Top Three Online Casinos in Ontario, Canada
There is a large selection of online Ontario casinos that have been fully licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The best online casinos in Ontario include the following:
888 Casino
A name that even new players may recognise, 888 Casino is one of the industry's big guns. Offering an impressive array of slot machines and also table games such as baccarat and craps, 888 Casino includes exclusive titles you won't find elsewhere. It is fully compatible with mobile play, including iOS and Android and has a good choice of deposit and withdrawal options backed by customer support.
Royal Panda
If it's slots that you love, you'll be in your element at Royal Panda. The number of games in the catalogue is vast, with titles from all the top providers such as Play'n GO, Microgaming, 1x2 Gaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and more. Slots are grouped into themes, so if you've got a favourite style, it's easy to find. Aside from the many slot machines, there are also table games, live dealer play, and sports betting, plus a VIP club for regular players, with live chat available 24/7.
Casumo
Although Casumo is new casino to the Ontario scene, it's an established global operator. Holding a full AGCO licence, Casumo excels at mobile casino play. Similar to Royal Panda, it offers sports betting as well as slots and electronic table games, plus live dealer play. The Casumo mobile apps have been regularly singled out for praise as being particularly user-friendly and responsive, with options including progressive jackpots and regular bonus promotions.
How to Choose an Online Casino
There is a huge number of online casinos available, and it can be tempting to simply pick the one with a design that appeals. However, you shouldn't just sign up for the first casino that catches your eye, as there are some important factors that you should check.
Below is a rundown of some of the elements you should always consider before playing at any Ottawa casino.
Safety and Licence
Ontario is a long way ahead of many of the other Canadian provinces and has its own regulatory body that is responsible for issuing casino licences and monitoring compliance. This means that any online casino operating in Ontario must have a licence to be able to legally offer its services to players.
You may find there are some online casinos available that aren't licensed, but these should be avoided. There are no guarantees that unlicensed casinos will offer fair play, and your personal data may not be safe. If you encounter any problems at an unlicensed casino, you will have no easy route to get whatever money you are owed.
For this reason, checking whether a casino is licensed should be a priority. To protect your safety and online security, you should only ever play at a licensed casino.
Customer Support
You might never need customer support, but it's reassuring to know that it's there should the need arise. Online casinos typically offer support via an online chat facility as well as email. There may also be a telephone number, but this is less common for Ontario casinos operating online, and the absence of a contact number shouldn't be considered a red flag.
Look for casinos that offer round-the-clock support and speedy responses, preferably with a live chat function available.
Deposits and Withdrawals
If you can't deposit any money, you won't be able to play. And if you can't withdraw your winnings, there's no point playing! Therefore, deposits and withdrawals are another key area to check before joining a casino.
This may mean scrolling through the fine print, but the effort will be worthwhile. Specifically, look out for any fees that apply, the time taken to process a request, and the payment methods available. Remember that different terms may apply to deposits and withdrawals, so look for information on both elements.
Variety of Casino Games
You've checked that the casino is licensed, has a solid customer support team, and offers speedy deposits and withdrawals - so what next? Now it's onto the fun part - the variety of games it offers!
We'll look at the different types of games in more detail further down in this article, but not every casino offers the same type of play. Some casinos are large, with an enormous variety of slots, while others are more focused on electronic table games. Variety is great, but don't forget to look for Ontario casinos with the type of games that you prefer.
Bonuses
Bonuses are a fantastic way to get more for your money, and there are often great promotions to be found. These special offers change regularly and are different for both new and existing players, so take a look at what you might receive when you sign up and in the future.
Usability and Design of the Website
Whether it's slots machines or table games, you'll be spending a lot of time on the casino website. If it's slow, glitchy or difficult to navigate around, you'll soon get frustrated. Most online casinos allow guests to have a look at their library of games and check out the website before signing up. Look for a casino site that is simple to use and responsive to give you an enjoyable playing experience.
How to Register for an Ontario online Casino
If you follow the process described above, you'll be able to register
at an online casino. You'll need to provide your personal information
and be prepared to enter your payment details so you can transfer funds
to start playing. The whole process can be managed online, and in most
cases, you'll be able to start playing within just a few minutes.
Verification Process
As part of the registration process, you will need to prove your
identity. Casinos can often carry out some digital processes to help
confirm your identity, but you may also need to take some extra steps,
such as verifying your email address or mobile phone number.
Casinos reserve the right to request further documentation if needed.
If this is the case, you'll need to supply the requested information
before you're able to make a withdrawal.
Casino Bonuses Available in Canada
When you register with any one of the Ontario casinos, you'll find a diverse array of bonuses and promos available to claim. These often change regularly, with welcome offers for new players and reload bonuses available for regular online players.
Bonuses are a fantastic way to bump up your winnings, but be certain that you check the rules before playing. Wagering requirements often apply, and there may be a time limit before the bonus expires.
Some of the most common types of bonuses are detailed below.
Free Spins
Slots are one of the most popular types of electronic games casinos offer, and free spins allow you to play without spending anything. As the name suggests, you don't have to pay a stake when you're using free spins, but you can still win a real cash prize.
Free spins might be awarded on their own as a bonus or bundled together as part of a deal. Make sure to look at the terms of the offer, as some spins can only be used on certain games.
Deposit Bonuses
A deposit bonus is a way of getting more money to play with every time you deposit funds. This may be included as part of a welcome package or offered as a bonus to regular players, sometimes part of a CIP scheme.
Deposit bonuses are also known as deposit match bonuses, and they come in different values. The bonus is worth a % of your deposit, typically in the range of 100-300%. You'll only receive your bonus once you make a deposit, and if you withdraw your money right away, you'll lose the bonus cash.
No Deposit Bonuses
Frequently offered as a welcome package, no deposit bonuses are highly sought after. They credit your casino account with bonus cash without you needing to deposit any funds first. There are no catches or hidden clauses; you really do receive bonus money in return for signing up.
Safest Foreign Casinos for Ontario Players
There are some great foreign casinos that offer safe and secure play to Canadian residents, providing alternatives to those licensed in Ontario. Some of the best foreign casinos include:
Royalist Play
Royalist Play Casino is owned and operated by Bellona N.V., registered in Curacao, and licensed in Antillephone N.V. (licence number 8048JAZ2010-010). It offers slots, table games, live dealer play, and sports betting. The latter includes traditional sports, virtual sports, and esports. Customer support is available via a live chat facility, and there are a range of different payment options to choose from.
Royspins Casino
Royspins Casino is a young casino that only launched in 2023, and that means it's smaller than many of its international counterparts. However, it accepts players from Ontario and has already built up a solid reputation, so it's one to consider. It is licensed in Curacao, which provides safety and security for players and offers slots, table games, live dealer play, and bingo.
Cadoola Casino
Launched in 2017, Cadoola is a casino that's licensed in Curacao and provides players with safe and secure casino fun. Its range of games include slots, table games, video poker, bingo, and live dealer play. Customer support is available via a live chat facility in both French and English, plus seven other languages.
Casino Games
All Ontario casinos offer a large array of games, but the exact titles you can play will vary from one site to another. Not every casino offers all types of games, so if you have a particular preference, it's essential to check this out first. Land casinos can't offer as much as online casinos because they're restricted by the gaming space available. This is why you won't find thousands of titles in a brick-and-mortar gambling establishment like you would online.
Some of the most common types of games include:
- Slots
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Table games
- Poker
- Bingo
- Sports betting
- Live dealer play
Most Popular Providers of Casino Games
When you've been playing casino games for a while, you'll start to notice certain names cropping up time and again. Although there is a vast number of software providers, there are some which are more popular and prolific than others and regularly feature in online casinos in Ontario.
The list of providers is extensive, but some of the most popular names include:
- NetEnt
- Microgaming
- Red Tiger Gaming
- Yggdrasil
- Play'n GO
- Playtech
- Blueprint Gaming
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution
What is Live Casino?
Online casino has traditionally been a solo affair, with players using digital simulations of familiar casino games. This allows you to play at your own pace and means that you can start a new game at any time. However, if you're looking for a more interactive and vibrant, authentic casino atmosphere, live dealer play could be the answer.
Live dealer games are streamed live from a dedicated casino from providers such as Evolution and Pragmatic Play. Live dealer games don't use digital simulations; there are real roulette wheels and real cards being dealt. You can chat with the live hosts by sending a message, and you can interact with other players too. This creates a very different feel from standard online casino games, and it's perfect if you're looking for a more social experience.
Sportsbook
Not all casinos offer a sportsbook, but it is available on some sites. A sportsbook allows you to gamble on sports in the same way that you would with a traditional bookmaker. Most mainstream sports are catered for on a sportsbook, but you may also find more niche sports on offer too, such as table tennis, Gaelic football, and archery.
You can place lots of different types of bets with a sportsbook. As well as betting on the winner, you can place other bets, such as over/under and prop bets.
Sportsbook Bonuses
Just like casinos, sportsbooks offer bonuses to players too, and it's a great way of increasing how much you win while spending less. The sportsbook bonuses are typically separate from the casino bonuses and usually structured differently. You may be offered a different type of welcome bonus for placing a bet on the sportsbook, which could include a bonus bet. Bonuses are also available for existing players, either as a bonus bet or a risk-free bet (where your stake is returned if you lose).
Mobile Casinos
One of the biggest benefits of online casinos is the convenience that they offer. This includes being compatible with mobile play, so you can access the casino wherever you are. Some casinos have a dedicated mobile app, while others have a desktop site that has been optimised for mobile use.
If you're playing on a mobile device, make sure that you have a stable connection - there's nothing worse than getting cut off mid-game!
Gamble Responsibly
Gambling should always be a fun experience, and you should never play with money that you can't afford to lose. Setting a budget before you start playing is a good strategy to stop overspending; you can also use casino tools such as a daily account cap to limit how much you gamble.
If you want to take a break at any time, you can ask to self-exclude. This means the casino will temporarily restrict your access for the period you request. This is a measure that can't be reversed and acts as protection for those who are finding it difficult to gamble responsibly.
Where to Go for Help
If you're worried that you may have a gambling addiction, there are organisations in Canada that can provide support and advice. These include:
There is also the RecoverMe app that's available on both Android and iOS and which can be accessed for free by using the code RECOVERME100.
Land Casinos in Ottawa
If you're looking for a change from playing online, there are some fantastic Ottawa casinos available.
The first land casino to open a brick-and-mortar venue was Casino du Lac Leamy. With more than 1800 slot machines and 64 gaming tables, Casino du Lac Leamy has built up a reputation for offering all-around entertainment and also offers free parking for players. Every August, Casino du Lac Leamy holds a popular event, the Casino Sound of Light, where fireworks teams enter and compete to put on the best show.
Technically, Casino du Lac Leamy isn't an Ottawa casino, as it's just over the border in Quebec, but it's so near it's frequented by many Ottawa residents.
There is one casino in the city, Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino, located at 4837 Albion Road. Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino offers gambling with slot machines but no live table games. However, it offers live harness racing twice a week, including Sunday evening, and it's also the future home of Hard Rock Casino Ottawa.
Apart from Rideau Carleton Casino, there are no other casinos located in the city, including downtown Ottawa.
Conclusion
Authorities in Ontario have led the way in Canada by introducing fully licensed casino play. This means players can take their pick from a huge range of online licensed casinos, bringing them legal and safe play at their fingertips. If you enjoy playing slots, roulette, table games and other types of casino games, there's a fantastic choice of online casinos in Ontario.
How to Start Playing Online Casino
.
Visit the casino website to take a look at what's available. As well as checking the games, it's advisable to see what deposit and withdrawal methods are available. You should also make sure that the casino is fully licensed.
If you want to join the casino, you'll need to click on the "Sign Up" button and fill in your details. Information typically requested includes your name, date of birth, and email address.
It's common for casinos to ask you to verify your email address to complete your registration. This is a matter of simply looking for an email from the casino and clicking on the link.
Unless you are claiming a no-deposit bonus, you'll need to credit some funds in your account to start playing. If you are claiming a deposit bonus, make sure that you meet the minimum requirements to be eligible to receive the bonus.
The funds are usually credited to your account right away. You might need to claim the bonus manually, which you can do by visiting the Promotions section of the website. Some bonuses will be automatically added to your account. Once everything is in place, all that's left to do is choose your first game!
