Ontario Gambling

Gambling Laws in Ontario Ontario has the highest population of all Canadian provinces, and over 90% of residents in Southern Ontario are within a one-hour drive of a legal gaming establishment. Providing sponsorship support to worthwhile community events is one way that OLG helps make life better for people across Ontario. How We Give Back GET HELPFUL TIPS ON ODDS, STRATEGIES, AND HOW TO PLAY PlaySmart is your gambling encyclopedia, with information you need to make smart choices and keep fun in the game.

Ontario is Canada’s most populous province. As you might expect, there are a huge number of people here that love to gamble on everything from sports to casino table games. Finding information on online and land-based gambling can be a little difficult. Our team of experts is here to explain how you can find the best online gambling sites in Ontario right now!

We’re going to go over the current laws and regulations surrounding online gambling in Ontario. Our team will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to find the best Ontario gambling sites for you. Later, we’ll provide a complete list of the land-based casino establishments operating here.

There is a lot of information to unpack. Anyone wanting to skip past this information and get straight to the betting can scroll below to find five of the best online gambling sites in Ontario currently available. Check them out today!

Ontario Gambling Laws – Can You Gamble Online Here?

Canada gambling, as a whole, has some interesting laws surrounding it. Essentially, all provinces here have the ability to set their own regulations toward the land-based and online gambling industry. Legal gambling exists under the federal Criminal Code, yet provinces are responsible for monitoring and setting individual laws.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is the government body that oversees all lottery, casino, and racetrack operations in the province. This group makes it illegal to gamble under the age of 18.

The OLGC has implemented lenient laws towards the online gambling industry. In 2015, they launched their own online gambling website. There is also a wide range of gambling websites based in other countries that are available here. The Ontario government does not prosecute anyone for playing through these foreign websites.

For reasons unknown, lawmakers in Ontario have not created a licensing structure for foreign gambling websites to obtain a license and operate inside the province. The only regulated site here is run by the OLGC. That is set to change, though.

In April of this year, the provincial budget laid out plans for foreign websites to legally operate inside Ontario. The government here claims it wants to “establish a competitive market for online legal gambling that will reflect consumer choice by allowing private online operators to apply for licenses to operate in Ontario.” It’s likely that, within a few years, many of the top online gambling websites in Europe will become regulated in this province.

In a nutshell, yes, online gambling in Ontario is perfectly legal. There are some incredible Ontario gambling sites available here right now and many more coming in the future. Some are known for their sports betting options, while others focus on providing a range of popular casino games.

How to Choose a Great Ontario Online Gambling Site – Step by Step Guide

The first thing you will want to look for is an Ontario betting site that provides the games, or sporting odds, that you are actually looking for. You might be surprised at how many players sign up to a website without actually knowing the games provided. Don’t make this mistake!

If you love casino table games, for example, look for an online gambling site in Ontario that provides a wide range of popular options including blackjack, poker, and roulette. If you’re a hardcore NHL fan, find an online sportsbook offering games for the entire season.

This is very easy. Almost all Ontario gambling sites will allow you to scroll through them before you actually sign up. They should clearly list which games and betting odds are available every single day.

There is nothing more important than your safety when betting online. It’s crucial to know what separates a reputable gambling website from a shady one. Mostly, it comes down to how these sites handle your money.

All of the legit Ontario online gambling sites today provide a range of different payment options. They should allow deposits to be made using all major credit and debit cards. Withdrawal options differ from site to site. Some allow for direct bank transfer payouts, and others only offer Bitcoin withdrawals.

The important thing is knowing that these sites will keep your money safe. Head over to our gambling sites review page to see some of the ones we highly recommend right now. Trust us, the last thing you want is to win and have your money taken from an unscrupulous gambling website.

We also feel it’s a great idea to compare the betting odds and games between a few different sites. Some of the Ontario gambling sites are known to provide better odds than others. This is especially true with sports betting.

The top Ontario sports betting sites provide thousands of different betting odds across a wide range of different sports. This includes international sporting events taking place around the world. Others will only provide a handful of gambling odds for sporting events taking place in the United States and Canada.

Take a little time to compare the odds between different Ontario gambling sites. If you’re a casino gaming fan, check out which games are available across different sites. The better the odds and games are, the better your chances will be to win big.

Website design may not seem tremendously important. In reality though, the style and overall design of these sites will impact your entire gambling experience. It is important to make sure that the Ontario gambling site you decide to play at provides a fantastic gaming interface.

It should be extremely easy to bet on the games or sports that you want to. It’s also important that the graphics are up to date. This applies more to casino games than sports betting, yet graphics should always be sleek and modern.

The overall functionality of these online gambling sites in Ontario should be great, too. They shouldn’t crash or take too long to load. As long as the site you want to play through provides a design that you enjoy, you’re probably good to go.

In case you’re unaware, promotions are bonus offers that Ontario gambling sites provide to their players. The most common promotion today is a welcome bonus on your first deposit. These bonuses can be a fantastic way to boost your playing money, yet sometimes they can make it difficult to withdraw your winnings.

The best Ontario online gambling sites will be completely transparent with their promotional offers. As we just mentioned, some of these bonuses include rollover bonuses that make you wager a certain amount of money before you can collect your winnings. Legit gambling sites will explain the terms and conditions for all these promotions.

We love promotions. They are one of the easiest ways to increase your betting money without doing anything! Make sure to compare the promotion offers between a few different online gambling websites and check that they are safe and helpful.

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Best Ontario Online Gambling Sites for Each Sport

Ontario is known to have some of the most passionate sports fans in Canada. This is true now more than ever after the Toronto Raptors won the 2019 NBA Championship. Here, we’re breaking down some of the best Ontario gambling sites for different major sports.

Esports Gambling Sites in Ontario – Why Is Esports Gambling so Popular Right Now?

Canada has one of the biggest esports fan bases in the world. Many of the top professionals playing today are Canadian, some of which hail from Ontario. Today, there are a huge number of Ontario gambling sites online offering esports betting odds.

Esports are multiplayer video games played competitively. This industry has grown immensely over the years, with millions of fans tuning in to the biggest tournaments. A huge number of these fans are beginning to realize they can place bets on the tournament outcomes, as well.

If you want to place a few Esports wagers, we’ve got you covered. Below are just a few amazing sites that provide betting odds for major esports tournaments taking place all over the world.

Sports Interaction

Sports Interaction has grown to become one of the most popular online gambling sites in the US. It’s growing extremely popular gambling site in Canada as well. Part of this is due to the huge range of amazing esports betting odds. Here, you can place bets on every big tournament in Canada, the United States, and Asia.

Spin Sports

The last esports Ontario gambling site that we recommend is Spin Sports. This site is a little more simplistic than the other two, yet it’s well-known for providing amazing odds on these gaming events. Check it out today!

Bodog Sportsbook

Bodog offers a wide range of different esports betting odds. Right now, there are literally hundreds of different odds available for League of Legends. It’s common to find lines for other games too, including Counter-Strike and Dota 2.

List of Land-Based Casinos in Ontario

Ontario is home to a number of fantastic casinos. In 1992, the Gaming Control
Act was passed to control the casino gambling industry here. Fans of
brick-and-mortar gambling can find 71 different casinos located around the
province. Below are the 10 most popular available today.

• Caesars Windsor – Windsor
• Niagara Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls
• Casino Niagara – Niagara Falls
• Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands – Gananoque
• Casino Rama Resort – Rama
• OLG Casino Sault Ste Marie – Sault Ste Marie
• Fort Erie Race Track – Fort Erie
• Woodbine Entertainment – Toronto
• Woodbine Mohawk Park – Campbellville
• Great Blue Heron Casino – Port Perry

Are There Mobile Gambling Sites in Ontario Right Now?

Of course! Almost all of the online Ontario gambling sites allow their
members to play on-the-go using a smartphone. In fact, a huge number of people
here actually prefer to make their sports bets and play online casino games
using a mobile device.

Most of the time, these mobile gambling sites work the same way as the
desktop versions. You can play all the most popular online casino
games in Ontario, including blackjack and Texas hold ’em.

The online Ontario online gambling sites that we recommend at the top of this page
all provide a mobile platform for their members. Spend a little time looking
through these sites to find which ones offer you the mobile gaming options you
are looking for.

FAQ About Online Gambling in Ontario

When Will Ontario Regulate Foreign Gambling Websites?

In April of 2019, the provincial budget was proposed and included plans to
better regulate the online gambling industry. Lawmakers are currently working to
create a system that allows online gambling sites in Ontario to become
regulated by the OLGC. It seems likely that by 2021, these websites will be
fully regulated by the provincial government.

What Are the Most Popular Gambling Sites in Ontario?

According to a recent study, 90% of Ontario locals claim to have gambled online. There are some fantastic gambling websites here right now offering
everything from online casino games to sports odds. From what we can find, the
most popular Ontario betting sites are Bodog, Sports Interaction, and
Spin Sports.

Can I Play at These Sites Using Canadian Dollars (CAD)?

Yes! Almost all online Ontario gambling sites allow their members to wager in
Canadian dollars. Check out the payment systems of these websites before you
join to make sure.

How Much Can I Win Playing on Ontario Gambling Websites?

The more you bet, the more you can win. Most of these online gambling sites
allow their members to win as much as they possibly can. Not many set limits on
the amount. Gaining experience and wagering on games you actually understand
will increase your chances of winning.

How Many Different Casino Games Are Available Online in Ontario?

Generally speaking, online casinos provide even more gaming options than the
province’s top land-based casinos. There are simply more options available
online. The top Ontario gambling online sites will provide
numerous table games, including blackjack and roulette. They will also offer
hundreds of different online slots, some of which offer massive progressive
jackpots.

Conclusion

Canadian gambling online has never been more popular. Ontario lawmakers seem to recognize this and are working hard to open the industry to foreign gaming companies. Within a few years, it’s likely that all of the biggest gambling websites in the US and Europe will be available here.

Make sure to check out the Ontario gambling sites that we recommended at the top of this page. Each one offers both casino and sports betting odds to all of their members. Head over to our industry news page for updates to Ontario’s gaming laws. Good luck making your bets!

Gambling is a leisure activity that may occur over a continuum, ranging from casual social gambling, with no harm caused, to pathological gambling, with serious harmful consequences for the individual gambling and their loved ones. Gambling becomes a problem when it is done excessively and negatively affects a person’s daily activities, school or work performance, mental health, physical health, interpersonal relationships, and finances.¹ People who experience problems with gambling are found in all age groups, across all income groups and social strata, across all genders and race. For some, the challenges with gambling may occur suddenly whereas for others, over many years of use.

Serious social gambling: play is taking place regularly and is an important leisure activity in players’ lives, however it does not come before work, loved ones, and social relationships.

Harmful involvement: these are players that are experiencing difficulties in their personal, work and social relationships as a result of their participation in gambling activities. Harmful involvement with gambling indicates problem gambling behaviours. These are players that often bet with money they cannot afford to lose, overspend on their credit cards, and borrow money in order to gamble.

Pathological gambling: where players are experiencing difficulties in controlling the urge to gamble despite the harms it causes. Individuals who engage in pathological gambling are also at increased risk of suicide.² Examples of pathological gambling include:

• Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for longer periods of time in order to get the same feeling of excitement
• Gambling to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness
• Refusing to discuss gambling with others or lying to cover it up
• Gambling instead of attending family or other social functions
• Consistently or always planning holidays when gambling is available

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a gambling disorder is classified as a substance related and addictive disorder, reflecting evidence that shows gambling behaviours activate reward systems in our brains similar to those activated by drugs. This means that the effects someone would get from gambling are similar to the effects they would get from drinking alcohol.^3.

There are different forms of gambling, most of which can be engaged with both online and in-person. These include casino games, lotteries, sports betting, and card games, among others. Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems affect a person’s whole life. Almost everyone who develops a gambling problem believes it is “just a matter of time” until they hit the jackpot. In these cases, people may gamble to the point where it negatively affects their relationships, finances, and health.⁴ Despite experiencing negative consequences, they may deny that they have a problem, continue to chase money losses, and neglect work, loved ones, and their self-care.⁵ Gambling has been recognized as an important public health concern that has a significant impact on population health.^[6]

Risk factors

Below are some general signs of a potential gambling problem. Everyone’s experience is different and observing one or two of these does not mean they are struggling with gambling. Experiencing multiple symptoms simultaneously may suggest there are larger concerns and speaking with a mental health professional can help you better understand how to proceed.

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• Neglecting family and work responsibilities
• Lying
• Being secretive about one’s finances
• Symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
• Appearing irritable, restless or unable to concentrate
• Argumentative
• Appearing disinterested in other social activities
• Increasing substance use
• Disappearing for long periods at a time
• Borrowing money, selling things, engaging in (or considering) criminal activities in order to get money for gambling
• Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss when not gambling

Strategies to engage with gambling responsibly:⁷

• Don’t think of gambling as a means to make money.
  • All gambling establishments, online and land-based, are designed to take in more money than they pay out, with majority of people losing to create big wins for the minority. Most people who struggle with pathological gambling believe that they will be the big winners, which feeds the problem.
• If you choose to gamble for leisure, use money that has already been set aside for leisure activities and you can afford to lose.
• If you lose money while gambling, don’t chase it by going over your limit. This usually leads to bigger losses.
• Set a money limit in advance and once you have lost that amount, stop playing.
• Set a time limit in advance and stop once you have reached that limit.
• Don’t gamble when emotions and feelings are already heightened. It is especially difficult to make healthy decisions about gambling when you are feeling anxious, depressed, angry or upset.
• Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
  • Engage in other activities that you find enjoyment, so that gambling does not become too big a part of your life.
• Do not gamble and consume substances at the same time.
  • Gambling while under the influence is common, however generally leads to decisions that you might regret later.

If you know someone struggling with gambling:

If you are concerned about a loved one’s gambling, it is natural to want to help. However, the person may refuse to talk about it or deny that there is anything to be concerned about. It is important to remember that you cannot stop the gambling, however you can start the conversation, share your perspective, and take steps to protect yourself.^[8] If and when the individual choose to seek support for their gambling behaviours, remember that the journey can be very difficult and they will experience several highs and lows. According to a study based in Australia, most people would prefer to live only five and a half years being free of gambling problems, rather than ten years with them. This makes the impact on quality of life by severity of gambling problems in line with the severity of alcohol use disorder, positioning gambling-related harm alongside that of alcohol-related harm.^[9]

Some people may return to gambling after having decided to stop (referred to as relapsing). This can happen for a variety of reasons and does not mean they will not achieve their goals. It may be more difficult at times, but not impossible. It is best to encourage them to work with a therapist who can help individuals learn how to cope with symptoms to continue to work toward their goals.

As the loved ones of someone struggling with gambling, it is important to protect yourself financially and care for yourself emotionally. Financially, it is advisable to speak with a professional as problems related to gambling can be complicated, so depending on your unique situation, you may benefit from consulting with a lawyer or debt management consultant to understand your legal rights and financial obligations.

Emotionally, you may be feeling overwhelmed, betrayed, drained, depressed and frightened for the future. Thoughts and feelings of this nature are common when first addressing the complex issues that arise as a result of gambling. Do not blame yourself for the problems that have been created or for not seeing the signs earlier. Take the time you need to sort through your feelings and remember that change is made in small steps through self-care. Some options for self-care include defining boundaries, visiting the doctor to take care of your physical health, joining a support group, visiting a therapist.

Resources:

COSTI Problem Gambling Services: http://www.costi.org/programs/gambling.php

Responsible Gambling Council: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/

References

1 Safer Play. Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play

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2 What is Gambling Disorder? (2018). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder

3 What is Gambling Disorder? (2018). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder

4 Safer Play. Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play

5 When is Gambling a Problem? Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play/when-is-gambling-a-problem-

6 Browne, M., Rawat, V., Greer, N., Langham, E., Rockloff, M. & Hanley, C. (2017). What is the harm? Applying a public health methodology to measure the impact of gambling problems and harm on quality of life. Journal of Gambling Issues, 36(2). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2017.36.2

7 Safer Play. Responsible Gambling Council. Retrieved from https://www.responsiblegambling.org/safer-play

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8 For Someone You Know Who Gambles. Responsible Gambling Council. https://www.responsiblegambling.org/get-help/for-someone-else-who-gambles

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9 Browne, M., Rawat, V., Greer, N., Langham, E., Rockloff, M. & Hanley, C. (2017). What is the harm? Applying a public health methodology to measure the impact of gambling problems and harm on quality of life. Journal of Gambling Issues, 36(2). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4309/jgi.2017.36.2