A conversation with Jonathan Leggett. Why Speed Is Becoming the Key Battleground in Canada’s Online Casino Market

Speed has become a sticking point in Canada’s online casino space. It used to be something players noticed after the fact. Now it sits right up front. People sign up, play, win, and then they wait. That last part is where opinions are formed, and it is where a lot of operators are starting to fall short.

To get a clearer view of what is actually happening behind the scenes, we spoke to Jonathan Leggett, Content Editor at OnlineCasino.ca. He spends his time reviewing platforms, comparing payout speeds, and seeing where things work and where they break down. That puts him in a good position to talk about why speed is starting to shape how players choose where to play.

The Market Is Growing, and Pressure Is Building

Q: Why has speed suddenly become such a big talking point in Canada’s online casino market?

Jonathan Leggett:
“Everyone talks about speed now, but that’s because of how crowded things have become. There are a lot of casinos offering the same games and bonuses, so players notice things like speed and ease of use a lot more. .

“Growth has also pushed the market into a competitive phase. Canada’s online gambling sector generated close to four billion dollars in 2024 and is projected to reach close to nine billion by 2030. That’s big money and brings more operators into the mix, and it forces these guys to up their game, and speed is definitely on the menu.”

What “Fast” Actually Means to Players

Q: When players talk about fast withdrawals, what are they really expecting?

Jonathan Leggett:
“Most people are not thinking about systems or processing chains. They just want their money in their pocket. If it takes a couple of days, that is where frustration or suspicion kicks in. If it comes through in a few hours, then everyone’s happy.”

“And yeah, there is a massive gap between what the marketing guys say and what happens in real life. This is where comparison starts to play a role. I mean, we list many fast withdrawal casinos in Canada on onlinecasino.org, and we give a clear picture of which platforms do a good job of delivering quick payouts, and which guys, well, not so much.”

Player Behaviour Changes Once Money Is on the Line

Q: How much does withdrawal speed affect how players behave?

Jonathan Leggett:

“It has a bigger impact than people think. Once someone wins, they want their bucks. That is the moment where trust either builds or breaks. A slow payout can undo everything that came before it. Even when the payment lands, a player is unlikely to go back to a platform if they waited a week for their winnings.

“And it’s not just me saying that. One study found that 38% of players withdraw funds on the same day. That shows how quickly decisions are made once winnings are involved. Keeping it slick keeps that momentum going.”

Regulation Still Slows Things Down

Q: What are the main reasons withdrawals still get delayed?

Jonathan Leggett:
“A lot of it comes down to stuff happening behind the scenes. Players do not always see it, but identity verification and transaction monitoring are part of the process. That is where delays can creep in.

“Regulatory requirements also play a direct role here. Casinos operating in Canada must carry out identity checks and monitor transactions to meet compliance. The regulators are getting serious about financial tracking rules. Look, these steps are necessary, but they create a bottleneck for the player. That tension between speed and compliance is still one of the main pressure points in the system.”

Not Every Operator Delivers the Same Experience

Q: Why do some casinos manage fast payouts while others still struggle?

Jonathan Leggett:
“It boils down to how seriously they treat the payout side of the business. Some guys put real effort into it. Others focus more on getting players through the door and worry about withdrawals later. And you get to see that difference quite quickly if you play a lot.

“Operators that prioritize payouts tend to build better systems around them. One can safely assume that if they gave great thought and attention to the payment system, they also paid attention to other operational stuff. That includes verification, processing flow, and a lot of other things players never see, but is the engine beneath the interface. Bottom line, it is one of the clearest ways players can tell how well a platform is run.”

Speed Is Becoming the Baseline Expectation

Q: Where do you see this heading over the next few years?

Jonathan Leggett:
“Speed is going to stop being a selling point and just become expected. Players are already getting used to quicker payouts. Once that happens, anything slower will just fade into obscurity.

“That expectation is already forming. As more platforms improve their systems, the standard moves with them. You’d be amazed at how quickly players adjust, and patience drops just as fast. At the end of the day, the result is a market where speed is no longer a bonus feature. It becomes part of the basic experience, and operators that fall behind will feel it first.”