Canada is known as a welcoming country. Not just to immigrants and visitors – this welcoming concept extends to other things as well. Take online gambling, for example. Canada has legalized it years ahead of many other countries, with supportive laws that promote the industry’s growth in many provinces, including Ontario.
If you’re into casino games and you’re an Ontario resident, there are a few things you should know before starting. We’ll explore the most important information below.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Ontario?
Yes, it is. Ontario has finally legalized online gambling and sports betting a few years ago. It’s controlled by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which oversees the issuing of local licenses and ensures the licensees adhere to the rules.
Not every casino site can operate on this market. In fact, Ontario regulates only licensed casinos such as https://casinodays.com/on/casino. This means that it has a state monopoly over the market and that no online casino without a license is permitted.
The good news is that there are plenty of available options. Regulated Ontario casino sites have plenty to offer, allowing you to play slots, table games, or live casino games with ease.
What’s the Legal Age Limit for Gambling in Ontario?
The legal gambling age in Ontario is 18 for the lottery and bingo games, and 19 for online casinos. If you’re into slots or live casino games, you must be aged 19 or over in order to sign up. That’s right in line with Canada’s laws, as well as the laws of many other countries around the world. Lying on your sign-up form about the age will only get you in trouble, so you shouldn’t even think about it.
Ontario’s governing body for online gambling requires all licensed operators to verify the age of their players. This is done by entering personal information such as birth date on the registration page, which is later confirmed via the obligatory KYC verification. Short for Know Your Customer, this is a standard used in the financial and investment industries that ensures your sign-up information is correct.
It requires players to send personal documents over to their casino of choice, which are then verified by the operator’s team. This usually takes 24 hours, and after successful verification, players can withdraw their winnings without delays.
So, if you’re thinking of signing up at an Ontario online casino, make sure you’ve got this information correct.
Are There Any Taxes on Online Gambling Winnings in Ontario?
Here’s some great news players would like to hear: under Canadian laws, winnings from bets or prizes are not considered taxable income. This means you don’t have to worry about paying taxes back to the state after hitting a few wins. You’re free to play your favorite games or bet on sports online, focusing your efforts on strategy instead.
Are There Any Penalties for Illegal Gaming?
Unlawful gaming penalties in Canada can put people in jail for up to two years. This refers to every person who is found to run an illegal betting shop or a gambling house. The fine for such indictable offense is C$5,000 along with jail time.
As for players, there haven’t been any cases of players being arrested for gambling with unlicensed operators. But, it’s best to stick to reputable operators if you want the ultimate online gambling experience. Of course, making the right choice is easier said than done, as there are many options to pick from.
How to Make the Right Casino Pick
Choosing the best online casino requires an in-depth look at a variety of factors. First and foremost, you should always aim for licensed operators if you want to stay out of trouble. Unlicensed casino sites are not worth it, no matter how great the PR is.
You’re not just risking losing your money. You’re risking losing much more, such as your identity, which is why you should stick to licensed Ontario operators.
Here are some other important factors that will help you determine the right casino for your needs:
• Real player experience: choosing a licensed casino is important, but you should also look for some real player reviews online to see what others think. This is crucial before signing up, as it can give you a different perspective than reading casino reviews. Make sure to visit reputable sites without paid reviews. Compare the opinions of real players with your overall ranking and you’ll have a general overview of the casino site.
• Bonuses and promotions: bonuses and promotions are another important factor when choosing an online casino. You might not consider it important but in reality, you’d like to get as many fair deals as possible. Go for a casino with fair bonus terms instead of the highest number of bonuses. Lower wagering requirements mean more than a big bonus amount.
• Game lobby: since you’re joining an online casino in Ontario, you’ll want it to have as many games as possible. The best casino sites in Ontario feature thousands of games in different shapes and sizes. You can play slots and jackpots for free, table games, as well as live dealer games and scratchcards for the ultimate experience.
• Customer support: last, but not least, always ensure that your casino of choice has a proper customer support team. As a new player, you might have many questions. A good customer service team will answer your questions in full and quickly, so you can learn more about the casino or any obstacles that might prevent you from enjoying the best experience.
Enjoying the Ontario Online Gaming Scene
The Ontario market offers numerous regulated operators that offer a fun and rewarding gaming experience. But, before you rush and join a casino site, we suggest considering the talking points of this article. We’ve delved into everything you need to know before joining an Ontario online casino and told you what to check before signing up as well.
This way, you don’t have to worry about any potential legal consequences. Make sure you consider it a fun pastime instead of a way to make money. This is crucial if you want to have fun and avoid gambling problems.
