The online casino industry has flourished in Ontario since the province became the first in Canada to launch a regulated market on April 4, 2022. Since this date, around CAD 35.6 billion worth of wagers have been placed online. If you are thinking of joining the people who enjoy playing at casinos in the province, it helps to be well-informed before you register an account.
We will guide you through what to expect when you play, based on data shared by this guide to online casinos in Ontario, which introduces you to some of the best sites to play at. You will discover information about the legality of gambling online, the licensing of casino sites, and payment methods you can use when making a deposit.
The legality and licensing of online casinos in Ontario
Before you start playing casino games online, you probably want to know whether it’s legal to do so. Overall, gambling is illegal in Canada unless it’s regulated by a province. The good news is that gambling in Ontario is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), so it’s legal to enjoy slot games, table games, and live casino action at reputable websites.
You can check if a casino has a license in the province by visiting the AGCO website. Licensed websites also display the iGaming Ontario logo. Any site that registers with AGCO must have a signed operating agreement with iGaming Ontario to provide casino services to people who are legally permitted to play.
There is another legal consideration concerning online casinos to be aware of. You may notice that there is no information about bonuses and promotions offered by an online casino until you visit the website. This is because it’s illegal to advertise this type of incentive using any other media.
Opening an account at an online casino in Ontario
Opening an account at an online casino is a simple process. Simply press the “register” or “sign-up” button and provide the requested information. This information is normally your personal details, including your name, date of birth, email address, and physical address. You will also have to choose a password and may be asked to create a username.
You may also be asked to complete the know your customer (KYC) process at this point. Some casinos require you to do this when you register, and others ensure you comply with the KYC process before you make any withdrawals. The KYC process consists of providing a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. You may also be asked to provide proof of your card details if you use this deposit method.
Games available at Ontario online casinos
When you play at an online casino, you want to have access to a range of top casino games. The games you find at a particular casino depend on factors such as licensing and agreements with software providers. In most cases, you will be able to play:
- Slot games, including megaways, drop & win, bonus buy, and jackpot options
- Table games such as blackjack, baccarat, poker, and roulette, with different versions of each game available
- Lottery
- Live casino games where there is a live dealer and often players have the option to chat with each other
Some sites also have sports betting available, as well as casino games.
Payment options at Ontario online casino sites
Regulated online casinos in Ontario provide safe and secure payment options for players to make a deposit. One of the most popular deposit methods for people in Canada is Interac. This payment method allows you to deposit funds into your casino account from your bank account without giving the casino any of your bank account details.
If you want to use Interac, check if it’s available and be aware that some casinos enable this method for deposits and withdrawals while others permit its use for deposits only. If Interac is not available, you should have the option to use other methods, including debit and credit cards, online payment wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
What to consider before you play at an online casino in Ontario
Having this background knowledge about online casinos in Ontario makes it easier for you to start playing. Before you do this, you have to choose the best site for you. To help with your decision, ask yourself the following questions before you register,
- Is the casino reliable?
- Are your favorite games available?
- Is the casino licensed?
- Can you deposit using your favorite method?
- Can you play in French is your first language?
You can use the answers to these questions to decide whether to open an account or move on to play elsewhere.
