Nova Scotia is monitoring the expansion of regulated online gambling in Ontario and Alberta, with the province’s Finance Minister John Lohr confirming that the government is considering its options.
- Nova Scotia is examining Ontario and Alberta’s regulated online gambling markets as it considers potential changes to its own legislation.
- Finance Minister John Lohr raised concerns about unregulated gambling websites and the province’s limited oversight over their activity.
- Opposition politicians have urged the government to proceed with caution.
According to a report by Global News, John Lohr said, “We’re watching what’s happening in Ontario and Alberta, in particular, very carefully. And obviously, those are conversations that are underway right now.”
Ontario opened its regulated online gambling market in April 2022, while Alberta followed suit in July 2026.
Nova Scotia currently has one government-authorized online gambling platform that is operated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, which provides online casino games and Nova Scotia sports betting services.
However, residents can also access offshore gambling websites that operate outside provincial regulation.
Lohr said the widespread availability of unregulated online gambling platforms presents a “very significant” challenge for the province, particularly regarding gambling addiction and other negative health impacts.
He added that the government has limited oversight of online gambling activity taking place through these services.
Proceed with caution
New Democratic Party Leader Claudia Chender has urged the province to approach any potential gambling regulatory changes cautiously, citing concerns about the consequences of greater government participation in the industry.
Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin also called for a public health risk assessment to be completed before any expansion is considered.
Concerns have also arisen about the potential effects of market expansion.
A recent study from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that emergency department visits related to gambling disorders in Ontario had doubled since the province regulated online gambling and legalized single-event sports wagering.
Senior scientist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Dr. Peter Selby, also highlighted the risks for young people. He referred to survey findings showing that the proportion of Ontario high school students who said they had gambled online rose from 1% in 2019 to 9% in 2026.
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Ontario iGaming revenue rises 26.2% in September
As Nova Scotia considers potential changes to its own gambling legislation, Ontario’s latest revenue figures highlight the continued growth of its regulated online gambling market.
Figures released by iGaming Ontario reported that total wagers reached CA$9.71 billion in September, representing a 13.6% year-over-year increase. Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue also rose 26.2% year-over-year, reaching CA$416.3 million.
Online casino gaming generated the largest share of the province’s total revenue, bringing in CA$340.8 million, in addition to accounting for CA$8.50 billion of the total handle. Sports betting revenue climbed 47.3% year-over-year to CA$69.1 million.
The market also recorded a new high of 1.41 million active player accounts, representing a 20.1% year-over-year increase.
