After a gruelling four years of work within the provincial government body, Ontario finally introduced legislation designed to end the lottery’s long-held gambling monopoly in the province. It marked a moment that both casinos and consumers had long been waiting and pushing for, resulting in a drastically changed gambling landscape in the province.
The premise is simple: companies can now apply for an official government license to provide access to games of chance (slots, roulette, bingo, etc.), giving consumers a simple choice of trusted provincial providers. The actual iGaming experience is a little different and nuanced, however, and the selection of ‘good’ providers is not always as clear.
Rapid Growth in the Number of Online Operators
Ontario’s iGaming market launch in 2022 unveiled a fact most insiders already knew: Ontarians like to gamble. From April to June, during the initial tracked figures, over $4 billion worth of bets were placed. The level of pent-up demand was far higher than even the most positive industry analysts predicted.
The rapid growth of online gambling in Ontario has led to a wide range of online casinos appearing in Google searches, providing many exciting options for players. In response, trusted review sites like GambleOntario.ca have emerged, offering consumers detailed lists of vetted and licensed local (Ontario) operators to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience in online casinos.
For consumers interested in online gambling in Ontario, there are several key ‘must-haves’ before signing up to a provider:
AGCO Licensing
Casinos that operate legally in Ontario require the possession of a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Check the footer of the casino to look for the iGO seal, but then cross-reference that with the official government website (don’t just trust the logo!).
The license ensures that you are dealing with a reputable provider, one that has been verified by the government and has a legal right to operate. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best offer on the table, but you will at least not be scammed out of your hard-earned money.
Smooth Deposit + Withdrawal Process
The advantage of using casinos geared towards Ontario-based users is that the payment process will be tailor-made for Canadians. It ensures a smooth deposit and withdrawal experience, meaning your transaction will be processed within seconds and you can start playing right away. Also, these casinos will accept all popular local payment methods, like Interac, arguably the leading avenue for Canadian online purchases.
And for the occasions that you win a big bonus or, even better, a jackpot, the withdrawal will take no longer than 48 hours. For international withdrawals, it can be a drawn-out process, which is the last thing you want if you’ve won big!
Customer Support
Many players underestimate the value of customer support. Sure, most of the time, it’s not needed. Companies with the best customer service setup tend to do everything else well as well.
But sometimes, you just need to speak to an actual human, whether it’s an issue with your card, a problem with making a withdrawal, or anything else. Legit casinos will make it easy to get in touch with a representative, whether it’s through chat, email, or phone.
Bonuses
One of the elements that sets online casinos apart from their online equivalents is the quality of promotions and bonuses. Online casinos are competing with everyone, plus their overheads are generally lower.
This means they can offer great bonuses for new players. Look for free spins, no-deposit bets, and recurring offers for existing players. Don’t be afraid to bonus hunt and move from one provider to the next.
Range of Games + Innovation
The great thing about leading online casinos is the amount of choice. You can play a new game every single day for what seems like forever, with the supply of releases not running out. The big names in the industry will often have hundreds of slots available to a player at any one time.
Of course, you don’t want to just focus on sheer quantity. The casino should also put a primary emphasis on the quality of games, pushing innovation, and having partnerships with the leading game developers in the industry. This leads to a gaming experience that effectively matches AAA games, the so-called blockbusters of the industry.
Your Relationship with Online Casinos
Ultimately, your online casino experience is also down to you. Take an honest approach to your gambling, focusing on the gaming experience and having a good time first, and dreams of jackpots second.
Remember, winning is never guaranteed, and casinos are designed as entertainment venues, not a second job or way to make extra money.
Of course, many people end up winning jackpots or walking away in the plus, but it won’t happen every time. Have fun with it, be happy online gambling is now available to everyone in Ontario, and you’ll never be disappointed.
