Online Gambling in Ontario: What You Need to Know
Ontario is one of the most progressive jurisdictions in Canada when it comes to online gambling. In April 2022, the province launched a regulated iGaming market under the supervision of iGaming Ontario (iGO), a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This marked a major milestone in Canadian gambling history, allowing private operators to offer internet gambling legally to residents of Ontario through government-approved platforms.
Legal Framework
The launch of Ontario’s regulated online gambling market was made possible by the provincial government’s decision to end the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) monopoly on online gambling. Through iGaming Ontario, the province created a licensing framework for private operators. These operators must meet strict standards of player protection, fairness, responsible gambling, and anti-money laundering practices.
The legal gambling age in Ontario is 19. This applies to both land-based casinos and online gambling platforms. Anyone residing in Ontario and aged 19 or older can legally participate in online gambling through licensed websites.
Licensed Online Gambling Options
Ontario now boasts dozens of licensed online gambling operators. These include major international brands such as BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and PointsBet, among others. These sites offer a variety of gambling options, including:
- Online sports betting
- Online casino games (slots, table games, live dealer)
- Online poker
- Esports betting
All of these activities are legal as long as they are conducted on a platform that is registered with iGaming Ontario.
OLG.ca vs. Private Operators
Before the opening of the regulated market, Ontario residents could only legally gamble online through OLG.ca, the official site of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. It remains an option and continues to offer lottery tickets, casino games, and sports betting. However, with the market now open to private operators, Ontarians have far more choice and competitive offerings.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Ontario’s regulated market places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling. Licensed operators are required to provide tools for players to manage their activity, including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options. iGaming Ontario also works in collaboration with responsible gambling organizations like ConnexOntario and the Responsible Gambling Council.
Offshore Gambling Sites
While it’s technically not illegal for Ontario residents to access offshore gambling sites, doing so comes with risk. These sites are not licensed by iGaming Ontario and therefore do not follow the same player protection standards. If a dispute arises or your funds are compromised, there is no legal recourse available. As a result, it is strongly recommended to use only licensed operators within Ontario’s regulated market.
Taxation
Winnings from online gambling in Ontario are generally not taxable if you are playing for fun and not as a professional gambler. Canada does not tax gambling winnings for recreational players. However, if you gamble professionally or as a business, your winnings could be considered taxable income.
Final Thoughts
Online gambling is fully legal and well-regulated in Ontario, making it one of the safest and most accessible environments for internet wagering in North America. With a broad range of licensed operators, strong consumer protections, and a clear legal framework, Ontario residents can enjoy online gambling with confidence—so long as they play on approved platforms and meet the legal age requirement.
