New research from CasinoCanada shows offshore gambling remains a significant part of Canada’s online betting market, with more than one-third of players estimated to use unregulated platforms. The findings highlight the ongoing challenge of moving bettors into provincially regulated systems. It could add to the case for more provinces to consider competitive iGaming markets similar to Ontario and Alberta.
Research from CasinoCanada estimates that 33.53% of Canadian online gamblers use offshore platforms, compared with 66.47% who use licensed sites. Despite accounting for a smaller share of players, offshore operators reportedly handled $712 million in wagers, compared with $484 million through licensed platforms.
The research also found that four of Canada’s 10 leading gambling brands operate offshore, with Stake at the top.
The figures highlight the challenge provinces face in moving gambling activity toward platforms operating within regulated markets.
The continued use of offshore platforms creates additional challenges beyond lost provincial gaming revenue. Operators that are not provincially regulated are not subjected to the consumer protection and responsible gambling requirements imposed on licensed Canadian sportsbooks and casinos.
That can leave players with fewer protections if they encounter disputes, while provincial regulators have less ability to oversee areas such as advertising, player verification, and responsible gambling measures.
Ontario provides an example of how opening a market to private operators can move more players toward regulated platforms. An Ipsos study commissioned by iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission found that 91.1% of surveyed online gamblers used regulated sites in 2026. That was up from 83.7% one year earlier.
Competition also continues to attract new brands. Fanatics recently entered the Ontario market, joining a crowded field that includes FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM and other major operators. As of Sept. 1, iGaming Ontario listed 49 regulated operators within the province.
The example in Ontario suggests that providing consumers with more regulated choices can help compete with offshore betting sites.
Alberta became Canada’s second competitive iGaming market on July 13, following an approach similar to Ontario. Reducing unregulated gambling was a central part of Alberta’s iGaming strategy, with the provincial government estimating that offshore operators previously accounted for approximately 70% of its iGaming market.
The new framework gives private operators access to the province while placing them under AGLC oversight and requiring stronger player safeguards. That has already attracted several major sportsbook and casino brands. The market could continue expanding. Fanatics, which recently launched in Ontario, is targeting a potential Alberta launch in 2027.
The latest offshore gambling estimates could increase discussion about whether another province should adopt a more competitive market. CasinoCanada’s research estimated offshore usage at 93% in Saskatchewan, 88% in Manitoba and 83% in Quebec.
These provinces have regulated gambling through a provincial operator, but with limited options, residents are influenced to participate in offshore betting, putting them at risk due to fewer consumer protections. As seen in Ontario, a regulated market often resolves this issue.
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