Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ontario online casinos answered

Legality & Regulation

Is online gambling legal in Ontario?

Yes. Online casino gambling and sports betting are legal in Ontario for individuals 19 years or older, provided they use operators licensed by the AGCO and registered with iGaming Ontario (iGO). The regulated market launched on April 4, 2022.

How do I know if a casino is legal in Ontario?

All legal Ontario casinos must be registered with iGaming Ontario. You can verify any casino's licensing status on the official iGO registry at igamingontario.ca/regulated-market. Never play at unlicensed offshore casinos.

What is the difference between AGCO and iGaming Ontario?

The AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) is the provincial regulator that sets standards and enforces gaming laws. iGaming Ontario (iGO) is a subsidiary of AGCO that conducts and manages the day-to-day operations of Ontario's online gambling market.

Can I play at offshore casinos from Ontario?

While many offshore casinos still accept Ontario players, they are not legal in Ontario and offer no player protections. Unlicensed casinos are not regulated by AGCO, do not guarantee fair games or payouts, and you have no legal recourse if disputes arise. Always use iGO-registered operators.

Account & Age Requirements

How old do I need to be to gamble in Ontario?

You must be 19 years of age or older to gamble in Ontario. All casinos verify your age during account registration and require identity verification (KYC) before allowing withdrawals.

Why do I need separate accounts for Ontario casinos?

Many casino brands operate internationally but must maintain separate Ontario operations to comply with provincial regulations. Ontario accounts have Ontario-specific game libraries, payment methods, and player protections. Your international account (if you had one) cannot be used in Ontario.

Can I play while traveling outside Ontario?

No. Ontario casinos use geolocation technology (GPS and IP address) to verify you are physically located in Ontario when playing. If you travel outside Ontario, you will not be able to access your account until you return.

Payment Methods & Deposits

What payment methods are available in Ontario?

Most Ontario casinos accept Interac (most popular), Visa, Mastercard, e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and bank transfers. Interac is the most widely used method for both deposits and withdrawals. See our Payment Methods Guide for detailed information.

How long do deposits take?

Most deposit methods process instantly or near-instantly. Interac deposits typically process within seconds to minutes. Credit card deposits are usually instant. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days.

Is there a deposit limit?

AGCO regulations require all casinos to allow you to set your own deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly). There are no mandatory maximum deposit limits, but you should set limits appropriate for your budget. Decreases to limits take effect immediately; increases have cooling-off periods (24-72 hours).

Withdrawals & Verification

How long do withdrawals take?

Withdrawal times vary by payment method. Interac typically processes in 1-3 business days. Bank transfers take 3-5 business days. E-wallets may be faster (1-2 days). All casinos must verify your identity (KYC) before processing your first withdrawal, which adds 24-48 hours.

What is KYC verification and why is it required?

KYC (Know Your Customer) is identity verification required by Ontario regulations and anti-money laundering laws. Before your first withdrawal, you must submit government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and confirm your date of birth. This typically takes 24-48 hours once documents are submitted.

What documents do I need for KYC verification?

You typically need: (1) Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or Ontario Photo Card), (2) Proof of address dated within 3 months (utility bill, bank statement, government correspondence), and (3) Sometimes a photo of your payment method (credit card with middle numbers obscured). Requirements vary by casino.

Can I withdraw using a different method than I deposited?

Most casinos require you to withdraw using the same method you deposited, when possible (anti-money laundering regulation). If your deposit method doesn't support withdrawals (e.g., some prepaid cards), you may be able to use bank transfer or Interac instead. Contact casino support for guidance.

Bonuses & Promotions

Why don't I see bonus information on CasinoGPT?

Ontario regulations prohibit advertising of bonus values, promotional offers, and loyalty rewards. While casinos may offer bonuses to players, we cannot advertise or compare them. Check casino websites directly for current offers.

Do Ontario casinos offer welcome bonuses?

Many Ontario casinos offer welcome bonuses and promotions, but regulations restrict how these can be advertised. You'll need to visit casino websites directly and log into your account to see available offers. Always read terms and conditions (wagering requirements, game restrictions, time limits).

Games & Fairness

Are casino games fair in Ontario?

Yes. AGCO regulations require all games to use Random Number Generators (RNG) that are tested and certified by accredited independent testing laboratories. Games are regularly audited to ensure ongoing fairness. Live dealer games use physical equipment (cards, wheels, dice) with real-time video streaming.

Why are some games available internationally but not in Ontario?

Ontario has its own game library approval process. Not all titles available on a casino's international site may be licensed for Ontario. Casinos maintain separate Ontario-specific game catalogs that comply with provincial regulations.

What is RTP and does it matter?

RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. For example, 96% RTP means the game returns $96 for every $100 wagered long-term. Higher RTP is better for players, but remember: RTP is calculated over millions of spins. Individual sessions vary widely due to randomness.

Responsible Gambling

What responsible gambling tools are available?

All Ontario casinos must provide: deposit limits (daily/weekly/monthly), loss limits, time limits and session reminders, reality checks (periodic notifications), cool-off periods (temporary account suspension), and self-exclusion (permanent or long-term exclusion). You can also use AGCO's province-wide self-exclusion program.

How do I set deposit limits?

Log into your casino account, navigate to "Responsible Gambling" or "My Account" settings, and set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Decreases take effect immediately. Increases have mandatory waiting periods (cooling-off periods) of 24-72 hours to prevent impulsive decisions.

What should I do if gambling is becoming a problem?

If you cannot control gambling or it's causing problems, get help immediately. ConnexOntario provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Other resources include Gamblers Anonymous (peer support meetings) and AGCO Self-Exclusion (province-wide casino ban). See our Responsible Gambling page for comprehensive resources.

Taxes & Winnings

Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Ontario?

Generally no. Recreational gambling winnings (casino games, sports betting, lottery) are not taxable in Canada. Exception: If gambling is your primary source of income (professional gambler), winnings may be considered business income and subject to taxation. Consult a tax professional if gambling is your profession.

Do casinos report my winnings to the government?

Ontario casinos do not report gambling winnings to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for recreational players. However, casinos must comply with anti-money laundering regulations and may report suspicious transactions or large cash movements.

Mobile Gaming

Can I play casino games on my phone?

Yes. Most Ontario casinos offer mobile access via dedicated apps (iOS/Android) or browser-based play (no download required). Mobile features typically include full game libraries, deposits, withdrawals, and customer support. Check individual casino profiles for mobile availability.

Do I need to download an app to play on mobile?

Not always. Many casinos offer both app-based and browser-based mobile play. Browser-based play works on any device without downloads. Apps may offer additional features (push notifications, faster loading) but require App Store/Google Play downloads.

Customer Support & Issues

How do I contact casino customer support?

Most casinos offer live chat (fastest), email support (24-48 hour response), and self-service FAQ/help centers. Some casinos also provide phone support. Live chat is typically available 24/7 or during extended hours. Check individual casino profiles for specific support options.

What if I have a dispute with a casino?

First, contact the casino's customer support and explain the issue. Most disputes are resolved at this level. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with AGCO. AGCO investigates complaints against licensed operators and can enforce resolution. Keep records of all communications and transactions.

Can CasinoGPT help with my casino account issue?

No. CasinoGPT is an informational resource about Ontario casinos. We do not operate casinos and cannot assist with account issues, deposits, withdrawals, disputes, or gameplay problems. Contact the casino operator directly or file a complaint with AGCO if needed.

Question Not Answered?

For more detailed information, check our comprehensive guides:

Note: CasinoGPT is an informational resource. We cannot assist with casino account issues, deposits, withdrawals, or player disputes. Contact casino operators directly or file complaints with AGCO.

Need Help with Problem Gambling?

If gambling is causing problems in your life, free confidential help is available 24/7:

ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600

See our Responsible Gambling page for comprehensive resources, warning signs, and Ontario support services.