• Online Gambling Regulations Ontario 2020
• Online Gambling Ontario Legal

1. Since gambling is legal across the entire territory of Ontario, both in a retail location and online, it may seem redundant to offer tips and tricks to making the most of it. Still, there is something to be said about the proper way to go through your player bankroll in order to maximize your winnings, as well as reliable guidelines towards the.
2. The online gambling situation in Canada’s most densely populated province is changing, as 2019 marks the introduction of a new blueprint for online gambling in Ontario by the Conservative government. The proposal is intended to end the current monopoly and regulate gambling with offshore companies, among other things.
3. In an April 11, 2019, press release, the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) welcomed a same-day announcement by the Ontario government to put in place an online gaming regulatory system in the Canadian province that will make “safe and legal gambling options” available to consumers.

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!

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!

Online Gambling Advertising Guidelines. The following is a summary, compiled from the statutes and regulations from the corresponding government websites. It is meant as a guide to assist in placing campaigns related to online gambling advertising.

Ontario Gambling Laws – Can You Gamble Online Here?

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.

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.

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)?

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!

Over the years gambling has taken the US and Canada by storm, with players stacking up record-breaking wins in nearly every state. But with gambling laws subject to provincial and territorial laws in Canada, the rules regarding where and when you can play, can be a little confusing. Fortunately, our full guide below should help. On this page you’ll find:

• A full guide to provincial gambling laws in Canada
• Understanding illegal gambling
• Tips on how to stay safe and gamble responsibly

Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?

Technically, online gambling is legal in Canada, provided the online Casino site you’re playing at is located offshore. Local laws apply, so it’s important to seek out only trusted casinos that are fully licensed and independently regulated.

Where the confusion lies is in the provincial laws, where gambling laws in Canada tends to differ from state to state.

According to gaming law experts, Dickinson Wright LLP

Online Gambling Regulations Ontario 2020

“Each province empowers an agency to act as the gaming regulator, and a separate provincial government-controlled corporation to conduct and manage gaming on the government’s behalf. The sole exception is the province of Alberta which merges those functions into a single government agency.”

published in Gaming, Gambling & Licensing, 2018 (public domain.)

In 2012, British Columbia launched the first regulated and fully legal casino in North America. The PlayNow site offers online casino games and a virtual poker room to anyone over the legal gambling age who wants to play. However, its virtual casino doors are only open to residents of British Columbia.

Canada Gambling Regulations

Prior to 1969, you couldn't bet on anything in Canada other than horse races, charity lotteries, and lotteries that you might find at fairs. But that year, the federal government changed the Criminal Code to allow the federal government and the 10 provinces to hold lotteries.

In 1985, the federal government decided to hand off all gambling to the provinces. But the Criminal Code didn't actually change in terms of what people can and can't gamble on. These were our takeaways:

The Criminal Code

Section 201 - states that it's illegal to run a betting house or to be found in one. But it doesn't make any mention of an online betting house, so it's not clear whether Canadian online casinos and poker sites fall under the code.

Section 203 – exempts people from placing bets on behalf of others.

Section 205 – suggests anyone in relation to lotteries of games of chance is guilty of an indictable offence.

Section 207 – permits provincial governments, as mentioned above, to manage lottery schemes alone or with other provincial governments. It also mentioned that lotteries are lawful for charitable or religious organisations if licenced by the Lieutenant Governor in council.

The Gambling Loophole

While most online gambling offices are located offshore, a majority of the servers for some of the world's most reputable online casinos are actually based right here at home in Canada.

In 1996, a native reserve called Kahnawake Mohawk Nation established the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, offering gaming licenses to online casinos they believe qualifed. While online gambling at the time was technically illegal in Canada, the Mohawk Nation argued that because they are their own sovereign nation, they therefore have the right to operate casinos.

Now here's where it gets tricky. The Kahnawake Mohawk Nation can essentially run a casino or at least lease space to all sorts of other online casinos from within Canadian borders and not be prosecuted. But private enterprises like horserace companies who operate legally within Canada are forbidden from operating online casinos or poker sites under the Criminal Code of Canada. But that's not to say no one hasn't tried.

Illegal Gambling

In 1995, a company called Starnet Communications was created in Vancouver with the goal of developing, licensing, and providing Internet gambling technology and websites for casinos and sportsbooks. Because of the sketchy Criminal Code, the company set up offshore companies to carry out operations of the site. But the RCMP wasn't impressed.

In 1999, they raided the Vancouver offices, arguing that because the email servers were located in Canada, they were in violation of the criminal code even though the gaming servers were located offshore. That's not to say that every company operating from Canada since 1999 has been in violation of the law, but those who just didn’t get away with it.

How to Avoid Illegal Casinos

The only way to avoid illegal casinos is to be aware of the law, and play on reputable, regulated casino sites. Before we endorse any online casino, our team of experts always check to ensure that the casino is licensed and meets our high standards of approval. Making the job for players even easier.

Gambling Laws in Canada Provinces

Alberta

Gambling is exceptionally popular in Alberta, with residents allowed to gamble at online casinos without any restrictions. It is also legal for those over the age of 18 to gamble at any of the 25 land-based casinos in the province. Sports betting is also popular, with players limited to making parlay style bets, and the maximum spend on sports betting is $250 per day.

Manitoba

The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba oversees all gambling in the province, including online gambling. There’s only one official online casino in the province, which is PlayNow Manitoba, however there are no laws stopping residents from playing at a casino based overseas. Sports gamblers can bet via the Sport Select site and are limited to a maximum of $250 in bets per day.

Quebec

Quebec has some of the most liberal gambling laws in Canada, with players able to play at a variety of offshore casinos, as well as at the government run Espacejeux. Mise-O-Jeu is the only regulated sports betting site in the province and players must bet on parlay bets. There are nine land-based casinos in Quebec, and they’re open to everyone aged 19 or over.

British Columbia

There are many legal forms of gambling in British Columbia, including 15 land-based casinos. When it comes to online gambling, the only official way to gamble on casino games and sport is via PlayNow, however there’s nothing in the law to prevent players from signing up with sites based abroad. As with most other sites, those betting on sport must place parlay bets.

New Brunswick

Land-based casinos are completely legal in New Brunswick, although there is only one venue in the province. There is no official government run online casino in New Brunswick, however those looking to play casino games online are legally allowed to play at offshore gambling websites. Pro-Line is the only regulated sports betting site offered to residents of this Canadian province.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Land-based casinos are not permitted in this province, plus there are no online casinos regulated there either. There is no law in place to stop gamblers in Newfoundland and Labrador from playing at offshore online casinos though. The Pro-Line service is offered to all sports gamblers, with daily wagers capped at $250, although this cap isn’t found at most sites based abroad.

Northwest Territories

There are no land-based casinos in the territory, however there are no laws to prevent one opening in the future. Online casinos are not blocked, but there are none based in the Northwest Territories. Sports betting is popular, with the only legal service being the one offered by Sport Select, however many choose to play at offshore sports betting sites instead.

Nova Scotia

It is perfectly legal to gamble in one of the two government-owned casinos in this province. Those looking to gamble online can place bets at the Pro-Line site (all bets must be parlays, as is the case in most Canadian provinces), while online casino players are permitted to join any offshore online casino website. The minimum age to gamble in the province is 19.

Ontario

In Ontario, it is completely legal to play at a land-based casino, plus many other venues also offer slot machines. The rules regarding online casinos are pretty relaxed, therefore residents can play at any foreign casino site - there is only one online casino regulated in Ontario though, and it’s PlayOLG. The Pro-Line sports betting service is offered to those looking to bet on sports.

Online Gambling Ontario Legal

Prince Edward Island

There are no legal obstacles in the way of land-based casinos in Prince Edward Island, however there’s not currently a dedicated casino operating in the province. There is no regulation of online casinos, however those looking to bet on sports legally will have to use the Pro-Line service. The minimum age to bet on sports and play casino games in this province is 19.

Saskatchewan

Online casinos are prohibited from being based in Saskatchewan, however residents are not blocked from accessing casinos based in other provinces or countries. It is legal to base a land-based casino in Saskatchewan though. Sports betting is legal, providing it is done via the Sports Select service, and all wagers placed on sporting events (except horse racing) must be parlay bets.

Yukon Territory

Casinos are prohibited from opening permanently in the Yukon Territory, however licences are granted to temporary gambling venues, which can open for a maximum of three days. It is legal to play at online casinos, however none are licenced and regulated within the territory. Residents will find that Sports Select is the only service offering legal sports betting options.

New Gambling Laws in Canada?

With such disparity between Canadian provincial laws, it’s difficult to say the current laws will be reformed anytime soon. What's more likely is that gambling laws in Canada will become more liberal. With a deeper clarification of the Criminal Code, online gambling could be permitted across all states with no restrictions.

Unfortunately, if the government were to welcome competition with open arms, the provincial governments would be, well, up in arms since they have the exclusive legal right to run online casinos. Only time will tell.

While it might be tough to operate an online casino from Canada, finding a Canadian online casino to play at, which ironically might be located in Canada, isn't difficult at all. We have tons of reputable choices, both in terms of provincially run options and internationally regulated sites. And we're willing to bet that it will stay that way for a long, long time.