Gambling FAQs
Regulations
How are casinos regulated in Ontario?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees the regulation and licensing of all gaming activities within the province, including casinos. Their Casino Gaming Regulation division ensures that casinos are operated fairly, safely, and ethically.
What is the minimum legal gambling age in Ontario?
In Ontario, the legal gambling age is 19, applicable to both online and in-person gambling.
How can you identify an Ontario-regulated casino?
Look for the logos of iGaming Ontario (iGO) or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Additionally, any casino featured in our detailed ranking is a regulated Ontario casino.
Do you have to be Canadian to play?
You do not need to be Canadian to play, however you must be in the province of Ontario at the time of play.
Can you deposit or withdraw with cryptocurrency at Ontario gambling sites?
Players may be permitted to deposit or withdraw funds into their player accounts only after the appropriate verifications and authorization.
Deposits and withdraw shall be made by appropriately authorized by a financial services provider. The withdrawal is being transferred to an account of which the player is a legal holder. Cryptocurrency is not legal tender and shall not be accepted.
Why should you play on a regulated site?
Playing on a regulated website is a safer option. To play on a licensed site, operators must demand the following:
- Requirements are in place to improve gaming integrity.
- All games are played fairly and transparently.
- Your winnings will be paid out on time and accurately.
- Personal information and data are safe.
- Easy access to responsible gaming resources to keep gambling fun.
- Records of your transactions and game play are saved in case you ever need them to resolve a dispute.
- Complaints, disagreements, and queries shall be addressed in a timely, fair, transparent, and appropriate way.
What do regulated operators need to do?
- Players and the public will be protected from seeing products that are misleading, take advantage of inexperience or are designed to appeal to minors
- Gaming sites are prohibited from posting false advertising statements on their websites
- Responsible gambling controls can help you comply with financial and time expenditure limits
- Players who may have been harmed by the game can easily access useful resources
- Only eligible players can create accounts and play games on regulated sites
- You can access your deposit and transaction history to support disputes
- You can learn about chances of winning, game play, and prizes and expenses before you play a game
What are the risks of gaming on unregulated sites?
There are many risks to be aware of if you are not playing on a regulated site in Ontario.
Payments may be untimely or inaccurate
Your payments may be held or delayed and your deposits may not be stored securely
Your personal information and data may not be secure.
Data may be exposed to third parties or the public without your consent
There is an increased risk of harmful gambling habits
Unregulated gaming sites are not required to provide tools and support for safer gambling habits
How do I know I'm playing on a regulated site?
Wherever you play, look for the iGaming Ontario logo, which indicates that you are playing on a site operated and managed by iGaming Ontario, which provides protection for players and meets Ontario’s high standards for gaming integrity and responsible gambling.
What is the role of AGCO and iGaming Ontario?
AGCO registers and regulates online gambling sites and sets standards to protect players while working to ensure fair play for people across Ontario. AGCO’s Internet Gaming Registration Standards are designed to ensure that player protection, fair play, responsible gambling safeguards and anti-money laundering protections are in place.
iGaming Ontario is a subsidiary of the AGCO and is responsible for the operation and management of new online gaming markets offered through private gaming companies (operators).
Established in July 2021, iGaming Ontario is a subsidiary of AGCO and is working with AGCO and the Government of Ontario to bring the province the world’s best online gambling experience in a safer environment, helping to protect players and provide more choice.
Does Ontario have an age verification system for online gambling?
Yes, all legal online gambling platforms in Ontario require age verification to ensure users meet the legal age requirement, which is typically 19 years or older to legally participate in gambling activities.
How Does Ontario's Gambling Platform Protect My Personal and Financial Information?
Gambling platforms in Ontario typically use advanced encryption technologies to protect users’ personal and financial information, ensuring that all transactions are securely validated. Platforms also adhere to strict data privacy regulations.
Online Casino Overview
Where can you find the best online casino in Ontario?
Simply choose one from our detailed ranking! We’ve thoroughly researched and can confidently recommend the top online casinos available in Ontario.
Which casino software is most popular in Ontario?
We have a complete list of the top casino game providers operating in Ontario. These companies are well-established and experienced in developing online slots and table games.
What are the safest online casino payment options?
Using a debit card linked to a Canadian bank is a secure option for both deposits and withdrawals. Safe online banking methods like INSTADEBIT are also widely available.
What makes an online casino reliable and trustworthy?
A trustworthy Canadian online casino should be licensed, have a solid reputation for fair payouts and bonus conditions, and employ high-level encryption to protect your funds. Every casino listed in our ranking meets these criteria for reliability and trustworthiness.
Do Ontario bookies offer mobile apps?
Yes, many legal gambling operators in Ontario offer mobile applications, allowing users to gamble conveniently on their mobile devices.
Do Ontario bookies have 24-hour customer support services?
Yes, many licensed gambling platforms in Ontario provide 24/7 customer support services. Users can contact the platform via phone, email, or live chat to get assistance and answers.
Responsible Gambling
What is responsible gambling?
Responsible gambling means participating in
gambling activities with less risk of experiencing harm or causing harm to
others.
Responsible gambling is centered around
empowering players to make informed choices about their play.
Why is responsible gambling important?
Responsible gambling can also help you have a more enjoyable playing experience. Consider paying more than you intended to because you didn’t know how to place a bet. Not much fun, is it? However, if you study how the games work, understand the odds of winning, and set reasonable goals, you may discover that you have a better experience.
What is iGaming Ontario asking operators to do about responsible gambling?
1. Obtain and maintain responsible gambling accreditation through the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Check program to ensure a high standard of responsible gambling programs.
2. Run problem gambling prevention and responsible gambling initiatives with the aim of striking a balance between responsible gambling advertising and promotional marketing.
3. Participate in a future coordinated and unified self-exclusion scheme that helps players take a vacation from all regulated online gaming websites in Ontario.
4. Share anonymized player data to help advance problem gambling and responsible gambling research.
These four expectations are in addition to all Ontario Operators being required to follow the responsible gambling standards established by Ontario’s regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), in the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
How can I know if I am gambling excessively?
If you find yourself consistently betting beyond your budget, or if gambling starts to impact your work, family, and social life, it may be a sign of excessive gambling. Ontario offers self-assessment tools and support services to help you evaluate and identify gambling behavior.
What should I do if I think I may have a gambling addiction?
If you feel you may have a gambling addiction, it’s important to seek help immediately. Ontario offers various support services, including self-exclusion programs, a 24-hour gambling helpline, and professional treatment and counseling.
How can I know if a gambling operator in Ontario meets responsible gambling standards?
You can check if the gambling platform holds a valid gambling license from Ontario and whether the platform clearly outlines its responsible gambling policies, including self-exclusion, betting limits, and other features.
Can I test if I have a gambling addiction?
You can visit the RGC website and take the self-assessment test: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/safer-play/self-assessment-quiz/