Key Takeaways
- Recent Ipsos research reveals 91.1% of Ontario’s gambling community now engages exclusively with licensed, regulated operators—a 7.4% increase from the previous year
- Usage of exclusively illegal gambling platforms plummeted from 16.3% to 8.9%, representing nearly a 50% decline
- Prior to the 2022 launch of Ontario’s regulated framework, approximately 70% of participants used unlicensed operators
- Provincial authorities cite the findings as validation that their regulatory approach effectively safeguards consumers and combats unlicensed operations
- Alberta plans to introduce its regulated online gaming marketplace on July 13, drawing inspiration from Ontario’s achievements
Significant Momentum in Ontario’s Licensed Gaming Sector
Four years following the establishment of Ontario’s legitimate online gaming marketplace, fresh research demonstrates that the overwhelming majority of participants have abandoned unlicensed platforms. Survey data from Ipsos, commissioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario alongside iGaming Ontario, indicates that 91.1% of the province’s gambling participants now engage with regulated services.
This represents a 7.4% improvement from the preceding year’s findings. When Ontario first established its regulated framework in April 2022, approximately 70% of participants were utilizing unlicensed platforms.
The migration from illegal operations has been consistent and measurable. Participants reporting exclusive use of illegal platforms decreased from 16.3% in the previous year to just 8.9% currently. This represents a reduction of nearly half within a single twelve-month period.
Since the marketplace opened, the AGCO and iGaming Ontario have engaged Ipsos to perform these yearly assessments. The collected information helps measure advancement and identify persistent unlicensed operations.
Doug Downey, Ontario’s Attorney General, stated the findings validate the province’s strategic direction. He characterized Ontario as a global benchmark for sustaining a secure and competitive online gaming environment.
According to Dr. Karin Schnarr, who serves as CEO of the AGCO, the trend toward regulated platforms is promising. She emphasized that the commission continues prioritizing efforts to eliminate the remaining illegal marketplace.
Consumer Safeguards Within the Regulated Framework
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market operates under enforceable regulatory standards, the AGCO explains. These requirements encompass consumer protection measures, gaming integrity protocols, and responsible gambling provisions.
Unlicensed platforms lack comparable safeguards. The AGCO warns that illegal operations jeopardize participant data and financial assets. These sites also fail to prevent criminal activities including money laundering and competitive manipulation.
Stan Cho, serving as Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, emphasized that player protection has been a governmental priority. He highlighted responsible gaming features integrated into the regulated environment as particularly significant.
According to Joseph Hillier, President and CEO of iGaming Ontario, the research demonstrates the province successfully balances participant autonomy with protection. He affirmed iGaming Ontario’s dedication to cultivating a secure environment for both participants and operators.
Ontario’s framework has attracted considerable attention from neighboring provinces. Alberta has designated July 13 for launching its regulated online gambling marketplace.
Alberta policymakers maintain that regulation will expand resident options while reducing illegal gambling and recovering lost tax income. At last week’s SBC Canadian Gaming Summit, Dale Nally, Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, discussed the province’s strategy.
Nally asserted his administration has an obligation to respond proactively rather than disregard online gambling realities. He contended that establishing a robust, legitimate alternative represents the optimal approach to addressing illegal markets.
Ontario’s four-year performance history now supplies empirical evidence supporting this position. With Alberta’s debut approaching in under two months, the Ipsos research provides tangible evidence demonstrating how regulation can transition participants toward licensed platforms.
The AGCO confirmed it will persist in efforts to transition the remaining 8.9% of participants from illegal platforms into the regulated marketplace.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
