Gambling in Ontario: What should you know?
Poker is a classic casino game which has not only picked up lots of fans over time but also helped gambling remain popular throughout history. This is certainly true in the US, where poker was arguably the game which kicked off the online casino sector and has been a go-to in land-based casinos for many years.
It is not just in the US where having fun with games like poker is a top entertainment choice though. Canada is also a real hot spot for gambling in many of its provinces, and nowhere is this more true than in Ontario.
Famous for its modern cities, thriving culture and vibrant entertainment sector, this part of Canada also has a passion for gambling. They have led the way in terms of casino gaming around the country. If you plan to spend time there as an avid gambler or poker player, it makes sense to know more about how betting works in the region.
Here are some of the most important things to be aware of:
Online casinos in Ontario: Everything you need to know before playing
If we are looking deeper into gambling around Ontario, you must start with iGaming. This is not only a very popular way to gamble in the province but also the preferred choice for an increasing number of people all over the planet. Before registering with an online casino in Ontario, it is important to consider the following:
Legal landscape
Ontario is a trail blazer when it comes to playing casino games online in Canada. This is due to the decision made by local officials to open up Ontario’s iGaming market to the world in April 2022.
This allowed international, third-party casino platforms to apply for licenses to operate in the province and took the iGaming market there to the next level. As a result, there are now a huge variety of legal iGaming sites to register with in Ontario.
This decision also means players in the area are not confined to province-run casino platforms as is the case in other provinces. iGaming Ontario regulates the local online casino market and ensures operators adhere to the relevant guidelines in terms of how they operate.
Choose licensed and reputable online casinos
In the same way that there are lot of useful poker articles to look over online, there are lots of online casinos to play at too. Not all are created equal though and not all can be trusted to operate in an ethical manner. This means it is essential to only play at reputable and licensed iGaming platforms in Ontario.
Before you register with an internet casino, remember to thoroughly research their reputation online. A good tip here is looking for recent reviews from other players to see if the vibe around them is generally positive. It is also key to check that any casino you plan to game at holds a valid license from iGaming Ontario.
You should focus on online casinos in Ontario which use the latest cybersecurity measures to keep players safe. This will typically include two-factor account authentication and SSL data encryption technology. By choosing a site like this to try casino games at, you can play with total peace of mind.
Responsible gambling
Playing games like poker online in Ontario should always be fun and entertaining. This can only be achieved if you take a responsible approach to iGaming in the province. By taking the time to do this, you will be able to have more fun and avoid any issues which gambling in an irresponsible way might cause.
But what are the best tips for gambling responsibly in Ontario? To begin with, it is a good idea to make full use of the responsible gambling tools the best iGaming sites in the province carry. This includes being able to set daily deposit limits and setting a limit for how long your gaming session lasts. You could also implement manual controls on your own gaming sessions, such as quitting when you feel tired or are not having fun.
Gambling responsibly in Ontario is also about recognizing when you may need help. If you ever feel your gambling is getting out of control, online casinos in the province should have details of various organizations to contact for advice. This includes bodies such as the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline.
Game selection
If you plan to play online casino games in this part of Canada, you should also look for a site which has an excellent variety of games to try. The good news is that this is not hard — especially now that Ontario has fully opened its iGaming market up to the biggest casino operators globally.
A good tip is to look over the games library any casino you might register with has and make sure there are lots there you want to play. In addition to various types of games, you should also think about the different game themes any casino offers and which developers their titles come from
By finding a casino online in Ontario which has a good range of themes and games from top studios, you will always have something fun to stay entertained with. It can also be worth looking out for casinos which offer free-to-play or demo versions of games. This allows you to test them out before risking your own money.
Bonuses and promotions
Internet casinos are well-known for offering attractive bonuses to players and those available to register with in Ontario are no different. This means that welcome bonuses for new players, cashback offers, free spins and more are available to grab.
It is key to not only compare the offers at various iGaming sites around the province to find the best to take advantage of but also to fully understand the rules of any deal before signing up. This will help you to not only get the best deals around but also find ones that are every bit as good as they sound.
Types of sports & betting options in Ontario
The popularity of online casino gambling generally and the hype around Ontario’s iGaming market launch in 2022 means a lot of attention is given to internet casino gaming in this part of Canada. This is not the only way to gamble in the Heartland Province though.
Land-based casinos are also easy to find in major locations around Ontario and it is perfectly legal to play at licensed ones. There are currently around 25 physical casino sites operating in this region, including the Niagara Fallsview. Lottery games are also legal in Ontario and operate under the guidance of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Sports betting is huge within Ontario and is another way to have fun with gambling there. Online sports wagering is available via iGaming Ontario licensed digital sportsbooks and massive names such as DraftKings are active in the region.
Land-based sports betting is not quite as well supported but you can place physical sports bets on all major sports at specific brick-and-mortar casinos in the province, such as Caesars Windsor. This would involve placing parlay style wagers via the Pro-Line system.
Horse racing is very popular in this part of Canada and there are multiple tracks to place a bet at. Of these, the Ajax Downs Racetrack and Grand River Raceway are among the most famous.
Gambling in Ontario: An overview
There is no doubting how popular casino games like poker are in places like the USA and Canada. Other types of gambling are also something people love to get involved with around the world. If you plan to spend time in Ontario and also love gambling for fun, it is worth finding out more about the gambling scene in the region.
