AGCO oversight and audits
Ontario online casinos are fully regulated by iGaming Ontario and the AGCO. That means there is a legal system in place that oversees online gambling. Yet players from Ontario often play at offshore casino sites. On this page, you can find all the best Ontario online casinos we handpicked, and you will learn what’s legal, how to decide if the site is the right fit for you, and what you can expect if you gamble from Ontario.
Ontario’s online gambling market is run by both iGaming Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. They opened Canada’s first iGaming market in April 2022. They fully regulate everything about online gambling in Ontario, but many players also play at offshore sites.
In early 2025, Bill 216 made iGaming Ontario fully independent from AGCO. Now, AGCO focuses on rules, while iGaming Ontario runs the market. This means that new online casinos in Ontario are opening up every month and that safety standards are being added.
Ontario’s online gaming industry has grown considerably since the opening in 2022. From 2024 to 2025, there were CA$82.7 billion in wagers, and the gross gaming revenue reached CA$3.2 billion. Online casino games made CA$2.4 billion of that (75%). There are around 50 licensed Ontario online casinos.
Regulated online casinos in Ontario can offer slots, table games, live dealer games, jackpots, and fast games. With the market increasing, there are more and more operators competing. That means each one is vying for attention with more games and mobile apps.
Ontario’s regulated market is getting more and more attention every year. Courts, regulators, and online casino operators all have their effects. Here are the three most recent updates:
On November 11, 2025, the Court of Appeal for Ontario said pooled liquidity can fit the federal Criminal Code. That model lets Ontario players join games with people outside Canada. Over time, the legislation could widen the multiplayer tables and online poker pools on regulated Ontario platforms.
AGCO has shown it will fine operators for weak player protection. In December 2025, they fined theScore Bet CA$105,000 because they didn’t offer enough responsible gambling tools to players. With this move, most Ontario-regulated casino sites now tend to promote responsible gambling.
Ontario keeps tightening how operators spot harm and respond. In mid-2025, AGCO changed its responsible gambling training standards. Operators no longer need Registrar approval for each training plan. Casinos and the Ontario lottery can update staff training faster. The direction is clear: safer play tools must work, and staff must act on risk signs.
Our team at Ace Alliance undergoes a vigorous process when assessing online casinos in Canada. We know exactly what to look for when reviewing and listing a Canadian online casino, especially those from Ontario. Here is our criterion.
We always start with the casino’s licence. If it’s an Ontario-regulated casino, it must be registered with AGCO and operated under iGaming Ontario. If the casino is licensed offshore, we double-check the licensing information.
Ontario requires strong responsible gambling tools on every regulated site, and iGaming Ontario does inspections quite often. We check if the casino has deposit limits, time reminders, spending trackers, and break options.
There are no laws for looks or performance, but we always check how the casino performs on every type of device. We test speed, layout, and how easy it is to find casino games. If there’s a mobile app, that’s a plus for us.
We check the lobby to see if there are good categories and enough options for each. Top slots, multiple table variations, and quality live dealers from trusted developers are our top priorities. We also check for testing labs.
At Ontario casinos, most payment methods suit Canadians, but at offshore sites, we look for Interac, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and EFT options. We also check clear minimum and maximum limits for deposits and withdrawals.
Ontario is currently at an all-time high for gambling in Canada. More and more new Ontario online casinos are opening, safety is improving, and since most online casinos are mobile-optimised, player numbers are rising.
Ontario regulates online casinos through a fully licensed, multi-operator system. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario sets rules for fairness, integrity, and compliance. While iGaming Ontario conducts and manages online gaming with approved private operators.
They work together with a goal of a safer market with clear oversight and public accountability. Many Ontario players also play at offshore casinos, but these sites are not regulated by Ontario’s system.
By law, Ontario requires every regulated Ontario online casino to have responsible gambling tools integrated. This way, players can track time and how much they’ve deposited. You may also find these tools at offshore casino sites, but they are not standardized.
Self-exclusion lets you block yourself from regulated Ontario gambling sites for a set time. Once you enroll, operators must stop your access across the whole market.
Deposit limits cap how much money you can deposit. Most sites let you set daily, weekly, or monthly limits. This functionality helps you avoid “top-up” habits.
This tool sets a ceiling on net losses over a time period. It works alongside deposit limits. If you reach the limit, the site blocks any real money bets.
Session time limits control how long you stay logged in. You choose a time cap, and then the site logs you out.
Reality checks are pop-ups that show key details from that session. They usually show the time played, the results, and your balance.
Cool-off period is a short break. You can pause your account for 24 hours, a week, or longer. During this break, you cannot log in or deposit.
Players must have the right to disable emails, text messages, and alerts from the casino.
Every regulated Ontario online casino must link to support. You should find ConnexOntario or PlaySmart.
Ontario players have two choices. One is casinos licensed in Ontario, which are safer, more regulated, and easier for local disputes. The other choice is casinos licensed offshore (by Curacao, Anjouan, or others). These sites are looser and not so regulated but offer much more variety. Here is a clear comparison.
AGCO oversight and audits
Oversight varies by licence
Smaller libraries
More games and providers
Legal in Ontario
Outside the Ontario framework
Mandatory RG tools
Tools vary by operator
Clear terms
Terms’ clarity can vary
Crypto deposits not allowed
Crypto accepted
Easy disputes
Disputes depend on licence
If you are in Ontario and want to start playing at an online casino, whether you choose Ontario casinos or offshore ones, the process is very simple.
Both Ontario-regulated casinos and offshore ones will ask for verification. This is the KYC step. Make sure to complete it as early as possible. Have a clear photo ID ready (ID, driver’s licence, or passport) and proof of address (recent utility bill or bank letter). The details should be identical to the ones in your account settings.
Casino bonuses are allowed at Ontario gambling sites, but the rules are a bit strict, not for you, but for the operator. Every offer must clearly display all the terms on one page. You should be able to see wagering, timeframes, games, exclusions, and limits.
Offshore casinos have more and better bonuses, but there are many shady operators, so there are many more factors to check. Sometimes, safe is better. Below are some of the most common Canadian casino bonuses.
Not all platforms operate according to the same standards; we concentrate on elements that affect safety, fairness, and overall quality. Choosing the best online casino in Ontario requires careful evaluation. Before picking an online casino, players in Ontario should consider the following criteria.
Most Ontario online casinos partner with top software providers, so you will see all the game categories. The same applies to offshore ones. These are the most popular online casino games for Canadian players from Ontario.
Slots
Online slots are the most played online casino games in Ontario. You will find many themes for slots in Canada, such as adventure themes, mythology, and video-style features. There are also jackpot slots and progressive jackpot games on many casino sites. With online slots constantly evolving, you will find many new slots in Canada by top software providers.
Table Games
Ontario online casinos usually offer different variations of classic table games, including blackjack in Canada and Canadian online roulette, alongside baccarat and craps. These are RNG games, where you play against software, not a real dealer. That means third-party labs regularly audit these games at well-regulated Ontario online casino sites.
Live Dealer Casino
Live dealer games bring the closest “casino floor” feel to your living room; they are a major highlight of Canada live casinos. You see a dealer, a wheel, or a show in real time. You can find many unique variations of the classic casino games, plus some game shows like Monopoly and Crazy Wheel.
Online Poker
Ontario has a strong poker culture. Online poker games keep that competitive feel with tournaments, sit-and-go tables, and multi-table play. At offshore sites, you may find larger global pools, but they sit outside Ontario oversight.
Bingo
Bingo is simple and social for many Ontario casino players. If you grew up with charity fundraisers and community hall nights, you will find online bingo fun. The pace is a bit slower, but the chat features make it feel social.
Crash Games
Crash games attract a younger, mobile-first Ontario audience. These became popular with the streaming culture, and many offshore crypto casinos in Canada offer different variations on plane crash, mines, and Plinko.
Ontario online casinos have payment methods that suit Canadians. That means, at the regulated iGaming Ontario market, you will mostly see Interac, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and EFT. Offshore casinos for Canadians usually offer many more payment options, such as Neteller, Skrill, and crypto coins.
Minimum/maximum deposits and withdrawals, along with processing times, mainly depend on the payment method and the casino you choose. But you will be able to see this clearly at a regulated Ontario casino. There should be “Payments” in the footer with all the limits. These are the most common Canadian casino payment methods for Ontario players.
| Method | Type | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interac e-Transfer | Bank Transfer | Instant / Minutes | 1-3 Days |
| Visa | Card Payment | Instant | 2-5 Days |
| Mastercard | Card Payment | Instant | 2-5 Days |
| PayPal | E-Wallet | Instant | Same Day - 48 Hours |
| Bank Transfer (EFT) | Direct Bank Transfer | 1-3 Days | 2-5 Days |
| Skrill (Offshore) | E-Wallet | Instant | Minutes - 24 Hours |
| Cryptocurrency (Offshore) | Digital Currency | Instant / Minutes | Minutes - 1 Hour |
Mobile casino play is now normal across Canada. Many Ontarians use phones for online gambling. Smartphone habits and fast internet shape this. Ontario online casino sites are also built for small screens, since people often play casino games on the go.
Mobile play fits busy routines in Ontario. Many players use short sessions during Toronto Transit Commission rides. Some also play during GO Transit trips between cities. Hybrid work also creates small breaks. Mobile fits those gaps well.
Ontario weather shapes habits. Winter brings more indoor time, so online casino games become a stay-at-home option. Summer can mean cottage-country sessions on the internet at home. Hockey season also adds second-screen play.
Ontario often mirrors Canada’s device split. iOS and Android are close to 50 and 50, with iOS slightly higher in big cities. Players also value familiar banking tools like Interac and Apple Pay. Biometrics help too. Face or fingerprint login can make access quick and secure.
Ontario benefits from expanding 5G coverage. Better coverage improves stability for app-based play. It also helps live dealer streams feel smoother. It can reduce buffering during live casino games. It also helps payments complete without timeouts on busy networks.
Ontario casino players often shift with the season. Many choose live dealer apps in winter for a more social feel. Younger players often prefer crash games and mobile-first slots during commutes. Fast withdrawals stay important since banking habits are well set. Players also use cool-off tools more when schedules get busy.
For most people in Ontario, online casino winnings are not taxable. Casual online gambling is considered a windfall, not a job. Canada Revenue Agency says lottery prizes, casino results, and casual online play are not taxed. This exemption usually applies whether you use a regulated Ontario online casino or an offshore casino site.
Tax can apply only when gambling looks like a business. Keep simple records of deposits and withdrawals, especially if you play often or use several online gambling platforms.
Courts look at facts like skill versus luck, intent, planning, and record keeping. They also look at time spent, marketing, and whether the activity is steady and organized. There is no single rule that fits every case. If gambling is a business, income tax rules can apply to gambling winnings. For most Ontario casino players, gambling stays recreational, so no tax is paid.
Ontario’s regulated market includes many of the biggest game makers in the online casino world. Sites must use certified random number systems, and games are checked by independent test labs such as eCOGRA, GLI, or BMM Testlabs. This enhances the safety of online gaming and promotes fair play.
Ontario players can choose from thousands of slot games, live dealer tables, and special formats like crash games. Providers can differ by operator, but the studios below show up often across top online casinos.
| Software Provider | Top Games |
|---|---|
| Evolution | Lightning Roulette, Crazy Time, Infinite Blackjack |
| Play’n GO | Reactoonz, Book of Dead, Rise of Olympus |
| Pragmatic Play | Sweet Bonanza, Big Bass Bonanza, Gates of Olympus |
| Playtech | Age of the Gods, Buffalo Blitz, Quantum Blackjack |
| Light & Wonder | 88 Fortunes, Dancing Drums, Monopoly Big Spin |
| IGT | Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds, Wheel of Fortune Slots |
| Microgaming | Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II, 9 Masks of Fire |
| Greentube | Book of Ra Deluxe, Lucky Lady’s Charm, Sizzling Hot Deluxe |
Disclaimer: Game availability can vary by casino and over time.
Ontario is home to some of Canada’s best-known land-based casinos. These venues offer large gaming floors, hotels, restaurants, and live shows. The casinos also offer various local trips, including routes from Toronto to Niagara Falls, Windsor, and Rama.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, a provincial gaming corporation, regulates the casinos listed below. They are key destinations for in-person play in Ontario.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto opened in 2023. It is now the largest casino resort in Canada. It has 4,800 plus slot machines and 175 table games. It also has poker and high-limit areas. A modern hotel is on-site. It sits next to Woodbine Racetrack, with easy access for Toronto visitors.
Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort sits near Horseshoe Falls. The location is a major draw for travellers. The venue has a large gaming floor and a connected hotel. It also offers dining and an entertainment theatre. It is a common stop for tourists. It is also a regular trip for Ontario casino fans.
Casino Niagara opened in 1996. It remains a well-known option in the Niagara district. It has 1,300 plus slots and about 40 table games. It also has a poker room and several food options. The venue is easy to reach on foot in the tourist core. It is a lively stop year-round.
Casino Rama is a full resort on Rama First Nation lands. It has about 2,500 slot machines and more than 100 table games. It also has a poker room. A hotel, spa, and entertainment venue sit on site. Casino Rama is known for concerts and weekend trips. It is a popular choice for short getaways.
Caesars Windsor works with Caesars Entertainment. It sits across from Detroit, with skyline views. The gaming floor runs 24 hours a day. The complex includes a hotel and an entertainment theatre. Dining is a key part of the visit. The location also makes it a cross-border hotspot with a big resort feel.
Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands is a smaller regional venue. It suits visitors outside the Greater Toronto Area and the Niagara corridor. The casino focuses on slots and a smaller set of table games. Dining is available on site. The pace feels calmer than major resorts. It is a relaxed stop for eastern Ontario visits.
Ontario’s market is entering a new phase. The basics are now set. Next comes refinement. Regulatory work, mobile innovation, player habits, and stronger competition will shape Ontario online casinos over the next few years. The changes below are already starting to show.
Ontario has the clearest online casino system in Canada. AGCO regulates, and iGaming Ontario runs the market with approved operators. That creates a safer and more controlled space for online gambling.
There are also offshore sites for Ontario players. They may have more games and better bonuses, but they are not regulated locally. On this page, we include both types. You can review the full list of Ontario online casinos at the top of this page.
A licensed Ontario online casino is registered with AGCO and operates under an iGaming Ontario agreement. License details should be visible and verifiable on the casino site.
Bonuses exist in Ontario’s regulated market. However, the regulations for marketing Ontario online casino bonuses prohibit public sites from promoting or advertising them.
The legal gambling age for Ontario online casinos is 19+. Regulated sites also require you to be physically located in Ontario while you play online.
Yes. Most Ontario online casinos support mobile casino play through apps or browsers. Ontario casino apps often include biometrics, fast deposits, and easy access to responsible gambling tools.
Ontario-licensed casino sites offer real money play under regulation. Games are tested, and responsible gambling practices are required. Always set limits first and keep sessions short.
Most Ontario players do not pay taxes on gambling winnings. CRA treats casual play as a windfall. Tax issues usually apply only if gambling is run like a business.
Ontario-regulated casinos must confirm you are in Ontario. Location checks can trigger after updates, travel, or network changes. Refreshing helps the casino meet compliance rules and keep your account active.