By Jeannie Løjstrup
June 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Ontario’s online gambling market has undergone a significant transformation over the past several years. At the beginning of 2022, on April 4th, the province introduced a fully regulated iGaming framework, creating an unprecedented range of legal wagering options. Today, Ontarians can enjoy everything imaginable, from live casino games to sports betting and even niche virtual experiences. This is all with the protection of provincial oversight. Look at this informative guide and explore all these exciting, legal gaming opportunities step-by-step.
Land-Based Casinos & Racetracks
25 fully licensed casinos in the province.
Ontario offers more than 25 fully licensed casinos in locations such as:
Toronto
Niagara Falls
Windsor
These venues provide various games, including slot machines, table games, live dealer experiences, and poker rooms. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) ensures that all casinos adhere to strict standards of fairness and security.
The Mohawk Race track is a 20 minute drive from Burlington.
Racetracks & Off‑Track Betting
Racetracks such as Woodbine and Mohawk feature live horse racing and simulcast feeds. Under AGCO oversight, bettors and horse race lovers enjoy regulated horse race wagering (with some fund restrictions) both in person and online.
Online Casino Games & Regulated iGaming Sites
Ontarians can access over 80 licensed and regulated online gaming sites through partnerships between private operators and iGaming Ontario. These platforms host a wide variety of casino games, including the following:
-
Slot machines are pure games of chance. Pull a lever or press a button.
Slot Machines
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Poker
- Craps
- Live Dealer Games
- Instant Win Games
- Bingo
- Keno
- Scratch Cards
- Game Shows
- Aviators
- Crash Games.
Leading operators in Ontario, like BetMGM and Casumo, are compliant with AGCO regulations, ensuring modern games have protections like responsible gambling tools. Over 86% of Ontario players prefer regulated iGaming sites, up from 70% pre‑2022. This is a testament to consumer confidence in licensed, safe gaming environments.
Mobile & Digital Casino Experiences
Licensed online gambling platforms ensure seamless mobile gameplay with touch-friendly interfaces, responsive design, and complete casino gaming functionality. They offer everything from spinning slots to betting live on roulette tables. Regulation and fairness are also a top priority at many sites. Casinos are monitored to ensure encrypted mobile apps and sites, fair RNG operation, and transparent, responsible gambling features, which are all mandated by AGCO technical standards.
You can wager on almost everything.
Sports & Esports Betting
Since iGaming Ontario’s launch, single-event sports betting has been permitted, bringing Ontario in line with modern global betting practice. Legal sportsbooks offer bettors the chance to wager on:
- NHL
- NFL
- NBA
- Soccer
- MMA
- Horse Races.
A fast-growing segment includes regulated bets on games like the ones below. The best sports betting platforms provide market options from match winners to in-game prop bets.
- CS:GO
- League of Legends
- DOTA 2
Daily fantasy sports have been a huge hit and are also covered under Ontario’s regulated framework, with operators offering pools for several games such as:
- NFL
- NHL
Government-Run Games: Lotteries & Keno
Traditional lotteries run by the OLG, like Lotto Max and Pick‑3, are fully available for residents to enjoy and try. These casino gambling games can be purchased via lottery terminals or online. Top sites offer Keno-style ticket games, which are known for offering players the best casual play experiences.
Why Legal Regulation Matters
Legislation and regulation matter when gambling for real money at land-based and online casinos.
Legislation and regulation matter when gambling for real money at land-based and online casinos. Licensed sites are held to standards including audit compliance, certified RNGs, privacy measures, and support for responsible gambling, such as deposit limits, cooldowns, and self-exclusion. Ontario operators guarantee that player deposits are securely held and winnings are paid out. Offshore sites, by contrast, carry higher risks of fraud or unfair play.
Skill-based and prize-based games are heavily regulated in Ontario to prevent illegal forms. Some bars offer skill-based gambling machines under strict loophole control. Such machines can be risky and are not under AGCO regulation.
How Can Ontarians Legally Get Started & Play Online?
Getting started at an online gambling site can be overwhelming at first, but it’s pretty simple. Follow the step-by-step process below and start playing your favorite games.
- Verify Age: Must be 19+ to participate.
- Choose a Licensed Platform: Look for the official iGaming Ontario/AGCO badge.
- Register & Verify: Full KYC (proof of identity, residence).
- Set Responsible Limits: Use built-in tools to manage deposits.
- Make a Deposit: Options include Interac, credit cards, and e-wallets.
- Enjoy Gaming: Play your favorite games, bet on sports or races, all legally and securely.
The Final Say About Gaming Experiences For Ontarians
Ontario’s gaming landscape in 2025 presents an expansive, modern, and highly regulated environment. Ontarians can legally enjoy a wide range of stunning offers such as traditional casino games in land-based venues and online platforms, regulated sports and esports betting, lottery, horse racing, skill games, and fantasy sports. With over 80 regulated platforms in Ontario that focus on fairness, secure transactions, and responsible gambling measures, players have safe and diverse experiences at their fingertips.
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