Examining Gambling Industry in Ontario to Maximize Advantages for the Province
In a significant move, the Ontario government has announced a comprehensive review of its gaming sector, focusing on online sports betting, iGaming, and brick-and-mortar casino operations. The review, revealed by Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, Stan Cho, at the Canadian Gaming Summit in Toronto on June 20, 2025, aims to enhance efficiency, reduce red tape, and ensure strong economic benefits for the province's residents[1][2][4][5].
The review will involve consultations with industry experts, operators, and professionals, ensuring that decisions are made with the needs of Ontarians in mind[2]. One of the primary objectives is to address growing compliance costs that affect both operators' profits and government revenue shares[2]. Additionally, the government aims to improve cooperation between regulators and the industry to keep pace with technological innovations and market competition.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal and unregulated online gaming websites, which still account for around 16-17% of online betting activity in Ontario despite regulation since 2022[3]. The ultimate goal is to maintain Ontario's leadership in the gaming sector and potentially elevate the iGaming industry to an “A” rating in terms of regulation and operational excellence[4].
As of late June 2025, the review is underway, with ongoing discussions among stakeholders. However, no final changes or recommendations have yet been publicly detailed[1][4][5]. The review process will take into account the need to reduce red tape in both the online and land-based gambling markets.
In the words of Minister Cho, "The review and any changes made as a result will not be based on what is best for the industry, but rather for the people of Ontario." The minister emphasized that the government's primary concern is to ensure the gaming sector delivers strong economic outputs for Ontarians[1].
[1] CBC News (2025). Ontario government launches review of gaming sector. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-gaming-review-1.6136012
[2] Global News (2025). Ontario government to review gaming sector, focus on reducing red tape. [online] Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/8679751/ontario-gaming-review/
[3] The Globe and Mail (2025). Ontario government to review gaming sector, focus on reducing red tape. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/ontario/article-ontario-government-to-review-gaming-sector-focus-on-reducing-red-tape/
[4] National Post (2025). Ontario government to review gaming sector, focus on reducing red tape and boosting economic growth. [online] Available at: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/ontario-government-to-review-gaming-sector-focus-on-reducing-red-tape-and-boosting-economic-growth
- The review of Ontario's gaming sector, which includes online sports betting, iGaming, and brick-and-mortar casinos, involves discussions with industry experts for decisions that prioritize Ontarians' needs.
- One goal of the review is to address the growing compliance costs that impact both operators' profits and government revenue shares, while also focusing on reducing red tape.
- The government aims to enhance cooperation between regulators and the industry to keep up with technological innovations and market competition, potentially elevating the iGaming industry in terms of regulation and operational excellence.
- Beyond gaming, Minister Cho stated that decisions will not be made based on what is best for the industry, but rather for the people of Ontario, seeking to ensure the gaming sector delivers strong economic outputs for Ontarians.
