Home to a population of over 14 million citizens, Ontario shares its border with the US and welcomes tens of thousands of tourists keen to visit the “fastest-moving waterfall” in the world, Niagara Falls. The province hosts a lively online gambling scene that has experienced significant growth over the years.
As of April 2022, Ontario is the first province in Canada to have its own regulated iGaming market.
There are many online casinos for Canadian players and to make life easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of legitimate online casinos that are safe for players residing in Ontario.
On this page, you will also find all the legal updates and a full ON online gambling guide. Each casino has gone through a rigorous testing process to ensure that only the best Ontario casinos are listed.
| Rank | Casinos | Rating | Bonus | Safe Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
These are the best 5 real money casino operators with an Ontario license.
Whilst the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) or in French Société des Loteries et des Jeux de l'Ontario (SLJO) is responsible for gaming services such as lotteries, charity and aboriginal casinos and slots at horse-racing tracks, all casino gambling activities are regulated and overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Before the launch of the regulated market, Ontario had one locally authorized online gambling site, PlayOLG.ca, operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. Players in Ontario could also play at offshore online casinos as well.
Due to the recent regulation of the online gambling market, Ontarian gamblers can only play at local or offshore online casinos provided they hold an Ontario gambling license.
As of 4th April 2022, any casino operator or bookmaker who wants to offer gambling services to Ontario residents must be registered with iGaming Ontario (iGO). iGo is an organization working closely with the Canadian Government and the AGCO to “conduct and manage” gambling activities within the province.
Having the online casino market regulated gives the residents a safer gaming industry by having protected deposits, fair gameplay, secured personal data and responsible gambling resources. For online casino operators, they will have a tax advantage (20% tax) over land-based casinos (55% tax). Great Canadian Gaming CEO, Tony Rodio remarked that Ontario is the first state/province in North America to offer such an advantage to online gaming operators.
To access and play at online casinos and sportsbooks managed by iGaming Ontario, you have to be 19 years of age or older. When signing up at an online casino, players would need to forward documentation for identification and age verification. This is how gambling sites can prevent minors from placing wagers.
Only those who are considered professional gamblers must pay income tax on their casino winnings. If you gamble for fun, then you do not have to pay any income tax on your casino winnings.
Below, we've listed all the casinos and betting platforms that have obtained a license from iGaming Ontario as of the 4th of April, 2022.
At the time of writing, there are many casino names still in the process of obtaining a license to legalize their operations in the province. The list above will be updated when new information is out.
At the best Ontario online casinos, you can expect to find a wide variety of real money games such as slots, table games like blackjack and craps, live dealer games and sometimes even instant wins, keno and bingo. Reputable casinos will offer casino games powered by top software providers like Play'n Go, Evolution Gaming and Scientific Games.
At Ontario's online casinos, you can expect to find a wide range of slot games. Some of the most popular slot games favoured by Ontario players are:
You can check out these slots and play for free here.
If you're more of a Blackjack player, you'll be pleased to know that you will find plenty of Blackjack gaming tables where you can either play in demo mode or for real money. For more tips and tricks, read our detailed Blackjack how-to Guide.
A classic table game, Roulette is a simple game where you can either place a bet on the colour or on the number the ball will land on. For more information, read our detailed Roulette how-to Guide.
Whilst some players shy away from this casino game thinking it's complicated, once you have learned the rules and strategies, you will come to find that it is a simple game to play. You can often find several Baccarat titles in an online Ontario casino. Read our detailed Baccarat how-to Guide for more information.
There are several types of poker games you can play. Some of the popular versions include:
Texas Hold'em: you can either play alongside other players or against them. The cards are also visible on the table.
Casino Hold'em: very similar to Texas Hold'em except that you only play against the dealer.
Video Poker: compared to other poker titles, video poker is a simple game to learn. It is a one-player game and doesn't have the betting rounds that other poker games have.
Check out our Casino Hold'em Guide and Video Poker Guide, to learn more tips and strategies.
With about 4.6 million local lottery customers, it is safe to say that lotteries are a big deal in Ontario. Lottario which is drawn every Saturday and Ontario 49 which is drawn every Wednesday and Saturday, are two very popular regional lotteries. Other national lotteries which are also favoured by Ontarians include Lotto Max, Lotto 6-49 and Daily Grand.
Before, to place sports bets in Ontario you would need to make a trip physically to the racetracks to fill out a betting slip. Luckily, sports betting online is legal, and you can either choose a casino that has a sports betting section or you can place bets at a bookmaking site. You can bet on many sporting events including horse racing, NHL, NFL, NBA and many others.
The news of the Ontario online gambling market regulation also paved the way for bigger sports betting opportunities with ProLine+ expanding its online sports betting offerings and securing official partnerships with the NFL and the NHL back in August 2021.
Here are the best betting sites we reviewed for Ontario casino players.
| Ranking | Sportsbook | Payout Speed | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 888Casino | 2 days | 97.68% |
| 2 | PokerStars Casino | 2 days | 97.22% |
| 3 | Unibet Casino | 1-5 days | 97.33% |
| 4 | Mr Vegas Casino | 2 days | 96.18% |
| 5 | Betway Casino | 2 days | 97.39% |
One advantage to playing at a casino online is the selection of real money bonuses offered. The best online casinos have all sorts of bonuses including free spins, welcome bonuses, deposit match, cashback bonuses and no deposit bonuses.
Many online casinos also offer seasonal promotions and host tournaments that have massive cash prizes. It is always important to check the terms and conditions so that you can confirm the playthrough requirement, minimum deposit amount, promo code and excluded deposit methods.
Welcome bonuses are offered by online casinos to new players. This could either be through a one-time offer or a package that is triggered by the first couple of deposits.
Free spins are often offered as part of the welcome bonus. This bonus is usually only applicable to preselected slots and would have a small value. Something to keep in mind is that many times the winnings from free spins would come with a wagering requirement that has to be met before you can make a withdrawal.
Whilst the current number of online casinos with free spins is limited in Ontario, we anticipate that this will grow as more casinos obtain a license.
No deposit bonuses are a great opportunity to try out new casino games without risking your wallet. There are two types of no deposit bonuses, extra cash or free spins. Check out our no deposit bonus guide for more information.
Several online casinos have a VIP program that rewards their loyal players with perks and tailored bonuses. A casino could either have an exclusive loyalty program, which means that you would need to get invited by an account manager. For example, 888 online casino has an invite-only VIP program.
Other casinos have a level-up VIP system, which means that your chance of upping your VIP status depends on your gameplay, so you climb levels according to how much you play.
Visit our VIP player guide, for more information.
There are plenty of banking methods to gamble online in Ontario. Whether you use Interac or Instadebit, which many casinos accept, or if you want to use an eWallet such as Skrill and Neteller, most sites will have options for deposits and withdrawals.
It is worth noting the time it takes for your payments to show in your casino account and for funds to be transferred out of your casino account, depends on the method you choose. Some payment methods process transactions instantly whereas others may take hours and even days. You can usually find this info on the casino's banking page or you can ask customer support for guidance.
Click on the banking options below for more information.
Interac has been around for decades but only recently has been adopted as a payment provider for online casinos, mainly for Canadian players. It only takes a few seconds to top up your online casino account, thus you don't have to wait to start playing! This payment method is also favoured by many Canadian players for its strict security measures well as its easy setup.
Interac is supported by 374 casinos
PayPal has won multiple awards and is viewed as a faster and easier way to pay online. Nowadays, it is also a preferred payment method for online gaming. It is currently available to players from the following countries: UK, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. PayPal comes with many advantages including low risk, convenience and optimisation for any device.
Paypal is supported by 273 casinos
When thinking of depositing at a casino using a credit or a debit card, Visa and MasterCard are the most obvious choice for many players. However, there’s another option in the form of American Express, or Amex for short.
Amex is supported by 63 casinos
MasterCard and Visa credit cards are the easiest and most widely used direct payment method. Amex cardholders can use their American Express card at most US Online Casinos. A casino that offers Visa and MasterCard can be deemed as a secure and trusted casino. Certain fees may apply with every transaction or on a monthly basis, depending on which company you use.
Credit / Debit Cards is supported by 373 casinos
Nowadays, the best casinos support mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. To play at an ON mobile casino, either visit the casino on a web browser from your phone or play on casino apps. Visit the app store to download the app and start playing anywhere whilst you're on the go. Typically, the casino app is available to both Apple and Android users.
Check out the top 5 Ontario mobile casinos:
| Casino | Casino App Rating | Mobile Games | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeoVegas Casino | 4.7 | 2000 | Yes |
| 888 Casino | 4.2 | 2000 | Yes |
| Unibet Casino | 4.4 | 200 | Yes |
| Bwin Casino | 4.7 | 500 | Yes |
| Royal Panda Casino | 4.6 | 200 | N/A |
Ontario has a thriving gambling sector, as does the rest of Canada. For individuals looking for local casinos, there are a total of 37 land-based casinos and pari-mutuel facilities located throughout the province, spread out over 27 distinct cities.
In Canada, there are 17 First Nation Casinos, three of which are on First Nations reserve land in Ontario.
Gaming should always be fun, but for some people, it could get out of hand. To combat this, top-ranked casinos in Ontario have set up several measures on their platform in order to safeguard their players. Such measures include betting limits, time limits which help with sticking to the budget and self-exclusion for when you need to step away from the gambling scene.
If you feel like you're having issues with gambling or know someone who might be experiencing a gambling problem, we urge you to seek help. Nigel Turner, a gambling addictions expert, stated that the main reason for problem gambling is the lack of information. There are several organizations that offer support and tools for safe gambling:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Provides 24/7 gambling support and tools.
ConnexOntario: Offering confidential support for mental health, addiction and problem gambling English and French.
The OLG has also created a safe gambling guide. You can find a lot of information about safe gambling by visiting playsmart.ca or following their Table Talk Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
As of April 4, 2022, players in Ontario can play in a regulated online gambling market. That being said, several big European casinos such as LeoVegas and 888Casino as well as big US gaming operators like BetRivers, FanDuel and Caesars have already obtained the license to offer their services in the province.
Dozens of other brands, including DraftKings Casino are also in the process of obtaining a license.
The future for the iGaming market in Ontario looks very bright. In fact, following the highly anticipated launch of Ontario’s regulated online gambling market, it is predicted that within the first year, the online gaming and sports betting market in ON will yield C$959 million in gross revenue. By 2026, the market is expected to grow to C$1.86 billion.
Got a few questions about betting online in Ontario? We've answered some of the frequently asked questions on gambling in Ontario below!
Is it legal to play online casinos in Ontario?
Yes, as of April 4th 2022, it is legal to play at online casinos as long as they hold an Ontario gambling license. Many casinos offer CAD as a currency and accept local payment options like Interac just to cater to Canadian players, so you will have no issues finding one you like playing at. Check out our list of the best online casinos in Ontario to find the perfect casino for you.
Can I buy lottery tickets online in Ontario?
Yes, you can buy lottery tickets from official online sellers. You can also buy lottery tickets from a licensed vendor in the province. You should always double-check the terms and conditions of any before you enter.
Can I get a welcome bonus with an Ontario online casino?
Yes! Very often you can get a welcome bonus when registering or making your first deposit. The type of welcome bonus differs from one casino to another, it might be a deposit match, free spins, or even free cash. These bonuses just like many other casino bonuses usually come with wagering requirements attached, so be sure to read the terms and conditions properly before opting in or making a deposit!
Is online poker legal in Ontario?
Online poker is legal in Ontario and there are several legal casinos, such as 888 Casino and Royal Panda Casino, where you can find plenty of online poker games to play.
What is the gambling age in Toronto?
Same as the rest of the province, you need to be at least 19 years old to gamble in Toronto. Whether you gamble at a land-based casino or at an online casino, you will still need to show documentation to prove your identity and age.
Are fantasy sports legal in Ontario?
Yes, daily fantasy sports are legal in Ontario. Huge brand FanDuel has already obtained a license and has started offering its services to local players.
