Since the online casino market in Ontario was launched on April 2, 2022, it has thrived and grown. It has also brought an additional level of safety, reliability, and security to playing at sites that are part of the regulated market in the province.

This regulation is undertaken by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in conjunction with iGaming Ontario (iGO). AGCO registers and regulates providers in the industry. It also sets out standards and takes action against providers that do not adhere to them. iGO manages the sector on an ongoing basis.

The sector includes casino sites offering a range of igaming activities, which include playing games such as slot machines, blackjack, poker, and roulette, as well as live casino content, lotteries, and bingo. In many cases, online casinos in Ontario are also licensed to provide sports betting for customers.

People looking to play these games at the best online casino in Ontario have welcomed the regulatory measures due to the additional safety and security they provide. The attraction of the regulated market is shown by the fact that in March 2023, 85% of people gambling online in the province did so at regulated sites, according to an industry study. This figure is significant as prior to the launch of the market, 70% of gambling took place at unregulated sites online.

The popularity of the regulated online casino market in Ontario is understandable, given the strict rules that apply and make the industry safer for people who play casino games in the province. For example, each casino must adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) standards and comply with the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).

Looking at the regulated online casino industry in Ontario in more detail reveals more specific restrictions that enhance the safety and security of online casinos. These restrictions include,

• A minimum legal gambling age of 19 for land-based and online casinos.
• No autoplay feature allowed for online casino games.
• A minimum permitted slot spin speed of 2.5 seconds.
• No gambling bonuses and promotions to be advertised anywhere other than on casino     websites.

In addition, the AGCO has introduced a ban on using athletes and some celebrities in gambling advertising. The ban will commence from the end of February 2024. The aim of this ban is to protect young people from gambling advertising that may be more attractive to them if sports stars and celebrities are involved.

There is no doubt that the laws brought about by the introduction of Ontario’s regulated online casino market have created a safer playing environment. The laws guard against money laundering and ensure that operators are regulated. This regulation means that operators must protect the safety and security of players at all times and adhere to the rules introduced and overseen by the AGCO. So, players benefit from knowing their data and financial information are safe when they play and that operators treat them fairly.