As cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin become more prevalent across global markets, Canada is navigating a cautious but deliberate path in regulating their integration into mainstream sectors—particularly e-commerce. Despite a rise in adoption and infrastructure development, Canadian e-commerce platforms remain hesitant about accepting digital currencies due to complex regulatory environments. BitStarz Bonus for Saudi Players – 2025 Updated Offers
Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)
In April 2025, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) introduced pivotal amendments to National Instrument 81-102, specifically targeting investment funds that deal with crypto assets. These regulatory updates were designed to give much-needed clarity and structure to how crypto investment funds operate within Canada.
The goal is to protect investors while ensuring that fund managers who deal in digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens can do so under consistent, transparent guidelines. This move signals that while general crypto payments remain under scrutiny, investment-related activities are gaining clearer compliance paths.
Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has taken a strategic step forward by granting exemptive relief to select cryptocurrency asset trading platforms. This legal maneuver allows these platforms to function under specific conditions, bypassing certain traditional securities requirements while still adhering to risk and compliance oversight.
By offering this form of conditional operational approval, the OSC aims to balance innovation with consumer protection. These developments illustrate Ontario’s growing interest in nurturing the crypto market under a clearly defined and secure legal environment, albeit still separate from the mainstream e-commerce payment infrastructure.
OSC + Securities Administrators
The partnership between the OSC and broader Canadian Securities Administrators has resulted in a more coordinated national effort to tackle crypto oversight. These joint efforts help create a uniform framework across provinces, reducing confusion for crypto platforms and investors alike.
By aligning strategies, these regulatory bodies hope to bridge the gap between federal-level financial policy and provincial enforcement in crypto-related activities. This synchronized approach is especially critical in providing foundational trust for institutions considering the integration of cryptocurrencies into broader digital commerce ecosystems.
Crowdfund Insider
Crowdfund Insider has highlighted Canada’s evolving regulatory dynamics, noting that while digital currencies are gaining global popularity, Canadian regulators are advancing with calculated caution.
According to recent reports, authorities are particularly focused on identifying potential risks associated with volatility, money laundering, and tax compliance before opening the floodgates for crypto in sectors like e-commerce. Their observations suggest that Canada is not against crypto adoption but is instead methodically constructing a legal scaffold to support safe and sustainable digital currency operations in the future.
Integration Gap in E-Commerce
Despite visible strides in regulation, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are still rarely accepted by legally regulated e-commerce platforms in Canada. This hesitation is most pronounced in Ontario, where stringent compliance obligations deter platforms from integrating crypto payments.
The absence of comprehensive regulation surrounding crypto transaction monitoring, tax implications, and fraud protection makes many businesses view adoption as too risky. As a result, the integration of digital currencies remains theoretical for the majority of legally operated Canadian e-commerce entities.
iGaming Ontario
Ontario’s iGaming sector has seen explosive growth, reporting a gross gaming revenue of CA$3.20 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This figure represents a substantial 32% year-over-year increase, cementing the province’s digital gambling market as one of the most lucrative segments within Canadian e-commerce.
These numbers highlight the immense potential of the sector, particularly if cryptocurrency payment methods were ever to be introduced. Given the scale of this revenue, any future crypto integration could dramatically impact transaction volume and accessibility across platforms.
Online Casinos in Ontario
Of the CA$3.20 billion in total iGaming revenue, online casinos alone contributed CA$2.40 billion. This marks the largest single segment of Ontario’s regulated online gambling landscape, demonstrating not only the profitability of these platforms but also the scalability of digital entertainment models. Currently, none of these platforms accept cryptocurrencies as payment due to regulatory and compliance risks.
For those interested in exploring the current offerings, the top paying casinos in Ontario provide a range of regulated and secure gaming experiences. While these platforms do not yet support cryptocurrency transactions, they remain at the forefront of the province’s thriving online gambling industry.
Betting Revenue in Ontario
Alongside online casinos, betting activities generated CA$724 million during the 2024-25 fiscal period. This figure contributes significantly to the overall strength of Ontario’s e-commerce revenue through gambling. However, even with such a lucrative revenue stream, the sector has refrained from implementing crypto payments.
Stakeholders cite the lack of regulatory precision and uncertainty around AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements as primary deterrents. The numbers demonstrate what’s at stake—should policy clear up, the sector could potentially expand even further by welcoming a new wave of crypto-savvy users.
AML and KYC Compliance Barriers
AML and KYC obligations remain the biggest obstacles for crypto integration into Canadian e-commerce platforms. Regulated industries like online gambling require strict user verification and transaction tracking to prevent fraud and illegal financial activity. Since cryptocurrencies operate with varying levels of anonymity and decentralization, regulators have not yet approved a universal standard to govern their use.
Without solid AML/KYC frameworks tailored to crypto, platforms risk regulatory backlash or licensing issues, making them unwilling to experiment with such payment models despite consumer interest.
Industry Outlook on Crypto Integration
Despite the present reluctance, many industry leaders are not dismissing crypto outright. In fact, they’re preparing for a possible pivot. Should Canadian regulators finalize a comprehensive and favorable crypto framework, major players—especially within the lucrative online gambling sector—are expected to act swiftly.
This proactive stance reflects an understanding that clear regulatory green lights could open new markets, reduce transaction fees, and offer expanded user engagement, particularly among younger, digitally native audiences who already own and use cryptocurrency.