Ontario Casinos
As of April 2022, online casinos are legal in Ontario. The province in east-central Canada and home to Canada’s capital Ottava has issued the first online gambling licences. They have enabled operators to offer their services to Ontario gamblers lawfully.
In this guide to Ontario online casinos, you can learn about this market and the best gambling sites catering to its residents. Stay with us to find out how to find the gambling destination that will be the perfect fit for you.
Introduction to Ontario Online Gambling Market
The Ontario online gambling market regulation started in July 2021, when the Government of Ontario established iGaming Ontario. It is a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which will conduct and manage online casinos offering services in the market. At the same time, the AGCO will act as a regulatory body that will monitor all gaming activities taking place in this Canada’s residence.
In the fall of 2021, the regulatory body released a set of standards. It also issued a guide future casino operators will have to comply with. Finally, on April 4, 2022, the iGaming market went live, meaning that operators who had previously obtained licences could offer their services to Ontario gamblers.
Best Ontario Online Casinos
At the moment of writing this review, 13 gambling sites hold an Ontario iGaming licence. The complete list of registered and approved operators in the market is available on the iGaming Ontario official website. You can search its directory to find out whether the casino you are interested in has been authorised.
Let’s take a look at some features that make a good online casino for Ontario players.
Security and Licence
If you want to enjoy casino games legally, you should look for gambling sites that have been approved by the local regulator. First, check whether the casino you like features the iGaming Ontario stamp in its footer. It indicates that the local authority has authorised the operator.
Still interested in offshore gambling sites? Make sure to join only those licensed by trustworthy authorities, like the Government of Curacao, Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission or Kahnawake Gaming Commission. However, you may notice that reputable operators that had been targeting Ontario players for years are withdrawing from the market because of the new regulations.
When you stick to legitimate online casinos licensed in Ontario, you can rest assured that you will enjoy a safe and fair gaming experience. All the operators who have obtained a licence employ the latest security measures and offer games by established providers.
Software and Games
Speaking of software providers, Ontario online casinos offer games coming from the creative kitchen of the biggest names in the industry. Some of them are NetEnt, Red Tiger, IGT and NextGen Gaming. So, if you join these gambling sites, you won’t miss out on the top-notch gaming content.
On the contrary, Ontario online casinos offer a full range of gambling games. From classic and video slots to RNG table and card games, instant-win games and live dealer casino classics and game shows, all of them are available there. If you are into live casino games, you can enjoy those powered by Evolution, one of the leading suppliers in this niche.
Bonuses and Promotions
At the best Ontario online casinos, players can take advantage of welcome offers, including no deposit signup and deposit-based bonuses. In some cases, bonuses on the first deposit can go up to CA$1,000.
Other promotions may include live casino, and free spins offers for existing players. What’s more, some Ontario online casinos also offer loyalty schemes regular players can benefit from. Their loyalty will be rewarded with bonuses, free spins, concert tickets and other incentives.
Payment Methods
Online casinos regulated in the Ontario market allow their customers to use CAD to make transactions and wagers. Besides traditional payment methods like credit/debit cards and bank transfers, gambling sites operating in this Canada’s province also support local options such as Interac. If you want to use Instadebit or an e-wallet like MuchBetter, Neteller or Skrill, you will be able to do it too.
Deposit and withdrawal limits and times vary from casino to casino. However, in most cases, cashouts are approved within 24 hours and processed within five business days. In addition, legit Ontario gambling sites won’t charge fees on deposits or withdrawals, regardless of the payment method you go for.
Customer Support
An online casino worth your while will provide you with 24/7 customer support. You will be able to get in touch with its attentive operators anytime via various channels, including live chat, email and toll-free phone line. In addition, the best Ontario gaming venues will offer extensive FAQ sections, with the most important topics covered.
Closing Thoughts
Playing casino games in a regulated market comes with many advantages. One of them is security and fairness. As for Ontario players, they can now choose from licensed online casinos where their information and money will be safe. At the same time, these gambling sites offer games from established providers, meaning that there are no worries about whether they deliver fair results.
Ontario Online Casinos FAQ
Can I play online casino games in Ontario legally?
Yes, you can join online casinos that hold an Ontario iGaming licence and enjoy online casino games without worries about violating the law.
What is the difference between licensed and offshore Ontario online casinos?
Online casinos that have not obtained an Ontario iGaming licence are not the best option. This is because they may disappear from the market due to new regulations. On the other hand, when you play at a regulated online casino, you can always turn to the local authorities if you believe you have not been treated fairly.
Which games can I play at Ontario online casinos?
Ontario-friendly online casinos offer a full range of casino games. You can enjoy slots, blackjack, roulette, poker and live dealer tables from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Can I claim bonuses at Ontario online casinos?
Yes, Ontario online casinos offer bonuses to new and regular customers.
Are games available at Ontario online casinos fair?
Yes, Ontario online casinos offer gambling games from leading software providers tested and certified as fair.