The best online gambling sites in Ontario for 2024

Legal gambling in Ontario 2024

Online gambling in Ontario is thriving more than two years on from its April 4, 2022 launch. The province is now home to over 80 online gambling sites. They offer casino games, sports betting, and peer-to-peer poker to residents and visitors.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has 50 registered private gambling operators. These include Cadtree Limited, which owns our top-rated sites JackpotCity Casino and Spin. Working alongside the AGCO, iGaming Ontario (iGO) commits to managing a "safe, efficient, and legal world-class" market.

Sites must pass the AGCO and iGO's rigorous quality testing procedures to operate in ON. This includes protecting players via responsible gambling measures and data through enhanced security. Special measures prohibit criminal activity and access by minors. Meanwhile, games and wagering activities must be fair. Read on to discover more about what makes Ontario online casinos and gambling sites safe.

Quick facts and stats you should know

Who can gamble in Ontario?

Ontario gambling sites and land-based venues must follow rules about their players to operate legally. Here are the important factors to keep in mind:

• Legal age: You must be at least 19 years old to gamble online or in person in Ontario. The only exception is for lotteries, where you can buy tickets at 18.
• Location: You must be within the borders of ON to access your online gambling account. This applies even if you play via a site or app available in other provinces or US states.

?? Editor's note: Anyone who opts into a break in play or voluntary self-exclusion program cannot gamble.

What you need to gamble online

You must provide iGaming Ontario casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites with the following information:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, Ontario Photo Card)
• Address
• Phone number
• Username
• Password
• Email address

The latest on iGaming in Ontario

Ontario online gambling is booming. More than 80 sites now offer a mix of casino gaming, sports wagering, and poker. A report released by iGaming Ontario on July 24, 2024 revealed:

• $18.4 billion: The total wagered across casino, sports, and poker sites between April 1 and June 30.
• 84%: The percentage of total wagers casino gaming made up, with $15.5 billion gambled by Ontario players.
• 14%: The percentage of total wagers betting on sports and other events covered, with $2.5 billion staked.
• 2%: The percentage of total wagers peer-to-peer poker accounted for, with $402 million bet.
• $284: The average monthly spend across the almost 1.9 million active player accounts.

The online gambling market's 3.4% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth helped boost tax revenues. This activity injected $726 million into the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, said: "Ontarians who choose to gamble are finding many enjoyable options in our open regulated iGaming market.

"The revenue generated by Ontario’s competitive iGaming market contributes directly to provincial priorities such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education."

Upcoming changes in the Ontario iGaming market

Ontario's gambling industry will develop further. This includes new online casinos launching. Here are some more things we expect to see happen:

• More games: Ontarians will have access to even more gaming options. SkillOnNet, the operator behind PlayOJO, now offers QuickSpin's huge slots collection in ON. Swintt titles are also available at Ontario gambling sites thanks to AGCO approval.
• Centralized self-exclusion program: iGaming Ontario will partner with a to-be-confirmed entity to launch a multi-year project. This aims to help tackle and prevent problem gambling. The program will integrate with gambling sites licensed in ON.
• More jobs: The regulated online gaming already provides almost 15,000 jobs. Attorney General Doug Downey said: "Our iGaming sector is not only a job creator here in Ontario but it shows the world our ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and responsible iGaming industry."

Popular types of online gambling

Whether it's slots and card games, sports wagering, or poker, Ontario gambling sites offer something for you. Discover the most popular ways to gamble online in ON:

The best gambling sites in Ontario

You've got plenty of choice, with 80+ online gambling sites in Ontario to pick from. Our thorough 25-step review process helps identify the best options.

Here are our experts' recommendations in September 2024:

A closer look at our recommended gambling sites

We test Ontario gambling sites to recommend the best casino gaming, sports betting, and poker options. Discover what makes the top-ranking sites stand out:

Regulated vs offshore gambling sites

Regulated sites are the safest way to enjoy gambling online in Ontario. It takes at least 90 days for operators to satisfy the AGCO's checks and strike an Operating Agreement with iGO. iGO then tracks the casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites, including those we recommend. This ensures they follow the rules which protect players and guarantee fair gaming.

Here's what regulated gambling sites offer:

• Respected owners with a strong reputation in the gambling industry
• Games and markets from established software developers with proven track records
• Secure Hash Algorithm 3 (SHA-3) prevents tampering with Random Number Generators (RNGs)
• Regular auditing by the likes of eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Gaming Labs International
• SSL and hybrid encryption, plus two-factor authentication (2FA), securing data and funds
• Safe deposits and withdrawals via trusted payment providers such as Interac and Visa
• Accurate and speedy payouts when you win games or place the right wager
• Customer support committed to handling requests accurately and efficiently
• Measures to prevent access by minors and anyone engaged in criminal activity
• Responsible gambling resources to help prevent and tackle problematic play and betting

Offshore gambling sites also exist. They claim to offer safe, fair gambling to Ontario players. But they aren't registered with the AGCO or iGO, so don't have to follow rules like regulated sites. This puts you, your money, and your data at risk.

Below are some dangers of playing at unregulated casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites:

? Games and markets tampered with to prevent you from winning

? Inaccurate and slow payouts when you win games or place the right wager

? Deposits and withdrawals only available via unrecognized payment providers

? Winnings are withheld when you make a legitimate withdrawal request

? Insufficient security measures leave data and funds accessible to fraudsters

? Limited or no customer support if you need to make inquiries

? No responsible gambling resources to help anyone struggling

? No option to contact a regulatory body if you encounter any issues

Why you should play at regulated online casinos

Regulated online casinos in Ontario offer fun, safe gambling experiences. The AGCO and iGO constantly check on them to verify they operate properly.

This includes ensuring they follow the guarantees set out above. Any gambling sites flouting rules or putting players at risk face removal from the market.

Support is available for anyone encountering problems while playing at regulated gambling sites. You can access this via the AGCO's Player Support & Information guide.

How to know you’re playing at regulated gambling sites in Ontario

Every online casino, sportsbook, and poker site regulated in ON features the iGaming Ontario logo. You'll find it, as shown here, in the top left or at the bottom of the site's homepage.

Tapping the logo takes you to the iGaming Ontario website, where lists of licensed gambling sites are available. You'll see iGO approves all our shortlisted Ontario gambling sites. It's our mission to ensure you can gamble online in a safe, secure environment.

Why you can trust Casino.org

We combine decades of experience in the gambling industry to bring you the most in-depth reviews online. We've fine-tuned our 25-step rating process over the past 25+ years to ensure no stone goes unturned.

Our experts are casino, sports betting, and online poker enthusiasts. So you can rest assured we only recommend Ontario gambling sites we'd play at ourselves.

Expert tips for gambling safely online in Ontario

With years of experience gambling in Ontario, our experts know exactly how to stay safe and have fun. Follow the tips below for the best gambling experience:

• Stick to licenced sites: Always look for sites the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario regulate. Licenced platforms guarantee a safe and fair gaming experience.
• Set limits and stick to them: Establish clear limits on how much time and money you're willing to spend. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement. But sticking to your limits ensures a more enjoyable and responsible gambling experience.
• Use secure payment methods: Opt for trusted payment methods like debit cards, e-wallets, or Interac when depositing or withdrawing. These options keep your transactions safe with added layers of security and encryption.
• Stay informed: The iGaming market in Ontario keeps developing. So it's important to keep yourself updated on the latest developments. Look out for changes to Ontario gambling laws and policies.
• Explore self-exclusion options: If you ever feel like your gambling habits are getting out of control, take a break. Online gambling sites provide resources to restrict your access for up to three months.

Responsible gambling

Gambling is relaxing, enjoyable and harmless for most people. For a small minority, though, it presents a risk of addiction. This can lead to serious personal and financial problems.

Under the AGCO and iGO's direction, gambling sites in Ontario promote responsible gambling. At each site, you'll find detailed information about how to stay in control of your gambling. There should also be links to specialist agencies. These offer experienced advice and practical support.

Where to get help for problem gambling

• iGaming Ontario: The body regulating the iGaming market in the province, offers responsible gambling advice.
• ConnexOntario: An organization broadly focused on mental health, includes assistance for problem gambling in its portfolio. ??: 1-866-531-2600
• The Responsible Gambling Council: They have worked for decades in this area and are an experienced source of assistance. ??: 1-416-499-9800

All you need to know about Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG)

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) is an Ontario government agency formed in 1996. It runs the olg.ca casino site and PROLINE+ online sportsbook.

It's responsible for land-based gaming facilities, PROLINE, lottery games, and bingo in ON. OLG also helps support the province's horse racing industry.

OLG's online gambling operations pre-date Ontario's regulated iGaming market. They represent alternatives to the casino and sports gambling sites iGO regulates.

Like regulated private gambling sites, OLG's operations help generate revenue for the province. OLG invests 100% of its profits into community initiatives. These range from responsible gambling programs to amateur sports.

Do you need to pay gambling tax?

You don't have to pay taxes on gambling winnings — unless you're a professional gambler. That means you can enjoy casual casino, sports betting, and poker wins tax-free. Interest earned on those winnings is, though, taxable.

Anyone who gambles professionally is liable to pay tax on their winnings. Professional gamblers include anybody whose consistent main source of income is gambling. Professionals also develop their knowledge to improve their chances and regularly travel to tournaments.

It's important to stay on the right side of the law when it comes to taxation. Our Canadian gambling tax guide provides further information for Ontario and other provinces.

Online gambling vs local gambling

If you're new to online gambling, you may wonder how it compares to wagering at your local casino. Decide which option's best for you using the table below:

Places to gamble locally in Ontario

Bet on sports, play casino games and poker, and enjoy bingo in person at Ontario's 10,000+ land-based gambling venues. This figure includes PROLINE vendors at authorized OLG retailers and 30 local casinos.

Online gambling sites work hard to replicate the atmosphere on offer at land-based casinos. But if you're looking to wager in person, here are our experts' top picks:

References

- iGaming Ontario website

- iGaming Ontario 2024/25 FY Q1 report (July 2024)

- iGaming Ontario centralized self-exclusion program proposals (March 2024)

- iGaming Ontario economic contributions report (June 2024)

- iGaming Ontario 2023/24 FY regulated gambling trends report (April 2024)