The North American online poker landscape continues to evolve, with Pennsylvania and Ontario showcasing two different but revealing trends in March 2025.
Pennsylvania: A Measured Uptick in Online Poker
In Pennsylvania, online poker generated $2.6 million in revenue during March, marking a 3.3% increase compared to March 2024. While not explosive, the growth is notable in a highly competitive iGaming environment.
The state’s total gaming revenue reached a historic $574.5 million—a 3.6% year-over-year increase—fueled primarily by a surge in online casino activity, which soared to $238.2 million.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) attributes part of this growth to new player acquisition strategies during the NCAA’s March Madness period, as sportsbooks and casinos offered cross-promotions tied to major sporting events. Although poker lags behind other iGaming sectors like slots and table games, its stable upward trajectory signals resilience among core player bases.
Ontario: Flat Poker Revenue Amid Wider iGaming Expansion
Ontario’s regulated market, managed by iGaming Ontario (iGO), delivered impressive results overall, with total wagers reaching CA$82.7 billion and gross gaming revenue climbing to CA$3.2 billion—a 32% increase year-on-year. However, peer-to-peer poker revenue remained mostly stagnant at CA$66 million, growing just 2% in terms of player handle.
Despite Ontario’s success in online sports betting and casino gaming, poker’s relative stagnation reflects global trends where casual players gravitate more toward faster, more accessible gaming formats.
Future Outlook
For both Pennsylvania and Ontario, the poker vertical presents an opportunity: rejuvenate player engagement through innovative tournament formats, cross-vertical promotions, and enhanced mobile experiences. As iGaming markets mature, adapting poker offerings could unlock significant growth beyond the current stable patterns.
