Caesars Entertainment has officially launched its latest iGaming platform, Horseshoe Online Casino, in Ontario. This marks the platform's third new jurisdiction expansion within the past week, joining Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Horseshoe Online Casino was launched in Michigan in early October 2024 and is set to launch in New Jersey, pending regulatory approval. This move is part of Caesars' strategy to grow its online gaming presence by bringing its famous Las Vegas Strip brands to mobile devices.
To participate in online casinos in Ontario, you must be at least 19 years old and physically located within the province.
Online Casinos Launched in Ontario in 2022
Ontario ventured into new territory by passing legislation to legalize online gambling in April 2022. At the time, this move was considered groundbreaking in Canada, as online gambling had not been a significant focus in the entertainment sector.
Like markets with long-regulated online casino play, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, Ontario had to implement strict regulations to safeguard player well-being and ensure maximum security for users browsing websites and playing games.
Operators are required to obtain the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Check accreditation.
Ontario Online Casino Operator Regulations
But that’s not all. To become an online casino operator, several requirements must be met, including:
- Pay an annual fee of $100,000 per gambling website.
- Register each website individually and pay the corresponding operating fee.
- Commit to responsible website management, including choosing reliable game suppliers.
- Collaborate with other operators to legally share data on suspicious or high-risk activities.
- Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with iGaming Ontario.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a provincial regulatory body overseeing online gambling operations. It establishes guidelines to protect players and ensure game integrity across the province. iGaming Ontario (iGO), a subsidiary of AGCO, manages the internet gambling services provided by private gaming operators.
Online Casino Revenue Booming in Ontario
The online casino market in Ontario is experiencing rapid growth, establishing itself as a leading global player.
Combining reports from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the iGO for April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, reveals that revenue reached over $3 billion in the second fiscal year since commercial operators entered Ontario, marking a 54.5% increase from the first year's near-$2 billion.
Ontario’s regulated online gambling launched on April 4, 2022, just after the start of the 2022-23 fiscal year.
Ontario's regulated online gambling has generated nearly $5 billion in gross gaming revenue over two years, from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024, with OLG contributing $1.2 billion.
Future of Online Casinos in Ontario Looks Bright
With more than 50 operators running over 80 websites, the most recent iGO report found that online casinos account for an 86% share of the Canadian province’s total wagers.
The future of online casinos in Ontario appears promising. Adding the Caesars' Horseshoe Online Casino will only help to bolster the revenue.
Players can refer to detailed reviews provided in the list of Canada's online casinos to simplify their search among the many reputable options.
