Canada Vs USA Gaming - What We Have Learnt

Canada and the US have plenty in common. People on both sides of the border love sports, casino games are popular, and online betting keeps growing every year. But when you look at how the industry actually works, the differences become pretty clear.

That difference can be seen everywhere from regulation and taxation to player habits and market growth. Recent research from Swiper, a Canadian-focused online casino and sports betting company launched in 2025 and licensed and regulated by Tobique Gaming Commission, underlines just how differently the two markets have developed, and why those differences matter. Swiper casino offers thousand of games, including live dealer tables and regular promotions and VIP rewards; and is well placed in the gaming space to offer a genuine perspective on current and future trends.

US Leads in Size, Canada Leads in Growth

The American market is much bigger. In 2024, bettors in the US wagered around $125 billion, producing about $14 billion in gross gaming revenue. Canada's figures were smaller, with $61 billion wagered and $4.1 billion in revenue.

Still, Canada's market is moving at a slightly quicker pace. It's expected to grow by 13.6% a year through 2030, compared to 12% in the US. Ontario has played a big role in that, with growth of around 14% a year since opening its regulated market.

So while the US still makes up around 80% of North America's betting revenue, Canada's market has room to expand.

State Rules and Provincial Control

The biggest contrast between the two countries isn't the size of the market. It's how it's regulated.

In the US, every state sets its own rules. After the Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act came into force in 2006, online gambling was limited, until a 2011 interpretation allowed individual states to regulate online casinos. Since then, more states have launched legal markets, each with their own rules.

Canada works differently. Gambling is controlled by each province rather than through one nationwide system. Most provinces still rely on government-run platforms, while Ontario opened the market to private operators in 2022.

Both countries are tightening advertising standards though, with more focus on responsible gambling and tighter rules around promotions, as regulators look for the right balance between growth and player protection.

Taxes Change the Experience for Players and Operators

Tax is one area where Canadian bettors have the advantage. For most Canadians, gambling winnings aren't taxed unless betting is someone's main source of income. Players generally keep what they win.

American bettors may have to pay federal and state taxes depending on where they play and where they live.

For operators, it works the other way. Higher tax rates in several US states make those markets more expensive to operate than Ontario's. New York taxes operators at 51%, Pennsylvania at 36%, while Nevada's rate is much lower at 6.75%. Companies have to adjust depending on where they operate.

What Players Are Betting On

The two countries also have different favourites when it comes to sports betting.

American bettors spend most of their money on football, with basketball following behind. The 2025 Super Bowl alone attracted $1.39 billion in legal wagers.

Canadians put hockey first. It accounts for around 40% of all sports bets. Football comes next at 23%, followed by basketball at 19% and soccer at 11%.

Final Thoughts

The US leads in size, with a long list of regulated states. Canada is smaller, but it's growing faster and still has plenty of room to develop. But what stands out most is how much regulation shapes the industry. It affects competition, taxes, player choice and even where people decide to place their bets.

It'll be interesting to see how both markets look a few years from now, especially if more Canadian provinces follow Ontario's lead or more US states decide to legalise online betting.