Since launching its regulated iGaming market in April 2022, Ontario has rapidly emerged as one of the most vibrant and legally structured online gambling landscapes in North America. The province’s regulatory clarity, bolstered by oversight from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), has opened doors for dozens of licensed platforms that deliver secure, legitimate, and player-centric gaming experiences.
Ontario’s regulatory breakthrough was cemented when the province officially launched its regulated iGaming market on April 4, 2022. This came after years of operating in a gray zone where many offshore sites served Canadian players without provincial regulation.
Now, iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), monitors and enforces rules to ensure fair play, responsible gambling, and full legal compliance. Operators must meet strict technical and financial standards before launching.
Since the market’s inception, over 70 operators have received AGCO licenses, representing a sweeping shift from unregulated offshore platforms to a secure and monitored local landscape. These include big names like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, LeoVegas, NorthStar Bets, and Caesars, among others.
The legal transformation has driven fierce competition among platforms offering expansive slot libraries, world-class live dealer rooms, and industry-leading poker software. Ontario’s best online casinos offer a great variety of promos for you to take advantage of as you navigate the best casinos online.
By the end of Q1 2025, Ontario’s iGaming market had processed over $63 billion in total wagers since its launch. From April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, alone, the province recorded $6.66 billion in total wagering volume, representing a 21% increase quarter-over-quarter.
Casino games (slots, live and computer-based table games, and peer-to-peer bingo) accounted for $5.1 billion of that figure. In terms of gaming revenue, Ontario posted $545 million in total gaming revenue in the same quarter, with casinos contributing $407 million, nearly 75% of the province’s total gaming revenue.
Ontario stands alone as the first, and still only, province in Canada to fully regulate its iGaming sector, giving it a major first-mover advantage. Globally, it now ranks among the top five iGaming jurisdictions by size and regulatory sophistication.
In comparison to U.S. states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Michigan, Ontario not only matches them in total wagering volume but also leads in the number of competing operators and diversity of offerings. The aggressive entry of global brands into Ontario has further reinforced its status as a North American powerhouse in online gambling.
Slots dominate Ontario’s online casinos, both in volume and profitability. Titles like Mega Moolah, Book of Dead, and Big Bass Bonanza consistently rank among the top-performing games. Blackjack is the second-most played table game, with both RNG and live dealer variants drawing steady traffic.
Poker is also thriving, particularly through platforms like GGPoker and PokerStars, which have established separate Ontario-based portals. Live dealer games—especially roulette and baccarat, have shown the fastest growth due to their immersive features and real-time interactivity.
BetMGM Casino is known for its in-house progressive jackpots and massive slot selection. LeoVegas offers one of the best mobile-first experiences. NorthStar Bets, uniquely Ontario-focused, ties local sports media content with betting options. FanDuel Casino has focused heavily on cross-promotional offers with its sportsbook, while Caesars Casino delivers premium loyalty rewards through its Caesars Rewards program.
BetRivers stands out for its fast payouts and community leaderboard competitions. DraftKings Casino capitalizes on gamified missions and player-leveling systems.
Many of Ontario’s top casinos offer new players bonuses like 100% deposit matches up to $1,000, 200 free spins, or cashback on net losses during the first week. Loyalty programs such as BetMGM’s M Life Rewards and Caesars’ tier-based system allow players to earn points redeemable for real-world perks.
LeoVegas and BetRivers both include tiered VIP ladders offering faster withdrawals, personal account managers, and exclusive tournaments. These incentives have significantly increased player retention and daily active user rates across the board.
Every licensed Ontario platform must integrate responsible gambling tools mandated by iGaming Ontario. These include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, and access to self-exclusion portals through the centralized PlaySmart system.
AGCO audits operators for compliance with these protocols regularly. Additionally, operators are required to display risk information, link users to support services, and verify user identity through KYC (Know Your Customer) systems to prevent underage or fraudulent gambling.
Licensed casinos in Ontario are required to use 128-bit SSL encryption or higher, third-party tested random number generators (RNGs), and servers located within Canada. Companies like eCOGRA and iTech Labs are responsible for testing and certifying fairness and payout accuracy.
Payment gateways must be PCI-compliant, and account activity is monitored through advanced AI systems that can flag potential fraud or compulsive behavior. Ontario’s regulatory tech stack is among the most advanced in any global gambling jurisdiction.
The surge in legal iGaming has created thousands of jobs across Ontario, not just in tech and customer support but also in digital marketing, compliance, and local partnerships. By mid-2025, iGaming Ontario reported that over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs had been created since launch.
The province has also seen strong tax revenue gains, with iGaming now contributing hundreds of millions annually to public services and social programs. Local game studios and payment providers have also benefitted from partnerships with international operators entering the market.
Ontario’s iGaming scene is expected to grow further as platforms begin testing VR-enabled casino rooms, AI-powered live dealers, and more personalized promotional systems using machine learning.
The province is also considering further collaboration with international regulatory bodies to harmonize standards and potentially allow shared poker liquidity with other jurisdictions, like the U.S. or EU, which would open the door to larger tournament prize pools and international player pools. This would solidify Ontario’s reputation as a trailblazer in online casino innovation.
