Ontario is a hotspot for gambling enthusiasts in Canada. The popularity of sports betting in particular has risen exponentially in the last decade due to a high demand for single-game sports from both Ontarians and policy makers.
With such a high demand, doors opened for regulated sites to enter the market as well as a plethora of trustworthy offshore sites offering even greater betting options for players. This article digs a little deeper into the legalities of sports betting in Ontario, and highlights a few sites we think are the best picks for Ontarian punters.
Ontario has a rich history when it comes to gambling, dating back over 100 years. However, it’s not since recent developments in single-game sports betting across Canada that Ontario started gaining even more traction as a gambling haven.
It was the first province in Canada to legalize online gambling and sports betting since the ban of single-game betting in April 2022. Because of this, Ontario positioned themselves as a leader in Canada’s gambling industry, generating billions.
| Type of Gambling | Availability | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | Available | Online casinos have been legal in Ontario since April 4, 2022. |
| Online Poker | Available | Online poker was also made legal in early April 2022. |
| Online Sports Betting | Available | There was a big push to create single-event online sports betting in Ontario |
| Land-Based Casinos | Available | Ontario is home to over 29 land-based casinos. |
| Land-Based Poker Rooms | Available | Ontario is an attractive location for poker players, with over 15 available on land. |
| Land-Based Sportsbooks | Available | Ontario’s first retail sportsbook opened in 2023 at Caesars Windsor after the ban on single-sports betting was lifted. |
The legal gambling age in Ontario is 19 for online gambling, land-based casinos, and sports betting. For lottery and bingo, the legal age is 18.
Ontario’s online gambling landscape is vast, offering a plethora of betting options. We’ve hand-picked a selection of online casinos we think will satisfy Ontario’s online gambling enthusiasts.
Betway is one of the most reputable sportsbooks out there. Known for its support of popular leagues such as the NBA & NFL, it’s a must-try for Ontario bettors looking for an online casino with options!
It offers a wide variety of popular sports markets, including hockey, basketball, and football, so residents can bet on their favorite teams, such as the Toronto Raptors or even the Buffalo Bills, with ease.
Betway also supports a safe and regulated platform for Ontario residents, licensed by the AGCO, ensuring a safe gambling experience. With its mobile-friendly interface to add and strong betting options, Betway stands as one of the best all-around options for Ontario players looking for reliability and variety.
Renowned for its extensive range of sports betting options, Sports Interaction is the place to go for Ontario sports enthusiasts. Players can wager on all the major sports, minor leagues, esports, politics, entertainment, and even the weather!
Competitive odds, easy parlay creation, and regular promotions like odds boosts enhance its appeal. While the prop betting selection could improve, the breadth of options and well-organized layout cater to bettors of all levels.
Bodog is a reputable online casino with a strong track record, having been established in 1994, and stands out as an excellent choice for Ontario poker players.
The platform also impresses with fast payouts and responsive customer service. Additionally, Bodog offers a solid mix of sports betting and casino games.
TonyBet shines as a premier online betting platform, particularly excelling in its promotions and bonus offerings. Known for its extensive range of casino games—boasting nearly 6,000 slot titles and a live dealer section with over 500 tables—it’s a haven for gambling fans.
Additionally, ongoing perks like weekly reloads and VIP rewards ensure value for loyal users. TonyBet’s promotions make it a top-tier choice for bonus hunters.
North Casino offers an impressive VIP program that’s perfect for Ontario players looking for rewards and progression. The program’s tier system is modeled after hockey leagues, allowing players to move up from Junior to Legendary status. You earn points by spending on slots and other games, and as you climb the ranks, the rewards get better. Expect free spins, bonus cash, and higher withdrawal limits.
With its thoughtful structure and valuable perks, North Casino’s VIP program is a great way to boost the gaming experience.
Powbet, launched in 2020, offers a vast range of casino games and sports betting options, making it a standout amongst the newer gambling sites. Players can enjoy weekly bonuses and flexible deposit limits, with a variety of payment methods like credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. And others, more specific to Ontarians, like Interac.
Overall, Powbet provides a solid experience, especially for Canadian players, with excellent banking options and a wide selection of betting opportunities.
How We Evaluate Ontario’s Online CasinosFor a detailed overview of how we rank online casinos, check out our ranking process here. We evaluate online casinos for Ontario players using the following key criteria.
All recommended casinos must be accessible to residents of Ontario and licensed to operate within the province, ensuring they comply with local regulations and offer a legitimate gaming experience.
We prioritize casinos that utilize industry-leading security measures, such as encryption software, to protect players’ personal and financial data. Responsible gaming tools are also considered, ensuring player safety and well-being.
We focus on casinos that offer banking options tailored to Canadian players, such as Interac, Instadebit, and other popular local payment methods, making deposits and withdrawals quick, secure, and convenient.
We evaluate the variety and quality of games available, ensuring that casinos offer a wide range of options from top-tier software providers. This includes popular slots, table games, and live dealer experiences to cater to all types of players.
Here’s a quick and digestible overview of the sites we have recommended so far.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Rollover | Min Deposit | # of Games | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betway | 100% up to $300Plus 50 free spins | 10x | $20 | 800+ | Betway Review |
| Sports Interaction | Casino: 100% to $3,000Sportsbook: 125% up to $250 | Casino: 30xSportsbook: 6x | $10 | 2,000+ | Sports Interaction Review |
| Bodog | Casino:100% up to $600 Sportsbook: 100% up to $400 | Casino: 40xSportsbook: 5x | $10 | 1,300+ | Bodog Review |
| Tonybet | Casino:100% up to $1,000 Sportsbook: 100% up to $350 | Casino: 40xSportsbook: 5x | $20 | 5,300+ | Tonybet Review |
| North Casino | 100% up to $1,000 | 60 x | $25 | 3,000+ | North Casino Review |
| Powbet | Casino: 100% up to $750 Sportsbook: 100% up to $150 | Casino: 50x Sportsbook: 6x | $30 | 2,000+ | Powbet Review |
Yes, online gambling is legal in Ontario, which became the first province in Canada to legalize it.
Legal sports betting launched on April 4, 2022, further solidifying its position.
While online gambling is regulated by the federal Criminal Code, provinces like Ontario have the authority to set their own rules. Ontario’s flexible laws allow both local platforms, such as Proline+, and overseas gambling sites to operate legally.
The legalization of single-game sports betting, through Bill C-218 in June 2021, played a significant role in expanding betting options, including the increased availability of offshore betting sites for Ontario residents.
Land-Based Gambling Options in OntarioOntario offers a variety of land-based gambling options, including over 29 casinos such as Casino Niagara and Caesars Windsor, both of which provide slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. The province also hosts 15 live racetracks and several off-track betting locations for horse racing enthusiasts.
| Casino | Address | Phone Number | Gambling Options | Operated By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Niagara | 5705 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T3 | +1 888-325-5788 | 1,300 slot machines, 40 table games, 15 sports betting kiosks, and a dedicated sportsbook. | Ontario Operator and Lottery Corporation. |
| Caesars Windsor | 377 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON N9A 6T6 | +1 800-991-7777 | Over 2,000 slots, 85 table games, live entertainment, dining, and a poker room. | Ontario Operator and Lottery Corporation. |
In Ontario, gambling is primarily regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which ensures compliance with provincial laws and enforces responsible gaming practices.
Additionally, iGaming Ontario oversees the legal operation of online gambling. The AGCO also sets advertising regulations and provides guidance to operators.
Advertising restrictions within the province have been a hot topic in recent years. Bill S-269 aims to establish national guidelines for sports betting ads, and the province has already banned the use of celebrities and athletes in such promotions. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure responsible gambling advertising practices.
Comparing Ontario’s Laws to Neighboring ProvincesOntario has a relatively flexible approach to online gambling, allowing both local and offshore sites to operate, including single-game sports betting after Bill C-218 in 2021.
In contrast, neighboring provinces have their own regulations. Manitoba offers similar flexibility in gambling, while Quebec has a more controlled environment, operating its own state-run platform for online gaming.
The Future of Online Gambling in OntarioThe future of online gambling in Ontario looks relatively bright, with the market expected to grow significantly, potentially contributing nearly $3 billion annually by 2027. Following the legalization of single-game sports betting in 2022, Ontario has positioned itself as a leader in North America’s sports betting market.
Regulations, overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, ensure a safe and flexible environment for both local and offshore platforms. The province also focuses on responsible gambling and strong advertising controls, like banning celebrities in ads, a trend likely to continue in the future.
Please Gamble Responsibly in OntarioGambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but it can also lead to addiction, causing significant emotional, financial, and social harm. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, it’s important to seek help. Ontario offers various resources to support individuals affected by gambling addiction.
Ontario has become a major hub for gambling in Canada, particularly after legalizing single-game sports betting in April 2022. This move, along with the province’s flexibility in allowing both local and offshore gambling sites, has attracted players from across the region.
Ontario offers a variety of gambling options, including online casinos, sports betting, and land-based establishments like casinos and racetracks. With regulation from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and iGaming Ontario, the industry is set to grow, potentially contributing $3 billion annually by 2027.
One of the best ways to play in Ontario is with online casinos, such as Betway or Sports Interaction. These sites offer better promotions than state-run programs and have a wider selection of games and sports wagers available.
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