Gambling Weekly News Summary in Canada – 2026/06/06
OLG Introduces Deposit Limits for Online Players Under 25
The Ontario gaming regulator, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), has introduced a new measure requiring some online gambling customers to set deposit limits as their gambling activity increases.
The policy is aimed at the under-25s, a demographic that research has identified as being at greater risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. Under the new rules, affected players must choose a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on the amount of money they can deposit into their accounts.
OLG said the measure is intended to encourage players to set spending boundaries and make greater use of existing responsible gambling tools.
“Requiring a deposit limit is not about removing choice, it’s about strengthening that choice by helping players to pause and consider what they are comfortable spending,” said Duncan Hannay, OLG’s President and CEO. “OLG relies on research and best practices to guide how we engage with players and respond to emerging trends. This new measure is a practical, data-driven step to help players under 25 build safer play habits early.”
The new requirement is in addition to already-released safer gambling tools available through OLG’s PlaySmart program, including spending reminders, time-outs, and voluntary deposit limits.
Alberta Reviews 35 Applications Ahead of Online Gambling Market Launch
Alberta regulators are reviewing 35 applications from gambling operators for licenses ahead of the province’s regulated online gambling market launch on July 13.
According to the provincial regulator, the Alberta iGaming Corporation, applicants include several companies already active in other Canadian jurisdictions. To earn a license, operators must complete a vetting process, sign operating agreements, and comply with policies set by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis before being approved.
Under the new gambling market rules, 80% of gambling revenue will go to operators, while 20% will be allocated to the province. Indigenous communities will receive a dedicated share, with additional funding earmarked for social responsibility initiatives.
The launch follows Ontario’s regulated market opening in 2022. Researchers and industry observers have pointed to both increased gambling participation and higher rates of gambling-related harm in Ontario since that expansion, and Alberta’s framework includes self-exclusion measures and restrictions on advertising featuring athletes.
Ontario Online Gambling Revenue Rises 29.4% in April
Online gambling and sports betting revenue in Ontario increased by 29.4 % year-on-year in April, according to the latest figures released by iGaming Ontario.
Total non-adjusted gross gaming revenue reached $405.4 million during the month, compared with $313.1 million in April 2025. Total cash wagers across online casino games, sports betting and peer-to-peer poker rose 19.5 % to $9.3 billion.
Despite the annual growth, wagering activity declined slightly from March. Total cash wagers were down 3% from $9.6 billion, although monthly revenue increased 5% from $387 million. Average revenue per active player account rose to $321, up three per cent from March.
Online casino gaming remained the largest segment of the market, generating $314.1 million in revenue, or 77% of total revenue. Sports betting revenue reached $86 million, accounting for 21%, while peer-to-peer poker generated $5.3 million.
All three segments recorded lower wagering volumes compared with March.
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/
