Ontario's regulated iGaming market has kicked off 2026 with a new all-time high. According to figures published by iGaming Ontario, licensed operators processed CAD $9.52 billion in total cash wagers in January — narrowly surpassing the previous record of $9.501 billion set in December 2025, and representing a 21.4% year-over-year increase from January 2025's $7.8 billion.
Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) reached $402 million for the month, up 22% from $329 million in January 2025. The data paints a clear picture: Ontario's open iGaming market is not just growing — it's accelerating.
Online Casinos Drive the Surge
Breaking down the numbers by sector reveals where the momentum is coming from. Online casino games — the largest segment of Ontario's iGaming market — accounted for 86% of total wagers, with $8.2 billion processed in January alone. That's up 25.6% year over year from $6.5 billion. Casino NAGGR hit $309 million, a 33.8% jump from $231 million the prior year.
Sports betting handled $1.2 billion in wagers (roughly flat year over year) with $87 million in NAGGR. Peer-to-peer poker drew $156 million in total wagers, up 6.8% year over year, representing about 2% of the overall market.
More Ontarians Gambling Online
Behind the revenue headlines is a fundamental shift in player behaviour. The number of monthly active accounts on regulated Ontario platforms reached 1.33 million in January 2026 — up 20% from 1.106 million in January 2025. Average revenue per player account (ARPPA) sat at $303, a modest 2% increase from $297 the prior year, suggesting the growth is being driven by more players rather than heavier spending per player.
Ontario's channelization rate — the percentage of online gamblers using regulated, AGCO-licensed platforms — reached 83.7% as of April 2025, according to an Ipsos survey commissioned by iGaming Ontario. That means roughly one in six Ontario players is still using unregulated or grey-market sites, a gap that both iGO and the AGCO have identified as a continuing priority to close.
What This Means for Ontario Players
The growth of the regulated market has tangible benefits for Ontario players. Tax revenue from iGaming flows back into provincial priorities — healthcare, education, and responsible gambling programs. The AGCO's oversight means licensed operators are required to offer fair, audited games, transparent bonus terms with no hidden conditions, and player protection tools like deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options.
For players, the competitive environment between dozens of licensed operators continues to drive better bonus offers, more game variety, and improved user experiences across platforms. Our wagering requirements guide walks through how to evaluate those offers intelligently — a useful primer as the market gets more crowded.
Regulatory Developments to Watch
Ontario's iGaming framework continues to evolve. The iGaming Ontario Act, 2024 — enacted through Schedule 9 of Bill 216 — came into force on May 12, 2025, restructuring iGO as a fully independent corporation no longer operating as an AGCO subsidiary. The change is intended to give iGO sharper focus on market development and player protection, separate from the AGCO's enforcement role.
On the player safety side, Ontario launched its Centralized Self-Exclusion (CSE) program — branded as BetGuard — in 2026. The system lets players self-exclude from every regulated Ontario operator through a single application, a major improvement over the previous multi-site process. Our breakdown of BetGuard and what it means for Ontario players covers this in detail.
Alberta Looms on the Horizon
While Ontario continues to set records, the broader Canadian iGaming landscape is about to get more interesting. Alberta is expected to launch its own regulated iGaming market in Q2 2026 — potentially as early as April. Super Group, the parent company of Betway, has publicly stated it expects the Alberta market to go live during that window.
Alberta's approach will be overseen by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, with a newly created Alberta iGaming Corporation handling licensing and market operations. Operator application fees are set at $50,000 one-time, with $150,000 annual registration — notably different fee structures from Ontario's framework.
For Ontario operators, an Alberta launch creates a second major regulated market in Canada. For players, competition between provinces may drive further improvements in bonus offers and platform quality across the country.
The Bottom Line
Ontario's iGaming market didn't just survive its first four years — it's thriving. With $98.3 billion in wagers for all of 2025 and a record-setting January to open 2026, the trajectory is clear. The challenge that remains is closing that channelization gap: bringing the estimated 16% of players still on unregulated platforms over to the regulated, consumer-protected side of the market.
For Ontario players, the message is simple: stick to AGCO-licensed operators, read bonus terms carefully (our wagering requirements guide can help), and use the responsible gambling tools available on your platform. The market is growing fast — playing it smart is what matters most.