Long limited to physical casinos and the provincial lottery, the gambling industry in Ontario was completely relaunched in 2022. In April of that year, the province opened the doors of its market to operators private, becoming the first Canadian province to legalize and regulate online gambling. If this historic lifting refers to several years of debates and preparation, the fact remains that it marks a major turning point for Canada in general and Ontario in particular in terms of gaming. The enthusiasm generated in relation to the he opening of the Ontario market has been exceptionally large, attracting numerous international players and generating substantial harvests for the province. Indeed, since Ontarians can now legally gamble from home, the market has definitely opened up, well beyond expectations.
The Best Casinos in Ontario
It’s time for you presenting the best casinos in Ontario.
- BetMGM Casino
- Royal Panda Casino
- Party Casino
- Fire Vegas Casino
- Poker Stars Casino
- 888 Casino
- etc.
Legal and regulatory framework
The opening of the online gambling market in Ontario did not happen overnight. It is the result of long reflection and meticulous work to put in place a solid legal and regulatory framework to guarantee both the freedom of operators to do business and the protection of players.
Federal vs. provincial laws: who legislates on what?
In Canada, gambling is defined by a system of distribution of powers between the federal government and the provinces. The federal Criminal Code stipulates the main aspects of the legality of gambling, while the provinces have the right to regulate and organize gambling operators within their jurisdiction. In Ontario, the gambling sector is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The AGCO has developed strict rules that concern licensing and conditions, operator conduct rules, advertising, player protection and money laundering.
iGaming Ontario, the new regulatory player
To specifically oversee the online gaming market, the province has created a new, distinct entity: iGaming Ontario. This AGCO subsidiary is responsible for managing contractual relations with private operators, monitoring their activities and ensuring compliance with the rules.
Conditions for obtaining an operating license
To offer specific services in Ontario, online gaming operators must obtain a license from the AGCO. The conditions for obtaining the license are:
- A solid reputation and experience in the gambling industry
- Sufficient financial capacity to ensure the sustainability of operations
- The implementation of player protection and responsible gaming measures
- Compliance with security and anti-fraud standards
The Different Types of Legal Gambling
Online casinos: diversity of offer
Online casinos are arguably the main attraction of the Ontario market. They offer a multitude of games, ranging from traditional slot machines to table games like blackjack, roulette or baccarat, including live games with real dealers. The diversity of themes, features and bets allows each player to find what they are looking for.
Sports betting: a growing craze
Sports betting is booming in Ontario, particularly thanks to the popularity of major sports such as hockey, football, basketball and baseball. Operators offer betting on a host of competitions, leagues and events, with attractive odds and live betting options to spice up the experience.
Online poker: tournaments and cash games
Poker fans are not left out, with a thriving online poker offering. The platforms offer regular tournaments with attractive prize pools, as well as cash game tables for all levels and all budgets. The possibility of playing against players from all over the world adds additional appeal to this discipline.
Lottery: OLG’s historic offer
The lottery, operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), remains a mainstay of Ontario’s gambling market. It offers a variety of draw, scratch and sports betting games, with jackpots that can reach significant amounts. The OLG has also launched its own online gaming platform, offering a selection of casino and sports betting games.
A booming market, guaranteeing a promising future
Two years after opening its market, Ontario has succeeded in its challenge: to offer a legal, safe and diversified online gaming environment. The regulatory framework put in place, combining liberalization and control, has allowed the emergence of a dynamic market, generating revenue for the province and creating jobs. These positive impacts are reminiscent of the positive impact of charitable events such as the casino night “Dream Big” organized by Le Canadien de Montréal, which raised significant funds.
