Casino
Slots
Sports
Free GamesBest online casinos in Ontario
Games: 500+Pros
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Very high casino win rate -
Top quality mobile app
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24/7 customer support
Cons
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No sports betting section
Payments
Pros
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Very quick payout time -
Large games selection
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Efficient customer support
Cons
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Lacking in promotions
Payments
Pros
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Super fast payouts
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Great VIP program
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eCogra & MGA certified
Cons
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Lacking in promotions
Payments
Pros
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24-hour withdrawals
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Interface attractive and user-friendly
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Highly interactive APP
Cons
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No phone customer service
Payments
Pros
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Huge selection of slots
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eCogra certified
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24/7 customer support
Cons
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No live chat support
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Small selection of table games
Payments
Pros
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Award-winning mobile site
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Huge selection of casino games
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24/7 customer support
Cons
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Limited payment options
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Slower payout speed
Payments
Pros
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3,000 online casino games
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No wagering requirements
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Quick payout speeds
Cons
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No phone customer support
Payments
Pros
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Great selection of banking options
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Mobile gaming available
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PokerStars School for beginners
Cons
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Lacking customer service
Payments
Ontario gambling laws latest updates
Ontario's online gambling laws first began to change in August 2021, when single-event betting was first made legal under the Canadian Criminal Code. Previously, only parlay betting was permitted, meaning that betting slips were legally required to feature two or more combined single-event bets.
Despite this giant first step, the Ontario online gambling industry didn't truly take off until April 4, 2022. On that day, as many as 14 gaming operators opened their doors for the first time, with several more working to reach an agreement with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Figuring out which sites are legitimate or not can be confusing, but don't worry as here at OGCA we only recommend licensed and legal online casinos in Ontario.
Ontario online gambling at a glance
| Ontario online gambling info | Status |
|---|---|
| Ontario gambling regulator | Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario (AGCO) |
| Single-game sports betting legalized | Aug 27, 2021 |
| Ontario's iGaming market launch | Apr 4, 2022 |
| Licensed casino operators | 888 Casino, Bally Bet, bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Betway, Bwin, Caesars, ComeOn!, Coolbet, DraftKings, FanDuel, JackpotCity, Knightslots, LeoVegas, NorthStar, PartyCasino, PartyPoker, Partysports, Play Fallsview, PlayOJO, PointsBet, PokerStars, Rivalry, Royal Panda, Ruby Fortune, SlotsMagic, Spin Casino, SpinGenie, Sports Interaction, TheScore Bet, Unibet |
| Casinos that have applied for licences | Royal Vegas, TonyBet, BetVictor, CasiGo, Bet99, Mansion Casino, Casino.com, Amazon Slots, Rhino, Genesis, GG Poker, Fire Vegas, William Hill, Casumo, SuperSeven, PlayNow, OLG, Gate777, Dream Vegas, NetBet |
| Available casino games | Slots, table games, live dealer games, bingo, lottery |
| Legal gambling age in Ontario | 19+ |
Regulated vs offshore casinos in Ontario
Many people are curious to know what the differences are between private, licensed, offshore and government-owned casinos. Well, here's a quick summary:
- Government-owned casinos are owned by the Government of Ontario and are regulated by the AGCO. The OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) is responsible for and operates a number of the gaming services
- Private casinos are fully owned and operated by a corporate entity that is not affiliated with the government. They must obtain a licence from the AGCO/iGaming Ontario to operate in the province
- Offshore casinos are located outside of Canada and so operate outside the country's gambling laws. Some hold licences from regulatory bodies, but some do not
Our top online Ontario casinos
Let's take a look at some of the best Ontario online casinos available, and the unique features that give each one its own wagering appeal.
1. JackpotCity
What we love:
- Excellent mobile app, available on iOS & Android
- 24/7 customer support
- 24-hour payout speed
With over 700 different games available, a top-quality mobile app and a win rate of 97.44%, it's easy to kick off our list with JackpotCity, our highest-rated online casino. The only downside is that sports betting is not available here.
2. Spin Casino
What we love:
- 600+ total casino games, incl. Canada favourite Mega Moolah
- Free play (demo mode) on many slots
- Multiple payment options, incl. Canada-operated Interac
True to its name, bettors tend to gravitate towards Spin Casino when they're in the mood for some slot games, boasting some of the best online slots in Ontario. There's also the added benefit of a first-class live dealer section.
3. Ruby Fortune
What we love:
- Progressive jackpot slots
- Live dealer options
- Fast payout speed
There's a lot to love about Ruby Fortune. Payout times are typically very quick, taking 24 hours or less and there is plenty of choice for players with 500+ casino games. The only drawback is the lack of sports betting.
4. 888 Casino
What we love:
- 1,000+ slot games to play
- Dedicated 888 Casino mobile app
- Award-winning casino
With 1,000+ casino games, including more than 200 live dealer options, there's a lot to like about 888 Casino. The site's ever-growing online sportsbook, 888 Sport, also sets it apart from the crowd.
5. Betway
What we love:
- Great variety of slots and table games
- Sportsbook with wide variety of markets
- 24/7 customer support
Quick payout speeds, 24/7 customer support and excellent mobile play – it's easy to see why Betway is in our top five online casinos. There are also three Betway apps that you can play on your iOS or Android device.
How to play at an Ontario online casino
Doing anything new can be daunting, including signing up to a new Ontario online casino. By following these simple steps, you'll be wagering in no time:
Easy enough thanks to our online casino reviews. Take a look at each casino and its top features before choosing the one that best fits what you're after.
Most popular online casino games in Ontario
One of the best aspects of online casinos is the wide variety of games they offer, from slots to table games. As part of its new regulations, the AGCO has stipulated that all casino games featured at a licensed Ontario casino must come with a return-to-player percentage – sometimes referred to as 'win rate' – of at least 85%.
The RTP percentage refers to the expected amount of money a certain game will give back to the player, in the long run. So, with a win rate of at least 85%, players now have a decent chance of winning.
Take a look at our list of some of the most popular casino games in Canada.
Online slots
You'll find an amazing selection of online slots available at ON casinos. From classic Vegas slots to exciting progressive slots with lucrative jackpots, you're spoilt for choice.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games due to its simplicity. All you need to do is keep drawing cards until you reach a score of 21, before the dealer hits 17.
Baccarat
A good rule of thumb when playing baccarat is always to bet on Banker (due to the Bank hand having a favourable house edge). Discover the best ON casinos to play this classic game here.
Roulette
This iconic game of chance appeals to both beginners and experts. You can now enjoy a greater selection of real money roulette games and larger bet limits at Ontario casinos.
Poker
Poker is arguably the most popular table game. There are many different types, but you'll find most casinos mainly focus on Texas Hold'em.
State lotteries
State lotteries have been popular for a long time. In Ontario, the most played OLG lottery games include Lotto 6/49, Lotto Max and others.
Mobile casino apps for Ontario users
As multiple legal online casinos have become available to Ontarians, so too have casino apps.
Most online casinos will have a link to their app on their site. These apps are often available for both Apple and Android users (although that's not always the case) and have everything that the desktop version offers, from games to promotions.
Some of the best Ontario online casino apps come from our top recommended casinos JackpotCity, Spin Casino, Betway and Casumo.
Brief history of gambling in Ontario
Ontario online gambling laws might differ from other areas, such as Alberta. We take a trip down the years to uncover a brief history of gambling within the province.
- Gambling culture truly began in 1994. This was when the first commercial casino, Casino Windsor, was built
- In 2010, the government of Ontario turned to online gambling and PlayOlg.ca was born. OLG, which stands for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, is responsible for gambling in the region
- In 2019, it was reported the total revenue from casinos was thought to be over C$8 million
- On August 27, 2021, Bill C-218 was passed in Canada, allowing sports bettors to place bets on single-event betting markets
- Less than a year later, on April 4, 2022, online casinos officially became legal in Ontario. Many online casinos and sportsbooks, which have been granted licences through iGaming Ontario, were launched that same day, meaning you can now legally gamble at them
Best casinos to visit in Ontario
Although online casinos have flourished, land-based casinos in ON continue to be a popular haunt for modern-day gamblers. Here's three of the best Ontario casinos:
Fallsview Casino Resort
Niagara Falls, ON
Canada, L2G 7X5
Caesars Windsor Casino
Windsor, ON
Canada, N9A 7H7
Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay
South Thunder Bay, ON
Canada, P7B 5L4
Sports betting in Ontario
As of August 27, 2021, the federal government legalized single-game betting in Canada. This was a big move for the country as, up until then, Canadians could only place sports bets on a parlay basis or else bet with an offshore gaming operator.
Now that single-game betting in Ontario has been legalized, and online sports betting in general, sportsbooks have been launching at a rapid rate, including the likes of PointsBet, Unibet, Coolbet and FanDuel. Visit our 'Sports betting in Ontario' page to find out more about the best Ontario betting sites.
How we find the best Ontario gambling sites
Responsible gambling in Ontario
The AGCO takes responsible gambling very seriously. That's why all Ontario online casinos and gambling sites are required to have responsible gambling measures in place, such as offering players the option to take a break in play or providing an accessible self-exclusion program. You can call the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098 to find out more.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with gambling addiction, you can also contact the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-230-3505.
Summary of the best online casinos in Ontario
| Online Casino | Rating |
|---|---|
| 🥇 JackpotCity | Canada's top choice |
| 🥈 Spin Casino | Best for slots |
| 🥉 Ruby Fortune | Quickest payouts |
| 888 Casino | Big slots selection |
| Betway | Great mobile app |
More on regional betting
FAQs
Online gambling and sports betting are legal in the province as of April 4, 2022.
Luke is an Ontario native and diehard fan of all professional Toronto teams – especially the Leafs, Raptors and Jays. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a bachelor's degree in English, he earned a post-graduate certificate in sports journalism from Centennial College. He has been writing about sports for 14 years and has been a contributor for outlets such as FanSided, Full Press Coverage and the Canada Press.
Luke's expertise: Hockey; Basketball; Baseball
