Is it Safe To Gamble Online in Ontario?
Safety when gambling online in Canada, or anywhere for that matter, is a major concern for players, especially when considering the fact that online casino operators will be in total control of players’ funds. All gaming activity in Ontario is regulated and controlled by Alcohol and Gaming Commission. The primary function of Ontario's regulatory body is to overlook all the activities of both land-based and online casinos to ensure players’ safety is guaranteed when gambling online in Ontario.
Any online casino that applies for a gambling licence in Ontario will need to go through a series of rigorous tests set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, and there is a zero tolerance policy for casino operators looking to use unscrupulous methods such as withholding winnings or other malpractices. Any online casinos in Canada which are not based within the state may have licences from other jurisdictions, such as Malta (MGA) or the UK (UKGC).
WHAT GAMBLING IS LEGAL IN ONTARIO?
Online casinos are legal in Ontario. However all gambling is managed by the ICLG. Players can play with real money online, as well as play in demo mode if they want to try out a game.
We can guarantee that it’s safe to gamble online in Ontario, however, you should always opt-in to online casinos that are licensed and regulated. There are many online casinos that offer services to Canadian players and to make life easier for our users, we’ve compiled a list of legitimate online casinos that are safe for players residing in Ontario. There may be many types of bonuses offered to Ontarian players when playing online, just be sure to read the terms and conditions of each offer before you take it. For example, casino cashback bonuses are usually a great option, but may have limits to the amount they will match.
Here's a brief overview of what you can can't bet on in the province. There are different things you can do at online casinos, at licensed vendors who sell gambling tickets (for instance, lotto scratchoffs), and with the state provider. The OLG also provides land-based options, but if you prefer to play at home or on the go, then an Ontario online casino is your best option. All of these will be based outside of Canada, however, and you should take care to check for a reputable licence. All of our recommended casinos are well-licensed and secure.
Type of betting |
Ontario Online Casinos |
Land-based operator |
OLG |
Slots |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Table games |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Sports Betting |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Lottery |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Payment methods in Ontario
There are plenty of available payment methods for players looking to gamble online in Ontario. Whether you use interac, which many casinos accept, or if you want to use an eWallet, most sites will have options available to you. Each payment method has pros and cons though - we've made a brief summary below.
- eWallets - These can be payment methods such as Skrill, Neteller, Trustly etc. They have a quick withdrawal time and low or no fees.
- Cryptocurrency - Almost instant withdrawals, no currency conversion
- Bank / Card - Slow withdrawals, but very secure
When it comes to eWallets, there are many options available. Some of the larger ones, like Trustly, Neteller, or Skrill, are widely accepted across online casinos. However to avoid disappointment, always be sure to check their available payment options on the site itself.
Bonuses in online Ontario casinos
Many sites will offer bonuses - it's part of making the gaming experience even more exciting. There are plenty of different kinds - from casino cashback bonuses to free spins - you just need to pick which one you like the most and make sure to read the terms, and then you have some great extras to have some fun! Here are a few different kinds of bonuses you can find in Ontario casinos.
- Deposit bonuses - money or match amounts, when depositing
- No deposit bonuses - free bonuses in free spins or cash, without needing to deposit
- Welcome package bonuses - a combination of cash, spins, deposit matches, or something else as a gift for registering.
- Free spins - a number of spins without needing to bet anything, usually applied to a specific game
- Reload bonuses - A deposit match or free spins given when depositing on a certain day (for example, weekend topup bonus)
- Free cash bonuses - What it says on the tin. Usually this cash has wagering requirements.
- VIP bonuses - Exclusive bonuses given to players who have achieved VIP status on a site, as part of their loyalty programs.
- Refer a friend bonuses - Bonuses given as thanks from a friend signing up to a site, often using a code you have provided them with.
Favourite Online Casinos in Ontario
There are hundreds of Canadian online casinos offering their services to Ontario casino players but only a handful are the go-to casino for players from Ontario. The following are three of the most popular online casino players in Ontario and the reasons behind their popularity. Whether you're after a traditional slot game or newer video slots, we've found casinos which have a good selection of them all.
Casino Cruise
With over 1000 games available to play at Casino Cruise, it makes perfect sense that the casino is a player favourite amongst Ontario casino players and has become a top casino. Casino Cruise stocks the full range of casino games, including a huge selection of online slots, jackpot slots, table games and live casino. Ever since the casino made its services available to Canadian players, its popularity soared to new heights. Casino Cruise also accepts payments through Interac, a payment provider exclusively for Canadian players.
JackpotCity Casino
JackpotCity casino is very popular in Canada, particularly in Ontario. The $1600 welcome package plays a significant role when choosing an online casino, which for many potential players will definitely help sway them towards signing up with this huge casino! JackpotCity casino has a huge selection of casino games in their depository, The instant EFT Bank transfer makes it possible for players to withdraw their funds directly to their Canadian bank account.
Sloty Casino
Sloty Casino is a casino from the same team behind Casino Cruise, and it has the same great features and functionalities that Canadian players know and love. With a welcome package of $1500 paired with 300 free spins, it comes as no surprise that it’s loved amongst Canadian players. All casino games imaginable are available to play at Sloty Casino, including a healthy selection of jackpot slots that have the potential to reward players with an early retirement sum.
Online Slots Most Popular In Ontario
There are plenty of online slots scattered across the internet and favourites differ greatly from one province to another. The following are three of the biggest online slots that Ontarian players seem to love the most!
Gonzo’s Quest
Probably one of the most successful online slots ever released by NetEnt and a favourite amongst Ontario casino players. Gonzo’s Quest attracts many players. It comes loaded with 5 reels and 20 paylines, 3D animations and players can spin the reels from as little as 0.20. Players love Gonzo’s Quest because of it’s cascading reels function, where blocks making up winning combinations will be replaced by new blocks, creating more opportunities to make winning combinations from the same spin.
Mega Fortune
Mega Fortune is a jackpot slot, but technically, it still falls under the online slots umbrella. Players from Ontario adore jackpot slots, for the sole reason that it had the potential to reward players with huge winnings, more than you'd get from a regular slot. Mega Fortune is all about living the high life, having luxurious game symbols such as expensive watches and diamonds. Mega Fortune has three progressive jackpots and an excellent free spins feature that keeps Ontario casino players wanting more!
The Wild Chase
This 5 reels and 25 paylines slot was created by Quickspin and it’s quickly becoming notoriously popular amongst Ontario casino players. The Wild Chase can see players cash in on winnings 423 times their total bet in a single spin. The maximum any player can win through the jackpot is 42,300 coins in a single spin.
Biggest Jackpot Win Ever Recorded in Ontario
One lucky man from Toronto triggered the Megabucks slot machine jackpot and took away almost $5.8 million, breaking the previous record of $5.6 million on Valentine’s day, back in 2002. The tax account jackpot winner triggered the huge jackpot on his 20th spin, spending a total of $60 to get his reward. Not too shabby for a couple of minutes work.
Table Games in Ontario
If you're looking for classic casino table games in an Ontario online casino, you're in luck! Most, if not all, of the casinos which offer their services to players also provide table game options. So maybe you prefer roulette over slots, or want to play some blackjack and not bet on sports - either way you'll be provided for on the site.
Live Dealer Games in Ontario
Playing table games online is fine, but sometimes you just really want to replicate that in-casino experience. Live dealer games provide that! With a trained and professional dealer handling the table, dealing cards, and running the game, you can get a great gaming experience just like you're really in the casino itself. An easy to follow overlay is showing your screen, so you can play by tapping or clicking on your screen to add cards to your hand, fold, or place your bets in roulette. You can even chat to the dealer as you play - just like you're really there.
Sportsbook in Ontario
Normally, to place sports bet in Ontario you would need to make a trip physically to fill out a betting slip. Luckily, sports betting online is legal, so you don't have to make that trip if your favourite online casino also offers sports betting. Your winnings will not be taxed, and there are not the same betting restrictions (such as needing to bet on a certain margin) which you would experience in OLG-controlled betslips.
Mobile Casinos in Ontario
With new casino sites popping up over time, we've got plenty of casinos to choose from. Most of, if not all of them, will either be mobile-friendly by having a well-optimised website, or will have an app that is available to download. If there is an app, you may need to download it directly from the site itself, but otherwise you might be able to find it on the App Store or the Play store. Mobile gambling makes it easier to play on the go. Maybe you want to spin a few slots while you're on the bus, for instance. Mobile casinos also tend to offer a better UI for mobile devices too - larger buttons, easy to follow layouts, and sites that can handle a rotation change are all factors of a mobile-optimised casino.
Final Word on Gambling Online in Ontario
Players who reside in Ontario are spoilt for choice. There are a plethora of online casinos that accept players from Ontario but be sure to check the regulatory body overlooking the online casino, as this will be vital in determining the integrity of the casino.
Before opting in, head over to the online casinos’ banking section to discover what payment methods are available for players in Ontario. Online casinos that have Canadian specific payment methods are the preferred choice, but don’t be hindered from joining if it ticks all the other boxes.
Responsible Gaming
Gaming should be fun - gambling should only be within your limits. If you feel like you're having issues with gambling, feel free to contact these organisation to lend you an ear for non-judgemental advice.
FAQ
Got a few questions about betting online in Ontario? We've covered most of it, but people do have a few burning questions! A few of the most frequently asked ones are below:
Safety when 
There are hundreds of Canadian online casinos offering their services to Ontario casino players but only a handful are the go-to casino for players from Ontario. The following are three of the most popular online casino players in Ontario and the reasons behind their popularity. Whether you're after a traditional slot game or newer video slots, we've found casinos which have a good selection of them all.
One lucky man from Toronto triggered the Megabucks slot machine jackpot and took away almost $5.8 million, breaking the previous record of $5.6 million on Valentine’s day, back in 2002. The tax account jackpot winner triggered the huge jackpot on his 20th spin, spending a total of $60 to get his reward. Not too shabby for a couple of minutes work. 
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