Ontario’s online gambling market is thriving and emerging as a rapidly growing sector. Since its launch in 2022, it has grown immensely and is currently even considered to be one of North America’s largest iGaming markets. And with this growth comes one major problem: finding the best one to play at. There are thousands of casinos out there; however, not all of them can give you the best experience. So, our team of experts has successfully spent countless hours reviewing and testing every licensed casino to bring you this comprehensive guide, highlighting the best online casinos Ontario’s gambling has to offer. We also evaluated each and every aspect, like customer support, game selections, bonuses, and payment system, all to give you the best casino sites that can meet your every need. So, let’s get started, shall we?
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30% Rakeback + 100 First Deposit
Free Spins + No KYC
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5 BTC + 180 free spins
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$2000 or 5 BTC + 180 Free Spins
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Welcome Pack of 325% up to 5 BTC + 200 FS
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325% up to 5 BTC + 150 FS
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Top Online Casinos Detailed Review
Even though being an Ontarian citizen allows you to access thousands of online casinos in Canada out there, a large majority of them are overrated and are actively trying to scam you out of your money. Furthermore, if you don’t choose a properly licensed one, you might find it difficult to cash out or earn winnings from them. So, to make your gambling life seamless and easier, we have put together the top 4 best online casinos in Ontario. You can refer to the reviews below and then decide for yourself whether you want to engage in gambling inside them. So what do you say? Shall we begin?
BitStarz: A Casino With Over 500+ Payments
BitStarz is a top-tier online casino operating in Ontario known for its focus on both real money and crypto gambling. Launched in 2014 by Dama N.V., the online gambling platform is licensed and regulated under the Curacao Gaming Control Board. The platform boasts an impressive library of over 4,000 games, and that too from major league software providers, like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming. The casino also offers several enticing bonuses and free spins, in addition to large tournaments and loyalty programs with added bonuses and cashbacks.
- Our Rating: 4.9/5 stars
- Welcome Bonus: 300% bonuses up to 500 USD or 5 BTC + 180 FS
- Games: 6,000+ slots, table games, live dealer, jackpots, hold & win, bonus buys, and more.
- Payout Speed: A couple of minutes or 1-3 business days, depending on the employed payment method.
Key Highlights
- Level Up Adventure with up $70,000 Prize Pool
- Slot Wars with a prize pool of €5,000 along with 5,000 Free Spins
- Original games that offer players a unique gaming experience
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: As a casino that offers lightning-fast deposits and withdrawals, BitStarz holds the No.1 position in our list as the ‘Best Online Casino in Ontario’.
7Bit Casino: A Casino With a Welcome Bonus Unlike Any Other
7Bit Casino is a well-established casino that operates under Dama N.V. with an eGaming license provided by the Curacao Gaming Control Board. The casino features an extensive gaming catalogue, ranging from simple casino games, like slots and jackpots, to live dealer games and games, and that too from major providers, like Platipus and Endorphina. The casino also incorporates a provably fair game mechanism and other advanced security features and protocols to safeguard user data and transaction details.
- Our Rating: 4.85/5 stars
- Welcome Bonus: 325% bonuses up to 5.25 BTC + 250 FS
- Games: 10,000+ slots, table games, live dealer, jackpots, poker, and more.
- Payout Speed: Near-instantaneous or 1-2 business days, depending on the employed payment method.
Key Highlights
- First deposit bonus of 100% up to 1.5 BTC + 100 FS
- Legends League Tournament with over €8000 Prize Pool
- Mega Bet Masters with a $10,000 Prize Pool
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: As a casino that offers an extensive selection of games and hefty bonuses, 7Bit Casino ranks second in our ‘Best Online Casinos Ontario’ list.
KatsuBet: An Online Casino That Can Satisfy Your Every Taste
KatsuBet is an online gambling platform launched in 2020 that is immensely popular for its unique ability to satisfy almost every type of gambler in the industry. Owned and operated by Dama N.V., the online casino is licensed and regulated by the Curacao Gaming Control Board, ensuring that any and all features of the casino meet the industry standards. Katsubet also features a wide and diverse range of games, and too from leading software providers like BGaming and Betsoft Gaming.
- Our Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Welcome Bonus: 325% bonuses up to 5 BTC + 200 FS
- Games: 7,000+ slots, table games, live dealer, jackpots, poker, and more.
- Payout Speed: 15 minutes to 1-3 business days, depending on the payment method.
Key Highlights
- First deposit of 100% up to 1.5 BTC + 100 FS
- Emperor’s Spin Fest with a prize pool of $10,000
- Highroller match bonus up to 50% of your deposit with no cap on winning
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: As a casino that offers fast payouts and a wide and diverse gaming collection, KatsuBet holds the 3rd rank in our list of Ontario’s top online gambling sites.
MIRAX: A Casino With Insane Highroller Bonus & Cashbacks
MIRAX casino, launched in 2022 by Hollycorn N.V., is a well-established gambling den in the online casino industry. The casino platform is licensed and regulated by the Curacao iGaming Commission and offers its players a diverse gaming library, and that too, with the majority of the games from highly-recommended industrial providers, like Belatra and Platipus. The casino is also well known for its acceptance of both crypto and fiat payment methods, making it an ideal choice for those looking for anonymous gambling.
- Our Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Welcome Bonus: 325% bonuses up to 5 BTC + 150 FS
- Games: 9,000+ slots, table games, live dealer, jackpots, poker, and more.
- Payout Speed: 15 minutes to 1-3 business days, depending on the payment method.
Key Highlights
- First deposit of 100% up to 1.5 BTC + 100 FS
- Daily tournaments with a prize pool of up to 1000 FS
- Highroller cashback up to 20% every day on your previous day’s loss
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: With its massive gaming catalogue and lucrative promotions, MIRAX is in pur fourth rank of the ‘Best online casinos in Ontario’ list.
How to Choose the Best Ontario Online Casino
Choosing the top online casino in Ontario involves carefully considering several factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable gambling experience. Here is a brief breakdown of these factors.
Licensing & Regulations
Only play at casinos licensed by a valid and recognized authority, like the MGA or Curacao eGaming Agency, as these licensed operators ensure fair play, player protection, and responsible gambling. Look for such licensing information on the casino. It is normally found at the footer of their website.
Game Variety & Software Providers
The best Ontario online casinos should offer a wide selection of games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and specialty games. You should also check for reputable game developers, like NetEnt, Microgaming, or Evolution. These providers ensure high-quality games with fair outcomes.
Bonuses & Promotions
Look for generous bonuses and promotions to boost your winnings and deposits within the casino. You should also check for regular promotions, such as reload bonuses, cashback offers, and ongoing tournaments. All that being said, it is also important to understand the wagering requirements associated with these bonuses.
Payment System & Banking
Look for casinos that offer a wide range of payment options and a faster payout time frame. You should also check if there are any withdrawal fees associated with these payments. Almost all casinos employ this, so choose one that offers you the best deal.
Customer Support
Choose a casino with reliable customer support accessible through different channels, like live chat or email address, preferably that is accessible 24/7 throughout the year. You should also ensure the support team knows what they are doing and can assist you with any issues that may arise. For this particular information, check review forums or other social media platforms.
User Experience & Mobile Compatibility
Always go for an online casino with a well-defined and intuitive website. This makes it easier for you to browse certain features and games on the platform. If you are someone who prefers to play on mobile devices, ensure the casino has a responsive, mobile-compatible website or a dedicated mobile app.
Security Measures
Look for casinos that use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. You should also check for secure payment options, like Interac, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards. Also, check for the casino’s ‘Terms & Conditions’ to ensure that they don’t have the right to share any of your personal data with a third party.
Fair Play
Ensure the casino employs Random Number Generators to guarantee a fair and unbiased game outcome. You can also check whether the casino undergoes independent audits or not, as they can be a good way to verify the fairness of their games.
By carefully evaluating all these factors, you can increase your chances of choosing the best online casinos in Ontario.
Types of Casino Games in Ontario
The top online casinos in Ontario offer a wide and diverse catalogue of games to their players. Here is a brief overview of the most popular types.
- Slots: Online slots are the digital versions of the classic slot machines. They feature reels with symbols that spin, and players win by landing matching symbols on the payline. The different types of slots in online casinos include classic slots, multi-reel slots, video slots, progressive slots, and megaways.
- Table Games: These are traditional online games played at a table, like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker. In online casinos, these games are played on a digital table, with the results being calculated based on a Random Number Generator.
- Live Dealer Games: These are games that try to replicate the real-world casino atmosphere by broadcasting them in real-time to the players, with the help of a live dealer. Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular these days, especially in Ontario. The different variations of live dealer games found in Ontario online casinos include Blackjack, Baccarat, and Roulette.
- Progressive Jackpots: These are featured in certain slot games where a portion of each bet placed by the player keeps getting added to the reward pool. This means that it could provide a life-changing winning experience if you’re lucky enough. Even though the odds of winning a jackpot can be extremely low, it is better than winning the lottery.
Ontario Casino Bonuses & Promotions
Online gambling sites in Ontario offer several promotions and bonuses to attract new players and reward existing ones for their constant support and engagement. These bonuses can be of different types, with each yielding unique benefits to the players who claim them. Here is a brief breakdown of these bonus types.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are promotions and rewards whose sole purpose is to attract new players to an online casino. They can yield different types of rewards, including:
- First Deposit Bonuses: This type of bonus can give you extra money, depending on the deposit you made, up to a specific limit.
- Free Spins: Players receive a set number of free spins, which they can redeem inside one of the games.
- Combination Offers: Some welcome bonuses offer both the deposit bonuses and the free spins.
No Deposit Bonuses
These are among the less common but most coveted bonuses in the casino industry. They reward the player for simply signing up, and that too without needing to make any deposit. The common rewards for no-deposit bonuses include a small bonus fund and free spins. They allow players to try out different casino games and earn money without risking any funds. However, it should be noted that they come with a set of wagering requirements and withdrawal limits.
Free Spins
These are free rounds in any one of the slot games and are most commonly offered by casinos along with the welcome bonuses. But, they are available with other bonuses, like weekend bonuses or any other in-game promotions. They provide players with an amazing opportunity to spin the slot wheels without risking any money. Generally, any and all winnings from free spins are also subject to rollover requirements.
Loyalty Programs
These are level-based reward programs to incentivize the players. In these programs, players normally earn points based on their wagering activity. These points can then be used to redeem bonus funds, free spins, and other rewards. As players gain more and more points, they can progress to higher levels, thereby gaining a chance to earn more rewards in the process.
VIP Program
These are exclusive rewards programs for the most loyal players of an online casino who make deposits and wager with a large sum of money. Players who are considered such VIPs often receive exclusive benefits, like a dedicated VIP manager, exclusive bonuses and promotions, faster and no-cap withdrawals, and a chance to partake in exclusive tournaments and other events. Some casinos also offer these players birthday bonuses and other special offers.
Payment Methods Featured in the Top Ontario Online Casinos
The best online casinos in Ontario offer a wide variety of payment methods to their players so as to accommodate their needs and preferences. Here are some of these methods.
Credit & Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards, like VISA and MasterCard, are widely accepted in online casinos for both deposits and withdrawals, as they are easy to use and convenient. However, some banks tend to impose some restrictions on them and may charge high interest rates. There is also the matter of withdrawal time. The withdrawals using these cards may take up to 1-5 business days to get processed. So, if you’re someone looking to cash out immediately, we wouldn’t suggest it for you.
E-Wallets
E-wallets, like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, are also available in many casinos, as they provide an added layer of security by not directly sharing any confidential information with the gambling dens. They offer high-speed transactions, ranging from 24-72 hours for withdrawal, and several advanced security features, like 2-factor authentication and encryption. These types of payment methods are available in most Ontario online casinos.
Interac e-Transfer
It is a popular Canadian e-transfer service allowing players to transact directly between their bank and the casino. It offers fast and secure transactions and is compatible with most of the Canadian banks. However, it is not available in some of the online casinos and may take up to 2-3 business days for your withdrawal to get processed.
Cryptocurrency Options
Payment methods using digital currencies, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, or LTC, are becoming more and more common in the top Ontario online gambling sites. They provide the players anonymity, high-speed transactions, and potentially lower transaction costs when compared to other traditional payment methods. In fact, it only takes about 60 minutes to make a crypto withdrawal from an online casino.
All that being said, you should keep in mind that each casino has its own specific deposit and withdrawal limits. So, make sure to go through it before engaging in one.
Responsible Gambling in Ontario Online Casinos
Responsible gambling in the top Ontario online casinos is often implemented through a range of tools or programs that are specifically designed to promote a safe and controlled gambling experience. These measures, when properly implemented, can greatly mitigate the risks associated with gambling and even provide support for those who are in the clutches of addiction. So, let’s take a brief look at them, shall we?
Setting Limits
The best online casinos in the Ontario gambling industry allow players to set limits on the amount of money they can deposit, withdraw, or wager within a specific time frame. This greatly helps players manage their bankroll and avoid spending more money than they can afford. Some online casinos also allow players to put a limit on their logging time, encouraging them to take breaks in case of prolonged gambling sessions.
Self-Exclusion Programs
Players can choose to exclude themselves from any gambling-related activities if they are feeling overwhelmed or going through the addiction recovery process. They can implement this particular feature by getting in touch with the customer service of the gambling site they frequent. It can also be done via email, provided the players send it from a casino-registered email.
Problem Gambling Resources
Most licensed online casinos in Ontario provide their players with information about responsible gambling and links to support organizations that can help them with their gambling issues. If you or someone you know is going through similar problems, you can easily access these resources from your casino’s ‘Responsible Gambling’ session, which in most cases is found right above the website’s footer.
Ontario Online Casino Sector’s Legal Framework & Regulation
Ontario established its regulated online gambling market in mid-April 2022 to ensure a safe and secure gambling place for its citizens. This framework is specifically designed to bring private casino operators into the province’s online market while implementing maximum protections. For further information regarding the matter, read along.
Regulatory Framework & Licensing
The Ontario iGaming market is primarily regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, or AGCO, in short. However, it is the iGO, a subsidiary of AGCO, that conducts and manages the iGaming relationship of the province with the independent operators. The gaming operators, who wish to offer iGaming services, must register with AGCO and enter into an agreement with iGO to conduct any and all gambling activities within the province. This ensures that the casinos operating in Ontario meet the industry standard of online casinos.
Licensed vs Unlicensed Casino Sites
Licensed Sites: These online casino operators have been vetted by the AGCO and iGO and adhere to their strict standards, offering the gamblers of Ontario a safe and regulated gambling environment.
Unlicensed Sites: These casino sites operate outside Ontario’s legal jurisdiction and are not subject to any oversight or consumer protections. This can pose a major risk factor for gamblers engaging with such casinos.
Player Protection Measures
Per the laws specified in Ontario’s legal regulatory framework, an online casino must impose several security measures and standards for it to operate within their province. Here we will look into some of these required measures.
- Responsible Gaming Tools: Licensed casinos must provide several tools to their players, including deposit limits, time-out options, and self-exclusion programs.
- Identity Verification (KYC): Strict Know-Your-Customer procedures are to be implemented in licensed casinos to prevent underage access, fraud, and money laundering schemes.
- Fair Gaming Standards: Licensed games must use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) and undergo independent testing to ensure fair play.
- Problem Gambling Resources: Operators are required to provide links to support services, including one from Ontario, for players who need assistance with their gambling problems.
- Secure Data Handling: The casino operators must comply with privacy regulations put forth by the province and ensure a secure database to properly safeguard user data and transaction information.
In essence, Ontario’s iGaming market provides a regulated and safe gambling environment where licensed operators work with the AGCO and iGO to offer a responsible and fair experience.
Gambling Tax Implications in Ontario
The tax implications regarding online casino gambling are kinda straightforward for most players, but it’s important to fully understand the context behind them, especially for professional gamblers. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of this information.
- For Casual Players
For players who engage in casual gambling at online casinos within Ontario, the winnings are generally not taxable. This is because the Canada Revenue Agency views casual casino gambling as a chance-based activity, not a consistent and predictable source of income. If it were to be taxed, it could have a negative impact on most Canadians, which the government doesn’t want.
- For Professional Gamblers
If you are someone who regularly engages in gambling, uses several strategies to gain profit from it, and relies on it as a primary source of income, you are considered a professional gambler by the CRA. In such a case, your winnings are considered business income and are taxable. If you’re unsure whether you qualify as a professional gambler, consult a tax professional and avoid any potential issues that may arise with the CRA.
Overall, the tax implications of Ontario’s online gambling market are comprehensive and simple, and are designed in such a way that it profits all: the states, the establishments, and the players.
FAQ
Yes, online casinos are legal in Ontario as the provincial government established a regulated iGaming market in 2022, allowing private casino operators to offer online gambling services within the province.
The minimum age to gamble online in Ontario, Canada, is 19 years old. By the time an Ontario citizen reaches this age, he/she can engage in gambling activities within most online casinos and sportsbooks.
In Ontario, the speed of withdrawing winnings from online casinos varies by method. Crypto withdrawals can be very fast, often processed within a matter of minutes, while traditional fiat methods, like Interac or bank transfer, may take up to 1-3 business days.
