As Canada navigates its rapidly expanding online casino market, it would be wise to look closely at Australia – a country that has already ridden the highs and lows of online gambling. Australia’s digital casino boom brought economic opportunity, technological innovation, and increased consumer engagement. However, it also triggered regulatory crackdowns, public backlash, and a growing offshore market that eluded enforcement. For Canadian policymakers and industry stakeholders, Australia’s journey offers both a cautionary tale and a strategic playbook.
1. Rapid Growth Driven by Technology
Australia’s online gambling industry surged thanks to widespread smartphone adoption, high-speed internet access, and innovations like live dealer games and virtual reality integration. By 2023, mobile gambling accounted for roughly 70% of all online wagering activity in the country.
Canada’s Takeaway: Canada’s market is also undergoing explosive growth. Online casinos now account for more than a quarter of all gambling activity nationwide, generating billions in revenue. As this trend continues, regulators must ensure that consumer protection measures keep pace with evolving technologies, especially those that increase user immersion and frequency of play.
2. Regulatory Gaps Open Doors to Offshore Sites
Australia’s federal legislation banned many forms of online casino gaming, including slots and live dealer games. But these restrictions didn’t eliminate demand—they simply pushed many players toward offshore operators that are harder to monitor and regulate.
Canada’s Takeaway: Canada is experiencing a similar pattern. While some provinces have embraced regulated iGaming models, others remain in regulatory limbo. As a result, offshore sites still attract a significant share of users. A fragmented regulatory environment increases consumer risk and limits oversight. A nationally coordinated framework could help reduce reliance on unregulated platforms and provide access to safer, trusted sites, fast withdrawal casinos, modern games and promotions, big events, and giveaways.
3. Enforcement and Blocking Are Necessary – But Not Sufficient
Australia’s regulator has blocked thousands of illegal gambling sites and targeted violators across digital and broadcast channels. Despite these efforts, illegal operators continue to reappear under different names and domains.
Canada’s Takeaway: Canadian authorities face similar challenges. Without stronger collaboration between provinces – and potentially with international regulators – enforcement actions will have limited long-term impact. Proactive monitoring, swift action, and better information-sharing across jurisdictions are essential to protect consumers effectively.
4. Advertising Controls Are Crucial for Public Trust
Public backlash over aggressive gambling ads has prompted Australia to tighten advertising restrictions, especially during live sports broadcasts. These measures aim to protect minors and vulnerable individuals from excessive exposure.
Canada’s Takeaway: With legal gambling becoming more visible, Canada should act quickly to implement clear advertising guidelines. Time-based restrictions, content controls, and automated compliance systems can help ensure that the expansion of the industry does not come at the expense of public well-being.
5. Demand Will Persist—With or Without Regulation
Despite legal restrictions, interest in online gambling continues to grow in Australia. Participation has steadily increased over recent years, showing that regulatory attempts to suppress demand have mostly driven users to offshore alternatives.
Canada’s Takeaway: Demand for online gambling in Canada isn’t going away. Instead of overregulation or prohibition, the better strategy is to direct players toward safe, regulated platforms. This includes making legal options as attractive and convenient as possible – offering competitive bonuses, user-friendly interfaces to meet modern player expectations.
Comparative Snapshot: Australia vs. Canada
| Aspect | Australia | Canada (Ontario Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Model | Federal ban on online casinos; state oversight | Provincial regulation; open market in ON |
| Offshore Sites | High usage due to domestic restrictions | Still used, but declining in Ontario |
| Enforcement | Site blocking, ad restrictions, ongoing gaps | Provincial enforcement; inconsistencies |
| Advertising Rules | Strict, especially during live sports | Evolving, less restrictive |
| Consumer Protections | Weak offshore; improving local safeguards | Stronger in regulated provinces |
| Market Growth | High, but often shifting offshore | Fast growth; $2.4B revenue in 2024 |
Final Thoughts
Canada has an opportunity to learn from Australia’s experience and craft smarter, more effective policies that balance innovation, economic growth, and social responsibility. The lessons are clear:
- Unify regulation at a national level to reduce fragmentation and limit the appeal of offshore options.
- Modernize enforcement strategies with international cooperation and real-time monitoring.
- Protect consumers through rigorous oversight, responsible marketing, and easily accessible support services.
- Accept consumer demand as a given – and respond with attractive, legal alternatives rather than blanket bans.
By building a coherent, proactive, and consumer-first framework, Canada can continue to grow its online casino industry responsibly and sustainably.