In Ontario there is one place that settles whether an online casino is legal: iGaming Ontario's directory of regulated igaming sites. The AGCO's own list of registered internet gaming operators points to it. A site in that directory is run by an operator registered by the AGCO and contracted by iGO. A site that is not there is outside the regulated market, whatever its homepage claims.
Step by step
- Open the directory yourself. Type igamingontario.ca into your browser rather than following a link from an email, ad or forum post, then go to the regulated igaming market page.
- Search for the site. Use the "Search igaming sites" box, or filter by operator or category (casino, poker, sports betting, bingo, betting exchange). Each entry shows the site's logo and a "Play" link.
- Compare the web address. The "Play" link goes to the site's Ontario address. Check it against the address in your browser letter by letter. Many Ontario sites use a dedicated address, for example BetMGM Casino's entry links to casino.on.betmgm.ca. The same brand's international site on a different address is not the Ontario site.
- Compare the company name. Each site belongs to a named operator in the directory's operator list, such as BetMGM Canada Inc. or FanDuel Canada ULC. Look in the site's terms and conditions or footer for the company running it in Ontario. The names should match.
- Don't rely on a licence number. The directory does not show registration numbers, so a number printed on a casino's footer is not something you can confirm there. The directory entry and matching address are the proof.
- Check the logos last. iGO says every site from a fully registered and approved operator displays the iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos (iGO player FAQs). Their absence is a red flag. Their presence alone proves nothing, because images are easy to copy.
- Remember OLG.ca. OLG.ca is legal but is run by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, not under an iGO operating agreement. The directory notes this exception.
What the checks tell you
| What you compare | Where to find it | What should match |
|---|---|---|
| Site name | iGO directory search | An entry with the same brand |
| Web address | The entry's "Play" link | The exact address in your browser |
| Company name | Directory operator list and the site's terms | The same legal entity |
| Logos | The site itself | iGO and BetGuard logos present (supporting sign only) |
If the casino is not listed
Do not deposit. A site outside the directory is not operating under AGCO oversight in Ontario, and the AGCO says it has no legal relationship with unregulated operators and does not resolve their disputes (AGCO complaints). If you already have money there, the regulator cannot get it back for you.
If you think a site is operating illegally or advertising to Ontarians when it should not be, you can report it to the AGCO through iAGCO. Complaints about suspected illegal activity or advertising do not need to go to an operator first; enter zero in the reference number field. If gambling on these sites is becoming a problem, ConnexOntario offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600 (iGO: Find help).
Common tricks to watch for
- Look-alike domains. An extra letter, a hyphen or a different ending can make an unregulated copy look like a known brand. The directory link is your reference.
- Same brand, different market. Big brands often run separate sites for other countries. Only the address listed by iGO is the Ontario-regulated one.
- Licences from elsewhere. A seal from another jurisdiction may be genuine, but it does not authorize a site to serve players in Ontario's regulated market.
- Bonus-led advertising. Regulated operators cannot publicly advertise bonuses or promo codes in Ontario (AGCO). A site pushing offers in public ads is either breaking the rules or not regulated here.
- Mixed affiliate sites. AGCO standards say affiliates marketing for registered operators must not also advertise unregistered sites in Ontario. A comparison site listing both kinds is a warning sign.
- Fake BetGuard pages. iGO has warned about third parties using the BetGuard name to give misleading instructions (iGO warning). Self-exclude only at betguard.ca.