Looking back at 2020, during the peak of COVID-19 when we were all indoors, mobile devices covered 36% of online casino gaming in most Canadian regions. Those were astounding numbers back then. But fast-forward to 2026: more than 70% of Canadian iGaming activity now comes from mobile. That’s nearly double the volume of mobile casino players in less than six years.
Tooniebet casino is one clear example of this shift. Regulated by the Tobique Gaming Commission, the online casino and sportsbook offers a mobile-focused platform for Canadian players.
The following discussion explores how mobile devices became the preferred way for many Canadians to access online casino games and considers how the market may develop in the coming years.
Factors Driving Canadians to Casino Games On Mobile
Here are a few reasons for the rapid growth and why they matter.
Widespread Mobile Adoption In Canada
According to recent media stats, more than 95% of Canadian adults use a mobile phone. That figure was closer to 80% in 2020. The fact that nearly every adult in the country now has a cell phone is one reason mobile casino games have become more popular. However, it doesn’t fully account for why Canadians now prefer to gamble on those devices. There’s more.
Industry Investment in Mobile Optimization
The last decade has seen major companies in the casino industry invest in technology that optimizes their customers’ mobile experience. What did they do exactly?
- Enhance mobile responsiveness
- Reduce latency in mobile iGaming environments
- Enhance casino game graphics on smaller systems
- Improve 5G network integration
- Create more quick-play formats
- Build more mobile game applications for customers
Take Tooniebet, an online casino that offers 5,000+ games through its iOS app or web app on Android, powered by Tobix Limited. The company also serves as a sportsbook covering global markets across major sports categories like baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, and more.
Tooniebet has not only spent years optimizing its website for mobile casino gaming but has also provided incentives like $3,500 + 200 free spins as a welcome package for new casino players. Sports bettors can also enjoy a 100% welcome bonus on their first deposit (up to $150).
Combined, mobile optimization and those mouth-watering incentives helped Tooniebet earn a nomination for Casino Product of the Year at the 2025 EGR Operator Awards.
The numbers don’t lie. Mobile optimization strategies like that work. And it’s not because casino brands can predict the future. The truth is they have been listening to the consumer market for years. And they caught the shift.
Shift In Consumer Behaviour
Humans all over the world are constantly evolving psychologically, and Canadians are no different. Tastes change. We’ve seen consumers go from owning gas-guzzling beasts to demanding EV charging stations in their homes. We’ve seen moviegoers go from loving remakes to praying that Hollywood doesn’t reboot Akira (1988).
In 2025, a study showed that 68% of Canadians would rather work from the comfort of their homes. Most participants said it was because they didn’t want to commute. Bearing all of that in mind, it makes sense that more Canadians prefer the convenience of casinos on mobile devices.
But if the commute is the problem, why not use a computer? Why cell phones? Well, it’s because people go on casino sites to have fun, and mobile devices have become the default choice for casual browsing. They are portable, more engaging, and much more suited for quick play.
Online casino brands noticed the evolution of user preferences and aligned with the market at the perfect time. They also recognized the need for variety and have provided vast collections of casino games to match the tastes of the modern Canadian gambler.
The Future of Mobile Casino Games In Canada
So, what next? Will mobile iGaming adoption reach 100% in a few years? Not exactly. However, some experts forecast that more than one-third of the Canadian population will be playing mobile casino games by 2030. Here are some other projections.
More Money for the Industry
As demand grows, industry revenue is also expected to increase. Analysts predict that the Canadian mobile iGaming market will be worth CAD 3.5 billion by 2030. The ripple effect would be that more companies will come into the market. Whether this leads to an oversaturation depends on how strict Canadian gambling restrictions would become by then.
Bigger Screens for Playing
Expect better-looking games with high-end graphics. And when that happens, consumers will naturally seek larger screens. Tablets will take a more prominent role in mobile casino gaming as gamers prefer them for their larger screens and vibrant display.
More Advanced Mobile Features
The advancement of the 5G network has increased support for more exceptional, real-time gaming features. We’re looking at more augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and multiplayer casino games for mobile in the near future.
We can’t overlook AI when talking about technological advancements in gaming. The tech offers the best chance of full personalization in the space. You can expect to see the following and more:
- personalised in-game promotions and offers
- More rewarding loyalty experiences
- Faster, more effective customer support
Bottom Line
With the recent dominance of mobile devices in the Canadian iGaming space, regulators, operators, and even the players have a role to play. That role involves creating rules and measures that keep the experience both enjoyable and safe for all parties, as with any form of online entertainment.
Companies can use the latest advancements in AI and telecoms to facilitate responsible gambling. Use cases range from personalised messages to dynamic user interfaces. Casinos can even use the technology to improve how they handle risk profiles.
What matters most is that Canadians continue to enjoy gambling on a device they already love.