The best online gambling sites in Ontario, Canada in 2023
Online gambling in Canada is changing, with Ontario leading the way. The province now licenses online casinos, making it easy for residents and visitors to play at leading gambling websites. Before registering for an Ontario casino, the following page will give you a complete understanding of how Ontario online gambling works. Written by Ziv Chen.
Our top legal Ontario online casinos
Sites to avoid
We recommend loads of great Ontario poker sites, but we also have a list of sites we have come across that we think should be avoided. We use a 25-step review process to look at things like games, bonus terms and conditions, banking options, licensing and security. Unfortunately, not everyone passes our tests, and these are the sites to avoid:
Gambling in Ontario in 2023
In April 2022, online gambling in Canada entered a new era… well, at least in Ontario. Through iGaming Ontario, the province now enables casino providers to gain a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission Ontario (AGCO). Therefore, online gambling at Ontario casinos is now live and available to residents and visitors alike.
This is a major breakthrough for Canada and its traditional yet confusing gambling industry regulations. Canada is known as a grey market, where you can only gamble in the country through an operator regulated by a province. However, foreign companies that provide online gambling services are not subjected to laws in the country.
Because of this loophole, casinos licensed by international jurisdictions are available and do not need to obtain regulation from local authorities. Around the country, Canadians are able to use these globally-regulated gambling sites.
In November 2020, the government in Ontario revealed it wanted to clarify this situation within the province. It announced iGaming Ontario, a new market that would be under the regulatory watch of the Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario (AGCO). In the fall of 2021, iGaming Ontario began registering companies, and in April 2022, those casinos became available.
Introducing iGaming Ontario gives internationally-licensed gambling providers the ability to register with the AGCO and provide their services to individuals in the province – Ontario is opening its doors to outside gambling companies.
To be able to operate within the province, online gambling providers must meet the regulations set by iGaming Ontario. For example, customers must provide the following information when registering with an online gambling service:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Username and password
- Player contact information
- Be aged 19+
The best online casinos in Ontario
Let’s look at some of the brands offering the best Ontario casinos 2023.
JackpotCity
This is a well-established online casino that has been in operation since 1998. It offers a generous selection of games, payment options and solid customer support. 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.
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. At Betway Ontario online casino you’ll find hundreds of games 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
Which online casino games are available in Ontario?
You should find an extensive choice of casino games at every online casino Ontario has to offer. The best online casinos present a variety of ways for you to enjoy your iGaming 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
The best Ontario online casino also offer sports betting. If you enjoy a wager on your favourite teams or leagues, it is a real bonus to be able to switch between Ontario online sports betting to casino play.
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.
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.
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
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Ontario?
Yes, online gambling has been legal in Ontario since April 2022 and gambling sites are regulated by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario.
What is online gambling?
Online gambling is the ability to make bets on sports or casino games through an online website from a gambling company.
How popular is online gambling in Ontario?
Online gambling in Ontario is very popular and is growing each month. In less than a year, it has already become a multi-billion-dollar market.
Can I gamble on my mobile device in Ontario?
Of course, you can. Leading online gambling Ontario casinos and sportsbooks are HTML5-optimized for mobile browsers, and many even boast dedicated apps.
Will I get a welcome bonus?
Absolutely – most online casinos in Ontario provide generous welcome bonuses to greet and entice prospective bettors. These offers come in all shapes and sizes, from free spins to deposit matches.
Is it safe to gamble online?
Yes, if you choose a reputable site. Licensed and regulated online casinos will have an iGaming Ontario link on their page.
What kind of games do they have at online casinos in Ontario?
Ontario online gambling sites have a broad selection of casino games, such as slots, progressive jackpots, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, game shows, and live casino games.
Can online casinos in Ontario scam you?
Not really, but there are rogue operators out there. That is why it is essential to choose a reputable online casino regulated by iGaming Ontario, including the sites recommended on this page.
What are the best online gambling sites in Ontario?
There are currently dozens of active online gambling sites in Ontario, with the number growing regularly. Notable casino providers include Jackpot City, 888 Casino, Casimba, and PlayOJO.
Which online casino in Ontario has the best payouts?
Jackpot City is rated as the online casino with the best payout rate, with a generous return to player (RTP) of 97.89%.
Ziv Chen
Ziv worked in the online gambling industry for over two decades in various senior management roles before becoming a full-time writer. Combining his passions for gambling, sports, and writing, he is always on the lookout for the next innovative slots and live-dealer games in Canada. When it comes to sports, Ziv is a huge fan of College and Professional American football and Major League Soccer.
