The regulated online gambling sector in Ontario finished March with a new record in monthly handle, marking four years of consistent growth since launching its province-licensed iGaming marketplace.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario's regulated iGaming market hit a new wagering record in March with $9.59 billion in total handle.
- Online casino products generated 82% of all operator revenue.
- Sports betting handle declined 9% year over year despite the market's overall performance.
The handle for the month stands at $9.59 billion, slightly more than the previous $9.52-billion record set in January.
When it comes to revenue, iGaming operators reported $387 million. This marks a 13% increase compared to the previous month, though it is not at its peak of $426 million reached in December 2025.
Compared to the same month last year, the handle of online gambling in Ontario increased by almost 21%, and revenue grew even higher by 30%. Ontario online casino products continue to drive most of that activity. iCasino handle grew nearly 26% year over year, generating $318.5 million in revenue for the month and accounting for 82% of total operator earnings.
Ontario sports betting told a different story. While handle crossed back over the $1-billion mark at $1.08 billion, that figure is 9% lower than March 2025 and the weakest monthly sports wagering total since September.
Online poker had its strongest month on record. Peer-to-peer poker hit $183 million in handle and $6.9 million in revenue, though it still accounts for less than 2% of Ontario's total iGaming activity.
Active accounts reached 1.235 million, up 17% from a year ago, though that number was the lowest of any month since September, partly reflecting a wave of platform shutdowns during the period. Through the first quarter of 2026, Ontarians wagered $27.8 billion on licensed sites, with operators collecting $1.13 billion in revenue.
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Ontario legislators push to ban iGaming ads
As the market continues to grow, a parallel conversation about its social costs has moved from public commentary to formal legislation.
Bill 107, known as the Stop Harmful Gambling Advertising Act, proposes amendments to the Gaming Control Act of 1992. It would prohibit licensed operators and their marketing partners from promoting gambling through any channel.
The public health argument supporting the bill centers on data tied directly to the market's 2022 launch. Calls to ConnexOntario, the province's mental health and addictions helpline, rose 144% after the regulated market opened.
Demographic data also points to growing involvement among young men, with roughly one-in-three Canadians aged 18 to 29 now participating in online gambling, and one-in-four of those reporting significant harm.
Critics warn that reduced visibility for licensed operators could make it harder for consumers to tell regulated platforms apart from unlicensed ones. Across the pond, illegal operators have captured more than 70% of the online gambling revenues in locations where there are stringent advertising laws, per the European Casino Association.
However, the chances of the bill becoming law appear slim because the Liberal Party, which created the bill, doesn't control the provincial parliament.
