Understanding Ontario's regulated online casino market
Online gambling became legal and regulated in Ontario on April 4, 2022. This guide explains how the regulated market works, how to verify casino legality, and what player protections exist.
Yes. Online casino gambling and sports betting are legal in Ontario for individuals 19 years of age or older, provided they use operators licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and registered with iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is the provincial regulatory authority responsible for all gaming activities in Ontario, including land-based casinos, lottery, horse racing, and online gambling. AGCO:
iGaming Ontario (iGO) is a subsidiary of AGCO that conducts and manages Ontario's competitive online gambling market. iGO:
All legal Ontario casinos must appear on the official iGaming Ontario registry. Before creating an account at any online casino, verify its registration:
View Official iGaming Ontario Registry →Ontario's regulated market provides comprehensive player protections that unlicensed offshore casinos do not offer:
All operators must verify players are 19+ before allowing account creation. Identity verification (KYC) is required before first withdrawal.
Player deposits must be held in segregated accounts separate from operator business funds. Your money is protected even if an operator faces financial difficulties.
All games must use Random Number Generators (RNG) tested and certified by accredited independent laboratories. Games are regularly audited for fairness.
Operators must provide deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, reality checks, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion options. See our Responsible Gambling page.
SSL encryption, secure payment processing, and data protection requirements ensure your personal and financial information is protected.
If you have unresolved disputes with operators, you can file complaints with AGCO. Operators are required to maintain complaint resolution processes.
Many casino brands operate internationally but maintain separate operations for Ontario:
Examples of brands with Ontario-specific operations: Jackpot City (established 1998 internationally, Ontario site since 2022), Ruby Fortune (2003), Zodiac Casino (2001), and Betway (2006) all maintain separate Ontario platforms.
Many unlicensed offshore casinos continue to accept Ontario players but operate illegally in Ontario. These sites offer no player protections and may not honor withdrawals. Always verify casino licensing before playing.
Good news: Casino gambling winnings are generally not taxable in Canada. This applies to winnings from:
Exception: If gambling is your primary source of income (professional gambling), winnings may be considered business income and subject to taxation. Consult a tax professional if gambling is your profession.
Ready to play at Ontario's legal casinos? Follow these steps:
See our New Player Guide for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Online gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing problems, help is available:
ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600
Free, confidential help available 24/7. See our Responsible Gambling page for comprehensive resources.
19+ Only: You must be 19 years of age or older to gamble in Ontario. All operators require age verification before account creation.
Informational Resource: This website provides information about Ontario's regulated online casino market. Content is educational and does not constitute gambling advice or recommendations. All gambling involves risk.
Not Affiliated: CasinoGPT is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any casino operator, iGaming Ontario (iGO), or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Verify Information: While we maintain accuracy, operational details may change. Players should verify all information directly with casino operators before playing.
Responsible Gambling: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. ConnexOntario provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600.
Last updated: February 2026 | All casinos verified as iGaming Ontario registered operators