There is no denying the fact that Canada’s online gambling industry, as a whole, has been making significant strides. According to Grand View Research, the entire market hit $3.9 billion in 2024 and could jump to $8.72 billion by 2030. If these predictions come to pass, the market will have expanded by a 14.3% CAGR, a massive jump in just five years.
One factor contributing to this growth is how quickly operators adjust to shifting trends like the increasing use of mobile phones. By taking advantage of responsive designs, these operators ensure players have consistent experiences, even on smartphones. As such, with the best mobile casinos in Canada, you can engage in your favourite slot game or any other casino title without worrying about pinching or zooming websites.
Interestingly, World Casino News approximates the number of Canadian mobile gamblers at around 11.8 million and expects it to reach 14.1 million by 2028. Well, while adjusting to mobile usage trends helps advance the gambling sector, you can’t downplay the contribution of markets like Montreal. So, how is ‘the City of Saints’ driving the popularity of mobile casinos?
Gambling is not new here
History reveals that gambling in Montreal dates back to the 18th century, when the city was just transitioning to become a commercial melting point. Early inhabitants engaged in games of chance, such as dice and stick gambling. However, when the European settlers started penetrating the region in the 18th century, they introduced new markets, including card games and horse racing.
By the 19th century, many residents had turned to gambling for leisure. The demand for the practice continued to increase, providing reasonable grounds for launching establishments like the Montreal Casino. This was later followed by the introduction of Canada’s first gambling legislation in 1892, which aimed to ensure safe interactions.
Later, in 1994, slot machines were introduced in Montreal, providing a new element of thrill to the city’s gamblers. The major turnaround came in 2010, following the legalization of online casinos. This opened doors to licensed online operators, who allowed gamblers to access entertainment without visiting physical destinations.
So, when mobile casinos reached this city, the community’s attitude toward gambling was already positive. In other words, there was already an existing market to exploit. And mark you: Mobile casinos offer an unmatched level of convenience that many modern gamblers seek, allowing them to participate even on the go. That they can gamble on the go has made Montreal not just a hub for traditional gaming but also a driving force behind Canada’s booming mobile casino scene.
Montrealians are a mobile-first audience
Can you imagine that, according to the Montreal Gazette, smartphone owners accounted for 77% of the region’s entire population in 2020? Now that mobile phones have become exceedingly popular, you can imagine the number of people owning them in 2025. And like users in other regions, these individuals use their smartphones to do almost everything.
Exploding Topics published a related report, showing that over 96% of internet users go online using mobile phones. In the gambling sector, the trend is the same. Gamblingsite.com claims that more than 60% of online casino traffic comes from mobile devices. Operators are aware of this and have been developing mobile-friendly sites to cater to this mobile-first audience.
Of course, when players find excellent mobile experiences, they easily become loyal consumers. BusinessDasher says websites that work well on devices with smaller screen sizes can increase the likelihood of up to 75% of customers returning. And since humans rarely keep quiet about good experiences, they will likely mention such platforms to their friends. And the ripple effects? More and more players keep joining the industry, which is precisely what is happening in Montreal.
Language and culture: The Montreal advantage
Well, as much as the city is bilingual, it is also proudly local. It is primarily a French-speaking city, often believed to be the second-largest French-speaking city worldwide. So, to succeed in this market, you can’t just rely on generic offers. You want to implement interfaces and culturally relevant marketing strategies that resonate deeply with users.
Consider a casino offering promos tied to Quebec holidays like Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, for instance. Such features can be handy in making this region’s gamblers comfortable on your platform. Suddenly, the platform ceases to feel foreign, but feels built for the local community. According to OneSky Localizing Agent, localization appeals to over seven in ten users, who prefer buying from sites written in their native language.
Conversely, not localizing experiences could cost brands up to 87% of customers, who are less likely to transact with English-only brands. These statistics explain why Montrealers will not easily walk away from a mobile casino that tailors its experiences to match the city’s preferences. Gamblers here are also social players. They are likely to connect more with live dealers than static slots.
As you can see, the City of Saints significantly contributes to Canada’s mobile casino growth. Take the growing popularity of mobile devices in the region. Because operators targeting this audience can’t be successful without mobile-friendly websites, they have been forced to adopt responsive designs. Once players encounter such websites, they tend to become loyal, which explains why the industry has been expanding. As casinos expand, Montreal could also serve as the laboratory where the future of the industry is being shaped.
Gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment and not a reliable source of income. Residents of Quebec must be 18 years or older to participate in any form of gambling. Please play responsibly and set limits to protect yourself. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, support is available: Gambling: Help and Referral (Jeu: aide et référence) – 1-800-461-0140, https://aidejeu.ca, Tel-jeunes (for youth) – 1-800-263-2266, https://teljeunes.com.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca
