Canada's Thriving Export Market of Digital Gaming Goods
Ontario's regulated igaming market, launched in April 2022, has served as a trailblazer for Canada, with other provinces, such as Alberta, preparing to launch their licensed igaming markets in late 2025. This expansion is set to create additional opportunities for domestic gaming companies, allowing them to develop products for both domestic and international markets.
Toronto, a city in Ontario, has emerged as a strategic location within the Canadian gaming export industry. Its attractive business climate and specialised information technology workforce have made it an ideal hub for companies looking to enter the gaming export market. Companies such as Tiny Titan Studios, which have demonstrated success by building strong technical capabilities while maintaining lean operational structures, are prime examples of this trend.
The Canadian government's Creative Export Canada program offers financial support for projects that forecast generating export revenues, providing a valuable resource for companies looking to enter the international market. However, it's not just about technical innovation. Opportunities for new entrants remain strong, particularly for companies that can combine technical innovation with effective international market development strategies.
Building development capabilities across multiple platforms is essential, given the continued growth of mobile gaming. In Q2 of 2024-2025, the average monthly spending per account on Ontario's igaming market was $308, indicating a robust and growing market.
Market research and targeted expansion are critical success factors for companies looking to export gaming products. The igaming industry in Canada is growing rapidly, with Ontario's regulated market expanding from 17 licensed websites to 84 gaming platforms run by 49 licensed operators since its launch. Over 1.1 million player accounts are currently active on Ontario's igaming market, providing a significant customer base for domestic and international companies.
In conclusion, the expansion of Ontario's igaming market is driving the growth of the Canadian gaming industry. With the support of the Creative Export Canada program, a favourable business climate in cities like Toronto, and a growing customer base, the opportunities for domestic and international companies in the gaming export market are substantial. However, it's crucial for companies to focus on building strong technical capabilities, maintaining lean operational structures, and implementing effective international market development strategies to succeed in this competitive landscape.
