How to check if an online casino is legal in Ontario

It takes about two minutes. Do this before you create an account or deposit.

The checklist

1. Search the official directory. Open the iGaming Ontario regulated market directory and find the brand and the exact website address. Some international brands run a separate Ontario site; the global version may not be regulated here.
2. Read the site footer. Regulated sites state that they operate under an agreement with iGaming Ontario and display responsible gambling information.
3. Watch for location checks. A regulated site has to confirm you’re in Ontario. If it never asks for location permission, be suspicious.
4. Expect ID verification. Registered operators must verify your age and identity. A site that lets you withdraw large amounts with no checks isn’t following Ontario’s rules.
5. Look at the advertising. Ontario doesn’t allow public advertising of bonuses and inducements. Banner ads screaming “free bonus, no deposit!” aimed at Ontario players are a red flag — for the site and for whoever is promoting it.

Red flags of an offshore site

• Not listed in the iGO directory (the one that matters)
• Only a licence from another country is shown
• Crypto-only deposits or unusual payment methods
• No geolocation, no ID checks, no deposit-limit tools
• Promoted through spammy pages that push “free trial bonuses”

Found an unregulated site?

Don’t deposit. If you’ve already played there and have a dispute, you won’t have the AGCO’s complaint process behind you. Stick to sites in the directory — see our list of legal Ontario casinos.