Playing at Ontario Online Casinos in 2022
We’ve rated the best online casinos in Ontario for a range of factors, from payout speed to game variety. We only ever recommend safe, licensed online casinos, and Ontario has many trusted options you can play at.
Our top recommended Ontario online casinos
Enjoy legal online gambling in Ontario
The online gaming landscape of Canada changed completely in the summer of 2021. Until that point, there was no such thing as online casino gambling across the provinces. With the passage of bill C-218 by the national government in August 2021, provinces were allowed to license single-game sports wagering and online casino gaming. Ontario – home to 40 per cent of Canada’s population, as well as a host of top sports teams – blazed the trail by pushing ahead with a legal iGaming market that went live on April 4 2022.
What is the Ontario gambling age?
You must be at least 19 years old to be able to place a bet in any casino in Ontario. The same age restriction applies to those who wish to join an online casino.
Are casino winnings taxable in Ontario?
Under the Income Tax Act, the Canadian government has ruled that money earned by winning on any form of gambling, including at an online casino, is not liable for tax. It is not seen as a part of your income. The only exception applies if you're a professional gambler who clearly makes the majority of your income from wagering.
How are Ontario online casinos regulated?
All forms of gambling in Ontario are administered by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). When it was clear that the national government was going to legalize online casinos in the province, the AGCO set up iGaming Ontario (IGO), a subsidiary body to oversee online casinos and sports betting operators.
The best online casinos in Ontario
Ontario has announced that up to 30 licenses will be available for online casinos and sports betting operators who wish to offer their services in the province. Let’s look at some of the brands offering the best Ontario casinos 2022.
JackpotCity
This is a well-established online casino that has been in operation since 1998. It offers a generous selection of games, solid customer support and bonuses. There is no app, but the website works well on a mobile device.
Read our Jackpot City review
Spin Casino
There are several hundred games available here, many of them from the highly respected provider Microgaming. Spin Casino is famous for its progressive jackpots, and there are plenty of table games too. You can also download a dedicated app directly from the website if you prefer mobile play.
Read our Spin Casino review
Ruby Fortune
A generous array of games make Ruby Fortune popular among lots of people. The quality of live dealer games is extremely high, and one of the reasons why this is one of the top-rated online casinos. Mobile play is easy, both through the app or a browser on your device.
Read our Ruby Fortune review
TonyBet
The selection of live dealer games is impressive, and it’s backed up by a solid range of slot games. TonyBet is notable for having a wide selection of banking options, and for its speedy payouts – always a positive when you’re playing on desktop or mobile.
Read our Tony Bet review
Royal Vegas
However you enjoy playing at an online casino, you can be confident of finding something to entertain you here. Royal Vegas is known for its enormous games library, as well as the excellence of the user experience. They also have bonuses and a VIP program.
Read our Royal Vegas review
Casino.com
One way to make it on to any short list of casinos in Ontario is to offer outstanding user experience by employing top software. Casino.com does just that, bringing a wide selection of titles to life on website and app, and offering a sound choice of slots and table games.
Read our Casino.com review
Betway
Betway has been a leading name in iGaming since 2006, with a reputation for delivering a great sports betting experience – and an excellent online casino. Here you’ll find hundreds of games, bonuses, promotions, and top-class live dealer options.
Read our Betway casino review
888
888 dates back to 1997 and it has established itself over the decades as one of the very best online casinos around. Its generous wagering limits make it ideal for high rollers, but the wide choice of games make it a top choice for players of all levels.
Read our 888 casino review
Casumo
A relatively recent entrant to the online casino space, Casumo has moved fast to pick up several awards and impress rookie players and experts alike. There’s a strong focus on the quality of the gaming experience, a VIP program, and a high rate of return.
Read our Casumo review
CasiGO
CasiGO is another newcomer that has acquired plenty of fans quickly. Here you’ll find an enormous choice of game suppliers – 80 at the last count – and large numbers of progressive jackpots available. Bonuses and a loyalty program can also be found at this online casino.
Read our CasiGO review
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What the best casinos offer you
How do you know which are the best Ontario casinos, when there is such a broad selection to choose from? There are several factors that should be taken into consideration. Our expert team has extensive knowledge of online casino play. When we assess the best online casinos in Ontario, we take into account the following:
Security and fairness: Leading online casino operators have state-of-the-art security measures in place to ensure you are protected from cyber criminals. We also ensure the games on offer treat you fairly and are reviewed regularly to ensure this is always the case.
Bonuses and promotions: A generous welcome offer and loyalty rewards that adds considerable value to the wagering experience.
Game selection: All online casino operators are aware of the varying tastes of their clientele, and should offer a broad selection of games games to cater for them. There should be a substantial slots library, as well as table games and live dealer options.
Mobile casinos: The best online casinos deliver an outstanding mobile experience, either through a version of the website or with a dedicated app. You should be able to find all the same games, bonuses and features when you play on your mobile as on the desktop.
Banking options: The top-rated online casinos in Ontario and elsewhere deliver a vast choice of ways to finance your account. Check carefully to be sure the way you prefer to move your money online is available.
Customer care: There are various ways in which online casinos offer customer support to people. These can include 24/7 live chat, email and telephone options, as well as a bumper choice of FAQs.
Which online casino games are available in Ontario?
You should find an extensive choice of games at every casino Ontario has to offer. The best online casinos present a variety of ways for you to enjoy your gaming experience, including the following:
Slots
By far the most popular option. At most online casinos, you’ll find the number of slot titles outnumbers all the other games added together. The range of ways to play slot games is extraordinary; browse around and try different titles, with different numbers of reels and bonus games, to find your favourites.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a simple card game that has almost infinite permutations, which is why it is so popular. The best online casino will carry plenty of video titles, as well as a selection of live dealer games so that you can recreate the experience of being at a blackjack table in an actual casino.
Roulette
Arguably the most iconic casino game in the world. It is hard to imagine any operator omitting roulette from their choice of wagering options. You should find plenty of live dealer versions of the game so that you can watch an actual white ball touring the wheel; but there are numerous video variations to enjoy too.
Video poker
Many people enjoy a trip to the poker table when they visit a casino. The same goes for those who play at online casinos in Ontario. Poker is a game that can be played in many forms, all of which can be presented in a video format. The best casinos also offer you the chance to enjoy live dealer versions.
Live casino
The appeal of live dealer games is rooted in the fact that they bring alive the experience of being in a casino without having to set foot outside your front door. You should expect to find live versions of roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat, as well as games based on TV shows or regional tastes.
Sports betting
Many online casinos in Ontario also deliver high-quality sportsbooks. If you enjoy a wager on your favourite teams or leagues, it is a real bonus to be able to switch between an online casino to sports betting and back again, quickly and easily.
Fantasy sports
Daily Fantasy Sports present another way to get involved with your favourite sporting action. Some of the leading DFS operators also operate online sportsbooks and online casinos – check to see if you can play your favourite fantasy game while you're visiting your online casino in Ontario.
State lotteries & bingo
For many years, state lotteries operated the limited sports betting facilities available in Ontario and elsewhere. As a result, people still enjoy a wager on the lottery. Similarly, bingo is a game that attracts plenty of aficionados. Check out your Ontario online casino to see if it will allow you to buy tickets for the lottery – and to play bingo.
Getting the best online casino bonuses
Casino bonuses give you extra value for your Canadian dollars. There are many different types of bonuses at online casinos today – such as welcome bonuses, competitions, tournaments and free spins. Let’s have a look at the most common bonus types below.
Sign-up bonuses
These are offered at the moment you sign-up and tend to be almost unbelievably generous. It is essential, however, that you check thoroughly to make sure you understand the terms and conditions and will get the maximum benefit from the promotion.
No-deposit bonuses
Many online casino operators incentivize you to register for an account by promising to put some money in that account as soon as you sign up. Yes, even before you make your first deposit. This is a highly tempting bonus that ensures you're effectively playing with the online casino’s money while you enjoy your first wagers.
Deposit bonuses
There may be more value available when you place your first deposit in your new account. One bonus commonly offered is an enhancement to that initial deposit – often up to 100%, in which case your wagering pot is effectively doubled. Again, check the terms that apply, particularly any playthrough requirements that mean you have to stake your initial deposit several times before being able to access your bonus funds.
Risk-free play
This is a different type of sign-up bonus that is offered by some of the best online casinos. However much you stake in the first 24 hours of wagering with a site, up to a certain limit that may be as high as C$ 1,000, your losses will be returned to you in free bets or site credits. That means you can try out new games and learn how to play without feeling you’re losing money from the start.
Free spins
The best online casinos serve up a rich diet of regular bonuses, one of which is free spins on a particular game in return for a small deposit. Look out for these special offers - you may find your new favourite slot as a result.
Refer a friend
If you're enjoying playing at one of the new online casinos in Ontario, and one of your friends is tempted to sign up for an account, you could be in line for a bonus. In return for introducing a new client, many operators will place a bonus in your reward as a way of thanking you.
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Local casinos in Ontario
Alongside all the casinos available to enjoy online, Ontario also offers local gambling venues for your entertainment. These gambling clubs come with well-designed gaming floors plus excellent bars, restaurants, hotels and other facilities, making for a great night out in some popular locations. Check out our top picks.
Fallsview Casino Resort
The Fallsview Casino gives players a gaming floor spanning 205,000 sq. ft. Players have a choice of over 3000 slots and 124 poker and table games. You must be 19 years or older to enter.
- 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, Ontario
- (888) 325-5788
- The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Caesars Windsor
Caesars Windsor offers 100,000 sq. ft. of game space with 2600 slots and 95 tables to meet your card and gaming needs. Patrons must be 19 years old to gamble.
- 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, Ontario
- (800) 991-7777
- The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Thunder Bay Casino Ontario
Thunder Bay offers a 14,000 sq. ft. gaming area with over 450 slots and 14 table and poker games. Those looking to play at Thunder Bay must be 19 years old.
- 50 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay, Ontario
- (807) 683-1935
- Slots – Mon-Wed 9am-4am, Thurs-Sun 24 hours Table games – Sun-Wed 4pm-3am, Thurs-Sun 4pm-4am
How does online gambling compare to live casinos?
Despite the arrival of the online casino market, Ontario is still home to several local gambling venues. Many people will always prefer the experience of attending a casino in person, while others will enjoy visiting online casinos. There are positives associated with either option.
| Online | Convenience of playing wherever you are | No need to wait to join a game or table | No distractions while you play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live casino | Buzz of being in an actual casino environment | Chance to enjoy other entertainment facilities | Opportunity to pick up your winnings in cash |
| Online | Live casino |
|---|---|
| Convenience of playing wherever you are | Buzz of being in an actual casino environment |
| No need to wait to join a game or table | Chance to enjoy other entertainment facilities |
| No distractions while you play | Opportunity to pick up your winnings in cash |
Making deposits and withdrawals for online gambling
However you prefer to move your money around, it’s essential that you check out the banking methods available to make sure that you are covered. Most Ontario casinos will offer a variety of ways for you to deposit money – it’s in their interest to make this as easy as possible, after all. However, you should also investigate the availability and speed of the withdrawal methods available, so that you can get your money back quickly and easily. Among the banking methods on offer should be:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Wire transfers
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Prepaid cards
- Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies
- E-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill
Gambling Responsibly in Ontario
For the majority of people, gambling is a relaxing, enjoyable and perfectly harmless activity. For a small minority, however, it presents a risk of addiction, which in turn can lead to serious personal and financial problems.
The best online casinos in Ontario take the need to promote responsible gambling very seriously. At each casino, you should be able to find detailed information about how to stay in control of your gambling. There should also be links to specialist agencies that can offer experienced advice and practical support to people. In Ontario, these include:
iGaming Ontario, the body regulating the online casino market in the province, offers responsible gambling advice.
ConnexOntario, an organization broadly focused on mental health, includes assistance for problem gambling in its portfolio.
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health delivers a problem gambling website with a wealth of self-help tools and practical support.
The Responsible Gambling Council has worked for many decades in this area and is an experienced source of assistance.
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Ontario?
Yes, it is. Major changes were made to the law across Canada in the summer of 2021. The principal effect was to open up a legal and licensed market where private companies could offer casino play and sports betting. Until this moment, people in Canada who wanted to wager at an online casino had to run the risk of using an unlicensed offshore website. Ontario was the first province to seize the opportunity presented by the change in the law, and the market went live on April 4 2022.
How many casinos are in Ontario?
There are about 70 local casino facilities. In the wake of the new online casino market that launched in April 2022, a total of 30 licenses have been granted for digital operators.
What options are available for OTB and live horse racing?
If pari-mutuel betting is your passion, then Ontario offers a wide range of options. There are many options for thoroughbred, standard-bred and harness racing. Topping Ontario's offerings is the historical track at Woodbine in Toronto.
Does Ontario offer any First Nations gaming properties?
Yes. The First Nations opened their first casino in 1996 when the Mnjikaning tribe opened its tribal casino. Currently players can head to the Six Nations Bingo Hall and the Golden Eagle Charitable Entertainment Centre.
Does Ontario offer a lottery?
Yes. The Ontario Lottery was officially born in 1975 following the passing of the Ontario Lottery Corporation Act.
Who owns casinos in Ontario?
There is more than one ownership model in operation when it comes to bricks-and-mortar casinos in Ontario. Some are in private hands; others are owned by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. In many cases, the lottery-owned casinos are operated on a day-to-day basis by large companies with long history in the casino world. As for the Ontario online casinos, these are owned by a variety of brands.
Where can I play poker in Ontario?
Most of the 70 actual casinos offer poker tables. However, with the advent of online casinos, you can enjoy a game of poker – either a video version, or one with a live dealer – wherever you are in the province. Poker is a game with a huge following across Ontario, Canada and the world – and with the launch of the casino online market, there are more opportunities than ever to play here.
Can I win real money at Ontario casinos?
Yes, you can. In a fully-licensed and legalized market such as Ontario, you are able to stake – and win – real money on the online casino games of your choice.
Can I play free games at Ontario casinos online?
Yes, you can. Many online casino operators offer you the opportunity to play slot titles and other games in demo or free play mode. This is a great way for them to showcase popular online casino options – but it’s also a great way for you to learn how to play particular titles and try out potential new favourites without having to stake a penny.
