Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2026/03/28
Ontario iGaming Handle Reaches $8.7 Billion in February
Ontario’s regulated online gaming market generated $8.7 billion in total cash wagers, up from the previous year’s figure of $7.1 billion, but down 8% compared to last month’s total of $9.5 billion.
Total non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) was also up year-on-year, rising from $280 million to $342 million, but experienced a 15% month-on-month loss from $402 million recorded in January. Active player accounts also declined 2% month-on-month to 1,298, while average revenue per active player account (ARPPA) dropped 13% from January’s total to $264.
Online casinos made up the majority of the market, with total cash wagers generating $7.7 billion and holding an 88% market share. This figure was up year-on-year from $6.1 billion but down 6% from January. For NAGGR, online casinos accounted for 81% of the market, with $275.7 million, up year-on-year from $214 million but down 11% month-on-month.
Sports betting generated a handle of $61.3 million in February, while peer-to-peer poker recorded $135 million. Both figures declined 20% and 14% month-on-month, respectively. For NAGGR, sports betting hit $61.3 million, and peer-to-peer poker $5.4 million. Both were down again on January’s figures, dropping 29% and 10% respectively.
Canada Sports Commission Suggests Sports Betting Revenue to Fund Sports
A 1,000-page report released by the Future of Sport in Canada Commission suggested that the government use tax revenue generated by sports betting to fund the nation’s sports programs.
The report, titled “Transforming Sport in Canada: Time for Action,” laid out detailed challenges that affect Canada’s sports system, as well as addressing complaints that various programs lack serious funding to support them grow from grassroots to professional sports.
While contemplating using revenue from sports betting to generate additional revenue, the commission also highlighted potential problems, such as the possibility of competition manipulation from increased betting. “We heard a range of opinions about the value and ethics of lottery and sports betting revenues being dedicated to sport and physical activity,” the report read. “A majority of participants expressed support for reinvesting new revenues from sports betting to support sport. Some had serious reservations about sport betting and vehemently believe that it should be banned. They noted concerns about the possibility of addiction and its effect on the well-being of Canadians. Others voiced reservations, but concluded that because sport betting was legalized, the potential revenues should be invested in sport.”
Caesars Entertainment Launches Alberta Pre-Registration
Caesars Entertainment has announced its pre-registration link for the upcoming Alberta-regulated market, available to Alberta residents aged 21 and above.
Caesars plans to launch both sports betting and online casino operations in the province, with its Caesars Palace and Online Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino platforms set to offer casino-style games such as slots, table games, and live dealer games. Its Caesars Sportsbook & Casino platform will instead offer both online sports betting and casino gaming.
“Opening pre‑registration is an important first step that allows players to prepare for launch while we finalize our plans to bring our full trifecta of platforms online in Alberta,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “We welcome the province’s continued progress toward a regulated online market and appreciate the Alberta iGaming Corporation’s work to support operators through this process.”
Alberta residents who sign up will receive regular updates regarding the launch of Caesars’ platforms, and can also download their respective apps. Yet Caesars notes that they won’t be accessible by Alberta players until the launch of the regulated market.
Ziv (Steve) Chen
CEO at Major League Content
Ziv has been working in the iGaming industry for more than two decades, serving in senior roles in software developers like Playtech and Microgaming. He then followed his lifelong passion of writing and became a fulltime journalist, covering casinos, sports betting, legislation and other gambling topics and news with a specialty in North America.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziv-steve-chen-94b01b5/
