April 2022 brought changes to Ontario’s online casino market. On April 4, Ontario became the first province to allow private operators to open regulated online casinos. All existing operators were given two options: to register and agree to the terms set by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO), or to stop offering their services to Ontario residents. Some operators decided to stop providing services to Ontario residents. The rest revised their webpages to comply with Ontario’s iGaming rules.
All online casinos that are regulated by the AGCO are legal and licensed to operate in the province of Ontario. The new changes to the online gambling marketplace in Ontario provided strict new rules. Here we will review and compare what the new changes mean to Ontario, how it compares to the rest of Canada, and analyze if regulation of private online casinos is beneficial.
Top AGCO-Registered Casinos in Ontario
These online casinos have agreed to and are complying with the regulations set by the AGCO regarding fair and honest online casinos, and have provided a means for Ontario residents to control and/or limit their online gambling. These casinos have also agreed to provide means to assist customers who may have gambling problems. Scores are reflections of our complete reviews.
BetMGM Casino Ontario
Licence: AGCO Registered (Ontario only)
Payments & Key Facts
- Payment Methods: Interac, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay
- Operator: BetMGM Canada Inc.
- Withdrawal Speed: internal review of 3-5 days (up to 5 business days in the terms), then Interac within 24 hours (BetMGM's figures)
Key Highlights
- Backed by MGM Resorts and Entain
- Sportsbook, casino and MGM Rewards in one account
- Ontario players only (19+)
LeoVegas Casino Ontario
Licence: AGCO OPIG1337312 (Tigergen Limited) | Founded: 2012
Payments & Key Facts
- Payment Methods: Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay; payouts by Interac or bank transfer
- Minimum Deposit: $10 (Interac)
- Withdrawal Speed: processed within 5 working days (LeoVegas aims for 24 hours)
Key Highlights
- 3,000+ slots and 100+ live tables, plus LeoVegas-only games
- Self-exclusion from 6 months up to permanent
- Owned by MGM Resorts International
JackpotCity Casino Ontario
Licence: AGCO Registered (OPIG1236392) | Founded: 1998
Payments & Key Facts
- Payment Methods: Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay (eCheck for withdrawals)
- Minimum Deposit: $10
- Withdrawal Speed: listed at 1–24 hours by Visa, 1–3 business days by Interac or eCheck
Key Highlights
- Official partner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC
- Nearly three decades in business
- Registered with the AGCO since 2022
Spin Casino Ontario
Licence: AGCO OPIG1237906 (Cadtree Limited) | Brand since: 2001
Payments & Key Facts
- Payment Methods: Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay (eCheck for withdrawals)
- Minimum Deposit: $10; minimum withdrawal $50
- Withdrawal Speed: listed at 1–24 hours by Visa and 1–3 business days by Interac; Spin advertises instant withdrawals, but its terms still list a 24-hour pending period
Key Highlights
- Self-serve deposit, loss and session limits and self-exclusion
- 24/7 live chat, email and a toll-free phone line
- Same operator as JackpotCity Ontario
Betway Ontario
Licence: AGCO-registered (Cadway Limited) | Brand since: 2006
Payments & Key Facts
- Payment Methods: Interac, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Instadebit, iDebit (Mastercard is deposit only)
- Minimum withdrawal $10; Betway says it charges no deposit or withdrawal fees
- Withdrawal Speed: a pending period of up to 72 hours in the terms, then up to three working days, depending on the method
Key Highlights
- Games Global, Playtech and Pragmatic Play slots plus Evolution live tables
- Deposit, loss and session limits, breaks and self-exclusion for up to five years
- Live chat and email; no published phone number
What You'll Learn
- What Happened in April 2022
- Ontario vs. Rest of Canada: Key Regulatory Differences
- AGCO vs. iGaming Ontario: Who Does What
- What AGCO Licensing Demands from Casinos
- Who's Actually Registered
- How Bonuses Changed Under AGCO Rules
- Ontario Market: Advantages & Disadvantages
- What Casinos Can't Do Anymore
- What You Get in Exchange
- How to Verify a Legitimate AGCO Casino
- Ontario vs. Rest of Canada
- Can You Still Use International Casinos?
- What's Coming Next
What Happened in April 2022
The changes came on April 4, 2022, when Ontario legalized and became the first province to regulate private online casinos. Since then, all private online casinos wishing to provide services to Ontario residents have to register and comply with the terms set by iGO and the AGCO.
Prior to Ontario's regulated iGaming market, Ontario residents often used unregulated iGaming sites. The Ontario government, however, took the position that unregulated sites place consumers at risk, and to ensure consumer protection, the Ontario government developed its iGaming framework.
As of April 4, the biggest online gaming and sports betting operators were live in Ontario and more have since launched. Not all operators have entered the Ontario market. Gaming and sports betting customers in Ontario now have the local versions of operators like BetMGM, LeoVegas, JackpotCity, Spin Casino and Betway.
Why Ontario Went This Route
Ontario's online gaming market represents a large opportunity to capture betting revenues, and the Ontario government also wanted to ensure that gambling websites adhere to fair and honest practices, offer protections to limit and address problem gambling, and ensure the operators of these websites are legitimate.
Quick Timeline:
- 2019: The Ontario government announced plans for a regulated online gambling market.
- July 2021: iGaming Ontario was created as a subsidiary of the AGCO.
- April 4, 2022: The regulated market opened.
- May 12, 2025: iGaming Ontario became a standalone provincial agency.
- May 14, 2026: BetGuard, the province-wide self-exclusion program, launched.
Ontario vs. Rest of Canada: Key Regulatory Differences
Ontario's sports betting and gaming framework is different from other provinces in Canada.
| Feature | Ontario (AGCO Licensed) | Rest of Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal and regulated in Ontario | Offshore sites operate in a legal grey area (provincial lottery sites are legal, and Alberta opened a regulated market in July 2026) |
| Licensing Authority | AGCO (registration) and iGaming Ontario (operating agreement) | Foreign regulators like the MGA or Curaçao, or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Quebec |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Deposit and loss limits must be offered at sign-up | Depends on the casino and its regulator |
| Dispute Handling | Operator first, then iGaming Ontario if it isn't resolved | Depends on the foreign regulator (often slow and indirect) |
| Winnings and Reporting | Recreational winnings are tax-free and aren't reported to the CRA. Payouts of $10,000+ are reported to FINTRAC (anti-money laundering, not tax) | Recreational winnings are tax-free. AML rules depend on the casino's regulator |
| Self-Exclusion | BetGuard: one registration covers every regulated Ontario site (since May 14, 2026) | Managed per casino (provincial lottery sites have their own programs) |
| Marketing Restrictions | No public bonus ads, no athletes in ads, no targeting minors | Varies depending on jurisdiction |
Bottom line: Customers in Ontario should only use gaming and sports betting sites that are regulated by the AGCO. These sites provide safe and legal sports betting and gaming. Offshore sites should not be used by customers in Ontario.
AGCO vs. iGaming Ontario: Who Does What
The two organizations have different roles.
AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
The AGCO sets rules for online casinos and sports betting. The rules concern, amongst other things, game and casino integrity, data and client protection, and responsible gaming. Before a casino can operate in the province of Ontario, the casino has to register with the AGCO. The Commission can suspend, issue a fine, or otherwise discipline a casino for breaking the rules.
iGaming Ontario (iGO)
As a commercial operator of gaming services in Ontario, iGO enters into operating agreements with persons or entities who wish to provide gaming services in Ontario (operators). Under the agreements, iGO is entitled to a share of the operators’ gross gaming revenues. iGO was established in 2021, as a subsidiary of the AGCO. Effective May 12, 2025, it became an independent provincial agency. iGO has never been part of the OLG.
For a gaming service provider to operate in the province of Ontario, the provider must register with the AGCO and execute an operating agreement with iGO. iGO manages the self-exclusion program known as BetGuard.
What AGCO Licensing Demands from Casinos
In order to register and remain registered with the AGCO, operators must meet a number of conditions relating to the operation and finance of their business, as well as protecting players from potential risks.
Key Requirements
1. Registration and Integrity Checks
Operators wishing to offer their services to residents of Ontario must register with the AGCO for approval. The AGCO reviews the operators to determine the ownership and management of the operators.
2. Independent Game Testing
The AGCO evaluates games and their underlying random number generators to evaluate fairness and integrity. The games and their systems are required to meet the AGCO standards, and an independent testing agency must also evaluate the game and system to the same effect.
3. Responsible Gambling Tools
Players are offered the opportunity to set limits on their deposits and losses. Players are also offered a 24-hour cooling-off period to adjust limit increases. BetGuard allows users to self-exclude from all gaming websites licensed by the province.
4. Anti-Money Laundering Checks
Canadian casinos, including those in Ontario, are required to report to FINTRAC any payouts of CAD $10,000 or more to players. The casino is not required to report winnings of individuals to the Canada Revenue Agency, and winnings are not taxable.
5. Dispute Resolution
As with other provinces, the best first recourse when a player has an issue with an operator in Ontario is to complain to that operator. An example is BetMGM Ontario, which can take up to 90 days to deliver a formal response to a player complaint. Players have the option to escalate the issue to iGaming Ontario. The AGCO can sanction an operator for a range of infractions, from a warning to a fine or suspension.
6. Identity and Age Checks
Each time a new player creates an account, the operator is obligated to verify their age and identity. Players must be 19 years of age and located in the Province of Ontario in order to place a bet.
Bottom Line: Compared to other Canadian jurisdictions, the AGCO's iGaming framework provides a relatively high level of protection to players.
Who's Actually Registered
The iGaming Ontario website provides a listing of all the licensed Operators, as well as the websites operated by those respective Companies.
Big Names That Registered
Among the brands we review, these run Ontario-specific sites:
- BetMGM Ontario (backed by MGM Resorts and Entain)
- LeoVegas Ontario (owned by MGM Resorts)
- JackpotCity Ontario (online since 1998)
- Spin Casino Ontario (same operator as JackpotCity Ontario; the Spin brand dates back to 2001)
- Betway Ontario (run by Cadway Limited, part of Super Group; the brand dates back to 2006)
There are also many major international brands who have launched their operations in Ontario. For a complete list, visit iGaming Ontario.
Look for the “Ontario” in the website’s name. Each of these sites has a different account, terms and conditions, and gaming library.
Who Left
Some international casino brands determined it was not financially beneficial to offer iGaming in Ontario, and have chosen to restrict access to Ontario players. Others, like SIA have created two websites- one in Kahnawake for the rest of Canada (apart from Alberta) and one in Ontario (AGCO).
How to Check Registration Status
iGaming Ontario has a public list of all of the operators and websites who have been authorized to offer their services to Ontario players. If a casino is not on that list, they are not allowed to operate in Ontario.
Our Ontario reviews show each casino's AGCO registration. Ontario residents should only play at AGCO-registered casinos. Illegal and unregulated online casinos do not provide legal remedies for, and do not protect, players.
How Bonuses Changed Under AGCO Rules
One of the biggest alterations for the new industry norms is where bonuses are displayed as opposed to what bonuses are available. This is a summary of the changes to the province’s iGaming market.
What AGCO Rules Restrict
- No public bonus advertising. Operators can't advertise bonuses or other inducements publicly, for example on TV, billboards, social media or affiliate sites. Offers can only appear on the operator's own site or app, or in direct marketing to players who have agreed to receive it. That's why we don't show bonus offers on our Ontario pages.
- Clear terms. Bonus terms, including wagering requirements, have to be clear and not misleading, so you can understand an offer before you accept it.
The Practical Result
Bonuses and promotions are offered by many operators. Promotions and bonus offers are now site or app specific and/or marketing list specific. Terms and conditions vary among operators. Our Wagering Requirements and Bonus Terms guides provide insight as to what to look for.
Ontario Market: Advantages & Disadvantages
Compared to the unregulated iGaming market, the regulated iGaming market in Ontario does not have as broad of an offering, but it provides players safeguards and offers a clear process for player complaints.
✓ Advantages for Ontario
- Fully legal under provincial law
- Games must meet AGCO standards, including independent testing
- A clear complaints route: the operator, then iGaming Ontario
- BetGuard: one self-exclusion covers every regulated site
- Deposit and loss limits offered at sign-up
- Local enforcement and oversight
✗ Disadvantages
- Far fewer sites than the hundreds of offshore casinos
- No public bonus ads, so offers are harder to compare
- Geolocation checks every time you play
- Some games and providers aren't available in Ontario
Our assessment is that players in Ontario have a more safe and protected environment to gamble, however, the trade off is fewer choices and a controlled environment. The public will have to decide if they are comfortable with the current trade offs.
What Casinos Can't Do Anymore
Marketing and advertising of gaming services in Ontario are strictly regulated and controlled by the AGCO. There are a number of restrictions that apply from the outset, and additional restrictions are imposed over time.
Banned Since February 28, 2024
- Athletes in ads. Active and retired athletes can't appear in online gambling ads, except in responsible gambling messages. Celebrities and influencers likely to appeal to minors are restricted too.
Ongoing Restrictions
- Public bonus advertising. Operators can't publicly advertise bonuses or other inducements. Offers can only appear on their own sites and apps, or in direct marketing to players who have opted in.
- Targeting minors. Ads can't be aimed at people under 19.
- Glorifying gambling. Marketing can't suggest that gambling leads to social success or financial security, or that it solves personal problems.
Why This Matters
Because of stricter iGaming rules in Ontario, aggressive marketing has all but disappeared. While this means players can avoid being misled by predatory marketing, the unintended consequence is that Ontario players have to seek out marketing offers rather than being able to effortlessly find bonus offers, like on Instagram.
What You Get in Exchange
Less flashy public bonus ads and more stringent rules equaled less choice for Ontario players. But what did they gain?
1. Legal Protections That Work
If an AGCO-licensed casino does not pay out your winnings, contact the casino and, if necessary, file a complaint with iGaming Ontario. The AGCO can warn, fine or suspend casinos for breaking the rules. For a casino with a license in Malta or Curaçao, your complaint will be dealt with by a regulation authority that is hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.
2. Responsible Gambling Tools (Required, Not Optional)
Players can set limits on their deposits and/or losses. Increasing a limit takes effect after 24 hours and can be done at any time. Since May 14th, 2026, players can self-exclude from all iGaming sites in Ontario through BetGuard.
3. Data Security Standards
There are requirements for operators and service providers to protect the privacy of Ontario players, and the Operators are required to follow Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA) in addition to the requirements set by the AGCO.
4. Fair Gaming Certification
Third party testing labs verify the integrity of online casino games offered in Ontario.
The Trade: People in Ontario have lost some choices and seen the removal of flashy public bonus ads. However, players have gained some safety measures and transparency with the introduction of a provincial regulator.
How to Verify a Legitimate AGCO Casino
Make sure you are playing on a legitimate AGCO-licensed casino and not a fake or a phishing site.
4-Step Verification Process
URL Check
Many Ontario-specific iGaming sites include “on” in their domain names (e.g. on.betmgm.ca). Be sure to look out for sites using similar domains. To be absolutely certain, use the iGaming Ontario-approved links.
License Number
All sites registered with the AGCO have their registration details listed on the site, usually in the footer. Check that they are listed, and the details and/or links are accurate.
SSL Certificate
Check to see if the website address starts with ‘https’ and has a padlock. The presence of a padlock does not necessarily mean the site is trustworthy and legitimate, so you should always look for other indicators as well.
Official List
Check out iGaming Ontario’s website (igamingontario.ca) to review which operators are registered and to identify legitimate sites.
Red Flags for Fake Sites
- Unexpected promotional emails with login links
- Promises of large, no-wager bonuses
- Exclusive crypto or wire transfer payments
- Using "bonus expires in 10 minutes" type of urgency
- Poor spelling, grammar, or design quality
If you suspect a site is not legitimate, do not provide them with any information or funds. You can contact the AGCO to provide a report.
Ontario vs. Rest of Canada
Alberta opened their iGaming market in July 2026. People must be 18+ to participate. All other provincial sites are operated by the provincial lottery corporation. Offshore sites operate in a legal gray area.
What Other Provinces Get
- More visible bonuses. Offshore casinos aren't bound by Ontario's advertising rules, so they advertise their offers much more openly.
- More choice. Players outside Ontario can sign up at hundreds of offshore casinos, as well as their provincial lottery site.
- Less protection. Offshore casinos are licensed abroad, or by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Quebec, so complaints go to that regulator and Ontario-style provincial rules don't apply.
Will Other Provinces Follow?
Alberta passed its iGaming Alberta Act in 2025 and opened its iGaming market on July 13, 2026. Other provinces operate iLottery sites through their provincial lotteries and the outlook for the future is uncertain.
Building a regulated market takes years, from writing the rules to enforcing them. Ontario has demonstrated that it can create a regulated market, but other provinces will move at their own pace.
Can You Still Use International Casinos?
Technically, yes. Legally, it’s complicated.
What the Law Says
Currently, only casinos authorized by the AGCO through iGaming Ontario are permitted to offer online gaming services within the province. It’s expected that unauthorized casinos will restrict access to people located in Ontario. However, a number do not.
The rules protect players from predatory practices, but they don't help if an unregistered casino doesn't want to pay out.
The Risks
- No AGCO protection. There's no Ontario complaints route, BetGuard doesn't cover the site, and game fairness depends entirely on the casino's own licence.
- Payment problems. Some banks and card issuers decline payments to gambling sites that aren't regulated in Canada, so deposits and withdrawals can fail.
- Account risk. If a casino later decides you were playing from Ontario, it may close your account, and getting your balance out can be difficult.
Our Take
It is safer to use iGaming sites operated by companies approved by the AGCO. Players will see fewer available site options, and will not be able to view public bonus ads. Playing at an approved site means a player can be assured their funds are protected and the site games are legal and regulated.
What's Coming Next
Ontario’s market will continue to be regulated and adjusted in coming years. New operators continue to gain authorization from the AGCO to operate. We will continue to monitor evolving trends and adjust this guide accordingly.
Tighter Responsible Gambling Rules
Deposit and loss limits have been put in place. Look forward to more player protection rules. We’ll update this guide to reflect changes to these rules.
Province-Wide Self-Exclusion Is Here
Prior to May 2026, each operator handled its own self-exclusion, and as a result, self-excluding from one operator would not prevent access to the other operators. On May 14, 2026, with the launch of iGaming Ontario’s BetGuard, a centralized self-exclusion tool was introduced. Visit our Responsible Gambling page for more information.
More International Operators Joining
As with the other online gambling operator launches, some global casinos initially waited to see how the market would develop before launching in Ontario. Continual operator changes to iGaming Ontario’s marketplace means the list of available operators is constantly changing. To view the currently available operators, visit the iGaming Ontario website.
Potential Expansion to Other Provinces
Alberta has also followed Ontario. The regulated markets may align across Canada, but given the different provincial and territorial markets, it's likely that rules will remain different.
The bottom line: more changes to the rules and further adjustments are likely in the Ontario market. Regulating the casino and betting sites available in Ontario has set a precedent, and some provinces may follow.
Final Thoughts: Is Regulation Worth It?
Ontario has developed its own regulated online casinos, and compared to other provinces and territories, has limited the number of sites, restricted advertising and imposed more regulations.
We think most consumers would agree that current regulations provide a safer environment. You have the right to file a complaint against your gambling site if you feel they have violated the regulations, and the site you are playing on is legally obligated to offer you a number of tools to help you play responsibly. Whether this is an adequate trade off is up to the consumer to decide.
Consider Ontario’s iGaming providers if you are concerned with your money being safely available, and if customer support is of prime importance.
As of now, the only casinos in Ontario that are allowed to operate are those registered with the AGCO. We provide licensing, first impressions and payout speeds in our Ontario casino reviews. The industry is continuously evolving, but the core elements that represent a quality casino: licensing, terms and payouts, are constants.
Find Ontario-Registered Casinos
We have assessed casinos registered with the AGCO, covering payouts, game selection and safety.
Browse Ontario CasinosFrequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Ontario?
Yes. The online casinos registered to the AGCO and operating under an agreement with iGaming Ontario, are fully licensed. You must be at least 19 years of age to play and be within the borders of the province of Ontario. You forfeit the legal protections of Ontario if you play at an online casino that is not licensed by the AGCO.
Why don't you show bonus offers on Ontario pages?
Because Ontario restricts operators from providing promotional offers to the public, we won't include them. However, we will talk about the casinos and what they provide. Offers differ from casino to casino. You should always look over an operator's terms and conditions before you do anything.
Can I still play at international casinos from Ontario?
While most international sites that aren't registered will block users in Ontario, if a site doesn't and you're using the site, you're not protected by Ontario. We don't recommend using these sites.
What's the difference between AGCO and iGaming Ontario?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) establishes the rules, approves and oversees the operations of the gaming industry in the province of Ontario. iGaming Ontario (iGO) has the authority to grant and approve access to the Ontario market. If an operator wishes to operate in Ontario, the operator must enter into an agreement with iGO and pay a portion of the operator’s gross gaming revenue to iGO. iGO also administers BetGuard, the Central Self-Exclusion Service.
Does this affect players in other provinces?
No. Ontario’s iGaming laws are territorially circumscribed to Ontario. Elsewhere, individuals can use the site of their province’s lottery corporation. Beyond that, offshore online casinos, although legally risky, are easily accessible.
How do I check if a casino is registered in Ontario?
Only operators authorized by the AGCO are legal in Ontario. iGaming Ontario’s site has a list of authorized operators. Each of our Ontario reviews includes the casino’s authorization by the AGCO.
Are Ontario casinos safer than international ones?
Yes. The AGCO has rules to protect players and ensure the gaming site has procedures to accept and fairly investigate complaints from players. Offshore gaming sites may also have procedures to protect players and address complaints.
How does the casino verify I'm in Ontario?
Geolocation technology is used to physically validate a player is located in Ontario. Operators can and do prohibit players from using VPNs.
Do I pay taxes on winnings?
Winnings from recreational gambling are not taxed in Canada. Professional gamblers are taxed on their gambling winnings. Payouts of $10,000 or more are reported to FINTRAC. This does not mean the payout is taxed.
How does self-exclusion work?
As of May 14, 2026, Ontario offers a single self-exclusion program, BetGuard, run by iGaming Ontario. Registering with BetGuard excludes you from all legal online iGaming services in the province. You can restrict your exclusion from 6 months to 5 years or create a restriction of your own choosing. You can extend your restriction, but not reduce it or remove it. You must be 19 or older to use BetGuard, and your identification will be verified. ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) is a resource available to you, but it will not exclude you from iGaming services.
Are there other licensed operators besides the big names?
There are many registered iGaming operators in Ontario. Some of which we review (BetMGM, LeoVegas, JackpotCity, Spin Casino, and Betway). The full list can be found on the iGaming Ontario site.
Need Help?
Ontario online gambling service providers offer a variety of programs and features to assist with responsible gambling. You can set limits on the funds that you deposit and/or wager. You can also set a limit on the amount of time that you spend gambling. If you wish to completely stop gambling, then you can use BetGuard. Other online gambling service providers must offer self-exclusion programs, and BetGuard allows you to self-exclude from all of these sites.
Resources: Responsible Gambling Council | ConnexOntario | Call 1-866-531-2600 (free, 24/7)
You must be 19 years of age or older and be located in the province of Ontario to engage in iGaming. Only engage in iGaming if you can afford to lose your stake.