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Ontario Online Gambling Guide: Best Legal Gambling Sites December 2024

Written by: Kate Matthews

Fact checked by: Martin Pramatarov

Map of Canada, where the state of Ontario is pinned.

With over 65 regulated casinos operating online and offline, among which are some of the best Ontario gambling sites, there are plenty of options for residents of the province. You can play all kinds of online casino games for real money and win if you are lucky.

This online gambling Ontario guide will help you find the best platforms for your personal needs. Check out the legal forms, the history of development, recent updates, top promotions that are offered, the safety measures and more.

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The best Ontario gambling sites

Verified by:Kate MatthewsAuthor at GameZinger.com
Last updated: 17.12.2024
Online Gambling SiteCasino RatingWelcome BonusPayment MethodsCasino GamesLegal StatesSecure LinkCasino ReviewSignificant Terms
4.9/5 Up to C$ 1600
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  • ON
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  • ON
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With the current gaming laws in the state, Ontario online slots and table games are almost a click away for you to access. You can play live casino games or others you prefer through your PC or smartphone wherever you are. Try the best casino apps and the latest progressive jackpots or enjoy the thrill of live dealer games.

Top online gambling websites by gambling type

Here are the leading Ontario online casinos sorted by the gambling and game type they are best at. Have a look at our top picks that deserve your attention and choose according to your needs. These Canadian online casinos are all legal, reliable, and offer great gaming options, superb customer support, and overall services. You can play the hit titles among online roulette and other table games, slots, live dealer, and various gaming options.

Casino overallJackpot City
BlackjackPlay Ojo
Customer serviceRuby Fortune
Mobile casino appRoyal Vegas
Fast payoutsSpin Casino
SlotsSlots Magic
Live dealer gamesCasino Days

Is online gambling legal in Ontario and which are the allowed activities when it comes to casino and betting options? The answer of these and some other questions you will learn here. The landscape and that of entire Canada completely changed in the summer of 2021, before which point there was no such thing as legal online gambling across all Canadian provinces. The passage of bill C-218 by the national government in August 2021 allowed all provinces to license single-game sports betting and casino online gambling.

Home to 40% of Canadian population and a host of top sports teams, Ontario paved the way to legal gambling that became reality on April 4, 2022. Online casino games and betting are now available on the Internet at over 73 regulated Canadian sites. Thanks to Ontario, the change in law ensured regulated online casinos to become a reality, which provide safer overall gambling experience. The best online casinos compete for players’ attention, which creates an environment of competitiveness and high-quality gambling.

The lottery was the first gaming option to go online in Ontario followed by casino gambling. In August 2021 betting was added to the mix, with the single sports bets legalized in the province. Now, fans of horse races can wager online on horse racing via Dark Horse or HPIBet in the province.

Legal forms of gambling in Ontario:

  • Online casinos
  • Land-based casinos
  • Sports betting
  • Horse race betting
  • Bingo
  • Lottery

Sports betting Legal

Single-game betting became legal in Ontario on April 4, 2022. Since then, you can bet not only at the state-run gambling site Prolint+, but on sports online at commercial operators as well. You can place bets for real money on all kinds of North American sports, including on major leagues overseas. The new iGaming law legalized backing single-game bets at online and mobile sportsbooks. Most of the Ontario’s best online gambling sites are also available as sportsbook options. There are 32 sites under the AGCO and iGO regulation, so bettors have a good range of options.

Online casinos Legal

As mentioned, after the legalization of sports bets online and offline, the next logical step was making online casino gambling regulated. As of April 4, 2022, the province made online gambling Ontario legal. Since then, residents can play casino games for real money at an online Ontario casino including those based overseas as they wish.

Land-based casinos Legal

Ontario has had brick-and-mortar casinos since 1994. The Caesars Windsor was the first gambling venue to start operating. In 2023, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licensed 25 slots and casino retails, all offering a superb range of slot machines and table games. The AGCO regulations strive to strengthen player protections for sports and event betting in land-based casino establishments.

There are enough land-based casinos throughout the province, with currently 29 licensed venues working in full steam. But, only five of the providers of games of chance and betting offer live dealer table games, making the total of full-service casinos 24 for now. The land-based casinos below are among the more prominent of them.

Caesars Windsor

Caesars Windsor was the first casino to open in Ontario. With its proximity to the USA – Windsor has always been a popular destination for tourists, offering slot games, table games and a poker room. The hotel has masterfully furnished guest rooms and suites. Caesars Windsor also offers world-class meeting facilities and a 4, 100-seat concert venue. Caesars Windsor has 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space with 2600 slot machines and 95 tables for gamblers’ card and gaming needs. Patrons must be at least 19 years old to be allowed to gamble.

Address: 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, ON, N9A 7H7, Canada
Owner: Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Opened: May 1994 (as a temporary casino on the waterfront of the Detroit River); the current, permanent resort operates since July 29, 1998.

Fallsview Casino Resort

Built on a cliff that overlooks the world-renown Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview Casino Resort is the most immense and stylish gaming resort facility in Canada. This world-class casino offers stunning views of nearby Niagara Falls. It has over 3,500 slot games, among which 350 progressive slots that offer some of the largest jackpots at any casino in the Ontario as well as 130 gaming tables. All this spreads on the impressive 200,000-square-foot gaming floor – the size of three football fields. Card players can enjoy major poker tournaments at the 26 poker tables available there.

The 1,500-seat theatre and hotel rooms offer breathtaking views, luxury atmosphere and the perfect location for excitement 24/7 – a truly unforgettable experience!

Address: 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5
Owner: Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and Mohegan Tribe
Opened: June 10, 2004

Gateway Casino Thunder Bay

Gateway Casino Thunder Bay can boast with gaming floor spread on approximately 14,000 square feet. It offers 450 slot games and 14 table games, including three Texas Hold’em Poker tables. The facility is open 24/7 from Thursday to Sunday. Guests can dine at the full-service Getaway restaurant.

Gateway Casino Thunder Bay is part of the My Club Rewards program, available through lots of Ontario businesses. Participants can earn and redeem points in the Thunder Bay Casino as well as in many other locations across the province. Gateway operates other Ontario brick-and-mortar casinos in Clinton, London, Woodstock, Innisfail, Sudbury, Sarnia, and Sault Ste. Marie.

Address: 50 Cumberland St. South Thunder Bay ON P7B 5L4
Owner: Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited
Opened: 2000

Casino Rama Resort

Casino Rama Resort is a destination for full-fledged entertainment and Ontario’s only First Nations Resort retail casino you can find on Rama First Nation. The venue has earned a reputation for presenting exclusive world-class sports, entertainment, and TV events.

The Resort offers over 2,500 slot machines, more than 100 gaming tables, where players can try their luck on games like sic bo or Texas Hold’em. The High Limits Room of Casino Rama Resort features baccarat and blackjack thrill for the VIPs. The guests can choose from eight unique restaurants, a world-class 5,000-seat entertainment centre, as well as a 300-room all-suite. The full-service hotel also features luxury suites, a spa, and great health club facilities.

Address: 5899 Rama Rd Rama, Ontario L3V 6H6
Owner: Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited
Opened: July 31, 1996

Horse racing Legal

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the regulatory body for the alcohol, gaming, and horse racing industries in the state. Horse racing is legal in Ontario. Players can place bets online on horse racing via Dark Horse or HPIBet in the province. Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack is at the heart of Ontario’s horse racing.

Lottery Legal

If you are resident of Ontario, you can play a few online lottery games, all of which regulated by ALGC. Just visit the OLG website and choose LottoMax, Dailygrand, Ontario49 or some other online lottery options.

The OLG gives you the opportunity to buy tickets for provincial and national draws and play scratch-off games. Though its platform you can play online casino games and bet on the sports you like. You can buy lottery tickets in-store or online via Ontario’s only lottery website. The state lottery is legal on the Internet for people at the age of 18 and over. You need to use a government-issued ID to verify your age.

Online Bingo Legal

An often-ignored game Ontarians know well, online bingo is also lawful in the state. The traditional bingo, where you need to mark numbers and yell bingo at the end if you are lucky is one available option. You can also try new alternatives like Slingo. Live shows like Deal or No Deal and other bingo-style slots are an interesting choice you can experiment with. The best Ontario online casino for online bingo is OLG. Beside first-class bingo of various kinds, the casino site offers keno, lottery, and other cool casino games.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Legal

Despite DFS being legal in Ontario, the game is considered a form of gambling, and many restrictions were imposed on it. DraftKings and FanDuel are two prominent operators that have been leading the DFS scene in Ontario for years. But they have decided to cease their operations of daily fantasy sports in the province probably for two reasons.

One may be the unreasonable registration fee the AGCO imposed. Ontarians are not allowed to share liquidity with players from other states, which makes the DFS products geo-fenced. As a result, the much smaller prize pools led to a steady player decrease. This may be the second reason that put off the largest gambling providers of DFS in the province.

How old do you have to be to gamble in Ontario?

The legal age to gamble in Ontario is 19 or over for playing any casino games such as slots, table games, live, and other titles at regulated platforms. The same age restriction goes for betting on sports event, horse race betting, and online poker both via the Internet and in person at the physical location. For the lottery and bingo, the legal age to gamble in Ontario is 18 at websites and on site.

To be able to open a gambling account with a casino, you must provide a valid email address and home address and later verify your age and ID. Ontario casinos usually use geolocation tools to confirm you play legally within the Ontario borders. You may also be asked to provide other documents and a scan of a recent utility bill. Check out the gambling age for different gambling types below before you register at an Ontario online casino.

Gambling typeLegal age land basedLegal age onlineOnline since
Casinos19192022
Sports betting19192021
Horse race betting1919N/A
Lottery1818N/A
Poker1919N/A
Bingo1818N/A

Ontario gambling and safety

Ontario is one of the Canadian provinces that can boast with a regulated gambling market, being proactive in developing its gambling infrastructure by becoming the pioneer in establishing a comprehensive framework for both retail and online gambling. Since April 2022, numerous brands have launched Ontario online gambling websites. Players have access to gaming sites that pay taxes and follow the regulations, including fair play and responsible gambling. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the body that regulates and oversees all forms of gambling, including online casinos in the province.

The AGCO is a regulatory agency responsible for regulating the alcohol, horse racing, and gaming industries in Ontario. Its aim is to ensure that these industries are managed socially responsibly in accordance with the provincial laws and regulations. The commission partners closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate all illegal activities in the said industries.

To verify if an online casino has an AGCO license check the following things:

  • Does the Ontario online casino site display the regulatory logo or information regarding its regulatory status? All licensed operators are required to showcase the iGaming Ontario logo on their respective sites.
  • Can you find their license number? Legal online casinos will display the regulator’s name and number on their websites on prominent places.
  • Is the Ontario casino in question featured on the AGCO website? Find out the legal status by visiting the page and searching for the online casino’s name. The AGCO maintains a public registry of all legal gaming operators in Ontario, which is accessible for free on the internet.
  • Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

For most individuals, gambling is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime, but for some it poses a risk of addiction leading to serious personal and financial issues. Recognizing this issue, the best Ontario gambling sites prioritize responsible gambling, providing detailed information on how to maintain control.

The following platforms offer links to specialized agencies for expert advice and support on problem gambling. In Ontario, these resources include:

  • iGaming Ontario – this regulatory body offers responsible gambling guidance
  • OLG – a robust self-exclusion program that encompasses OLG.ca and all other Ontario gambling sites. There is a support centre hotline (1-800-387-0098), which the best Ontario casinos feature on their websites.
  • ConnexOntario – an organization addressing mental health and problem gambling,
  • the Center for Addiction and Mental Health – has a comprehensive problem gambling website with self-help tools.
  • Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline – 1-888-230-3505
  • the Responsible Gambling Council – an experienced source of assistance with decades of dedication to this cause.
  • iGaming Ontario
  • OLG
  • Responsible Gambling Council
  • Center for Addiction and Mental Health
  • ConnexOntario

Ontario gambling laws through time

The gambling scene in Ontario has experienced significant transformations, influenced by legislative alterations, regulatory bodies, and technological advancements. Commencing in the 1960s, the industry has evolved, yielding substantial profits for the Ontario economy. The following gambling laws in Ontario outline key stages and events that have shaped the development of offline and online games of chance as well as the sports betting market.

1960s - 1974 - Setting of the Criminal Code and amendments

1960s – 1974Setting of the Criminal Code and amendments

After the setting of the Canadian Criminal Code in the 1960s, an amendment was made that allowed some forms of gambling. Later, in 1874, the Criminal Code of Canada outlawed some ‘games of chance’ such as card games and lotteries.

1975 - The creation of the Lottery and Gaming Corporation

1975The creation of the Lottery and Gaming Corporation

The first bingo parlor to open was William Fish Harrah in Reno. This happened in 1937.

1892 - The opening of the first horse racing track

1892The opening of the first horse racing track

In 1892, the Ontario Jockey Club launched its first horse racing track at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. At the time, horse race betting was not considered gambling, thus it was legal.

1992 - Regulation of brick-and-mortar casinos

1992Regulation of brick-and-mortar casinos

The Gaming Control Act of 1992 was introduced, responsible for regulating land-based casinos in the country. Two years later, in 1994, the first legal casino to operate in Ontario – Casino Windsor (now operating as Caesars Windsor) opens doors.

1998 - The ACGO is the regulatory authority over Ontario casinos

1998The ACGO is the regulatory authority over Ontario casinos

In 1998, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) takes regulatory control over the casinos in Ontario.

2015 - The introduction of the Horse Racing License Act

2015The introduction of the Horse Racing License Act

In 2015, the Horse Racing License Act was introduced, which gave the AGCO responsibility for regulating horse racing in the province. The same year Playolg.ca – the state-run online casino was opened and made accessible to Ontarian players.

2018 - The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act

2018The Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act

In 2018, Bill C-218 – the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act was introduced. It decriminalized single-game betting across entire Canada.

2021 - Legalization of betting

2021Legalization of betting

With the enactment of Bill C-218, in 2021 it became legal for provincial governments, or individuals licensed by a province to conduct a lottery scheme involving betting on a race (excluding horse race betting), a fight, or a single sports event or athletic contest. On August 27, 2021, PROLINE+, a province-run sportsbook was launched for Ontarians. 2021 was also the year when the Government set up iGaming Ontario with the aim of overseeing licenses for gambling platforms and brands operating on the Internet.

2022 - Legal gambling online

2022Legal gambling online

One of the most important Ontario gambling laws was launched on April 4, 2022, when legal and regulated iGaming became reality. The first Ontario-regulated online sportsbooks started operating the same year.

2023 - Positive contributions from the Ontario iGaming market - July 19, 2023

2023Positive contributions from the Ontario iGaming market – July 19, 2023

According to research by Deloitte made in June 2023, during the first year of its operation, the Internet gambling market of Ontario has provided C$1.5bn in economic revenue. The report, released by iGaming Ontario (iGO), reveals that the Ontario online gambling industry has created 12,000 new jobs in the province, which generated C$900m in benefits through salary payments. Most of these jobs are well-paying, with average wages for workers at C103,000, which is around C$30,000 over the average Ontarian wage.

The most important gambling laws in Ontario

Is gambling legal in Ontario? This is the most important question that may be on your mind if you a resident of the state. Hopefully, yes. The gambling landscape in the state has undergone substantial changes influenced by legislative shifts, regulatory institutions, and evolving advancement in betting. The Canadian Criminal Code in the 1960s, permitted certain forms of gambling. However, in 1874, Ontario gambling laws prohibited specific games, including card games and lotteries.

A pivotal development in the province’s gambling scene was the emerging of the OLG in 1975. Autonomy over casino laws was granted to Canadian provinces ten years later. The Gaming Control Act in 1992 regulated brick-and-mortar casinos, and Casino Windsor was the first legal casino to be opened in Ontario back in 1994.

A significant regulatory milestone occurred in 1998 when the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) took control of the province’s casinos. The Horse Racing License Act of 2015 empowered the AGCO to regulate horse racing, which coincided with the launch of the state-run online casino, Playolg.ca.

In 2018, the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act decriminalized single-game betting across Canada. Further changes in 2021 legalized betting on various events through Bill C-218, leading to the launch of PROLINE+ and the establishment of iGaming Ontario.

By 2022, legal and regulated iGaming became a reality in Ontario, ushering in a new era for the state. The positive contributions from the iGaming market in July 2023, as reported by Deloitte, ensured significant economic revenue and job creation. Following Chair Lalit Aggarwal’s departure, Dave Forestell was appointed, with Heidi Reinhart succeeding him in August 2023. As of October 2023, iGaming Ontario reported steady growth, with C$14.2 billion in online betting on sports and casino gaming, emphasizing the resilience and prosperity of Ontario’s gambling industry.

Online gambling in Ontario – updates

Ontario gambling sites are only just appearing legally in the recent years. With the opening of the province’ online casino market, new brands have emerged. The trends suggest a concentration of top platforms over time. The Ontario gambling regulation currently limit local casinos to promote only on their websites, which aims to prevent exploitation. But this restriction is an obstacle for legal casinos to attract more players. As a result, some users unknowingly engage with unlicensed sites.

The future of the best Canadian online casino platforms that accept Ontarian players depends on the regulatory developments and technological advancements that are about to happen. The anticipated changes include more immersive online casino experiences that replicate live atmospheres. Other online casino games in Ontario may diverge from traditional development and apply improved technology. The outcome of all these remains to be seen. The rest of the Canadian provinces will be on a lookout watching closely how popular Ontario’s gambling industry becomes. Soon, we could see a range of similar online casinos appearing across the whole of Canada. That could mean bigger player pools, more jackpots and more fun!

Ontario online gambling FAQ

Is online gambling legal in Ontario?

Yes, thankfully, gambling online and in person in the state is legal since April 2022. You are not restricted in any way as long as you use the services of regulated and licensed operators. The gambling sites in Ontario are overseen by the AGCO. For more details read our Ontario gambling and safety section devoted to that subject.

Is online sports betting legal in Ontario?

Yes, betting on sports became lawful a year earlier than online casino gaming – in 2021 with the enactment of Bill C-218. It legalized most forms of betting except for horse race betting and some others.

How old do you have to be to gamble in Ontario?

You need to be 19 or over to be allowed to engage in gambling on the Internet at online casinos in Ontario. The same age requirement goes for Internet casinos, betting on sports matches, horse betting, and poker, regardless of if it is online or in person. The legal age for bingo and lottery is 18 again both for online and physical play. Check out our section called how old do you have to be to gamble in Ontario? to learn more.

Where can I find the best online gambling sites for Ontarians?

Finding the top platforms is not easy given the diversity and number of available Internet casinos and betting sites. You can check at the beginning of this page paying more attention to the sections: the best Ontario gambling sites and the best online casino sites in Ontario. Also check the leading platforms according to the game type you prefer. Every player has preferences and it’s normal to have differences regarding the casinos and sportsbook you like.

How can I be sure that I’m playing at an Ontario regulated online casino?

The easiest and quickest way to do that is by checking for the iGaming Ontario logo on the website of the operator on question. iGaming Ontario is the body which oversees Internet casino games in the province and any licensed Ontario casino must be registered with this organization.

Who regulates the gambling industry of Ontario?

The oversight of online gaming falls under iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. This regulatory body is responsible for granting licenses to potential online casino operators within the province. As the number of registered and regulated online casinos continues to grow in Ontario, casino players in the province now have an expanding array of options to choose from.

Am I obliged to pay taxes on my gambling winnings in Ontario?

The good news is that whether you gamble online or offline in the state, your winnings are not taxable. They are taxed, only if they are considered as a form of income. Despite all this, we advise you to consult an accountant or tax professional if possible. This article is not legal, tax or financial advice!

Can I play online games and bet on sports through mobile devices?

Yes, most of the platforms have mobile casinos as well. Their websites are optimized for tablets and smartphones and can run directly from browsers. The best of them may even have gambling apps Ontario residents can use on Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. The use of online casino apps is commonplace and widely spread nowadays and gambling providers are up to date with the latest trends.

Online gambling Ontario – the final verdict

The gambling scene of Ontario shows great prospectives for further growth and upgrades. The legalization of online casino gaming and betting on sports is a significant advantage. Given these prerequisites, Ontario is set to create a framework that stimulates and ensures responsible gambling practices that provides a safe environment for players. The province aims to strike a balance between offering entertainment to consumers and safeguarding individuals from the potential harms of excessive gambling.

The online gambling Ontario market brings substantial revenue to the province. The freedom it gives to its residents to use games of chance and betting as they wish puts the state into an enviable position. Gambling in physical venues also opens doors for job creation and investment in the gaming sector, which fosters economic growth and innovation.

Gambling online and in land-based venues is regulated and shows a commitment to promoting healthy gaming habits. The road ahead holds promise for the online casino industry, the sports betting market, and the province, as they embark on this transformative journey together. We will follow the progress of gambling developments of this Canadian province to see what comes next.

Kate MatthewsAuthor at Gamezinger.com