Best Online Casinos in Ontario
Ontario opened its borders to regulated online casinos in April 2022. Slots, table games, live dealer titles, and an array of other legal gambling services are now a click away. Explore the best Ontario online casino sites in our expert guide, curated to help you find the perfect gambling destination that suits your needs.
Best Ontario Casinos
18+|New Players Only|C$15 Minimum Deposit|40x Wagering|C$750 Max First Deposit Bonus
18+|New Players Only|$10 Minimum Deposit|10x Wagering|$8000+20% Cashback Max Welcome Bonus
18+|New Players Only|C$30 Minimum Deposit|35x Wagering|C$750 Max First Deposit Bonus
19+|New Players Only|$10 Minimum Deposit|Wager-free|80 Free Spins First Deposit Bonus
Overview of Ontario Online Casinos 2024: Key Facts
| Official Launch Date | April 4, 2022 |
| Casino Game Options | Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, video poker, live dealers, arcade games, instant wins |
| Legal Gambling Age in Ontario | 19 |
| Payment Methods to be Available | Visa, Mastercard, Interac, Online Bank Transfer, PayPal, Paysafecard, Bank Wire Transfer, Trustly, Payz, MuchBetter, Flexepin, Jeton, MiFinity, eZeeWallet, Neosurf |
| Land-Based Casinos | 25 |
| Gambling Regulators | iGaming Ontario/ Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario |
Best Online Casinos Ontario
With dozens of options at your disposal, it can be challenging to determine the best casinos in Ontario. Here is a compiled list of the top casinos catering to Canadian players, meticulously determined through our thorough evaluation to feature the top choices:
Captain Cooks
Established in 1999, Captain Cooks Casino has consolidated a high rank in an aggressively competitive market. The 500+ game portfolio is one of its biggest selling points, stocked by globally renowned brands like NetEnt, Evoplay, and Betsoft.
New players in Captain Cooks are eligible for a mind-blowing signup package. The bonus is spread out over the five deposits like so:
- 1st deposit – 100 free spins on Mega Money Wheel
- 2nd – 100% match up to $100
- 3rd – 50% match up to $150
- 4th – 25% match up to $125
- 5th – 100% match up to $100
The qualifying minimum deposit for the first match bonus is $5, and $10 for all subsequent deposits.
Lucky Days
Lucky Days Casino is owned and managed by the well-established iGaming company Raging Rhino N.V., with Curacao Gaming and iGamingOntario licences. This Ontario online casino treats gamblers to a top-class catalogue of over 2,000 games from various studios.
Lucky Days welcomes new players to an attractive offer of up to $1,500 in bonus cash + 100 free spins unlocked with the first four deposits.
During subsequent visits, you can make the most of the casino with daily offers, tournaments, and a rewarding loyalty program. Boasting an ultramodern design, the casino site impresses with sleek graphics and delivers an optimal mobile experience on iOS and Android devices.
Casumo
Casumo makes its mark among the best Ontario casino sites with a strong suite of over 2,700 games in diverse categories like slots, table games, and live dealer titles. The game catalogue is presented on a vibrant interface that screams luxury and efficiency right off the bat. These qualities are consistent on the casino’s mobile app and PC website.
Casumo charms new players with an enticing 100% welcome offer – worth up to $1500 + 100 free spins on 9 Masks of Fire Hyperspins.
The minimum deposit to qualify for this promotion is $10 with x30 wagering. You can claim more incentives as a regular, including Tune Up Tuesday, Weekend Recharge, and Maxday.
JackpotCity
Established in 1998, Jackpot City is one of the longest-standing online casinos. It replicates the glitz and glam of Las Vegas online, starting with enormous jackpots with the potential to award millions. Slot fanatics are in for a treat thanks to the diverse selection of classics like Mega Moolah, Break the Bank and Thunderstruck II. If you prefer table games, there is still a selection of roulette, poker, blackjack, and baccarat titles.
The JackpotCity gambling journey kicks off with an impressive 1,600 CAD welcome bonus triggered by the first four deposits. Each deposit of at least 10 CAD unlocks a 100% match up to 400 CAD. A 35x wagering requirement applies to the offer.
Royal Panda
Licensed with iGaming Ontario and Malta Gaming Authority, Royal Panda captures the laid-back weekend vibe with a sleek, go-happy interface. The casino hosts over 2,000 games from trailblazers like Play’n Go, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming. The payment methods offered are suitable for Canadian players – Interac, Neosurf, MuchBetter, and even Apple Pay.
Royal Panda nails the bonus department with incentives for new and returning players. The delightful welcome package is a three-tiered delicacy awarding up to $1,000 and 1000 free spins.
How Do We Choose the Best Ontario Online Casinos?
We pride ourselves on being a trusted online gambling authority that provides top-tier information on legit casinos. Our unique rating criteria evaluate the essential features of iGaming platforms to produce reliable overall ratings for the best casino in Ontario. We review and test each casino in the following areas:
License and Security
Bonuses and Wagering Requirements
Gaming Library
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
Mobile-friendly Casinos
Online Reputation
Customer Support
How to Get Started Playing at Online Casino
Casino account registration is hardly challenging. Once you perform your due diligence to find the perfect online casino Ontario, follow these steps:
- Open the official casino page and click “Sign Up/ Join Now” or a similarly labelled prompt.
- Provide details like your name, phone number, and email.
- Verify your email/ phone number using the sent link.
- If needed, upload more documents to complete KYC verification.
- Make your first deposit and claim your welcome bonus.
Online Gambling Payment Options in Ontario
| Payment Method | Min – Max Deposit, CAD | Min – Max Withdrawal | Payout Time, business days |
| Visa | 10 – 6,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 1 – 2 |
| Mastercard | 10 – 6,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 1 – 2 |
| Online Bank Transfer | 10 – 10,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 1 – 2 |
| Skrill | 10 – 5,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 0 – 1 |
| Neteller | 10 – 5,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 0 – 1 |
| PayPal | 10 – 6,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 0 – 1 |
| Paysafecard | 10 – 1,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Bank Wire Transfer | 10 – 10,000 | 300 – 10,000 | 3 – 5 |
| Trustly | 10 – 10,000 | 10 – 10,000 | 0 – 1 |
| Payz | 10 – 10,000 | 20 – 10,000 | 0 – 1 |
| MuchBetter | 10 – 10,000 | 20 – 10,000 | 1 – 3 |
| Flexepin | 30 – 500 | N/A | N/A |
| Jeton | 10 – 10,000 | 20 – 10,000 | 1 – 3 |
| Neosurf | 10 – 10,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Interac | 10 – 3,000 | 10 – 4,000 | 1 – 3 |
Game Variety of Online Ontario Casinos
The best online casino Ontario sites feature various games to suit varying player needs. The games differ in payouts, bonuses, rewards, and excitement. The games also support different risk levels, accepting a wide range of bets and being available for free play. The games often fall into the following categories:
- Slots: Widely favoured for their diverse themes, payouts, and bonus features, slots are the most provided games in Ontario casinos. These games offer straightforward gameplay where you spin the reels and match characters to win. They are often filtered according to unique features like Megaways, Hold & Wins, Cascading Reels, and Progressive Jackpots.
- Table Games: This category appeals to players seeking a more traditional gambling experience. They are mainly luck-dependent but leave some room for skill to influence outcomes: blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and other classics feature in this bracket.
- Live Poker: While the rules and strategy are similar in live and online poker variations, live poker has an appeal that sometimes sees it placed in a separate lobby. The live variations tend to be softer at comparable stakes, move slower, offer multiway pots, and have more bet-size liberties than the online versions. The most popularly played variation of live poker is No Limit Hold ’em.
- Bingo: This game of chance emulates the low-priced land-based version played in social halls. Each round provides a grid of numbers, and cancelling out a randomly chosen row constitutes a win. 30-ball, 75-ball, and 90-ball are popular bingo variations.
- Lottery: These games of chance offer one-time tickets with the potential for big wins. No strategy is necessary – just purchase a ticket, select random numbers, and wait to see if they match the drawn numbers. Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max, and Daily Grind are the main lotteries available to play in Ontario casinos.
- Live Dealers: Live games offer real-time action enhanced with human dealers and players, combining the authenticity of real-life gambling and the convenience of online gameplay. These lobbies usually feature table and card sets like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and game shows.
The ideal game type varies depending on your unique wants and needs. Even so, slots stand out as the most recommendable. They feature a simple gameplay formula that is easy to grasp, even for a novice. iGaming Ontario states that Blackjack is the most popular table game among Canadians, so you can try it.
Image source igamingontario.ca
You can explore various themes, including gems, action and adventure, mythical legends, history, and movies. Regarding payouts, symbol wins are often complemented by exciting bonuses like wilds, scatters, free spins, multipliers, and jackpot rounds.
Top 5 Ontario Online Slots with High RTP
| Slot Name | RTP |
| Moody Fruits | 99.91% |
| Stone Haminid | 99.54% |
| Greatest Circus | 99.54% |
| Maya King | 99.54% |
| Coin Rat | 99.54% |
Latest Ontario Online Casino Updates
Ontario officially launched a safe and legal iGaming market within its borders on April 4, 2022. Since then, players can legally access a full range of slots, table games, live dealers, and other forms of online gambling entertainment from 70 operators.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario was crowned the authority to oversee the province’s iGaming sector in 2021. AGCO’s subsidiary, iGaming Ontario, is responsible for the continued regulation and expansion of online casinos. Over the years, plenty has happened in the rapidly ballooning industry. Here are some recent updates:
- The beaming success of the Ontario iGaming market is seeing one and two-year renewal requests for online casino and sports betting licenses.
- The AGCO released a study that suggests 86% of Ontario online players gamble on regulated sites. 20% still seek gambling entertainment from a mix of regulated and unregulated platforms, while 14% bet entirely in unregulated casinos.
- Ontario is now estimated to be the 6th largest iGaming market globally when ranked by gross gaming revenue.
- Athletes and celebrities are banned from iGaming advertising in Ontario. This law came into effect on February 28, 2024.
Upcoming Changes in the Ontario iGaming Market
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario continues to release further guidance and amendments designed to strengthen player protection while broadening the horizons for the iGaming arena. Here are some of the amendments the province can expect to see in the future:
- An Ontario government agency is proposing a centralized self-exclusion software provider. Such a platform will allow gamblers to self-exclude from all Ontario-licensed casinos simultaneously.
- The Ontario government is seeking to allow residents to play online casino games with gamblers outside of Canada.
Who Can Play at Ontario Online Casinos
Ontario online casino laws are complex and ever-changing to keep up with the rapidly evolving niche. Here are some of the laws that provide strategic guidance on who can participate in these iGaming platforms:
Legal Age
You must be 19+ years old to participate in Ontario’s online and offline casinos and sports betting platforms. However, the age limit drops to 18 years for lottery and bingo games in online and retail locations.
Documents Needed for Registration
Reputable Ontario online casinos usually carry out KYC protocols to confirm your identity, age, and residence within the province. You can choose to complete the verification process during account registration. However, it is required when you reach a specified deposit threshold or request a withdrawal. The documents needed during this procedure include:
- Proof of ID – a copy of your passport, driver’s license, or military ID.
- Proof of address – a copy of a recent utility bill.
- Proof of payment method – a screenshot or photo of your banking system.
Play Within Provincial Borders
Gambling in Ontario online casinos is limited to the province’s residents only. Travelling outside its borders means no longer accessing the province’s legally registered platforms. Each Canadian province has its own rules on iGaming. Here’s a short overview of the iGaming legality in some jurisdictions:
- British Columbia: This province has gambling regulations implemented by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. It operates its own online casinos, providing slots, table games, lotteries, poker, Bingo, and other popular gambling games.
- Alberta: Online gambling is unrestricted here, allowing players to choose from a vast range of offshore casinos as long as they accept Canadian players. Sports betting is widely embraced but limited to parlay bets not exceeding 250 CAD daily.
- Quebec: Liberal gaming laws in this province allow playing in offshore casinos. Sports betting is also permitted on Mise-O-Jeu, the sole government-regulated platform that only offers parlay bets.
- Nova Scotia: Residents of this province can play in any international casinos accepting Canadian players, but sports betting is limited to parlay bets via ALC’s Pro-Line.
- Manitoba: The Liquor & Gaming Authority oversees gambling in Manitoba. The province has only one regulated casino, but residents face no legal repercussions for accessing overseas casinos. However, sports betting is restricted to the Sport Select site with a maximum cap of 250 CAD daily.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: This province has no regulated online casinos, but residents can legally play in offshore casinos accessible in the region. Like in several other provinces, sports betting is regulated and only allowed through Pro-Line. The daily wager limit on this platform is 250 CAD.
- New Brunswick: Offshore sites are the only source of online gambling entertainment in New Brunswick. The province allows playing on these sites if they accept Canadian players. ALC’s Pro-Line is the only source of sports betting.
Navigating Legal Online Casino Gaming in Ontario: A Closer Look
- Geolocation: Ontario restricts access to its regulated online casinos to residents within its borders. The gambling sites maintain this exclusivity by using geolocation plugins on PCs and mobile devices to confirm your location. If you are outside the jurisdiction, access to the casinos is restricted, ensuring compliance with the province’s regulations.
- Taxes: Canada does not tax profits collected in online and offline gambling. You get to keep 100% of the winnings in Ontario online casinos. However, iGaming platforms have to pay taxes to the government.
- Revenue: Online casinos comprise the bulk of generated revenue from the iGaming arena. By the end of 2023 Q4, the niche accounted for 471 million CAD of the revenue, placing ahead of sports betting and poker, which generated 171 million and 17 million CAD in revenue, respectively. The record revenue is projected to continue on an upward trajectory if positive market trends continue.
Brief History of Gambling in Ontario
Canadian gambling laws have been revised severally to relax strict regulations that limited casinos for most of the 20th century. In the ’60s, the federal government relaxed restrictions by miles, allowing gambling on games of chance and letting provinces make laws for online and brick-and-mortar casinos. Gambling in Ontario has evolved significantly since then, creating an iGaming framework that sets the tone for other Canadian provinces.
- 1960s: The Canadian Criminal Code is amended to permit some gambling forms.
- 1975: The Ontario Lottery Corporation was created in February under the Ontario Lottery Corporation Act.
- 1985: The Canadian government grants provinces independent control over casino laws and permits.
- 1992: The Gaming Control Act of 1992 is introduced to regulate brick-and-mortar casinos.
- 1994: Ontario opens its first land-based casino, Casino Windsor. It has since been rebranded to Caesar Windsor.
- 1998: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) takes over control of Ontario casinos.
- 1999: The Ontario Lottery Corporation Act is repealed and replaced with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Act.
- 2015: Ontario launches Playolg.ca, a state-run online casino.
- 2018: Canada decriminalizes single-game betting.
- 2021: Ontario revamps and launches the state-run sportsbook PROLINE+.
- 2021: The AGCO sets up iGaming Ontario to oversee licensing for online gambling operators.
- 2022: Ontario launches regulated online gambling within its borders.
Legal Status of All Forms of Gambling in Ontario
Ontario allows most online and offline gambling forms. It has laws to ensure they are conducted with integrity for player protection. Here is what you can and cannot gamble in Ontario:
| Type | Physical | Online |
| Casino Gambling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lotto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | X | X |
| Sports Betting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Horse Race Betting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bingo | ✓ | ✓ |
Online Sports Betting in Ontario
Single-game sports betting was not legal in Canada until 2021. Later on, in 2022, Ontario legalized online sports betting from commercial sites. Today, you can bet on local and international leagues, including the NBA, Premier League, MLB, and UFC.
Other Forms of Online Gambling
Aside from online casino gambling, Ontario accommodates poker, lotto, horse race betting, and Bingo. However, Daily Fantasy Sports is not permitted. This restriction limits major players in the niche, like FanDuel and DraftKings, to providing sportsbook services only.
Land-Based Casinos in Ontario
Ontario had allowed land-based gambling since 1994, when Casino Windsor launched. AGCO has licensed 25 location-based casinos since then.
| Casino | Location | Main Features |
| Fallsview Casino Resort | 6380 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5 | Overlooks Horseshoe Falls. Features 3,500+ slot machines and 130+ table games |
| Caesars Windsor | 377 Riverside Dr. E, Windsor, ON N9A 7H7 | Hosts 2,600+ slot machines and 100+ table games. Operates 24/7 |
| Casino Rama | 5899 Rama Rd., Orillia, ON L3V 6H6 | Features 2,500+ slot machines and 110+ table games. Hosts live boxing events |
| Casino Niagara | 5705 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6TE | Has 1,300+ slot machines and 40+ table games. Features 26 poker rooms. |
| Elements Casino – Brantford | 40 Icomm Dr., Brantford, ON N3S 7S9 | Charity casino. A small portion of all slot profits go to the City of Brantford. |
Online Casinos vs Retail Casinos
The perfect gambling place does not exist. That is the conclusion our review team came to when creating this article. But for the sake of curiosity, let’s summarise the differences and similarities between online and retail casinos.
Online Casinos
- ✓ Conveniently available PCs and mobile.
- ✓ Accommodate low and high rollers.
- ✓ Free-play games that run on fun credits.
- ✓ Numerous bonuses and promotions.
- ✓ Thousands of games to choose from in dozens and casinos.
- ✓ Human interaction is unnecessary.
- × Do not achieve the authenticity of land-based gambling.
- × Rollover terms must be settled before winnings are withdrawable.
- × Limited human interaction.
- × Withdrawals can take days to be processed.
Retail Casinos
- ✓ Authentic gambling experience with real machines, tables, and people.
- ✓ Greater anonymity for players.
- ✓ Instant payouts from game winnings.
- × Limited or no bonuses and promotions
- × Slow play
- × The choice of games is limited to what is featured on the casino floor.
- × Inconvenience of time and money spent to attend land-based establishments.
Online and retail casinos have distinctions that make each unique. While land-based establishments offer a more traditional and exciting experience, online casinos stand out with convenience, diverse game options, and bonuses.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling is an exciting pastime, but only when indulged under control. Unfortunately, it can become a compulsive disorder if healthy boundaries aren’t implemented. Gambling moderation is vital for many reasons, including:
- Financial stability: Responsible gambling helps you avoid casino-related financial stress. You are mindful to prioritize essentials and set a gambling budget that doesn’t dent your resources.
- Emotional well-being: Gambling responsibly keeps negative emotions related to the activity, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, at bay.
- Social stability: Responsible gamblers often have a positive reputation within the gaming community driven by fair play, positive communication, and ethical behaviour.
We understand that the upsides of gambling responsibly are extensive, influencing financial and emotional well-being, personal relationships, and society at large. Accordingly, we only advocate playing in Ontario online casinos with responsible gambling as a fundamental offering.
Useful Resources
- Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Responsible Gambling Council
- Gamblers Anonymous
Future of Online Casinos in Ontario
The online Ontario gambling arena is somewhat new, but Canada has long embraced iGaming from offshore sites. With legal gambling in play, online gambling options will most likely increase significantly to offer more games, bigger payouts, and a lot more entertainment. Our team is dedicated to updating you on the best Ontario online casinos with detailed reviews highlighting the best experiences available. You can trust us for a full lowdown on where to play in Ontario.
FAQ
- Are online casinos legal in Ontario?
-
Yes, they are. Regulated online gambling has been legal in Ontario since April 14, 2022.
- Are online casinos in Ontario safe?
-
Our recommended online casinos in Ontario prioritize player safety using SSL encryption, KYC verification, and password-protected accounts. They also have their RNGs audited for fairness.
- What is the legal gambling age in Ontario?
-
Ontario online casinos are open to residents aged 19 years and above. However, the age limit to gamble in lotteries drops to 18.
- Do I have to pay taxes on gambling or lottery winnings?
-
No, you do not. Canada does not tax gambling profits, so you can enjoy all the winnings you collect in Ontario online casinos.
Article by
Mark Knight
