Online gambling in Canada often falls into something of a grey area. The activity is legal only as long as it’s managed by the provincial government. In other words, only this authority is allowed to provide gambling websites and services in the country. Therefore, many Canadians have resorted to casino platforms that aren’t based in the country. However, one Canadian province made a giant step just a year ago.
Ontario became the first province in Canada to establish a legitimate Internet gambling market. Therefore, players will soon have a chance to visit online casino Ontario offers and get valuable information about new privately-owned operators in the province - from bonuses and games to customer support and payment methods. That is crucial before they decide which site is the best choice for them according to their preferences.
Ever since the launch of the gaming market, the percentage of Ontarians and Canadians who are gambling has risen. So, it’s worth exploring the first legal online casino market in the Great White North.
How Popular Is Gambling in Ontario?
Playing casino games online is hugely popular in Ontario. Casino fans like to engage in slots, video poker and table games like roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. As a matter of fact, one-third of the residents reported that they are registered on at least one casino website. According to the survey from 2022, this is above the Canadian national average by 3%.
At present, there are more than 20 online casinos that are legally registered to operate in the province. The number of players registered at privately operated sites is slightly larger than the percentage that signed up with government platforms. And that’s only a year after the province opened a legal online gaming market. So, these new operators will steadily gain more customers in the years to come.
What Are the Regulations for Online Playing in the Province?
The Government of Ontario revealed its plan to establish iGaming in November 2020. This is a separate legal entity regulated by AGCO or the Alcohol and Gambling Commission of Ontario. Its purpose is to conduct and manage Internet gambling offered by private companies. In the Fall of 2021, iGaming Ontario started registering different operators. In April 2022, the market was officially launched.
As suggested, the introduction of this legal entity allows third parties to provide online gaming services. First, potential private gaming companies should register with AGCO and sign an agreement with iGaming Ontario. This new organisation has major consequences for the casino industry since, at last, it makes the market open to outsiders. Of course, this province cannot allow any third-party company to act independently. Because of that, it created this subsidiary of AGCO that would monitor and manage online playing within the province.
Any operator that wants to start operating on this territory must register with the ACGO first. In other words, operators must receive a certificate concerning the serviceability of their gambling devices. Moreover, they have to make an account with AGCO. In addition, companies should enter into an agreement with iGaming Ontario.
The Best Casino Sites in Ontario
The best operators that have entered the Ontario gambling market offer a wide range of features. To start with, these companies feature hundreds, if not more than a thousand games. Moreover, their games are developed by reputable gaming providers like NetEnt, IGT, and others. These sites also offer several bonuses for both new members and existing users.
In addition, they feature different deposit and withdrawal options, and many offer fast payouts. Players can get assistance from the customer support team in no time. Last but not least, these casino websites provide mobile apps. Thus, members can explore playing on the go on their favourite platforms. Currently, some of the best options for Ontarians that offer these features are:
- SlotsMagic
- Jackpot City
- LeoVegas
- Spin Casino
- PlayOJO
- PokerStars Casino
- Lucky Days
Issues of Online Gambling
Unfortunately, playing casino games online is also associated with some issues. These are some disadvantages of playing on websites:
- Due to easy access, it’s more enticing than playing in a land-based casino.
- Moreover, it’s harder to spot if somebody has a risky gambling habit since players can hide behind a screen.
- Furthermore, it’s easier to spend money since you are not physically holding cash and you’re not aware of how much you’re spending.
- Lastly, unregulated and fraudulent casinos might take advantage of gamblers.
If you want to avoid potential problems associated with online playing, you should always join regulated casino sites. Similar to brick-and-mortar gamblers, online gamers should decide how much they can play per week. You should also set a spending limit and stick to it. Similarly, it’s good to set a winning limit and know when to cash out - and even use strategies to keep winning:
That way, you will never leave the site without funds in your account wallet.
For the first time, Canadians can play on privately-owned online casino sites in Ontario. Moreover, all these sites are regulated by the appropriate authorities in the province. In other words, players can explore a safe playing environment and rest assured their personal and financial details are safe.
Ontario now offers more than 20 different options for casino lovers. In addition to being trustworthy, these operators offer many excellent features. Customers can engage in many games, from slots to live dealer games. They can explore different bonuses and promotions, fast payouts, and many other desirable features. Finally, the number of these gambling platforms will only increase with time, providing players with enough options to choose from.
