In 2022, Ontario made history as Canada’s first province to regulate gambling, which set a new standard for fair and safe gaming in the country. Before the change, most users turned to offshore sites that operated in a legal grey area, which often meant playing in unsafe spaces.
New provincial and federal laws soon changed the landscape, transforming Ontario into a trusted iGaming hub where players and operators follow established rules. Explore how Ontario’s gambling framework reshaped its casino scene and how it continues to protect every spin and bet placed online.
Roadmap to a regulated online gambling market
In 2021, Bill C-218 of the Criminal Code was passed, which allowed provinces to legalise single-event sports betting. Yet, this is just the start. By April 2022, Ontario had officially regulated its iGaming market. It opened the doors for online or Bitcoin casino operators to enter the space.
Before 2022, Canadians were able to gamble online. However, most platforms operated overseas with no local oversight. The government saw the risks, as players had no way to verify if games were fair or payouts were secure. The lack of a framework also meant the province earned no tax benefit from the growing market.
Gains aside, Ontario recognised the need for proper regulations and player protection. The turning point came with updates to the Criminal Code of Canada and the partnership of two bodies: the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
These agencies joined forces to oversee and license operators. Their ties paved the way for a market grounded in fairness, transparency, and responsible gaming.
Licensing: A checklist for operators
Ontario’s system only allows licensed operators to legally offer iGaming services. To qualify for a licence, platforms must complete a two-step process:
- Register with AGCO: This step makes sure of an operator’s integrity, financial health, and adherence to Ontario’s gambling laws.
- Sign an agreement with iGO: Meanwhile, this step permits an operator to run its casino, sports, and betting services within the province.
During registration, each operator must also meet specific compliance requirements to ensure safer gaming for the players:
- Know Your Customer (KYC): This is used to verify a player’s identity, prevent underage gambling, and avoid any fraud.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML): This system helps track and report suspicious transactions by ensuring all funds come from legitimate sources.
- Responsible gambling tools: Platforms are required to offer responsible gambling tools for players.
By enforcing these standards, Ontario ensures that only trusted brands can offer their services in the province. It also helps build a safer, more accountable space for players.
Ontario’s extra steps for safer online casino play
Player protection sits at the heart of Ontario’s gambling laws. Licensed casinos must embed responsible gambling tools into their platforms. It’s not optional; both the AGCO and iGO require it.
Here are the key tools you can find on Ontario-licensed platforms:
- Self-exclusion tools: These allow you to block your accounts for a set time, giving you space to manage your gaming habits.
- Wager and time limits: These let you set spending and time limits to stay in control of your gambling.
- Gambling support links: These are direct links to help resources such as ConnexOntario of the CAMH.
- ID checks: Prevents underage gambling and ensures that every account is associated with an actual user.
Before joining any platforms, it’s smart to also read a crypto casino review and confirm the features they have. Feedback from other users can also help you navigate the site better, helping you evaluate if it’s a safe space for users in Canada.
Bet smarter, play safer: Ontario’s legal casino space
Ontario’s regulated market built a safer path for online gambling in Canada. Through clear laws, licensing, and a focus on player protection, users can now trust where they place their bets.
