Market Overview
Ontario opened its regulated online gambling and sports betting market on April 4, 2022, becoming the first Canadian province to establish a competitive licensing framework for private operators. The market is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operated by iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the provincial crown corporation.
Key Market Characteristics
- Population: ~15 million (Canada's most populous province)
- Language: English primary; French spoken by minority (~5%)
- Sports culture: NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, CFL dominant; growing MLS interest
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Payment preferences: Credit/debit cards, Interac e-Transfer, PayPal
- Regulatory climate: Still maturing; initial focus on licensing and compliance
Regulator: AGCO & iGaming Ontario
Ontario's regulatory structure involves two entities:
- AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario): Issues operator and gaming-related supplier registrations, conducts compliance audits, and enforces standards
- iGaming Ontario: Manages the commercial relationship with operators, negotiates operating agreements, and collects revenue share
Licensing Requirements
To operate legally in Ontario, operators must:
- Register with AGCO as an Operator
- Sign an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario
- Comply with Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming (RG, AML, player protections)
- Geo-fence services to Ontario residents only (IP and device location verification)
- Implement responsible gaming tools including deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion
Sports Betting Focus
Ontario's market is heavily driven by sports betting, particularly major North American leagues:
Popular Sports
- NHL (National Hockey League): Extremely popular; Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators fan bases
- NBA (National Basketball Association): Toronto Raptors; high engagement
- MLB (Major League Baseball): Toronto Blue Jays following
- NFL (National Football League): Strong viewership despite no Ontario team
- CFL (Canadian Football League): Ottawa Redblacks and Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- MLS (Major League Soccer): Toronto FC; growing interest
Betting Products
- Pre-match betting (moneylines, spreads, totals)
- In-play (live) betting
- Parlays (multi-leg bets combining multiple selections)
- Same-game parlays (multiple props from single game)
- Player props (individual performance bets)
Online Casino Offerings
Ontario operators also offer online casino products:
- Slots: Hundreds of titles from major providers (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution)
- Live Casino: Live dealer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows
- Table Games: RNG-based blackjack, roulette, and poker variants
- Jackpots: Progressive slots with pooled prizes
Payment Methods
Ontario players use Canadian-friendly payment methods:
- Interac e-Transfer: Dominant method for deposits; instant bank-to-operator transfers
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
- PayPal: Available at select operators
- iDebit: Instant bank transfers
- Paysafecard: Prepaid vouchers for cash-based deposits
Withdrawal Methods
- Interac e-Transfer: Most common; 1-3 business days typical
- Bank Transfer: Direct to bank account; 3-5 business days
- PayPal: Faster for eligible users; 24-48 hours
Responsible Gaming Requirements
AGCO mandates strong responsible gaming tools for all licensed operators:
- Deposit limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits
- Loss limits: Optional but must be available
- Reality checks: Time and loss notifications during play
- Self-exclusion: Temporary (3, 6, 12 months) or permanent exclusion options
- ConnexOntario integration: Links to problem gambling support resources
ConnexOntario
ConnexOntario is Ontario's free, confidential helpline for gambling, mental health, and substance use support. All licensed operators must display links to ConnexOntario resources.
Advertising & Marketing Regulations
Ontario's advertising rules aim to protect minors and vulnerable populations:
- No marketing targeting individuals under 19 (Ontario's legal gambling age)
- Cannot advertise during programming primarily viewed by minors
- Responsible gaming messaging required in ads
- Celebrity endorsements restricted (no active athletes promoting sportsbooks)
- Bonus advertising must include clear terms
Taxation
Operators registered with iGaming Ontario pay:
- Revenue share: 20% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) to iGaming Ontario
- Federal corporate tax: Standard Canadian corporate tax rates apply
Player winnings are not taxed in Canada (gambling winnings are tax-free for recreational players).
AGCO-Licensed Operators in Ontario
Below are operators licensed by AGCO and operating under iGaming Ontario agreements. Only operators with valid AGCO licenses are listed.
Gray Market vs. Licensed Operators
Before April 2022, Ontario residents accessed offshore (unlicensed) operators. Since licensing, the market has partially channelized:
- Many major operators transitioned from gray market to licensed status
- Some offshore operators continue accepting Ontario players (illegal but accessible)
- AGCO and payment providers work to block unlicensed operators
Players are encouraged to use AGCO-licensed operators for legal protections, secure funds, and responsible gaming tools.
Verification & KYC
Ontario operators implement standard KYC procedures:
- Government-issued ID verification (driver's license, passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Geo-location checks to confirm Ontario residency
- Age verification (minimum 19 years old)
First withdrawals typically require full KYC completion, adding 1-3 days to processing time.
Summary: Ontario Market Key Points
- Launched April 2022; one of North America's largest regulated markets
- Strong sports betting focus (NHL, NBA, NFL)
- AGCO licensing ensures player protections and responsible gaming tools
- Interac e-Transfer is dominant payment method
- 20% revenue share to iGaming Ontario
- Player winnings tax-free
⚠️ Important Information - Ontario Market Compliance
AGCO Licensing Requirements: This page only displays operators with valid AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) licenses. Only AGCO-licensed operators can legally offer online gambling services in Ontario. All listed operators have been registered with AGCO and have Operating Agreements with iGaming Ontario.
iGaming Ontario: All operators must have an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario to operate legally in the province. This ensures compliance with Ontario's responsible gaming standards and player protection requirements.
Age Restriction: The legal gambling age in Ontario is 19 years old. All operators must verify player age before allowing play.
Geo-fencing Requirements: Operators must verify that players are physically located in Ontario before allowing play. This is enforced through IP address verification and device location services.
Responsible Gaming Requirements: All AGCO-licensed operators must provide:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss limits (optional but must be available)
- Reality checks (time and loss notifications during play)
- Self-exclusion options (temporary 3, 6, 12 months or permanent)
- Links to ConnexOntario support resources
ConnexOntario: ConnexOntario is Ontario's free, confidential helpline for gambling, mental health, and substance use support. All licensed operators must display links to ConnexOntario resources.
Verification & KYC: First withdrawals typically require full KYC completion, including government-issued ID verification, proof of address, and geo-location checks to confirm Ontario residency.
Affiliate Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions when users register through our links. This does not affect your costs or the services you receive.
Responsible Gaming: Gambling should be entertaining, not a way to make money. Play only with money you can afford to lose. Set strict limits and seek help if gambling becomes a problem.
Support Resources: ConnexOntario | BeGambleAware.org | 19+ only
Regulatory Bodies: AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) - www.agco.ca | iGaming Ontario - www.igamingontario.ca
Terms & Conditions - Ontario
- By using this website, you acknowledge that you are of legal gambling age (19+) in Ontario.
- All operators listed on this page are licensed by AGCO and have Operating Agreements with iGaming Ontario.
- You must be physically located in Ontario to access and use these services.
- Please review each operator's terms and conditions before registering.
- This comparison site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute gambling advice.
- We do not promote unlicensed operators in Ontario.
Disclaimer: Ontario's gambling regulations continue to evolve. Always verify current requirements with AGCO and operator license status on the official iGaming Ontario registry before engaging with gambling services.
