Since gambling involves spending real money, you need to do it at the best casinos in Ontario, Canada. This way, you get the best experience and value for money. The aim of our portal is to provide you will all of the information you need to know to make the best decisions about Ontario online gambling. We’re all about helping you have the best time and the biggest wins while keeping you from potential financial and mental harm. Ultimately, we’re here to advise on everything to do with online Ontario casino sites, so buckle up and enjoy our guide.
Gambling Laws in Ontario
| Current Legal Status: | legal since 2022 |
| Legal Gambling Age in ON: | 19 |
| No. of Casino Licenses to be Issued: | 36 |
| Payment Methods to be Available: | Credit/debit card, e-wallet, prepaid card, cryptocurrency, bank transfer |
| Gambling Regulator: | AGCO and iGO |
In Canada, it is the federal Criminal Code of Canada that deals with the legality of gambling in the country. That said, gambling laws in Canada aren’t as straightforward as in some countries because they can vary depending on the province or territory. This is because each province and territory have the responsibility of dealing with its own gambling operations.
In Ontario, it is the OLGC (the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) that is responsible for overseeing all gaming operations. This includes all lottery games throughout the province, racetrack slot machines, aboriginal and charity casinos, and commercial casinos.
Online casinos and the issuing of any iGaming license Ontario is a job for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGO – iGaming Ontario – who work together to protect players.
The gambling age in Ontario is 19. Under 19s are not able to buy lottery tickets or use a casino (whether online or in person) as per the 1997 legislation. Doing so would be a provincial offense, and there are significant fines attached.
What Documentation Will New Players Be Asked to Provide?
When signing up for an online casinos in Ontario Canada, users will be required to provide a number of documents. These include proof of identity and proof of address. You could, for example, provide a copy or scan of your passport or government-issued ID and a recent utility bill as proof of address. Sometimes a casino will ask you to provide a copy of your credit card used to make a deposit. You can block out some of the details, but this is to prevent money laundering and fraud.
Benefits of Playing Legal Ontario Casinos
There are lots of benefits to playing at Ontario online casinos as well as a few drawbacks. Here are the advantages:
- You can enjoy a huge range of games – there are thousands upon thousands of different slot games from hundreds of providers. There is something to suit all tastes and gambling styles.
- You can take advantage of promotions and bonuses offered. Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos have so many different bonuses and promotions for both newcomers to a site and existing players.
- You can play for an unrestricted amount of time unless they choose to set time limits, of course.
- Playing at any licensed casino is allowed. Since April 2022, online casinos have been allowed to operate in Ontario, which has led to a number of new ones starting up.
- You won’t be bothered by a third party. With online gambling being legalized in 2022, there are also strict regulations that sites have to follow.
- You can set yourself limits on betting. These can be loss limits, time limits, or complete self-exclusion should you wish.
- You can get loyalty points. Each individual casino will have its own VIP scheme or loyalty program. Usually, the more you play, the more points you have. Loyalty schemes tend to offer levels, and the higher a player’s level, the more benefits they get.
Here are some disadvantages:
- There is always a risk of becoming addicted to gambling.
- You can find yourself a victim of a scam or fraud (if you don’t use a recommended site).
- There are wagering requirements for bonus offers.
How do We Rate the Best Ontario Online Casinos?
At CasinoHEX, we value our readers and their online casino experiences. As such, we’re very careful in how we rate casinos. We are your go-to experts and have worked in the online gambling industry for many years. As such, you can trust our expertise and experience to provide accurate information. Here are the things we look out for when rating Ontario online casinos:
- Best payout casino rates
- The quality of the site
- The key features
- Available payment methods
- The licensing/regulation of sites
- The software providers and their games collections
- The bonuses on offer
- The customer support that’s available.
Let’s look at some of these in more detail:
Licensing
Using a licensed casino is essential. All licensed operators have rules they need to abide by, which makes them safer for consumers. For instance, online casinos in Ontario must adopt policies that mitigate risks in terms of responsible gambling. If they fail to do so, they can lose their license. Here at CasinoHEX, we will only recommend casinos that have a legitimate license to operate in Ontario, Canada.
Though licensing is one part of ensuring the security of Canadian players, the website itself also needs to be secure. We look out for things like SSL encryption to make sure that players’ data and funds are as safe as possible.
Games Collection and Software Providers
Besides security, it is one of the most important aspects of any online casino. This is what customers come for. When a site only has a small range of providers or a handful of games, it’s just not as interesting. When reviewing sites, we look at what they offer in terms of game variety as well as the range of software providers.
It’s great when an online casino has a good range of software developers, particularly if they use a mixture of well-known developers (NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, IGT, etc.) alongside smaller gaming developers.
Games-wise, we like to see a good variety too. Things like slots, progressive jackpot slots, and table games like baccarat, roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, bingo, and sic bo are what we look out for. We also look to see whether a site offers sports betting and betting on things like e-sports. Essentially, the more games and betting opportunities there are, the better!
Casino Bonuses Available
Bonuses are a great way to attract new customers to a casino – and they’re also beneficial to players too. However, with different ones available, strict terms and conditions, and wagering requirements, it can be hard to know whether a bonus offer is a good one or not. Thankfully, we can help siphon out the bad ones from the good.
There are lots of different bonuses available. Here are some of the ones you might come across:
- No deposit bonuses – these are ones you get without spending any of your own money. They’re usually lower in value than other types of bonus and will have limits on bet sizes, win amounts and withdrawals. You’ll also need to meet wagering requirements with your own funds if you do want to withdraw anything you win when using a no deposit bonus.
- Matched deposit bonus – these offers are often on their own or as part of a comprehensive welcome package with free spins. Essentially, if you deposit an amount (up to a maximum), the casino will also give you some. It could be a 100% bonus, 50%, or 200%+. You should always read the terms and conditions attached to ensure you understand what you’re required to do.
- Refer a friend bonus – this is a straightforward bonus for existing customers. If you’re already a member of an online casino, you might be able to get a bonus for referring a friend who then joins and makes a deposit themselves.
- Free spins bonus – there are a number of different formats for a free spins bonus. Some games have free spins rounds where you can win free spins. Lots of casinos offer a free spins bonus to existing customers on a weekly or monthly basis when they make a deposit on a specific day. Many welcome packages often have a free spins element too.
- Reload bonuses – when you’re an existing member of a casino, you might be able to access a reload bonus. Some casinos offer this on a specific day of the week. It might be a percentage match bonus, free spins, or both.
- Loyalty programs – though not strictly bonuses, a loyalty program of a VIP scheme at an online casino does bring in benefits to users. Usually, a loyalty scheme will have certain levels attached to it. The more you play, the higher your level will be. When you reach certain levels, you’ll be given more rewards. This might be better bonuses like cashback on losses, for instance.
- Cashback bonuses – these are offered to encourage players to continue playing even if they’re on a losing streak because they’ll get a percentage of their losses back as a bonus.
- The high roller offers – these are available to people who make larger deposits; they might be in the form of cashback or other high rewards.
Payment Methods
Canadian online casinos offer a range of different payment methods to suit all types of players. Most casinos will stipulate that you need to make deposits and withdrawals using the same method.
The more options a casino has, the better. When reviewing Ontario casinos, we make sure to check out what payment methods are available.
Though most payment methods are instantaneous for making deposits, the processing times and withdrawal times vary considerably depending on the chosen payment method. The quickest withdrawals are usually with e-wallets or cryptocurrency. Things like bank transfers and card withdrawals take the longest. A card withdrawal will take up to 5 business days, while a bank transfer might take as long as 7 business days.
Online Casino Customer Support
Getting help when you need it is crucial, which is why we always check out what options are available and how good they are. We also take into account the views of previous customers by looking at independent review sites to see what they have to say about customer support.
Support can be in many forms: email, telephone, live chat, and web form. The times these are available also matter because many people use online casinos at any time of day or night. Response times matter too!
It’s easy to think you won’t really need customer support, but when you do, it’s important you can access what you need and quickly. If it takes you a long time to get hold of someone or if when you get hold of someone, and they don’t help you, it’s frustrating.
We love casinos that offer multiple channels of support around the clock. We also value their availability, i.e. they don’t leave you waiting around in queues for ages! What’s more, we want you to be able to speak to someone without a language barrier, so multilingual support is good too.
We look out for red flags too. This includes customer support that tries to advertise things to you and get you to spend more money, scripted replied and canned responses, and those who are all lip service but no action.
How We Decide When to Blacklist a Casino
Occasionally, we might have to resort to blacklisting a casino because of poor practice. Though not done lightly, blacklisting is important because it protects customers in terms of their safety and their finances. The reasons why we blacklist a casino include the following:
- Unethical business practices like paying people to write good reviews or affiliates not being paid.
- Problems with being able to withdraw winnings, including delayed and cancelled payouts and declining withdrawal requests.
- Poor knowledge about how to run a casino effectively.
- Bonuses are practically impossible to wager.
- Using non-licensed software and games.
- There are misleading offers.
- They don’t have robust security measures in place to prevent scammers, money launderers and criminals from getting hold of money or data.
- The terms and conditions change too often. If you’re used to using a certain casino or game and the rules keep changing, it’s not much fun or good practice.
- The games are manipulated and don’t use a random number generator (RNG) appropriately.
- They don’t have a license.
Online Casino Games For Ontario’s Gamblers
Now for the fun part! Games are what online casinos are about, and thankfully, Ontario’s gamblers have heaps of choice. There are thousands of games and hundreds of software providers out there. Here is our Ontario casinos list of available games (it’s not exhaustive):
Online slots
These are by far the most popular of all games at online casinos, which is strange because, in a brick-and-mortar casino, they’re somewhat of an afterthought! At physical casinos, people tend to play more interactive and traditional casino games. Online slots, however, provide a real source of entertainment for gamblers.
They offer an experience that’s similar to video games in that there’s suspense and excitement. However, you can also win real money, which is fantastic. Some of the most popular real money online casino slot games include Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, Book of Dead, Book of Ra, and Mega Moolah, which is a progressive jackpot that’s famous for giving out the biggest prize of a slot game (it even features in the Guinness Book of World Records).
We really like it when casinos offer a range of software providers, too and having a good mix of the larger developers (NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, IGT, Playtech, BetSoft, Yggdrasil, Quickspin, and Big Time Gaming, for example) alongside smaller developers is a positive.
Blackjack
This is a popular game online and in casinos. It’s really simple to play, and the most important rule is that you need to beat the dealer’s hand while not having more than 21 in your own hand. If you get 21 on the deal, you’ve got a blackjack.
Blackjack is available at online casinos both in a standalone game and a live dealer version. There are also variants, too, like Spanish 21 (a game with no 10s in the deck), Blackjack Switch (where you get two hands to play with), and European blackjack (you get dealt one card at a time around the table).
Baccarat
This is another card game in which the player plays against the ‘banker’. There are only three outcomes: the banker wins, the player wins, or there’s a tie, and this is what your bets are made on. There are different variants of this game, too, including Chemin de Fer (the original version), Baccarat Banque, and Punto Banco (also known as American Baccarat or Nevada Baccarat).
Online roulette
This is popular both online and in real casinos. When it’s played online, the software uses a random number generator (RNG) to decide the outcome and where the ball will land. There are also live dealer versions of roulette. Different variants include French roulette (this has the best odds), European roulette, and American roulette (this has the worst odds).
Online poker
Poker is a popular game because it comprises both skill and luck. If you get really good at your poker face, you can win a lot of money.
Reliable Online Casino Payment Methods in Ontario
Canadian gamblers using online casinos in Ontario have lots of different reliable payment methods. When used at a recommended casino, they’ll be both secure and fast. All of these methods are available to use in Canadian dollars.
The different methods offered include:
- Instant banking (Interac, iDebit, eCheck, Citadel, PremierPay, eCashout, InPay)
- E-wallets (InstaDebit, EcoPayz, MuchBetter, WebMoney, Jeton. SticPay, eZeeWallet). These services are very popular around the world these days. They offer a secure way of paying online and mean you don’t have to hand over your card details directly to an online casino. EcoPayz, for example, has been around since 1999. It can be funded through a bank account or card.
- Prepaid cards (Neosurf, Revolut, AstroPay Card, Paysafecard, Felexpin, KOHO, Vanilla Prepaid, CashtoCode, CASHLib). These are the best option if players would like to remain anonymous. You can buy them in different places, including online. Paysafecard, for example, can be topped up at a convenience store to make anonymous payments using 16-digit code. Neosurf is similar. You can buy a Neosurf voucher at lots of local stores, and money is added instantly when you deposit at a casino in this way.
- Credit cards (Visa Credit, MasterCard Credit, American Express). Card payments are one of the most popular banking methods and also one of the most secure.
- Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard). This is one of the most popular methods of payment at online casinos in Ontario and around the globe. You make a deposit in the same way you would use your debit card for online purchases.
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum), USDT, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash, etc.). There are lots of sites now accepting cryptocurrencies as a deposit method. You can often get unique bonuses for using crypto too. This method is good because it’s secure and adds a layer of anonymity.
- Bank Wire Transfer. This is a quick way of making a deposit for most people. If you’re familiar with online banking and bank transfers, you’ll find this useful.
- Mobile Payment (through billing, e.g., BOKU)
Unless you’re using a one-way payment method (like a prepaid card), you will be required to use the same deposit and withdrawal method. This is one way that online casinos keep their sites free from fraudsters, scammers, and money launderers.
How to Sign Up and Play at Ontario Online Casinos
All Ontario online casino sites we recommend are safe and legitimate for players in Ontario, and the sign-up process is similar for them all. Here is the general process of how to play at an online casino:
1. Research casinos and find one that you want to join – be sure to check out reliable rating sites and look at their recommendations.
2. Go to your chosen casino site and click on ‘register’. Complete the sign-up process. This might involve entering personal details like your name, email address, telephone number, and address. You’ll also need to create a password and verify your email address.
3. If the site offers bonuses to claim on sign-up, be sure to have read the terms and conditions and do what is necessary to activate the bonus. You might need to make a minimum deposit, enter a promo code, or enter card details in your account, for example.
4. Start enjoying the games!
Comparing Online Casinos to Land Casinos in Ontario
Not too long ago, the only casinos available were traditional land-based casinos. In recent decades around the world, more and more online casinos have popped up, which has caused a surge in popularity for casino games. With the Covid-19 pandemic, people who preferred real casinos were forced to use their computers and handheld devices to access their favorite games, and with this increase in demand came an increase in sites and games as a result. There are many positives for both online and land-based casinos, as well as many disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Pros for playing online
- You can do so from the comfort of your own home and don’t need to leave your house.
- You can play wherever you are, provided that you have an internet connection.
- You can still access live-dealer games if you want a more social experience.
- You can gamble away from the chaos and crows of a live casino.
- You can play games for free.
- The casino is accessible to all; it doesn’t matter where you live.
Pros for playing at a traditional casino
- Nothing quite beats the experience of being in a real casino, an online casino doesn’t have the same vibe.
- Your money is paid out straight away. At an online casino, you’ll have to wait and go through a lengthier withdrawal process.
- It can be part of a bigger night out. Brick and mortar casinos often have impressive features like live entertainment, restaurants, bars, and even swimming pools.
- You can play alongside others and see your competitors face-to-face.
List Of Land Based Ontario Casinos
Ontario has its fair share of land-based casinos. There is an establishment to suit any type of gambler. You can even find 24/7 places. What’s more, they have top-class hotels, theaters, restaurants, and bars too. Here is a selection of the ones licensed by AGCO:
- Caesars Casino Windsor – this is one of the most popular, and it is renowned worldwide. The casino overlooks the skylike of Detroit and is very close to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. When this casino was opened, it influenced the legislature in Michigan as people were coming over to enjoy what it had to offer.
- Cascades Casino Chatham – this is a casual casino that’s open 24/7 and has free entry. There are two restaurants and heaps of slot games and table games to enjoy.
- Casino Woodbine – Woodbine has 100 table games and 2,900 slot games. It’s located around 15 Km from Toronto in a district called Etobicoke. You need to be 19 to enter. There is valet and self-parking, 7 restaurants and three bars.
- Starlight Casino Point Edward – this site has 23,000 sq ft of space and is situated in the village of Point Edward. Entry is free and for 19+ only. There are three restaurants.
Besides these four land-based casinos, there are many more. None of them beat our top three, though. Here are our reviews of the Top 3 land-based casinos in Ontario:
Fallsview Casino Resort
6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, ON L2G 7X5, Canada
This casino is right on the bank of the Niagara River in the city of Niagara Falls itself. The Fallsview Casino Resort opened in 2004 and has a hotel onsite, self and valet parking, and over 20 restaurants. It is open round the clock for anyone aged 19 or over, and the gambling space is huge, with 374 different rooms, 300 slot games, 130 table games, and two entertainment halls. Here, you are not required to dress smartly, but you will need to wear proper shoes and a shirt.
Great Blue Heron Casino
21777 Island Rd, Port Perry, Ontario, ON L9L 1B6, Canada
This casino has a gambling space of 70,000 sq. ft., and there are more than 50 gaming tables, 700 slots, a gambling terminal, and a poker room. They have a range of different slots, from your classic fruit machines to 3D video slots. They also offer variants like mini-baccarat, midi-baccarat, and Omaha Poker. Food wise, there are three dining options, including a buffet restaurant, a noodle bar, and a snack bar. The dress code is casual.
Casino Rama Resort
5899 Rama Rd, Orillia, Ontario, ON L3V 6H6
Located in Orillia, which is 90 minutes by car from Toronto, the Casino Rama Resort is exceptional. It is the only First Nations resort in the province, and it offers live entertainment, excellent dining options and luxurious lodging. There are ten restaurants and bars, self and valet parking, and round-the-clock gambling. In total, you’ll find 2500 slot games, 12 poker tables, and 110 table games. They have variations of your usual casino games, too, like Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack Switch, and Spanish 21.
The Future of Online Casinos in Ontario
Since Ontario is one of Canada’s first provinces to open up so much possibility in terms of online casinos, it’s somewhat ahead of the game. The other Canadian provinces will be watching closely to see how popular Ontario’s new industry becomes. In the near future, we could see a range of similar online gambling sites appearing across the whole of Canada. That could mean bigger player pools, more jackpots, and a lot more fun!
Responsible Gaming in Ontario
The Canadian authorities are big on responsible gaming. As online gambling is relatively new in the province, the authorities are keeping a close eye on every online casino Ontario operates in accordance with responsible gambling rules. AGCO is responsible for overseeing the regulation and legalization and also outlines how operators should keep their users safer when they’re gambling online. There are lots of responsible gaming requirements for online casinos in Ontario. These include:
- Deposit limits – users can set these themselves per day/week/month.
- Loss limits – users can set an amount they’re prepared to lose per day/week/month, after which they won’t be able to play anymore.
- Time limits – players can set parameters to limit how much time they spend on a site or a game.
- Self-exclusion – AGCO requires all operators to provide a self-exclusion program so that players can ban themselves from the site.
- Detection of harmful behavior – AGCO requires operators to have systems in place to detect harmful gambling behaviors quickly.
- Education on responsible gambling – operators should be informing their customers on which tools are available to them and the resources and information they need to be able to gamble responsibly.
- Game design – there are also rules on games and how they are designed so that they are understandable and straightforward.
- Strict rules for advertising, including no ‘cold calling’.
If players do think they need further support, they can contact one of the following organizations:
- National Council on Problem Gambling – NCPG – www.ncpgambling.org
- Gamblers Anonymous – www.gamblersanonymous.org
- GamTalk – www.gamtalk.org
- Gam-Anon – www.gam-anon.org
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – CAMH – www.camh.ca
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
Canadian online casino FAQ
- Can I play slots online in Ontario?
Yes. Online gambling has been legal in Ontario since 4th April 2022, when the government gave private companies the green light to offer online casino and gambling services. This means you can now play lots of different slots online in Ontario.
- Are online casinos legal in Ontario?
Yes. Online casinos have been legal in Ontario since 4th April 2022, when new legislation arrived. It is one of four Canadian provinces that allow gambling online.
- What is the minimum age to gamble in Ontario?
You need to be 19 to gamble either online or in a land-based casino in Ontario.
- Do I need to pay taxes on gambling or lottery winnings?
No. Canadians don’t have to pay any taxes on their gambling winnings or lottery winnings.
- Is it legal to play at offshore casino sites?
Yes. Even though Ontario has its own legalized online casinos now, it is still legal to use offshore casinos too. However, these should be regulated by AGCO; otherwise, you risk not using a legitimate or safe casino. We list the best online casinos Ontario has, so it’s wise to consult this when choosing where to spend your money.