In April 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to begin licensing online betting establishments. It is overseen by iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and enforces data security, game fairness, anti-money laundering controls, and player protection.
In this Ontario online casinos article, we will discuss the legalities of online gambling in Ontario and provide helpful information, including how to check whether a casino is regulated by iGaming Ontario, the types of games Ontario casinos offer, payment methods, how to register and deposit, and more.
Is Gambling Legal in Ontario?
Yes, gambling in Ontario became legal in April 2022. The legalization of gambling in the province resulted from the Federal government of Canada allowing each province to regulate online gambling within its borders. On April 4, 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to begin licensing online betting sites within its borders.
As a result, every betting establishment that launches in Ontario must be licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and sign an operator agreement with iGaming Ontario before it can begin operating within the province. As the province’s regulatory arm, iGaming Ontario ensures that every betting site’s games are fair and that it has appropriate security and responsible gambling measures in place to protect players.
In addition, the AGCO and iGaming Ontario enforce the following:
- Players must reside in the province of Ontario and allow betting sites to verify their geolocation.
- Gambling operators may not advertise bonuses, free credits, or other inducements.
- Operators may not make or contain misleading claims directly or indirectly in their advertisements.
- Players must be 18 to play bingo or buy lottery tickets and 19 or older to bet on sports or play online casino games.
How to Check if a Casino is Regulated in Ontario?
If you reside in Ontario, you must verify that the casino is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. As every casino in Ontario is required under its AGCO registration and iGaming operating agreement to display that information at the bottom of its homepage, checking to see if a casino is regulated in Ontario is as simple as:
- Looking for the casino’s AGCO registration and iGaming operating agreement at the bottom of its homepage.
- Visiting the iGaming Ontario website to confirm the operator appears on its directory of betting platforms via the “Operators” tab.
If a casino does not display its AGCO registration and iGaming operating agreement at the bottom of its homepage, or if it does not appear on the list of regulated platforms at iGaming Ontario, it is not licensed by the province.
How We Rate Ontario Online Casinos?
Rating the best online casinos Ontario is not something we take lightly. Our team performs a detailed analytical process that requires us to rate a casino on the following:
- Ontario license – We verify that each casino is licensed by the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario). We also verify that their license is in good standing and that it is displayed on their website.
- Game fairness – We rigorously test each casino’s games for fairness. This includes analyzing the random number generator to ensure that outcomes are random.
- Available payment options – We also review the available payment options, especially Interac and Paysafecard, to ensure they are suitable for Ontario Players. We also evaluate transaction limits and ensure payments are instant.
- Withdrawal speed – The faster an Ontario online casino processes withdrawals, the better. We analyze processing speeds and each casino’s minimum and maximum withdrawal requirements.
- Fast and convenient support – We rank every casino based on the support options it offers. We also ensure the casino offers fast, reliable support 24/7.
- Player protection – Every casino must offer a variety of player protection measures to receive a favorable ranking. We verify that the casino employs a variety of data protection, age verification, and fraud detection measures.
What Do I Need to Register at an Online Casino in Ontario?
Registering at the best real money casinos in Ontario is a straightforward process. That process requires Ontario players to ensure that they meet the following registration requirements:
- They must be 19 or older.
- Players must be physically located in the province of Ontario.
- Provide copies of your government-issued identification to verify your age and identity.
- Provide a recently issued utility bill to verify your residential address.
The above is known as the “KYC” process. Every top 10 online casinos Ontario site must request these details before you are allowed to deposit and withdraw funds at your discretion. That said, Ontario players are not taxed on their winnings, but they must verify they are fit to play before accessing their account.
How to Start Playing at an Online Casino in Ontario?
Before you can start playing at an online casino in Ontario, you must create a real-money casino account. To create a real-money player account at an Ontario online casino, simply:
- Select a casino from our list of top 10 online casinos Ontario.
- Click the “Register” or “Sign Up” button to navigate to the registration page.
- Provide your name, email address, date of birth, telephone number, and home address in the fields provided.
- Submit your details, and when prompted, upload your verification documents.
- Wait for your documents to be approved.
- Visit the cashier to select your preferred payment method (Interac, Paysafe, Bitcoin, etc.).
- Lastly, enter the amount you want to deposit, then return to the casino to start playing.
Once you have submitted your deposit for approval, your funds should appear in your account within 30 seconds. If you win, the last step is to withdraw. Depending on the method chosen, payments may arrive in 60 seconds or less or take a few days.
Available Casino Games in Ontario
Ontario online casinos offer an endless array of casino games for local enthusiasts. As you will see below, those opportunities cater to a broad range of interests, with slots and table games being the two most popular. That said, there are also crash games, video poker titles, specialty games, and live dealer games.
Slots
Slots are some of the most popular games at an online casino. Powered by cutting-edge software providers, they offer a variety of volatility levels. Likewise, most Ontario casino slots offer an average RTP of 95.69% with a house edge of 4.31% or less.
Low-volatility slots from Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, and Games Global are among the best RTP slots to play. Games like Sugar Rush and Sweet Bonanza 1000 can produce substantial wins. Others like Le Bandit, Donny & Danny, and Gold Blitz Extreme are also known for wins of up to 25,000x the stake.
Table Games
Table games like roulette, poker, baccarat, and blackjack are the most popular in Ontario. Known for offering a low house edge and favorable win conditions, the average RTP for most roulette, baccarat, and blackjack games is 97% to 98%, and the house edge is 2% to 3%.
While Ontario casinos place a big emphasis on game diversity, software providers ultimately deliver the goods. Top providers like OneTouch, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play offer hundreds of table game variants. They include options like Texas Hold’em, Pai Gow, and Craps, to name a few.
Live Casino Games
Live casino games deliver an in-person virtual betting experience that surpasses the entertainment value derived from playing at your local casino. You can play live variants of blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, or check out the latest game show variants.
The most popular live casino games, such as Casino Hold’em, Fortune Roulette, and Extreme Texas Hold’em, have an average RTP of 98.5% and a 1.5% house edge. Other popular live dealer games include Dragon Tiger, Lightning Blackjack, Sic Bo, and Three Card Poker. Unique games like Snakes & Ladders, Crazy Time, and Monopoly Roulette are fun games to play.
Video Poker
Video poker games attract players in Ontario because of their above-average RTPs of 98.5% or more. Most Ontario casinos offer a wide range of video poker titles, with many offering 50 or more.
The most popular video poker variant in Ontario is Jacks or Better because of its low house edge. It is followed by popular variants like Double Poker, Aces and Eights, and Deuces Wild. These variants offer a variety of betting options, multi-hand options, and payouts of up to 4,000x your bet.
Online Poker
Ontario is the only province in Canada that allows players from the province to legally play cash games, tournaments, and sit’ n’ go’s online. Ontarians can play games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Low, Rummy, and Speed poker.
The most appealing aspect for most Ontarians is the table limits. Most poker rooms offer a variety of table stakes, with the lowest being C$0.01-C$0.02. The same applies to tournaments and sit’n’goes, with buy-ins ranging from C$0.01 to C$100.
Crash Games
Crash games have become among the most sought-after in Ontario. Known for their fast-paced, high-win-potential titles, they include popular titles from leading software developers such as Spribe, Games Global, and SoftSwiss.
Some of the most popular crash games to play include Aviator, Big Bass Crash, FlyX, JetX, and High Flyer. Mines, Plinko, Spaceman, Dice, Balloon, and Chicken Road are a few other notable crash games that are worth considering.
Specialty Games
Specialty casino games are abundantly available at Ontario online casinos. They offer an RTP-favorable environment, with many at or above 96.89%. With house edges of 3.11% or less, they are powered by some of the industry’s top providers.
A few of the most popular specialty games you can play at an Ontario online casino include scratch cards, bingo, keno, and instant win games. Lottery games, craps, and sic bo are also popular variants, as are Piggy Tap Vacation and Chicken Kitchen.
Online Casinos with Mobile Apps
One of the advantages of playing at an online casino in Ontario is the ability to use a dedicated casino app. Mobile betting apps are easy to download and install on your device. Best of all, they are compatible with most devices. Here are some of the top online casinos with mobile apps in Ontario:
| Online Casino App | Best For | Approx. Size |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Betano | Casino and sports betting | 300 MB |
| ✅ LeoVegas | Mobile Casino and Sports betting | 250MB |
| ✅ PlayOJO | Casino | 100 MB |
Ontario Online Casinos Payment Methods
Ontario casino players can deposit and withdraw money through a variety of payment methods. The most popular option for affordability is Interac, while the others shown below offer their own unique qualities:
| Payment Method | Most Suitable For | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Interac | Instant bank transfers | C$10 |
| ✅ Paysafe | Global payments | C$20 |
| ✅ Visa | Fast deposits | C$20 |
| ✅ MasterCard | Instant deposits | C$20 |
| ✅ ApplePay | Fast deposits | C$5 |
Playing at Online Casinos in Ontario
If you are new to playing at an online casino in Ontario, our tips for beginners are a great way to gamble responsibly. As such, before you register at any of the top online casinos Ontario, we suggest you:
- Play low-stakes bets in the beginning – Playing low stakes at the beginning is a safe bet. It will allow you to familiarise yourself with the games and explore the available betting options.
- Take breaks – Taking regular breaks from gambling is a must. Taking a break helps you manage your bankroll and reassess how much time you spend on extracurricular activities.
- Set a budget and stick to it – Setting a budget and sticking to it is the best way to gamble responsibly. Never deposit more than you can afford to lose.
- Know the rules and house edge of the game you are playing – Always understand the rules and house edge of the game you are playing. This will ensure you do not make mistakes or play games that are overly in the casino’s favor.
- Set time limits – Most of the top online casinos Ontario allow you to set time limits. By setting a time limit, you can have fun without risking time away from other responsibilities.
Do You Pay Taxes on Casino Winnings?
No, Canadian players are not required to pay taxes on their winnings unless the Federal government deems them professional players. If a player is deemed to be a professional gambler, winnings will be treated as income and taxed according to Federal and provincial taxation tables.
That said, if you invest your winnings in a high-interest account with GIG with a 3% ROI, your investment income will be taxed. For example:
You win C$20,000 and purchase a 1-year GIG at an interest rate of 3%, generating C$600 in interest. The taxes owed on that interest will be based on your marginal tax rate.
If you are a professional gambler, your winnings will be considered your primary source of income. For example, if you win C$100,000, you will incur a marginal tax rate of 43.2%.
That said, if you are unsure whether your gambling winnings have generated income for you, you should consult a certified public accountant who is familiar with Federal and provincial tax obligations.
Responsible Gambling in Ontario
.Licensed betting establishments deemed safe online casinos Ontario by the AGCO must be transparent and provide Ontario players with a variety of tools to gamble responsibly. Those tools include the following:
- Budgeting Tools – Budgeting tools are a fundamental part of providing players with the options they need to gamble responsibly. They include time limits, deposit limits, take-a-break options, and self-exclusion.
- Self-assessment tests – Online casinos in Ontario are required to provide a self-assessment test that helps players understand their gambling activity before it becomes a problem.
- Interactive guides on responsible gambling – Interactive guides on responsible gambling are provided to help players understand budgeting tools and how they relate to their gambling habits. They are a valuable resource that can be used alongside local support services before gambling becomes problematic.
- Bet Guard – BetGuard is a digital self-exclusion program that is offered in Ontario. It allows players to be self-excluded from every online casino in the province. Players can choose to self-exclude for up to 5 years.
In addition to the above responsible gambling tools, Ontario casinos must provide links to the following organizations:
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600
- Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: 1-800-463-2338
- Responsible Gambling Council: 1-416-499-9800
Online Gambling in Ontario – Our Verdict
Online gambling in Ontario is a safe and enjoyable pastime that millions of Ontarians have embraced since the province legalized sports and casino betting. Ontario casinos are licensed and regulated by a provincial body. They offer a variety of responsible gambling tools and an outstanding selection of games that are verified for authenticity. In our opinion, that makes gambling in Ontario an excellent alternative to land-based betting establishments.
FAQ
What is the legal age for gambling in Ontario?
The legal age for sports betting and lottery at retail locations in Ontario is 18. However, to gamble online in Ontario, you must be at least 19 years old.
What is the difference between Ontario-regulated and unregulated online casinos?
The difference between Ontario-regulated and unregulated online casinos is that regulated casinos are licensed by the province, and unregulated casinos are not.
What is the best online casino in Ontario?
LeoVegas is the best online casino in Ontario. The operator offers casino, sports, and live betting, plus plenty of promotional opportunities.
Can I use crypto at Ontario online casinos?
Yes, you can use crypto at Ontario online casinos if crypto is available as a funding option.
What should I do if an Ontario casino refuses to pay out?
If an Ontario casino refuses to pay out, your best bet is to file a dispute resolution request with iGaming Ontario. They will attempt to resolve the issue with the operator and advise you of the outcome.