Gambling Laws in Ontario Canada

When it comes to gambling, most countries veer drastically from one extreme to the other. But Canadians and their lawmakers have maintained balance. Most of the time, laws remain flexible, keeping the public’s welfare in mind.

Canada, in general, was in the grey area regarding online gambling. Without any specific rules affecting players, Canadians have become favourite customers of international online casinos. Like US states, each Canadian province has its own laws and regulations, with Ontario aiming to embrace iGaming fully.

The Ontario iGaming sector is projected to produce $1.5 billion in revenue by 2026.

The province’s market adheres to the established iGaming norms of the country. Yet, the specific province rules are under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) with assistance from iGaming Ontario. Naturally, the regulators’ operations include the Proceeds of Crime standards, such as imposing strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) guidelines.

Ontario has developed a unique online gaming industry. Regulators established iGaming Ontario, which gives access to the market in a novel fashion rather than simply issuing licenses.

Operators are given access to the iGaming industry in the province through iGaming Ontario. They are independent contractors doing business on the government’s behalf. This implies that each operator collaborates with iGO, thus, enabling both sides to have a say in how the iGaming industry develops in the future.

At the same time, the platform gives insights to consumers. For instance, they can find tips for responsible gambling and a search bar for browsing legit licence holders.

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

AGCO registers and controls online gambling businesses. It establishes guidelines to safeguard players and works to maintain game fairness for all Ontarians. The purpose of AGCO Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gambling is to make sure players are protected. It ensures game integrity, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering measures are in place.

iGaming Ontario is a subsidiary of AGCO, established in July 2021. It collaborates with AGCO and the Government of Ontario to deliver the greatest online gaming experiences to the province in a safer setting. Therefore, it assists in player protection.

AGCO’s subsidiary iGaming Ontario administers the new online gaming market made available by private gaming firms.

AGCO places a high focus on responsible gambling because it is essential to protecting the best interests of Ontario consumers. The Ontario responsible gambling community and the AGCO have long worked together. AGCO actively sought their input when developing a comprehensive set of guidelines for operators to help anyone who could suffer damages from gaming.

Each licensed Ontario gambling website must clearly show warnings about responsible gambling. Also, a licensed online casino Ontario Canada brand must have tools for setting financial and time-based limits. It has to offer possibilities for self-exclusion and play breaks.

Regulations for advertising should also be put in place to prevent the targeting of vulnerable individuals.

AGCO Main Activities

Before we move on to why the existence of the license matters, let’s see what the scope of operations of the regulators is. The main activities of AGCO include:

1. Examining iGaming operators, suppliers, and the digital game offers for regulatory compliance, including the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
2. Collaborating with iGaming operators and suppliers to enhance overall compliance and expand their comprehension of regulatory duties.
3. Utilising progressive measures to bring operators and suppliers back into compliance when compliance issues are detected. These include warnings, suspensions, monetary fines, and, in extreme situations, revocations.
4. Responding to regulatory complaints and inquiries, such as those against game integrity and fairness, the abuse of private information, responsible gambling offences, and money laundering.

Why Ontario Casino License Is Important?

An Ontario casino license is vital for players for multiple reasons. When you want to gamble online in the province, it’s advisable to do so at licensed sites. They have measures in place to protect you.

Playing on an unregulated site indicates that the company is not licensed in Ontario. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the casino isn’t licensed at all or that it’s a scam operator. It does imply, however, that the gambling site doesn’t meet the requirements imposed by AGCO.

Regulated online gaming operators and providers must ensure the following conditions are met:

• Consumers and the general public will be protected from viewing items in deceptive ways, taking advantage of inexperience, or being intended to appeal to children.
• False advertising representations on gaming websites are strictly forbidden.
• Responsible gambling controls are available to assist consumers in adhering to their financial and time-based spending limitations.
• Consumers who are suffering from the effects of gaming can readily connect with helpful resources.
• Only qualified players can register and play on a licensed website.
• Anyone may obtain a history of their deposits and transactions to assist with disputes.
• Easy access to information about the odds of winning, how the game is played, and the rewards and payments.

Playing at a licensed and regulated casino Ontario online is always a safer option for players. An Ontario license guarantees that:

• There are requirements in place to improve game integrity.
• All games are played fairly and transparently.
• Your earnings will be paid promptly.
• Data and personal information are safe.
• Simple access to safe gaming materials that make gambling enjoyable.
• Complaints and disagreements shall be handled fairly, transparently, and promptly.
• Operators who fail to meet the requirements face hefty fines and/or license termination.

Direct Player Benefits From Licensed Ontario Gambling

Before we reveal the top Ontario online casinos, we’d like to mention some direct benefits players get there. Aside from the fairness and security talk, users also experience convenience and get more value for the money.

Let’s see how.

1. Canadian banking methods – Licensed Ontario casino sites have payment options tailored for their customers, including Interac and iDebit.
2. No conversion fees – Some international gambling sites support only EUR or USD banking. Ontario casino sites support the CAD, which means you won’t waste money on conversion fees.
3. No delays and full player protection – AGCO licensees must provide transparent and fair rules. If they fail to comply, you can report them and seek help from a dedicated provincial regulator.
4. Dedicated support in English and French – Creating a customised experience for Ontario users means access to professional customer care fluent in English and French.

Legal Online Casino Ontario

As we said above, playing at legal Ontario online casinos is completely safe and offers numerous benefits for players. While the list of legit brands operating in the province isn’t all that long, not all options are equally good.

That’s why we created this section specifically for players from Ontario looking for a top-rated and fully licensed iGaming site.

We have an exceptional team of casino experts. They work hard to find trusted brands with casino license Ontario. After thoroughly researching and analysing, they found the top online casinos boasting the ACGO’s approval.

We will describe them in great detail right below. The following sections are enough to help you decide which of these Ontario online casinos is the best choice for you.

RoyalPanda Casino

Royal Panda Casino is a popular online gambling site for Ontario players. The website officially launched in 2014 and quickly built a large user base. The casino is owned and operated by Royal Panda Limited and is licensed and regulated by the MGA and the AGCO. Hence, it offers a safe gaming environment and top-level safety and protection for players’ personal and financial information.

Games

The game library at Royal Panda is pretty impressive and features over 2,000 exciting titles and a packed sportsbook.

The slot collection at the casino is nothing short of amazing, as it offers more than 1,400 different games. Online slots Ontario are in high demand since they are simple to play, need no prior knowledge, and provide the opportunity to win big rewards. The operator offers classic three-reel slots, video slot machines, Megaways titles, and hundreds of progressive jackpot games offering mega prizes.

From blackjack to roulette, baccarat to poker, the table games selection at Royal Panda includes a variety of virtual and real tables where you may play the classics or popular versions. If you’re seeking fast-win casino games you can play even if you don’t have much time, check out the latest scratchcards or arcade games.

The live casino area is perfect for players who want an authentic casino experience. It features over 70 live-hosted games, including multiple versions of blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette.

Bonuses & Promotions

New members at Royal Panda Casino are welcomed with a 100% casino bonus of up to $1,000. To claim the bonus, you must be a first-time player at the casino and make the minimum required deposit. The welcome bonus is subject to 35x wagering requirements and is valid for seven days after activation.

Besides the generous welcome bonus for newbies, players at Royal Panda can benefit from regular promotions. Plenty of attractive promos are on offer and give players bonus spins almost daily.

An exclusive Loyalty Club is available only for the most loyal and trusted casino players. Members of the Loyalty Club get multiple special perks and benefits, such as personalised gifts, early access to new games and competitions, and a personal VIP manager.

Banking

Ontarians have a wide range of banking options available for deposits and withdrawals. You can use credit and debit cards and multiple popular e-wallets. The list of payment methods includes Visa & MasterCard, Interac, iDebit, and MuchBetter.

All deposits are instant, and withdrawals are processed within 24 hours. That is, given that you have completed the KYC procedure and successfully verified your identity.

JackpotCity Casino

JackpotCity Casino is a top-rated online casino website for Ontarians. In fact, this is one of the longest-standing gambling sites, as it was established in 1998. Baytree Interactive LTD owns the casino, and it is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and eCOGRA certified. For Ontario users, it holds the mandatory Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario permit, as well.

Games

Jackpot City Casino Ontario offers an impressive selection of casino games suitable for all players. The game portfolio features over 500 titles and includes slots, classic table games like baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and various live dealer options.

The full range of Microgaming slots is available at the casino. They all come with different designs, themes, bonus features, and jackpot options, so players are never bored. Besides top-quality classic and video slots, the casino offers progressive jackpot slots like Wheel of Wishes and Mega Moolah. These games come with massive main prizes that often reach multimillion amounts.

You can choose between RNG and live-hosted table games if you prefer playing card games. You can quickly access various versions of classic table games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. There’s also a solid choice of live game shows for those who enjoy fast-paced and engaging entertainment.

Bonuses & Promotions

All new members of JackpotCity Casino are eligible for the welcome package of $1,600 over the first four deposits. Each deposit match bonus bonus gives players from Ontario 100% up to $400.

You can claim each bonus deal with a minimum deposit of $10. Don’t forget that the bonus is available for seven days after registering an account and must be wagered 70x before a withdrawal is possible.

Regular members are pampered with a whole range of promotions regularly. These include a Bonus Wheel that offers great prizes and a daily guaranteed match bonus based on the player’s activity. There is also an excellently designed VIP Program at JackpotCity Casino, which offers multiple levels and awesome rewards.

Banking

Banking is an essential aspect of every online casino, and JackpotCity is no exception. Players can choose from various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. These range from credit and debit cards to prepaid options and e-wallets.

iDebit and Interac are the perfect options for Canadians, but other methods are also available. You can make payments via Entropay, Skrill, and credit and debit cards. Withdrawals are processed within 48 hours and sent to your account after you complete the KYC procedure.

Conquestador Casino

Conquestador Casino is a legal, licensed and fully regulated online casino website for Ontario players. AGCO and MGA license the brand. Meaning, it’s authorised to provide online gambling services to players from Ontario and other jurisdictions.

Games

The Conquestador online casino provides a game portfolio that will satisfy even the pickiest gamers. With over 1,000 games, there is something for everyone.

First, the casino includes over 500 slots, including some of the most popular titles like Book of Dead, Rise of Olympus, Gates of Olympus, and Sweet Bonanza.

Then, there are the table games. If you favour traditional online casino games Ontario, you’ll appreciate the operator’s assortment. Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, and Baccarat variants are all available.

Finally, those looking for something a little different can check out the live dealer area. Prepare yourselves because it’s rather stunning. Various games, including live casino Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker, are available.

The best software providers deliver the games, including NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Play’n Go, Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, and many more. All titles have rich sound and video quality, amazing effects, and various features that take everything to a new level.

Bonuses & Promotions

First-time players are rewarded with an excellent welcome bonus spread over the first five deposits.

We will describe the offer below:

• On your 1st Deposit, you may get the following:

200% bonus for deposits from $20 to $49 (max. bonus $50, wager х25)

150% bonus for deposits between $50 to $499 (max. bonus $300, wager х25)

100% bonus for deposits over $500 (max. bonus $2000, wager х30)

• 2nd Deposit – 100% bonus for deposits over $40 (max. bonus $300, wager х25)
• 3rd Deposit – 50% bonus for deposits over $50 (max. bonus $400, wager х20)
• 4th Deposit – 50% bonus for deposits over $50 (max. bonus $500, wager х20)
• 5th Deposit – 25% bonus for deposits over $50 (max. bonus $750, wager х20)

All new players are rewarded with bonus spins on their initial deposit.

• You will receive 20 bonus spins on Midas Golden Touch after making your first deposit of at least $20.
• Then, once you have wagered $40, you’ll get your second set of 20 bonus spins.
• Every $20 you wager after that will get you another set of 20 bonus spins.

You can receive up to 200 bonus spins as part of the Welcome Bonus.

Besides the welcome package, players can also benefit from regular promo offers. These include birthday surprises, tournaments, cashback bonuses, rebates, and bonuses for unlocking achievements.

Conquestador Casino also offers an attractive VIP Program that rewards players’ loyalty.

Banking

The list of banking methods for deposits and withdrawals at the casino is long and contains popular and convenient options. Ontario users will love the support of CAD banking and tailored methods like iDebit and Interac. The list of options is much longer, though, and includes e-wallets, cards, and mobile wallets.

Caxino Casino

Caxino Casino is a renowned online gambling destination where Ontarians can play top-notch casino games. This online casino is operated by Rootz Limited and licensed by AGCO in Ontario and MGA for the rest of the world. But what does the brand offer to Ontario players in terms of games? Bonuses, promotions? Read on to find out.

Games

From table classics that take you directly to the casino floor to speciality games based on famous game shows, Caxino has a title for everyone who wants to play casino games online.

Plus, because it only works with the best, you can expect titles from NetEnt, Push Gaming, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gambling – all under the same roof.

The game lobby features over 3,000 casino games. There are ever-popular slot machines spanning a wide range of themes and designs to cater to all types of players. Some of the most attractive titles include Starburst and Book of Dead. Cascading symbol games like Jammin’ Jars are also available, and players can pick from multiple jackpot titles, such as Mega Moolah.

The casino also offers various versions of classic table games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette. In the live casino area, you will find such table games and game shows hosted by a live dealer.

Bonuses & Promotions

Caxino Casino welcomes new players with a 100% bonus up to $200, plus 100 bonus spins. The minimum deposit required for the welcome bonus is $10, but you can always max out the offer by depositing $200 and playing with a total of $400.

The 100 bonus spins are awarded in instalments – 10 bonus spins daily over the course of 10 days. Each day you will get bonus spins on a different slot machine.

In addition to the welcome bonus, players at Caxino Casino can also take advantage of various promo offers. The casino offers some, and others are promoted by different software developers. Bonus money, bonus spins, cashback offers, reload bonuses, and more is available for all players.

Banking

You can deposit and withdraw at Caxino Casino using multiple payment options. iDebit, Instadebit, and Interac come as favourite options among users from Ontario. There are also cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets in the cashier.

Ontario Casino Without License

Playing at licensed and regulated Ontario online casinos is safe and secure. Still, some players choose to play at non-licensed brands.

Even though they’re accepting Canadians without holding a Canadian license, our listed brands still offer a high level of safety and protection. They are just international brands that operate under the rules of other jurisdictions.

Globally, these are some leading gambling sites with amazing game offers and bonuses.

Care to learn more?

Check out our list of the top Ontario casinos without licenses below.

Sportsbet.io

Sportsbet.io is a famous Ontario casino online without a license that offers players an unforgettable experience. The casino and betting site is owned by mBet Solutions NV and regulated by Curacao eGaming. It provides a secure gaming environment, quick payments (CAD supported), and many exciting games and bonuses.

The game library at Sportsbet.io is truly impressive. It includes 2,000+ slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and various live dealer options. All games come from leading software developers. Hence, you can expect top-notch audiovisuals and performance across devices.

Players can enjoy various exciting bonuses, promotions, tournaments, lotteries, and more. Also, excellent customer support is available 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.

Bitsler Casino

Bitsler Casino is one of the best crypto casinos without a license that accepts players from Ontario. It welcomes users from all over Canada, so it’s the best online casino Toronto operator for a range of users, as well. The website is operated by OYINE N.V. and licensed by Antillephone N.V. in Curacao. Players at Bitsler Casino are in for exciting gameplay, various bonuses, and quick and secure payments.

In the game lobby, you can find thousands of slots, popular game shows, and table games from world-renowned developers. Also, there are multiple Bitsler provably fair games with auto-bet strategy features that you will surely enjoy.

The casino operator generously rewards new and existing players and gives away millions in promotions each year. It started with only a few major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. But now, players can use more than 26 cryptocurrencies for gambling.

Stelario Casino

Stelario Casino is one of the best non-licensed Ontario online casinos that accept Canadian players. Altacore N.V. owns and operates the site, while it’s regulated by Antillephone N.V. in Curacao.

Leading software developers supply the impressive Stelario Casino game library. Hence, players are offered top-quality games with impeccable graphics and sounds. You can find 5,000+ slot machines, including classic, video, Megaways, and jackpot variations. High-quality table games like roulette and blackjack are also available. Finally, players can enjoy numerous bonus games, mini-games, and live dealer options.

A welcome package of 250% up to $1,500, plus 250 bonus spins, is available for new members. After that, players can claim various reload bonuses, cashback and other perks.

Ontario Casino With License vs Without License

When parting in Ontario gambling online, playing at a regulated site is always a safer option. As specified in the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, licensed online gambling operators and providers are accountable for achieving significant results.

Licensed online casinos in Ontario offer higher security and protection for players’ personal and financial data. Also, these sites will always pay your winnings on time and without charging extra fees.

Another essential thing about Ontario casinos with a license is that game fairness and transparency are a must. All this gives players peace of mind and allows them to enjoy their gameplay without worrying about anything.

For example, licensed operators can’t offer “free spins” unless they’re really free. Any spins that come with any kind of requirements must be called “bonus spins” to avoid misleading consumers. This is just one of the ways the Ontario regulator ensures users get fair treatment.

On the other hand, playing at Ontario online casinos that aren’t licensed can be tricky. Non-licensed casino operators do not guarantee anything. Game transparency is not a priority with these brands, and players may face some issues with deposits and withdrawals. Moreover, payouts might be delayed or withheld for various reasons, which is frustrating.

Yet not all Ontario casinos without a license are bad.

So, if you want to play at such sites and have a positive experience, at least choose one from our list of recommendations. We’ve tested these brands and made sure they have high operating standards, even without the Ontario iGaming permit.

Summary

The legalised Ontario online gaming market has expanded and strengthened the online casino industry in the province. Now, all real-money Ontario online casinos must be licensed by the AGCO, pay taxes, and protect their users.

As a result, the province now has thousands of players who previously had to play at offshore casinos. Furthermore, Ontario operators take responsible gambling seriously and ensure consumers have all the help they need.

Overall, we are happy with the Ontario online gambling market and love the legit options Canadians from the province have. Finally, we hope we helped you find your new favourite gambling site welcoming Ontario consumers.