Ontario Online Gambling (2024)
Located in Ontario and want to gamble? There are many choices for gambling - including Ontario online gambling, land-based casinos and more. In fact, of all the provinces in Canada, Ontario has the most online gambling options. That said, it’s important to know what types of gambling are legal in Ontario. It’s also beneficial to know which legal options are the best and safest.
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We're experts in online gambling, not just in Canada but globally. Our expertise in the online gambling industry in Canada naturally gives us a keen focus on Ontario.
Our expertise comes from years of experience and strong connections within the industry. We thoroughly review online gambling sites, list all the best Ontario betting apps, and recommend only trustworthy platforms. By doing so, we aim to give you peace of mind when choosing where to place your bets.
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Ontario Gambling Regulations and Recent Updates
So, is gambling legal in Ontario?
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Gambling has been legal in Ontario since 1975. On April 4, 2022, the province officially opened its online gambling market to private operators.
Ontario has set rules to manage different types of gambling, such as casinos, lotteries, online games, and sports betting. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) ensures that these activities are done correctly and safely.
Offshore operators are not 100% legal in Ontario - unless they are approved and regulated by the AGCO. Therefore, it’s best to stick with 100% legal sites that the provincial government regulates.
At BettingGuide, we let you know whether an online casino is registered in Ontario or not.
Two of the biggest changes in Ontario's Online Gambling history have been the following:
1. Single Game Sports Betting
The Canadian federal government passed Bill C-218 on August 27, 2021. This bill allowed single-event betting, which created more options for sports betting in Ontario.
Before this bill, sports bettors had to bet on more than one event at a time. This is known as a parlay bet. To win a parlay bet, each wager must be won. Single-event betting is desirable because it can increase your odds and chances of winning.
Thanks to Bill C-218, sports bettors in Ontario can now place single-game bets.
2. Open iGaming Market
On April 4, 2022, Ontario launched a new online gaming market, allowing private operators to offer legal gambling services.
The initiative, overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and managed by iGaming Ontario (iGO), requires operators to register and gain approval from the AGCO.
The market is expanding daily with Ontario regulated sports betting sites like BetRivers.ca, LeoVegas.com, PointsBet.ca, and BetMGM, among others.
While offshore gambling remains available, only those operators approved by the AGCO are considered fully legal in Ontario.
Legal Gambling Types in Ontario
This guide to online gambling in Ontario will cover all types of gambling available. It will help you determine what types of gambling are legal, what the current Ontario gambling laws are, and which online gambling sites are best for players in Ontario.
Below are the most popular types of legal gambling in Ontario:
| Type of Gambling | Regulatory Details | Examples/Options |
|---|---|---|
| OLG Lotteries | Regulated by OLG; 13 games available, 3 national and 10 provincial. | Lottario, Ontario 49, Lightning Lotto, etc. |
| Charitable Gaming | Must be licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. | Bingo, table games, raffles. |
| Land-Based Casinos | Regulated and managed by the AGCO and OLG. | Elements Casino Mohawk, Casino Niagara, Caesars Windsor. |
| Online Gambling | Must be run by OLG or regulated by iGaming Ontario. Online casinos operating under government or private management within Ontario’s legal framework. | Online casinos operating under government or private management within Ontario’s legal framework. |
| Poker | Rooms must be located at a government-run casino or licensed online. | OLG.ca, partypoker, 888poker. |
| Sports Betting | Operated by OLG or other regulated entities under the AGCO. | PROLINE (in-store), PROLINE+ (online), regulated sites. |
| Horse Racing | Regulated by the AGCO, with specific licensing and oversight. | Ajax Downs, Woodbine Racetrack, Coolbet, 888sport, etc. |
Legal Gambling Age in Ontario
To legally gamble in Ontario, a person must be:
- 19 years old to gamble at land-based casinos, online casinos and online sportsbooks
- 18 years old to play the lottery, participate in charitable gaming and bet on sports at in-store locations
Ontario Gambling Regulatory Bodies
There are four main regulatory bodies when it comes to gambling in Ontario. These organizations include:
- Government of Ontario
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- iGaming Ontario (iGO)
- Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)
Let’s take a closer look at the AGCO, iGO, and OLG.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
The AGCO is in charge of regulating all gambling in the province of Ontario. Their goal is to ensure integrity and honesty in online and in-person gambling. Ultimately, this is to protect the health, safety and well-being of gamblers in Ontario.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario works hand in hand with iGO and OLG.
iGaming Ontario (iGO)
iGO is a branch of the AGCO. They are responsible for the new open online betting market in Ontario.
The goal of iGO is to protect players in Ontario, while also providing more options for online gambling.
iGO also allows private gaming operators to join the Ontario internet gaming market. This is done in a way that benefits operators, players, and the province of Ontario.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG)
In Ontario, the OLG manages the following:
- Casinos and Slots
- Lottery
- Horse Racing Tracks
All OLG operations are regulated and overseen by the AGCO.
Pros of Ontario Regulated Gambling Sites
👍 Better Player Protection: Regulation ensures fairness and safety in online casinos, with strict rules that protect players from fraud and ensure game fairness. If issues arise, players can seek help through official channels.
👍 Promotes Responsible Gambling: Online casinos must offer tools to help prevent gambling addiction, like setting deposit limits and self-exclusion programs. This helps reduce the risk of gambling problems among players.
👍 Economic Benefits: Regulation helps the local economy by generating tax revenue and creating jobs. This also means that money spent in online casinos can benefit Ontario directly.
Cons of Ontario Regulated Gambling Sites
👎 Less Competition: High entry barriers can limit the number of new casinos, reducing competition. This might lead to fewer choices and higher costs for players, as well as less innovation in the industry.
👎 High Costs for Casinos: Meeting regulatory standards can be expensive for casinos. These costs might be passed on to players through worse odds or higher bets.
👎 Risk of Overregulation: Too much regulation can make games less enjoyable and push players to unregulated, offshore sites. Finding the right balance is crucial to avoid limiting personal freedoms while still protecting players.
Illegal Gambling in Ontario
Generally, any gambling in Ontario that isn’t regulated or licensed by the government (or one of its affiliates) is illegal. This rule applies to online gambling sites, land-based casinos, and charity lotteries.
Ontario online gambling is complex. For an online gambling site to be 100% legal, it must be regulated by the provincial government. That said, online gambling sites that are owned and operated outside of Canada cannot be controlled by the Ontario government. Therefore, these offshore betting sites are not technically illegal.
Here are some forms of illegal gambling activities to avoid in Ontario:
- Fraud related to lottery and other gambling
- Taking part in unregulated betting
- Running an unlicensed site or betting establishment within Canada
FAQs
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Thomas is responsible for all content on BettingGuide Canada. With his extensive knowledge of the gambling industry and college degree in law, he knows what you should look out for when choosing the best casino or sportsbook.