of the total.
Peer-to-peer poker also saw gains, with handle up 7% to $130 million ($93.0 million), representing 1% of the market.
Revenue and Player Engagement Reach New Highs
Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue for the province climbed 5% over August to $416.3 million ($297.7 million). Sports betting revenue stood out, increasing by 27% month-over-month to $69.1 million ($49.4 million), comprising 17% of the revenue mix. Online casino remained the largest earnings segment with $340.8 million ($243.7 million) in revenue, representing an 82% share after a 1% monthly increase. Peer-to-peer poker revenue also climbed 14% from August, reaching $6.4 million ($4.58 million) and making up 2% of revenue.
This growth extended to player participation as the number of active player accounts soared 17% to a record-setting 1.413 million. Meanwhile, average revenue per active player account declined by 10% to C$295 ($210), reflecting the impact of seasonal football promotions and increased player acquisition.
Ontario’s Expanding Gaming Market
Ontario’s regulated gaming environment, which launched in April 2022, now includes 49 licensed operators and 84 gaming sites based on figures from iGaming Ontario. The market continues to expand, with Fanatics Casino entering in early September after the recent launch from Hard Rock in July.
A potential change looms on the horizon for online poker, as the Supreme Court of Canada reviews a case that could permit provincial operators to pool liquidity internationally for peer-to-peer gaming and daily fantasy sports.
Ontario iGaming Market – September Performance
| Category | Wagers | Month-over-Month Change | Market Share | Revenue | Month-over-Month Change | Revenue Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casino | $8.504 billion ($6.08 billion) | -3% | 88% | $340.8 million ($243.7 million) | +1% | 82% |
| Sports Betting | $1.074 billion ($768 million) | +27% | 11% | $69.1 million ($49.4 million) | +27% | 17% |
| Peer-to-Peer Poker | $130 million ($93.0 million) | +7% | 1% | $6.4 million ($4.58 million) | +14% | 2% |
- Author
Daniel Williams
