The legal status of online gambling in Canada is a complicated matter, and Ontario is no exception. To be able to operate online casinos, operators must adhere to the regulations and laws set out by each province. In the case of Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates all forms of gaming, including online casinos. For operators to offer their services legally in the province, they must hold an appropriate license from the AGCO.
Canada’s Criminal Code distinguishes between two kinds of gaming: 789bet betting and wagering, where wins or losses are decided solely by chance; and lotteries and game shows, where skill and knowledge are important components. Betting is regulated largely on a provincial level across Canada, whereas lotteries are governed more by federal regulations. Online casinos are subject to both types of law.
In 2000, the Canadian Government established a National Strategy for Responsible Gambling that seeks to keep gambling fair and safe throughout the country. The aim is to identify potential harm from gambling and intervene when necessary. Each of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories has their own laws and regulations in regards to gaming.
To obtain a license from the AGCO, operators must meet numerous requirements. For example, every game available at an operator must be tested for fairness, accuracy and security. Additionally, all operators must keep records on customers and transactions for seven years, outlining any suspicious activities encountered during this time.
Approved operators are also subject to periodic reviews which may include additional requirements such as providing the AGCO with access to their control systems. Any operator that does not comply with the law can face fines or have their license revoked by the regulator.
Ontario online casinos are able to offer a wide range of games including slots, table games, video poker and live dealer options. Slots are some of the most popular games available, with different types offering different features. For example, progressive jackpots link multiple machines together so that all players contribute to a giant jackpot which is won by one player at random.
Table games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and more. Players can also find video poker machines, which combine the excitement of slots with the skill aspect of poker. Live dealer games are a relatively recent innovation in which a real person deals cards or otherwise interacts with players over video.
These operators all use various methods to make their services available to players in Ontario. For example, some have physical locations where customers can play games, while others provide an online platform for playing at home. Some have mobile apps so that customers can play on their phones or tablets.
To attract new players, online casinos often offer various bonuses and promotions. The most common bonuses are match bonuses, which match a player’s initial deposit up to a certain amount. Reload bonuses are also common, which offer players the chance to get extra money when they make subsequent deposits.
Some online casinos offer loyalty bonuses, where players receive extra money or rewards for playing frequently on the site. Also, many operators have special promotions such as weekly or monthly tournaments, where winners can take home large cash prizes or other rewards.
Many of the operators providing services to players in Canada have mobile apps available. These apps provide access to various online casino games. Players can use their phones and tablets to play slots, table games, video poker and even live dealer games on their devices.