Ontario is Canada’s most populous province. As you might expect, there are a huge number of people here that love to gamble on everything from sports to casino table games. Finding information on online and land-based gambling can be a little difficult. Our team of experts is here to explain how you can find the best online gambling sites in Ontario right now!
- Online Gambling Law In Ontario Law
- Online Gambling Law In Ontario Canada
- Online Gambling Law In Ontario Immigration
- Online Gambling Law In Ontario Immigration
We’re going to go over the current laws and regulations surrounding online gambling in Ontario. Our team will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to find the best Ontario gambling sites for you. Later, we’ll provide a complete list of the land-based casino establishments operating here.
There is a lot of information to unpack. Anyone wanting to skip past this information and get straight to the betting can scroll below to find five of the best online gambling sites in Ontario currently available. Check them out today!
| Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
| #1 | Up To €150 | Visit Site | ||
| #2 | 22Bet Sports | 100% Up To €122 | Visit Site | |
| #3 | 100% Up To €200 | Visit Site | ||
| #4 | 10Bet Sports | 100% Up To €50 | Visit Site | |
| #5 | 100% Up To €50 | Visit Site | ||
Ontario Gambling Laws – Can You Gamble Online Here?
This alleged grey area is muddled and confusing due to the complexity and freshness of Canada’s online gambling laws. In Ontario, the Ontario Lottery and Gambling commission launched their own site as recently as January 2015. In a nutshell, yes, online gambling in Ontario is perfectly legal. There are some incredible Ontario gambling sites available here right now and many more coming in the future. Some are known for their sports betting options, while others focus on providing a range of popular casino games.
Canada gambling, as a whole, has some interesting laws surrounding it. Essentially, all provinces here have the ability to set their own regulations toward the land-based and online gambling industry. Legal gambling exists under the federal Criminal Code, yet provinces are responsible for monitoring and setting individual laws.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is the government body that oversees all lottery, casino, and racetrack operations in the province. This group makes it illegal to gamble under the age of 18.
The OLGC has implemented lenient laws towards the online gambling industry. In 2015, they launched their own online gambling website. There is also a wide range of gambling websites based in other countries that are available here. The Ontario government does not prosecute anyone for playing through these foreign websites.
For reasons unknown, lawmakers in Ontario have not created a licensing structure for foreign gambling websites to obtain a license and operate inside the province. The only regulated site here is run by the OLGC. That is set to change, though.
In April of this year, the provincial budget laid out plans for foreign websites to legally operate inside Ontario. The government here claims it wants to “establish a competitive market for online legal gambling that will reflect consumer choice by allowing private online operators to apply for licenses to operate in Ontario.” It’s likely that, within a few years, many of the top online gambling websites in Europe will become regulated in this province.
In a nutshell, yes, online gambling in Ontario is perfectly legal. There are some incredible Ontario gambling sites available here right now and many more coming in the future. Some are known for their sports betting options, while others focus on providing a range of popular casino games.
How to Choose a Great Ontario Online Gambling Site – Step by Step Guide
The first thing you will want to look for is an Ontario betting site that provides the games, or sporting odds, that you are actually looking for. You might be surprised at how many players sign up to a website without actually knowing the games provided. Don’t make this mistake!
If you love casino table games, for example, look for an online gambling site in Ontario that provides a wide range of popular options including blackjack, poker, and roulette. If you’re a hardcore NHL fan, find an online sportsbook offering games for the entire season.
This is very easy. Almost all Ontario gambling sites will allow you to scroll through them before you actually sign up. They should clearly list which games and betting odds are available every single day.
There is nothing more important than your safety when betting online. It’s crucial to know what separates a reputable gambling website from a shady one. Mostly, it comes down to how these sites handle your money.
All of the legit Ontario online gambling sites today provide a range of different payment options. They should allow deposits to be made using all major credit and debit cards. Withdrawal options differ from site to site. Some allow for direct bank transfer payouts, and others only offer Bitcoin withdrawals.
The important thing is knowing that these sites will keep your money safe. Head over to our gambling sites review page to see some of the ones we highly recommend right now. Trust us, the last thing you want is to win and have your money taken from an unscrupulous gambling website.
We also feel it’s a great idea to compare the betting odds and games between a few different sites. Some of the Ontario gambling sites are known to provide better odds than others. This is especially true with sports betting.
The top Ontario sports betting sites provide thousands of different betting odds across a wide range of different sports. This includes international sporting events taking place around the world. Others will only provide a handful of gambling odds for sporting events taking place in the United States and Canada.
/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/opinion/editorials/2015/01/12/ontario_needs_safeguards_for_online_gambling_editorial/olg.jpg "Online gambling law in minnesota")
Take a little time to compare the odds between different Ontario gambling sites. If you’re a casino gaming fan, check out which games are available across different sites. The better the odds and games are, the better your chances will be to win big.
Website design may not seem tremendously important. In reality though, the style and overall design of these sites will impact your entire gambling experience. It is important to make sure that the Ontario gambling site you decide to play at provides a fantastic gaming interface.
It should be extremely easy to bet on the games or sports that you want to. It’s also important that the graphics are up to date. This applies more to casino games than sports betting, yet graphics should always be sleek and modern.
The overall functionality of these online gambling sites in Ontario should be great, too. They shouldn’t crash or take too long to load. As long as the site you want to play through provides a design that you enjoy, you’re probably good to go.
In case you’re unaware, promotions are bonus offers that Ontario gambling sites provide to their players. The most common promotion today is a welcome bonus on your first deposit. These bonuses can be a fantastic way to boost your playing money, yet sometimes they can make it difficult to withdraw your winnings.
The best Ontario online gambling sites will be completely transparent with their promotional offers. As we just mentioned, some of these bonuses include rollover bonuses that make you wager a certain amount of money before you can collect your winnings. Legit gambling sites will explain the terms and conditions for all these promotions.
We love promotions. They are one of the easiest ways to increase your betting money without doing anything! Make sure to compare the promotion offers between a few different online gambling websites and check that they are safe and helpful.
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Best Ontario Online Gambling Sites for Each Sport
Ontario is known to have some of the most passionate sports fans in Canada. This is true now more than ever after the Toronto Raptors won the 2019 NBA Championship. Here, we’re breaking down some of the best Ontario gambling sites for different major sports.
Esports Gambling Sites in Ontario – Why Is Esports Gambling so Popular Right Now?
Canada has one of the biggest esports fan bases in the world. Many of the top professionals playing today are Canadian, some of which hail from Ontario. Today, there are a huge number of Ontario gambling sites online offering esports betting odds.
Esports are multiplayer video games played competitively. This industry has grown immensely over the years, with millions of fans tuning in to the biggest tournaments. A huge number of these fans are beginning to realize they can place bets on the tournament outcomes, as well.
If you want to place a few Esports wagers, we’ve got you covered. Below are just a few amazing sites that provide betting odds for major esports tournaments taking place all over the world.
Sports Interaction
Sports Interaction has grown to become one of the most popular online gambling sites in the US. It’s growing extremely popular gambling site in Canada as well. Part of this is due to the huge range of amazing esports betting odds. Here, you can place bets on every big tournament in Canada, the United States, and Asia.
Spin Sports
The last esports Ontario gambling site that we recommend is Spin Sports. This site is a little more simplistic than the other two, yet it’s well-known for providing amazing odds on these gaming events. Check it out today!
Bodog Sportsbook
Bodog offers a wide range of different esports betting odds. Right now, there are literally hundreds of different odds available for League of Legends. It’s common to find lines for other games too, including Counter-Strike and Dota 2.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Ontario
Ontario is home to a number of fantastic casinos. In 1992, the Gaming Control
Act was passed to control the casino gambling industry here. Fans of
brick-and-mortar gambling can find 71 different casinos located around the
province. Below are the 10 most popular available today.
- Caesars Windsor – Windsor
- Niagara Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls
- Casino Niagara – Niagara Falls
- Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands – Gananoque
- Casino Rama Resort – Rama
- OLG Casino Sault Ste Marie – Sault Ste Marie
- Fort Erie Race Track – Fort Erie
- Woodbine Entertainment – Toronto
- Woodbine Mohawk Park – Campbellville
- Great Blue Heron Casino – Port Perry
Are There Mobile Gambling Sites in Ontario Right Now?
Of course! Almost all of the online Ontario gambling sites allow their
members to play on-the-go using a smartphone. In fact, a huge number of people
here actually prefer to make their sports bets and play online casino games
using a mobile device.
Most of the time, these mobile gambling sites work the same way as the
desktop versions. You can play all the most popular online casino
games in Ontario, including blackjack and Texas hold ’em.
The online Ontario online gambling sites that we recommend at the top of this page
all provide a mobile platform for their members. Spend a little time looking
through these sites to find which ones offer you the mobile gaming options you
are looking for.
FAQ About Online Gambling in Ontario
When Will Ontario Regulate Foreign Gambling Websites?
In April of 2019, the provincial budget was proposed and included plans to
better regulate the online gambling industry. Lawmakers are currently working to
create a system that allows online gambling sites in Ontario to become
regulated by the OLGC. It seems likely that by 2020, these websites will be
fully regulated by the provincial government.
Online Gambling Law In Ontario Law
What Are the Most Popular Gambling Sites in Ontario?
According to a recent study, 90% of Ontario locals claim to have gambled online. There are some fantastic gambling websites here right now offering
everything from online casino games to sports odds. From what we can find, the
most popular Ontario betting sites are Bodog, Sports Interaction, and
Spin Sports.
Can I Play at These Sites Using Canadian Dollars (CAD)?
Online Gambling Law In Ontario Canada
Yes! Almost all online Ontario gambling sites allow their members to wager in
Canadian dollars. Check out the payment systems of these websites before you
join to make sure.
How Much Can I Win Playing on Ontario Gambling Websites?
The more you bet, the more you can win. Most of these online gambling sites
allow their members to win as much as they possibly can. Not many set limits on
the amount. Gaining experience and wagering on games you actually understand
will increase your chances of winning.
How Many Different Casino Games Are Available Online in Ontario?
Generally speaking, online casinos provide even more gaming options than the
province’s top land-based casinos. There are simply more options available
online. The top Ontario gambling online sites will provide
numerous table games, including blackjack and roulette. They will also offer
hundreds of different online slots, some of which offer massive progressive
jackpots.
Conclusion
Canadian gambling online has never been more popular. Ontario lawmakers seem to recognize this and are working hard to open the industry to foreign gaming companies. Within a few years, it’s likely that all of the biggest gambling websites in the US and Europe will be available here.
Make sure to check out the Ontario gambling sites that we recommended at the top of this page. Each one offers both casino and sports betting odds to all of their members. Head over to our industry news page for updates to Ontario’s gaming laws. Good luck making your bets!
The educated gamblers guide to online gambling laws Ontario.
Gambling is one of the most historically famous pastimes in the world. When the great Venetian explorer John Cabot arrived here in 1497, he discovered the natives participating in various gambling games. During colonization, British soldiers were known to be avid gamblers, although King Richard III had outlawed the activity in the 14th century, especially among troops. In his eyes, gambling was merely a distraction from the greater goal.
In 1867, when Canada became a self-governing nation, lawmakers adopted similar prohibitions. The Criminal Code of 1892 formally outlawed all gambling. That slowly changed over the next century, to the point that Ontario now regulates almost all wagering activities, including lottery, bingo, casino, poker and limited sports betting. The province even launched its own online gambling website – with all of these options – in January 2015.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Ontario?
There’s one area of the law that remains a mystery to many Ontarians. It’s rather obvious that gambling is legal (for anyone age 19+). There are many casinos and race tracks, lottery and Pro-Line retailers, all over the province. We also know that online gambling is legal, because Ontario hosts its own iGaming websites, PlayOLG.ca.
The mysterious part is whether it’s legal or illegal to use online gambling sites regulated outside of Canada? Provincial laws clearly state that, if you use a Canadian-based gaming site, it must be regulated in your own province. For example, Ontarians can use PlayOLG, but they can’t use BC’s PlayNow.ca. In reverse, BC players can join PlayNow, but not PlayOLG.
But what about international online casinos? Places like 888 Casino, Royal Vegas and William Hill? These are globally recognized, distinguished and wholly licenced operators. They just aren’t licenced in Canada. Can Canadians legally play at these sites?
Online Gambling Laws Ontario
The unique thing about Ontario’s gambling laws is that provincial lawmakers have very little to do with them. For the most part, gambling is a federal matter. The Criminal Code determines that all gambling is illegal, unless authorized by a province or territory. Even then, Canada decides who can authorize and regulate gambling, and how to do it.
Let’s take a quick look at relevant gaming laws found in the Criminal Code.
This section, Part VII, Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting, defines gambling related terms.
| 197 (1) In this Part, | Meaning |
| Bet means a bet that is placed on any contingency or event that is to take place in or out of Canada, and without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a bet that is placed on any contingency relating to a horse-race, fight, match or sporting event that is to take place in or out of Canada; (pari) | A “bet” is a wager on any skillful competition, such as sporting events and horse racing. Chance may be an element, but skill dominates in these contests. |
| Game means a game of chance or mixed chance and skill; (jeu) | A “game” is a gambling activity where chance dominates the outcome, with or without any element of skill. This includes all casino games like slot machines, blackjack, video poker, etc. |
How Ontario Regulates Online Gambling
For this, we turn to Section 207.
Online Gambling Law In Ontario Immigration
| 207 (1) …it is lawful | Meaning |
| (a) for the government of a province, either alone or in conjunction with the government of another province, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in that province, or in that and the other province, in accordance with any law enacted by the legislature of that province; | Ontario is capable regulating any form of gambling (“lottery scheme”) defined by the Criminal Code. The government grants that power to its provincial regulator, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp (OLG). |
What Ontario Law Says About Gambling
Ontario’s most current version of the Gaming Control Act 1992 isn’t even worth quoting. Everything within this document deals with “gaming sites” (online or on land) that are “registered” with and “licenced” by the OLG. Any “gaming site” not registered/licenced falls under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Code of Canada.
What Does It All Mean?
There’s a big difference between being perceptive about the laws of online gambling, and knowing from which perspective to judge them. Gambling laws are a federal matter, not provincial. Ontario province merely chooses which forms of gambling they wish to authorize locally.
This means that Ontario can decide what operations are permissible, and which are illegal, within its borders. However, only the Canadian government can decide what’s legal and illegal outside of Ontario. And unless an online gambling operation is physically located somewhere within the confines of Canada, even the federal government has no jurisdiction over it.
To put it simply, internationally regulated gambling operators are not breaking any laws by accepting Canadian players. This is the stance our nation’s gaming law experts have taken. In their expert opinions, no online gambling laws Ontario applies will affect that. Unless the federal government amends the Constitution and/or takes international operators to court, that’s not going to change.
Disclaimer: Please note that we are not lawyers, and are not qualified or attempting to offer legal advice. The following is our personal interpretation of current legislation. For precise clarification of the laws in Ontario and/or Canada, please contact an attorney or local authorities.
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Online Gambling Law In Ontario Immigration
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