Canadians have always enjoyed gambling, and the activity has become especially popular in recent times. In 2025, Canadian gambling industry revenue is projected to reach 15.59 billion US dollars, according to data on the website of consumer and market data company Statista. By 2030, this is predicted to hit 17.92 billion, thanks to an expected compound annual growth rate of 2.82% (from 2025 to 2030).
These are attractive statistics to anyone who wants to make money from the industry, either by playing online or offline, or by investing or operating within the industry or in a related field. Below is a look at ways to make money from the industry.
Making money from playing
The gambling industry is experiencing incredible success, fueled massively by the access that online casinos and other iGaming have created. Never has it been easier to learn how to play a particular game, practice, and become confident enough to play for cash. Some people have even made a living from playing in poker tournaments, or by learning enough about game strategy to make the right decisions and walk away with substantial sums of money in their pockets.
Of course, casinos understand that winners want to withdraw their winnings as soon as possible. Casinos that pay out winnings fast can build trust faster with players. In terms of such online operators, these are the fastest payout online casinos according to Casino.org Canada, which reviews and recommends trustworthy sites in the online space.
Making money from the gambling industry without playing the games
The gambling industry offers lots of opportunities to make money without having to play the games. Here are some ways to make money without betting or playing in a cash game.
Invest
There are so many ways to invest in the gambling industry on different investment markets. Gambling industry-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which bring together different assets in a basket traded daily on the stock exchange; direct shares in companies; ownership of a piece of real estate; and ETFs that blend casino shares with financial instruments or assets from other industries, such as entertainment or travel, are all possibilities.
Affiliate marketing
Do you own a website? Online casinos and other gaming services are always looking for ways to attract new players. Affiliate marketing is a popular, powerful way for them to achieve this. You simply promote the gambling platform on your website and earn commission for the traffic that comes from the promotion to the operator’s website. Online casinos pay higher commissions than average for this, and because igaming is so popular, this is a good way to earn a relatively consistent income.
Content creation
Perhaps you’ve played in a lot of casinos or at a lot of sportsbooks and earned more than just a few dollars from it. You can use this experience to content online and build up a following, by sharing news, views, and tips from others who enjoy gaming or want to emulate your success. Build enough authority, and gambling operators may want to work with you.
The most profitable business ventures in the industry
One of the most obvious ways to make money from the industry without playing games is to undertake a business venture directly in it or in a related industry. Here are some of the most profitable ones:
Starting an online gambling platform
Setting up an online gambling platform is a massive project, but it’s not impossible, as the success of many operators demonstrates. To do so, you’ll need three essential elements: a software provider, a license, and a marketing strategy. In your budget, which will need to be anything between $50,000 and 250,000 or more, you must consider licensing fees, software development, legal, consultancy, and marketing.
Gambling app
Mobile gambling apps are an extremely rapidly growing segment. Operators must offer one to compete with other operators because of the convenience that makes apps so popular. A good app should provide a good experience. Localization is important to help the app grow faster.
Software development
Gambling operators need customized software to stand out in the market, and the opportunities are myriad: payment gateway integration, mobile app development, blockchain integration (for crypto casinos), game development, customer relationship management (CRM), and player tracking systems, and more.
Gambling consultancy
If you have experience in the industry, it’s possible to make big money as a consultant. There’s massive demand as companies navigate the complexities and challenges of operating a gambling companies. Marketing, business strategy, licensing and legal compliance, user experience (UX), market research and competitor analysis, affiliate marketing, and player acquisition are all areas consultants can advise companies on.
Canada’s gambling market is growing and presents anyone looking to earn money from it, either through playing games or through other ventures, with plentiful opportunities. Not only is it possible to invest or go into business within the industry, but also into related fields, and earn a solid income. Demand is high for many different skills, creating lucrative opportunities.