Casino growth in Canada surges amid supply chain uncertainty

Canada’s online casino landscape is experiencing explosive growth and improvements even as trade conflicts disrupt supply chains. The surge in digital wagering is evident, with concerns rising over tariffs impacting gaming technology in land-based venues. Leading online operators like BetMGM online casino in Canada are now capitalizing on this trend and have successfully transformed with the changes. This detailed article is grounded in current data and provides authoritative industry analysis. Continue reading below and explore how the iGaming sector is thriving amid broader uncertainty.

In the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, from April 2024 to March 2025, Ontario surpassed all expectations, generating CA$3.20 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), a remarkable 32% increase over the previous year. Wagering volumes also soared to CA$82.7 billion, up 31% year-over-year, with casino games comprising the lion’s share. This expansion underscores how digital play fills a void created by disruptions in physical machine supply, highlighting a structural shift toward online casino engagement.

Canada's gaming sector is unique in relying heavily on U.S.-supplied slot machines and video lottery terminals (VLTs). Following President Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian exports, the following provinces began restricting the acquisition of American-made gaming hardware. 

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• British Columbia
• Nova Scotia.

Alberta single-handedly controls roughly 16% of Canada’s VLT and slot machine market. These procurement bans have created uncertainty in casino operations and may impact player experience, though online alternatives have surged to fill the gap.

As in-person casinos face hardware shortages and increased costs, prominent digital platforms like BetMGM Casino have gained traction. BetMGM is a mobile-friendly platform licensed through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and backed by land-based counterparts. This gambling platform exemplifies how regulated operators are well-positioned to capitalize amid physical sector strain. Last year, Ontario welcomed 49 licensed iGaming operators across 77+ online brands, including BetMGM. This generated more competition, diversity, and consumer trust.

Data from April 2025 shows average monthly revenues per active user hit approximately CA$ 287, with 1.09 million active accounts. This is a 20% increase year-over-year. Approximately 83.7% of players used licensed platforms, signaling trust in regulated digital venues. Gamblers cite accessible mobile apps like BetMGM’s and robust, responsible gambling controls as key reasons for migrating online.

Approximately 72% of online wagers are placed via mobile devices. This number is rising steadily, with more online casino sites turning to mobile compatibility and downloadable casino apps. BetMGM online casino in Canada offers both an intuitive mobile casino app and a responsive mobile website, enabling seamless play at home or on the go. In contrast, traditional casinos struggle with hardware shortages and fixed-site limitations.

Ontario’s regulated model was launched in April 2022. This model aims to even out the competition and security within the casino sector. Operators like BetMGM must comply with the following:

• Transparent licensing
• Consumer protections
• Financial audits.

IPSOS reports affirm widespread trust that over 80% of Ontario players now prefer online licensed gambling platforms. This confidence has directly fueled revenue growth and eased migration from grey-market sites.

As U.S. gaming hardware becomes less accessible, Canadian casinos rely on legacy equipment. Retail interruptions unexpectedly accelerate online adoption, with players seeking uninterrupted game variety like slots, table games, and live dealer casino games as they are all available digitally. BetMGM and similar high-ranking online casino operators offer immediate access while construction delays impact physical venues.

Tariffs have triggered inflation and slowed broader economic growth. Provinces facing trade disruptions are increasingly turning to gambling revenue. This includes both land-based and online casinos, as it brings in supplemental income. Ontario’s CA$3.20 billion in iGaming revenue has provided essential tax contributions, benefiting provincial budgets during economic turbulence.

While Ontario leads with CA$3.2 billion in revenue, other provinces lag. For example, British Columbia is only on CA$470 million, and Alberta is around CA$235 million. However, the Ontario model is shaping national trends. It is said that Alberta is poised to launch regulated iGaming by 2026, which will be a boon for digital gambling and companies like BetMGM.

As North American and global iGaming growth accelerates, operators are scaling using advanced technologies such as:

• Mobile-first designs
• Diversified gaming libraries
• AI-led personalization.

Canada’s top online casino, BetMGM, has woven into a global gaming ecosystem. It is more resilient than hardware-dependent outfits, making future expansion and market capture likely. Meanwhile, land-based casino venues may need to negotiate alternative supplier deals or Canadian-made hardware, potentially delaying modernization.

Canada’s online casino expansion underscores a pivotal shift in that many physical sector challenges have bolstered digital adoption. Ontario’s CA$3.2 billion iGaming milestone and soaring wagering volumes reflect a well-regulated environment powered by mobile convenience, operator trust, and strong market appetite. Platforms like BetMGM Canada are thriving in this climate, offering regulated, reliable, and robust alternatives as supply chain uncertainty looms. While tariff effects will complicate the future of land-based gaming, iGaming stands as Canada’s bright spot, ready to maintain momentum amid economic flux.

This article was written in cooperation with BetMGM