As one of the most liberal states in Canada when it comes to gambling, Ontario has a lot to offer. In 1985, Canadian law made it possible for every province to control its gaming industry. As a result, the province soon became a hub for many land-based casinos. In addition to casinos, several other gambling options are available for players.
History of gambling in Ontario
Betting culture in Ontario started in 1985. This was an age before internet gaming and when there were few gambling options in the province. In 1989, the first casino in Canada opened in Winnipeg, and it wasn’t long before Ontario followed suit. Within a couple of years, Casino Windsor, the first commercial casino in Ontario, brought gambling culture to the province. The success of Casino Windsor resulted in many more casinos including Casino Rama and the Fallsview Casino.
However, with the increased popularity of the internet, people started playing at home instead of visiting casinos, and the land-based casino visitor numbers dropped. As a result of this, the Ontario government turned its attention to the world of online gambling. It is one of the few provinces that has launched a government-run online casino — PlayOlg.ca. In August 2021, it legalized more than fifteen sportsbooks to operate within the province.
Is gambling legal in Ontario?
After establishing an open market, the province now has multiple legal sportsbooks from which you can choose. The province only allowed those online bookmakers who registered and signed an agreement with iGaming Ontario. Only they can offer their products and services to the public. Ultimately, this means more safe and legal online options for players. Hence, providing customers with more choice and variety in addition to the OLG site. However, you have to be 19+ to gamble at any Ontario licensed casino.
In Canada, betting falls under the authority of the federal Criminal Code of Canada. And, as previously mentioned, each province and territory is responsible for its own gambling regulations. Hence, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is in charge of gaming operations in the province. These include provincial lottery games, charity, aboriginal casinos, slot machines at racetracks, and commercial casinos.
On the whole, gambling has created a net positive impact on the province and citizens of Ontario. Millions of dollars have been donated to government programs through the government-run online casino, PlayOlg.ca. In 2021, according to PlayOlg.ca, they gave 
However, one has to bear in mind some negative aspects of gambling Ontario. The most common long-term consequences are financial, mental health issues, and bankruptcy due to gambling dependency. Moreover, mental health issues lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. In addition to this, the legalization of gambling makes it easy to launder money through casinos.