Published and Updated by
Natasha Alessandrello
Editor
Natasha Alessandrello
Editor
Natasha Alessandrello is a Senior Editor in the Casinos.com content team. She began her career as a Features Writer for several weekly and monthly magazines, and has a decade’s worth of experience in writing, researching and editing casino content. She is interested in all equine sports, and enjoys blackjack and the occasional game of poker.
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Lee James Gwilliam
Vice-President
Lee James Gwilliam
Vice-President
Lee James Gwilliam has over 10 years as a poker player and 5 in the casino industry. He has been all around the industry, working for a casino, writing more than 3,000 articles for various independent review sites and is an active player of slots, live dealer and poker.
Read Full BioSince the launch of regulated online gambling in Ontario, the market has grown rapidly. There are currently more than 60 Ontario casinos online, so players have a range of choices at their fingertips. This page will highlight the key attributes of top online casinos in Ontario and help you find your perfect match. We will also explain the licensing of Ontario online casinos, the history of online gambling in the province, the best slots and casino games on the market, and much more.
Ready to jump in? Take a look at our top Ontario casino sites listed below! They've been extensively vetted and reviewed by our experts to give you all the information you need.
Casino.com site uses tracking links that help us determine and recommend the most popular and in-demand casinos and collect the number of users who sign up, deposit, and get a welcome bonus.
Casinos.com is a new project from Gambling.com Group.
Casino Name | Minimum Deposit | Slot Games | Live Casino Games | Game Providers | Avg Payout Times |
🥇 1. Casino Days | $5 to $25 | 2400 | 142 | 112 | 2-5 days |
🥈 2. PlayOjo | $10 | 1510 | 112 | 55 | 24 hrs |
🥉 3. Fire Vegas | $20 | 2244 | 45 | 138 | 1-2 days |
🏅 4. Slots Magic | $10 | 2887 | 200 | 55 | 0-24 hrs |
🏅 5. 888Casino | $10 | 368 | 284 | 18 | 4-6 days |
🏅 6. Videoslots | $10 | 4636 | 225 | 156 | 3-5 days |
While it’s a truth (almost) universally acknowledged, that different players want different things from their online casino experience, Casino Days Ontario can tick most of the boxes.
Claim to Fame: Huge collection of casino games with over 4000 titles, plus instant withdrawals (depending on your payment method).
Casino Days Terms to Consider: We didn't really see anything alarming here. The time limits and other terms are comfortably within the industry-average range. Check the minimum deposit details though, because although you can make a deposit of $10, you may need to deposit double that to be eligible for any extras. Check the payment provider exclusions too, before you make your first deposit.
Games: Casino Days has a well-stocked live casino, a good selection of RNG-based table games and in terms of sheer number, its slots collection is certainly above average. One box it can’t tick, though, is sports. Unlike rivals like 888Casino and BetVictor, Casino Days is completely focused on the casino side of gambling and doesn’t offer a sportsbook.
Software: A deeper look at the casino games available shows that they are sourced from an impressive 112 game providers, which includes both big names in the industry and niche studios. This translates to a pleasing variety, not the parade of “same old” titles that you’d expect from casinos with less depth in their collections.
Minimum Deposit: Not all players are high rollers with fat bankrolls, and many of the average Joes (like us) like to know that we can make small deposits. Casino Days is a bit opaque about the minimum deposits allowed. A little bit of digging in the terms and conditions showed that the minimums depend on the payment method you use. If you use e-wallet MuchBetter, you can deposit as little as $5, or as much as $20,000. If you use Interac eTransfer or Interac Online, the minimum deposit is $25 (max $3,000 and $2,000 respectively), while the minimum deposit with a credit card is $10 with a maximum of $10,000.
Payout Times: Like the minimum deposits, the payout speeds also depend on the payment method you use. MuchBetter and iDebit withdrawals are instant, Interac and e-Cashout withdrawals will take 1 hour to 1 day, credit cards take 30 minutes to 2 days, and bank transfers take 1 to 3 days. *Please note, all “days” mentioned here are business days.
Casino Days on Mobile: OK, all modern casinos should perform well on mobile, so the standouts now will have to offer a dedicated mobile app, or a truly superb bespoke in-browser mobile casino. Casino Days does not have an app in the Apple or Play stores, so if you are happy to play through your mobile browser, you should have no issues. However, if you are looking for an online Ontario casino with a quality casino app, it’s best to look elsewhere.
If you’re the kind of player that would rather avoid taking any perks from a casino because you don’t want to be tied up in the (usually) inevitable strings that are attached in the T&Cs, then PlayOjo Ontario may be the casino for you.
Claim to Fame: PlayOjo has built its reputation on being a fair casino. A mantra frequently repeated on its website is “No funny business.” This is more than vague lip service – read on to see what we mean.
PlayOjo Casino Terms to Consider: PlayOjo doesn’t believe in wagering requirements, withdrawal limits, or putting a cap on wins. In the casino world, where “extras” can actually tie you down in several ways, this is remarkable.
Games: Like Casino Days, PlayOjo has a decent selection of slots and table games, and a very good live casino, but it does not offer a sportsbook. There are separate sections for blackjack, roulette, slots, live casino, cards, jackpots and game shows, which makes navigation simple. One small irritation though… we wanted to try some of the games for free, and we got a blank blue screen of boredom when we clicked on the “Try for Free” option. It could be a temporary glitch, or a block due to not being logged in but there was no explanatory pop-up. It’s a small annoyance because overall we were very happy with the game selection.
Software: PlayOjo doesn’t have as many software provider partnerships as Casino Days (to be more accurate, it has half as many game providers). However, with 55 of the world’s best game creators represented at the casino, there’s more than enough to give the game selection an appealing range and variety.
Minimum Deposit: The smallest deposit you can make at PlayOjo is $10, so the casino is pretty accessible to most player budgets. Unlike Casino Days, this minimum applies across all payment options: Interac, Mastercard, Visa, Paysafecard, Payz (formerly EcoPayz), MuchBetter, Jeton and Apple Pay.
Payout Times: Payouts are quick at PayOjo, with most transactions processed within 24 hours. There are no minimum amounts when it comes to withdrawals, so for players who get frustrated at having to leave their change in their casino account due to minimum withdrawal limits, this is an appealing factor. However, for the max amounts, you need to see the cashier.
PlayOjo on Mobile: There is a PlayOjo app in the Canadian Apple App store, but according to some of the reviews, there may be some issues with the interface. It’s still a viable option if you prefer apps, but you may get a better experience if you access the casino through your mobile browser. The Google Play version gets better ratings, so if you play on Android, you have the option of downloading a decent app, or playing through your browser.
There’s been a real buzz online about Fire Vegas Ontario since its launch, and it’s not difficult to see why. It has a solid game collection, relatively quick payouts and a very clean and accessible website.
Claim to Fame: Fire Vegas has over 2700 casino games from a huge list of software providers (which numbered 138 at our last count).
Fire Vegas Terms To Consider: Take a close look at the game contributions to wagering requirements. Although, in general, slots count 100% towards the wagering, there is an extensive list of slot games that are excluded from the 100% category. Some contribute 20%, but a vast majority of the exclusions don’t count at all. There is a handy table buried in the terms and conditions that will list these exclusions for you.
Games: Fire Vegas offers the usual games that you’d expect at an online casino – it just has more of them than most. Slots, Live Casino and Table are the main categories, with sub-categories beneath those to filter in more detail. For some strange reason, Scratchies are listed under the slots category, but that’s a minor sacrifice to navigational simplicity.
Software: If you are a casino software buff, and you like a selection of hand-picked games from as many providers as possible, then Fire Vegas is the obvious choice.
Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit at Fire Vegas is $20, double the minimum of some of the other casinos on our list. This may be off-putting for players on a budget. Depending on your bankroll, this may or may not be an issue for you.
Payout Times: Fire Vegas processes withdrawals in 1-2 days after you lodge a withdrawal request. It’s not as slow as Casino Days’ slower payment options, and not as quick as Slots Magic, so we’d say this is a reasonably fast casino when it comes to payouts.
Fire Vegas on Mobile: Fire Vegas recently launched its dedicated mobile app for Apple, and the ratings are relatively favourable so far. There’s no Fire Vegas app in the Google Play store yet. We explored the casino on mobile, and its slick design translates really well to smaller screens, whether you use the app or your mobile browser.
Which is better? More casino games from fewer providers, or fewer games from more casino providers? If a range of providers is what you are after, then choose Fire Vegas, but if you’d like a deeper selection from fewer providers, then Slots Magic is the casino for you. Add fast payouts and slots tournaments to the equation, and Slots Magic Ontario is difficult to ignore.
Claim to Fame: Fast payouts and LOADS of casino games are the two main attractions at Slots Magic. The casino also offers slots tournaments, so if you like to compete with other players for a share of fabulous prize pools, then check out this casino.
Slots Magic Terms to Consider: You can get a good impression of a casino’s generosity by taking a peek under the hood (ie, check the T&Cs). Slots Magic’s terms are a little harsh, with wagering requirements applied to your triggering deposit too. So, effectively, its 60x wagering. Although not the highest we have seen, this is still higher than the 35x we consider average. If this puts you off, take a look at PlayOjo instead.
Games: With over 2800 slots and 200 live casino games, the Slots Magic casino game collection can’t be taken lightly. While we appreciate that players have a “galaxy of slots” and other games, the layout is a bit awkward, particularly if you are a blackjack player. There are blackjack games available, just no dedicated section for them. The Live Casino has plenty of titles, but it is not organized into sub-sections, so you need to scroll through them all or use the search field to find what you are looking for. This may bother some players, but others would ignore this for the sheer range of choices available.
Software: While some of the casinos we have highlighted have double the number of software providers available, Slots Magic still has a solid collection of partnerships. It has 55 software providers available, so you can expect plenty of titles from the bigger names in the industry.
Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit at Slots Magic is $10. While there are plenty of excellent casinos with $20 as a minimum deposit, it doesn’t hurt to know you can deposit less if you choose to do so at a $10 deposit casino.
Payout Times: One of the areas where Slots Magic excels is in its payout times. The casino processes withdrawals in 0 – 24 hours, so in the best-case scenario, they are processed instantly, but at worst, you wait up to a day.
Slots Magic on Mobile: Slots Magic is available in the Apple app store, developed by Skill On Net, the same developer that created the PlayOjo app (they are sister sites, after all). The ratings are not great, at 1.6 stars, so we recommend sticking to the browser version of the casino instead.
None of the casinos that have made it to our highlighted list have sportsbooks…. Until now. If you’re the type of player who likes to bet on sports, spend some time at an excellent live casino, and play a few slots, then 888 could be the best fit for you.
Claim to Fame: For a sportsbook, 888Casino has a truly impressive live casino. It’s a solid all-in-one platform for gamblers who like a bit of everything.
888Casino Terms to Consider: When comparing the strings that are attached, like wagering requirements, time limits, withdrawal caps, and all those pesky T&Cs, if PlayOjo has practically no strings and Slots Magic has ropes, then 888 has silky threads, light and easy to carry.
Games: 888Casino was ranked a little lower on the list, purely because it has fewer casino games than any of the other sites already mentioned. However, with over 280 live casino games, 888Casino has the best live casino on our toplist, as well as a superb sportsbook and a dedicated poker lobby.
Software: All the casino games at 888 are provided by just under 20 game developers. You’ll find some exclusive titles from 888’s own studio, Dragonfish, as well as games from NetEnt, BTG, IGT and a few more.
Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit that you can make at 888Casino is $10, so it’s in the same company as PlayOjo and Videoslots Casino.
Payout Times: 888Casino is great in many areas, but unfortunately, fast payouts is not one of them. The average withdrawal time ranges from 4-6 working days, so in comparison to SlotsMagic, this is snail’s pace.
888Casino on Mobile: While 888 may be slow on payouts, it excels on mobile. It has dedicated apps for sports, poker and casino, for both Apple and Android. The 888Casino Ontario: Real Money app has a 4.2 and 4.4 rating in the Google Play store and Apple app store respectively, while the 888 Casino Ontario: Live Casino app has a 4.3 rating in the Apple app store.
Players: “We want slots. Lots of slots, from many providers. AND live casino games. Lots of them. Sports too. Oh, and a good mobile site to play ‘em all.”
Videoslots: “Hold my beer...”
Claim to Fame: While 888Casino offers a small(ish) collection of slots and a large sportsbook, Videoslots has a massive slot collection, but a less comprehensive sportsbook.
Videoslots Terms to Consider: Videoslots didn’t cause any real excitement in this department. It’s simply… average. However, it does have a back-to-front approach for some of its terms, so check these first before accepting any extras. If you don't like getting these in 10% increments, try one of the other casinos on our list. The Videoslots terms may be great for players who need help budgeting, but for players who like to have more control, it may be rather onerous.
Games: If you’re a slots fan, you’ll be spoiled for choice – Videoslots has over 4600 of them. It’s not just a pretty slot site though. It also offers a robust live casino, with nearly 230 games in its Live Casino lobby, and a sportsbook covering major sports around the world. The sportsbook is not as comprehensive as 888’s portfolio though (there’s no horse racing, for example). If there are specific sports you follow, we suggest you check the selection before you commit.
Software: Considering that Videoslots has the biggest portfolio of games on our list of highlighted casinos, it’s hardly surprising that it boasts the biggest number of game providers too. Big names like Evolution, Play’n Go, and Big Time Gaming are expected, but there are plenty of smaller game studios to explore too.
Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit at Videoslots Ontario is $10, and the casino offers a range of payment options to make depositing as easy as possible. Interac, Paysafecard, PayPal, Visa and Mastercard are all supported, as well as a variety of others.
Payout Times: The payout times could be a bit better. Withdrawal processing times range from 3 to 5 days, so while it is not the slowest on our list, it’s not the fastest either. Slots Magic takes the cake when it comes to fast payouts, but PlayOjo and Fire Vegas are fairly quick too.
Videoslots on mobile: The Videoslots mobile site is actually better than the desktop version (in our opinion anyway). The content is organized better, the pages feel less “busy”, and navigation is a bit smoother too.
Online slots in Ontario are the most popular gambling type at land-based casinos, so it should be no surprise that slots are a favourite at online casinos. There are typically hundreds, if not thousands, of online video slots available at online casinos in Ontario, and their simple gameplay and range of betting sizes make them accessible for all player levels. With a massive variety of themes and layouts available, there is something for everyone. Free slots in Canada are also popular, with many Ontario players liking to familiarise themselves with a particular slot game before risking their hard-earned cash.
Progressive jackpots are the game of choice at casinos in Ontario for anyone wanting to take a chance at winning big prizes. The jackpots of these games are usually linked across networks and increase every time someone plays the game until, eventually, one lucky winner hits the winning combination. Although the average return to player (RTP) can be lower than non-progressive slots, the jackpots of progressive slot games can rise into the millions, so lucky winners can get a much bigger payout than a standard slot could offer.
Ontario online casinos are practically a buffet of slot types. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes. So, what do you like? Do you prefer slots that look like traditional fruit machines, with simple gameplay and a hint of nostalgia? Or do your tastes run to killer graphics, awesome themes and multiple bonus features? If you're aiming for massive payouts, progressive jackpot slots offer eye-watering prizes that can change your life in a single spin.
New slots become available at online Ontario casinos each month. Here is a look over some of the most popular slot titles and why all Canadian players should give them a spin:
While slots are games of luck rather than strategy, online blackjack is the opposite. If you have a solid grasp of basic blackjack strategy and choose your games wisely, you can reduce the house edge to almost even chances – and get much better odds of winning than any slot game could provide.
Ontario’s growing gaming market offers a wealth of online blackjack options, from RNG-based classic blackjack, to live dealer blackjack tables where you can play with other players against a real dealer. Some of the most popular online blackjack game variations available in Ontario are:
The best way to play blackjack if you’re looking for the authentic casino vibe is at a top live casino. High-definition video streaming will drop you straight into the action. We’ve assessed the best live blackjack casinos in Ontario and listed the top options in the table below.
For an online casino in Ontario to be successful, it needs to have an extensive games library and offer a variety of titles from leading software providers. Thanks to the competitive market, players have a wide range of choices available to them. Here are some of the most prevalent casino game categories that you will find at Ontario online casinos.
Table games at online casinos in Ontario are the digital versions of all your favourite land-based casino classics. Blackjack and roulette are typically the most abundant, available in multiple varieties and stakes to suit all players. Online blackjack casinos are becoming popular in Canada as these offer the convenience of being able to play from the comfort of your own home, and the availability of a wide range of blackjack variants and table limits. The same can be said about the best poker sites in Canada. Most of the best online casino sites offer staples like blackjack and roulette, as well as other games, such as baccarat and craps. If you are interested in finding baccarat online casinos in Canada, browse through our site and check our top recommendations. With the same rules as their land-based versions, these online table games are popular among both beginners and players who can happily spend hours at the tables in brick-and-mortar casinos.
For the most authentic online gambling experience, you’ll want to play at the best live casinos online in Ontario. Rather than playing against the computer, these table games are played with real dealers with video footage streamed live to your device. Watch, play along, and chat with the dealer and other players as you bring the ultimate casino experience to the comfort of your own home.
Bingo has made its way online at casinos in Ontario, with many sites featuring various online bingo rooms. Rather than bingo balls dictating the numbers, a random number generator chooses the winning numbers. Mark all the numbers in a line, two lines, or a full house, and you’ll be taking home a real money prize.
Online sports betting became legal in Ontario in August 2021, so you can place single-game wagers on all your favourite sporting events. Whether you’re a fan of the local Ottawa Senators or back any of Toronto’s infamous sports teams, plenty of sports markets are available at your fingertips. Some of the best online casinos in Ontario, such as JackpotCity Casino, also offer a full sportsbook as part of a comprehensive gambling platform.
Canadian mobile casinos offer the ideal solution to gamblers wishing to play casino games without being tied to their desktop PC; all they need is a mobile phone or tablet and a stable internet connection. Over the past few decades, online casinos have worked hard to meet the growing demand for mobile casino games. All casino software developers are now creating games that are optimized for mobile use.
Some sites have developed dedicated sports betting, casino and slot apps which offer the best performance in terms of connectivity and usability. All modern online casinos use the latest digital technology, so players can access all areas of responsive sites from their smartphone browsers.
When choosing an online casino in Ontario, pay attention to the RTP of each game. RTP stands for “Return to Player” and is the percentage of wagers that a specific title gives back to players over time. While the industry standard for slots is 96%, keep in mind that a higher RTP doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will see a more significant profit since these figures are calculated over a long period, and casino games are ultimately luck-based.
Still, the average RTP of all casino games in a library can potentially imply how well-paying the casino is overall.
All of the games found at online casinos are not on par, and the best Ontario casino sites only offer titles made by reputable game developers. These are known for the excellent gameplay, high-quality visuals, and smooth running that make online gambling even more enjoyable. Here is a little more about the most popular software developers in Canada:
Having been around since 1996, NetEnt is one of the leading online casino software providers worldwide. The developer specializes in online slots and table games, having made hundreds of titles over the years and making NetEnt casino sites extremely popular.
Owned by Games Global since April 2022, Microgaming is known for producing the world’s first-ever online casino software in 1994. It is also famous for its progressive jackpot Mega Moolah that paid out the biggest online progressive jackpot ever of €19,430,723.60 in 2021.
Pragmatic Play has around 80 titles to date and is best known for producing games with innovative features. Examples include the addition of exciting multi-screen rounds that bring the slots in Ontario online casinos into the modern day.
Boasting over 150 video slot titles, Play’n GO offers exciting slot titles to suit all types of audiences. It has also expanded to provide online bingo, sports betting, and live dealer games as well.
Evolution Gaming specializes in creating stand-out live dealer games for online casinos in Ontario. This developer pushes the boundaries of the technology used and has propelled live dealer games into the position it is today.
The best casinos in Ontario offer a variety of payment methods to appeal to as many players as possible. Here is a brief look at the most common payment options available to Canadian players:
Many players like using debit or credit cards for payments as they are familiar. It is easy to find online casinos that accept prepaid Mastercard and Visa casinos in Canada because most casinos accept both of these payment options. They are also encrypted with SSL technology to keep your sensitive information safe.
Interac is popular Canadian interbank network that allows you to deposit funds directly from your bank account to the best Canadian slot sites in Ontario. Interac casinos in Canada have gained popularity quickly, as Interac is one of the most widely used payment methods in the country. Interac is a particularly popular choice for Canadian players who do not want to use their credit cards for online gambling, or who do not have a credit card. Additionally, many Canadian banks support Interac transactions, which further increases its popularity.
E-wallets services such as PayPal, Neteller and Skrill are excellent for anyone wanting to up their digital security. There is no need to share banking information directly with the casino. Transactions are also rapid, and transaction fees are low.
Prepaid cards are a great option as banking information does not need to be shared directly with the casino in Ontario. Instead, you top-up a card and enter the corresponding code to load the deposit amount onto the site.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are incredibly convenient options for mobile players at Google Pay and Apple Pay casinos in Canada. You can fund your account within seconds without the need to locate your bank card and input the card number.
Some Canadian casinos may accept cryptocurrency deposits, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Although the currencies themselves may be volatile, crypto as a casino payment option is appreciated for its transactional security and privacy, plus withdrawals tend to be faster than more traditional payment methods.
Online casino gambling is becoming popular thanks to its convenience and special online features. However, there are still disadvantages to consider too. In this table, we look at the pros and cons to help you determine whether online gambling is right for you:
With the online casino industry already a thriving sector in the province, the introduction of more licensed Ontario casino sites to the market means it could truly go stratospheric. The process of making a new account and making your first withdrawal can be done in a matter of minutes, so you can enjoy some of the finest online casino games in the province.
Our team at Casinos.com looks at far more than licensing when reviewing online casinos in Ontario; we use several other strict criteria to assess each site before we recommend it. All of the Ontario online casinos that we list will offer a wide range of secure payment methods, incredible player incentives, and helpful customer support, among other aspects.
We also prioritize games libraries that offer a fantastic variety, packed with titles from the industry’s top casino game developers. These casino games need to be accessible from desktops and mobile devices. When you sit down to play online slots for real money in Canada, our assessment criteria help us to ensure that you’ll only be gambling at the best online casinos.
There are more than 70 land-based casinos scattered across the province, with more than 30,000 slot machines and hundreds of table games on offer. Ontario residents can also bet on horse racing and play lottery games.
Ontario has one of the most robust gambling markets in the country. With the new regulation framework, online gamblers can explore a much wider variety of top-quality slot games, the best progressive jackpot slots, live casino games with real dealers, and a variety of other casino games including classics like blackjack, and roulette games provided by the best online roulette casinos. Poker rooms, sports betting, horse racing bets, the Ontario lottery, and charitable gambling options are also legal. No other place in Canada has as many opportunities to gamble as The Heartland Province.
Playing online brings players thousands more gaming options than any land-based facility. As well as the sheer variety of casino games and sports markets available, online gambling sites offer convenience, quick registration, and several secure payment options to allow players to get started in minutes.
For anyone wanting to start gambling legally in Ontario, doing so is easy. Follow the simple steps below, and you can be gambling safely and securely in minutes:
As a legal requirement to help protect against fraud and money laundering, you will need to verify your casino account with specific documentation, such as a photographic ID and proof of address, before you can withdraw any winnings. Get these documents approved as soon as possible to avoid delayed payouts.
You’ll be pleased to hear that gambling winnings are not subject to tax in Ontario. Gambling is seen as a recreational activity so, in most cases, the government will not view your winnings as a secure income. The exception is professional gamblers: if the government views gambling as your profession, then winnings are considered to be income and therefore subject to tax. However, even if you are a recreational player, if you use your winnings to generate more income, the proceeds can be taxed. For example, any interest or other capital gains earned from the winnings will be taxable.
The legal gambling age in Ontario is 19 years old, which is standard for all provinces in Canada, excluding Quebec and Alberta, which set the minimum legal age at 18. Therefore, you must be at least 19 years old to enter any land-based casino in Ontario or make an account at an online gambling site. You also need proof of identification at land-based venues and online casinos for verification purposes.
Looking back, Ontario's gambling industry has come a long way. Canadian provinces and territories were granted the right to oversee gambling activities back in 1985. While regulations in Ontario were pretty relaxed, the opportunities for players to join fully licensed or regulated top casino sites were slim. There are plenty of land-based casinos on hand, but until 2022, online options were limited. Offshore or lottery sites were the main means of playing at online casinos for Ontario residents.
As we mentioned, gambling laws changed in Canada in 1985, permitting each Canadian province to regulate its gambling industry within jurisdictional laws. The first-ever Canadian casino opened in Winnipeg in 1989, and it wasn’t long until Ontario followed suit, with Casino Windsor opening in May 1994. Over the years, more and more land-based casinos opened in Canada, with nearly 90 casinos spread across the country to date.
In recent years, the surge in popularity of online gambling has further changed the Ontario gambling landscape. Ontario is one of the few states with a government-run online casino called PlayOLG.ca, which went live in 2015. Regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, it is a fantastic option for anyone interested in playing casino games online.
Ontario now has one of the biggest online gaming markets in Canada. The province launched its regulated iGaming market in 2022, which was great news for fans of real money slots. A proper legal framework acts as quality control in the online gaming industry in the region and means that Ontario players now have access to the best online casinos. Whether they prefer slot games, progressive jackpot slots, or table games like roulette and blackjack, the options are now endless for online casino enthusiasts.
1925: Amendment made it legal for fair to organise gambling events
1969: Lottery games legalized including slot and gambling machines
1985: Each Canadian province given the power to regulate their own gambling industry
2022: Ontario regulates online gambling
If you want to head to a land-based casino in Ontario, you’re in luck; the province boasts more casinos than any other part of Canada! There are several incredible brick-and-mortar casinos to choose from, including Caesars Windsor, Casino Rama Resort, and Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands. Fallsview Casino Resort is another popular option, offering spectacular views of Niagara Falls as you choose from the 3,000 slots and 130 table games available inside.
If you fancy staying in a luxury hotel with a stylish room and suits, while also having the opportunity to play all the casino games that your heart desires, then Caesars Windsor might be the place for you. They offer the latest dazzling slots, with table games open to customers from 10 am-2 am. Caesars Rewards lets you earn Reward Credits through both your casino gaming and your entertainment activities at our over 50 destinations around the country, meaning the more you play the more you earn!
Based in Rama Ontario, this casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for their customers. They offer an exclusive rewards membership card once you present your valid ID to the services desk that allows you to earn points to use for free play, food, and even access to special events. Rama offers 100 gambling tables, 12 poker tables with an astonishing 25000 slots in total! There are even progressive slots for the thrill-seekers among us who are chasing that life-changing win. Across their casinos, they have a selection of 10 restaurants and bars, with hotel rooms and suites also available for those who need overnight accommodation.
With live table games and slot machines aplenty, Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel is your one-stop shop for the ultimate casino experience. They have over 600 of the newest blockbuster games and classic favorites, with a 15000 sq. ft casino space hosting some of your favorite casino table games. They also offer a One Rewards system that offers up fuel discounts, dining rewards and if you're a real high-roller, complimentary stays at luxury resorts.
One of the newer land-based casinos in Ontario, Cascades Casino's reputation is slightly more tarnished than its elders. Despite some negative Tripadvisor reviews, the casino itself is situated in the perfect spot with many cafes and restaurants in the near vicinity. As for the casino floor itself, it has everything you would expect with plenty of table games available, as well as your favorite slots. Promotions include changes to win huge sums, as well as the more common food deals that can be found at these types of establishments.
It also helps to compare the experience of online gambling with a land-based casino in Ontario. The below table looks at the differences in more detail:
Many online casinos that operate from overseas accept Canadian players. However, many of these are not licensed and regulated in Ontario. They may be a scam site, and if you do run into any issues, you will not be protected by Canadian law. As such, we suggest only playing at the selection of reputable sites that we recommend, which are all licensed and encrypting your sensitive information to keep you safe online.
As mentioned above, the appetite of Ontario residents to play at online casinos is huge, and there is no sign of it slowing down any time soon. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) operated the official Ontario gambling site, used by residents from all over the province. As well as this, offshore gambling sites, while ill-advised by use to play at, were widely used by bettors in this region. This all changed in 2022, when tried and trusted online casinos became licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This new market continues to grow, as new regulated casinos enter the lists.
For those who have yet to make the move from land-based to online casinos, the advantages are endless. Of course, some people will enjoy the social aspect of playing at their local casino. However, the ease of access combined with the innovative technologies that operators have brought to the forefront make playing at online casinos just as enthralling as being on the casino floor. Among the pros of playing at online casinos include:
Online casinos will have teamed up with industry leaders such as Microgaming, NetEnt and Playtech to provide a top-notch online gaming experience. You won't be limited to what's on the casino floor, but instead, have a library that includes thousands of different games to choose from.
Unless you live close to an actual land-based casino, it's likely you will have to go out of your way to spin the reels. However, at online casinos, this can be done right from your very own home or mobile phone at a mobile casino!
At land-based casinos, cash is king. But we're living in an increasingly cashless world, and at online casinos, you have so many different payment methods at your disposal, you'll never be stuck to place a bet. Whether you want to deposit real cash to your chosen online casino via Visa Debit, PayPal or Interact - the process of depositing and withdrawals couldn't be easier.
Thankfully, the regulation of online casinos means that privacy and security will be at the forefront of your online play. Playing at offshore or blacklisted online gambling sites puts your security at risk, but once an operator has received their license for the AGCO, we'll know that all the correct structures are in place to ensure your security.
Gambling at online casinos in Ontario is intended to be a recreational activity. However, because real money is required to gamble, entertainment can cross the line and become an addiction that can have some negative financial effects on peoples' lives. For this reason, all licensed online casinos must have Responsible Gambling safeguards put in place, including setting limits on the amount of time and money that players can spend on the site and limiting the length of gambling sessions. These limits can range from 24 hours to permanent self-exclusion.
Responsible Gambling casinos will always include the terms and conditions of any incentive so players will know exactly what they need to do to claim any winnings so that when signing up, no one will have to spend more money than they had intentionally planned to. In addition, a responsible casino will include links to external sites that help players to identify problem gambling and offer measures to help them get their gambling under control.
Natasha Alessandrello is a Senior Editor in the Casinos.com content team. She began her career as a Features Writer for several weekly and monthly magazines, and has a decade’s worth of experience in writing, researching and editing casino content. She is interested in all equine sports, and enjoys blackjack and the occasional game of poker.
Read Full BioAll casinos in Ontario are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This regulation ensures that casinos handle all personal and financial information safely and securely. We only ever recommend casinos with valid licenses, meaning when you play at our highlighted sites, you can be sure your data is handled securely.
Unfortunately not, online casinos in Ontario do not accept PayPal. The banking option changed its user agreement back in 2010 and now does not allow any direct deposits and withdrawals at any online casinos in Ontario. However, many other options are still available, such as alternative e-wallets, debit/credit cards, and prepaid cards.
No! Sports bettors within Canada do not have to pay taxes on online sports betting winnings unless they are professional gamblers or the winnings earn interest. The Canadian government does not see gambling winnings as a secure income, so the winnings are not taxed as income.
Of course, they are! Regulated online casino sites in Ontario are safe to play and gamble at. Yet, for a guaranteed secure and trustworthy site, head to our list of highlighted online casinos and visit one of our recommendations, which are always licenced and regulated.
Gambling first became legal in Canada in 1985, with the government granting each Canadian province the ability to regulate its gambling industry within jurisdictional laws. Ontario regulated its online gambling market in 2022. Over time, the gambling industry has grown into what it is today, with the popularity of online and land-based casinos alike still prominent.
To find a good quality online casino, head to our list of recommendations and select an online casino in Ontario suggested by our team of gambling experts. Our industry experts thoroughly assess the licences of sites, available payment options, customer support services, games selection, and much more.
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