Online Gambling in Ontario: An Overview
On April 4, 2022, Ontario officially launched a regulated online gambling market – iGaming Ontario. This means that local gamblers no longer need to rely on offshore gambling sites to play real money games. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has been regulating gambling in the province since 1992. The gaming commission Is now in charge of Ontario’s online casino market.
The provincial government had revealed plans to end the lottery’s online gambling monopoly in 2019. The government introduced legislation to allow for a licensing regime the following year. In March 2021, negotiations related to the application process and regulated had started and were finalised in June of the same year.
All operators looking to join Ontario’s online gambling market must file to register with the commission. They must also secure an operating agreement with AGCO’s subsidiary, iGaming Ontario. Several major brands have been approved to operate in the province. Supplies such as Inspired Entertainment, Play’n GO, and High 5 Games have also been approved to work with operators. There’s no doubt that more new online casinos will apply for a licence in Ontario.
What to Expect From the Best Ontario Online Casinos
Canadians now have access to many legal online casino options in Ontario. Our team has extensively reviewed several of these casinos to present you with the finest sites. If you’re not sure what to expect from our recommended casinos, then keep reading to learn all about their perks.
A Valid Licence and Top Security
Each online casino listed here holds a valid licence from iGaming Ontario. Licensed online casinos will safeguard your funds and personal details thanks to strict security measures. These sites use encryption technology to protect sensitive information, such as credit card transfers and passwords. An online casino in Ontario must protect its players to keep its gambling licence.
Quality Casino Games
Our hand-picked sites feature hundreds of popular casino games. These include a variety of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as live dealer games. Other options include video poker titles such as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Our top Ontario online casino sites also get their games tested by third parties like eCOGRA. This ensures you’ll be playing genuine games that are truly fair and random.
Reliable Banking Options
When it comes to playing at an Ontario casino online, you’ll need a trusted payment method to fund your account with. Our recommended gambling sites allow you to make deposits and withdrawals with bank transfer. You can also opt for credit and debit cards like VISA and MasterCard. Other popular Canadian online casino payment options include Interac, InstaDebit, Skrill, and Neteller.
Friendly Customer Support
The leading online casinos in Ontario have personalised customer support for Canadian gamblers. Whenever you run into an issue while gambling online, you’ll be able to quickly access professional customer service. Contact options include live chat, email, and telephone. Many reputable Ontario online casino sites also feature a dedicated FAQ section which answers common queries.
Mobile Optimisation
Licensed online casinos will be optimised for a variety of devices. This means that you can have a smooth gambling experience regardless of the device you use. You can play the best casino games on desktop PCs, mobile phones, or tablets. The best gambling sites will also have dedicated Ontario casino apps which you can download from Google Play Store or the App Store.
The Most Popular Casino Games in Ontario
The best online casinos in Ontario offer an extensive selection of games for you to choose from. The most popular real money online casino games include the following:
Online Slots
Online slots are by the most popular gaming option. Canadian online casinos have hundreds of different slot games in their lobby. You’ll often find classic slot machines with three reels and retro symbols. Video slots that are packed with bonuses are also commonplace. Many slot games will even have progressive jackpots, which add to the fun and excitement while playing online.
Table Games
You can play the best roulette and blackjack games for low stakes at Ontario online casinos. For example, you can take you pick from American roulette, European roulette, or French roulette. Other games you can play include craps, baccarat, and sic bo. Many sites offer demo versions of their table games, which means you can practise your strategy first before wagering real money.
Video Poker
Many Canadians love a good poker game. Luckily, Ontario casino sites let you enjoy your favourite video poker games online. All video poker variants are based on the 5-card draw system of poker and use a 52-card deck. Most video poker variations are based on two game types: Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. With the right strategy, video poker can be an entertaining game.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are perfect for an authentic casino experience. Instead of heading to Casino Niagara or Fallsview Casino Resort, you can play against real dealers from your own home. You can bet in on the action by following a live stream of a game from a professional studio. There’s also a chat option which lets you interact with fellow players.
Online Bingo
Bingo is huge in Canada, both at charity events and at real money online casinos. Many online bingo games are hosted, which retains the social element enjoyed in live games. You can play instant-win games or popular variations such as 90-ball bingo, 80-, and 75-ball bingo. Online slingo is a great alternative to traditional bingo. It’s a combination of online slots and keno games, making it ideal for slot fans.
How to Get Started at Ontario Online Casino Sites
It’s easy to open an account with the best online casinos in Ontario. The exact process may differ from site to site. However, it’s pretty intuitive and you’ll be all set to play online in no time at all. If you’re new to the online casino gambling scene, you can follow these steps below.
1. Select a casino from our curated list above. You’ll be redirected to the casino’s official site. Here you can click on the Join or Register button.
2. Fill in the registration form. You’ll need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, address, and phone number.
3. Once you’ve filled in the form, you’ll have to verify your account. Use the verification code sent by text or email to activate your account.
4. You can now visit the Cashier page. Select one of the many banking options available to fund your account.
5. Enter the amount you’d like to deposit and approve the transaction. Your funds will soon appear in your casino account. Make sure you’ve met the minimum deposit limit of the online casino.
6. Use your deposit to claim the welcome bonus (if available) and start playing your favourite casino games.
Legal Gambling Options in Ontario
Besides online casinos, Ontario has an abundance of legal gambling options for its residents. Below, you’ll find an overview of each one:
- Casinos: Ontario is home to over 70 land-based casinos. These include government-owned casinos and tribal casinos. The facilities range from luxury resorts in Niagara Falls and Toronto to smaller operations throughout the province.
- Poker: You’ll find poker rooms at a number of larger casinos around Ontario, including Casino Niagara. Tournaments and cash games featuring Pot Limit Omaha and other poker variants run regularly.
- Sports betting: In 2021, single-game betting on sports was legalised in Ontario. Online sports betting is available at commercial operators or at Proline Plus, OLG’s online sportsbook. You can place bets on all North American sports and major leagues oversees.
- Horse racing: Ontario has many racetracks and several off-track betting locations. Each one provides pari-mutuel wagering on national and international races. Ontarians can also opt for online horse betting.
- Lottery: There are daily draws, many with multimillion-dollar prize pools. Lotto Max is one of the most popular lotteries in the province, which has a jackpot that can reach $70 million. Instant-win games and keno are also available through official retailers.
- Bingo: There are dozens of bingo halls in Ontario, spread throughout many towns and cities in the province. They host games on most weekdays and weekends.
- Fantasy Sports: Daily fantasy sports is legal in Ontario. However, in April 2022, FanDuel stopped it’s daily fantasy sports contests in Ontario. This is due to high fees and taxes, and more operators are expected to follow FanDuel’s lead.
Land-Based Casinos in Ontario
There is no shortage of land-based casinos in Ontario. Venues offer slot machines, table games, poker, and sportsbooks. Ontario’s biggest casino is Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls. Other major cities for gambling include Rama, Sarnia, Windsor, and Thunder Bay.
Check out some of Ontario’s renown brick-and-mortar casinos:
| Casino | Address | Contact Number |
|---|
| Fallsview Casino Resort | 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5 | +1 888-325-5788 |
| Casino Niagara | 5705 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T3 | +1 888-325-5788 |
| Caesars Windsor | 377 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N9A 7H7 | +1 800-991-7777 |
| Casino Rama | 5899 Rama Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 6H6 | +1 800-832-7529 |
| Gateway Casino Thunder Bay | 50 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5L4 | +1 807-766-7900 |
A Brief History of Gambling in Ontario
Ontario has historically been a leader in the gambling industry. Horse racing has taken place in the province for well over a century. However, the modern era of gambling in Ontario only began in 1975. In this year, the Ontario Lottery Corporation Act was passed. After it was passed, the lottery corporation was set up. The main goal of the corporation was to raise funds for public projects. Within a few months, it was holding its first drawings, and lottery games have been offered in Ontario ever since. Today, the group is known as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the lottery is still a major part of its responsibilities.
Before 1996, commercial casinos in Canada were banned, including in Ontario. In the 1960s, the Canadian Criminal Code was amended. Provinces were allowed to legalise some forms of gambling under certain conditions. As a result, Ontario legalised casino gambling in 1994. The first legal casino in Ontario opened in the same year – the Casino Windsor (now Caesars Windsor). It was predicted the casino would earn $150 million a year, but now earns nearly twenty times that figure.
Over the years, more and more venues have opened. Casino Niagara opened in 1999 and became a popular hub for gambling in Ontario. From the early 2000s onwards, more casinos would open their doors, including Fallsview Casino and Resort. It is Canada’s largest casino, with 2.5 million square feet of gaming space.
In recent years, online gambling has also become an option for Ontarians. The OLG.ca gambling site was first launched in January 2015 and is only available to locals. Aside from offering real money games, players can buy lottery tickets for most of the major drawings, including national jackpot games. Locals can now also play at several Ontario casinos online, all of which are owned by leading brands in the industry. Today, Ontario boasts a $4 billion gambling market – the largest market in Canada.
Responsible Gambling in Ontario
While gambling is an enjoyable activity for many, it can still be harmful for some. Online casinos in Ontario take responsible gambling very seriously. Many casinos provide detailed information on how to stay in control of your gambling. They will include links to specialist organisations that provide professional advice and support. These include ConnexOntario and The Responsible Gambling Council. Licensed casino sites will also list the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (1-888-230-3505).
Here are some top tips from our team on how to gamble responsibly at legal online casinos in Ontario:
- Always keep in mind that gambling is a form of entertainment. It should not be seen as a way to get rick quickly.
- Do not chase your losses, even if they’re small. You may end up losing more than you expected as a result.
- Do not gamble with money that is needed for everyday expenses, such as bills.
- Take advantage of the responsible gaming tools found at Ontario online casinos. For example, you’ll be able to set a deposit limit when you sign up. You can also request time-out periods when you need a break.
Play at the Best Online Casino in Ontario Today
We hope our guide has brought you up to speed with everything there is to know on online casino gaming in Ontario. The future seems bright for online casinos in the province. More software developers and casinos are expected to lunch their online offerings here. Which means there will be no shortage of casino games and Ontario sports betting options for online gamblers.
You can join the best online casino which is listed as #1 above. Alternatively, take your pick from the other online casinos featured on this page.
