If you’re an Ontario casino player, the 2022 launch of regulated online gaming in the province means you have more choice and better protection than ever before. It’s also a great time to be in the market for a new online casino, with a number of established operators now launching their sites.
In addition, the iGaming Ontario logo is an easy way to identify a legitimate, licensed online casino that has a good reputation. You can look for it at the bottom of any regulated website, or in the “About Us” section. You’ll also find details of the licensing authority that has approved a site on iGaming Ontario. If a site does not display this information, you should avoid it. These unlicensed sites may not offer any consumer protection initiatives and they’re often less reputable than their regulated counterparts.
Another piece of ontario casino news to keep an eye on involves the iGaming sector’s response to the recent cyberattack that closed several casinos around the province. The attack was part of a wider campaign by dark web hackers to extort money from high-profile institutions, including school boards, the LCBO and SickKids Hospital. The hacks involved a type of software called ransomware, which encrypts critical files and demands hefty payments in exchange for decryption.
A growing trend in ontario casino news is the popularity of live in-game betting. This form of wagering allows players to place bets during a game, based on the performance of teams and individual players. It’s a fast-paced, exciting way to bet on sports, and the popularity of this new betting product is expected to continue to grow as more people discover the option.
After the initial rollout of regulated online gambling in Ontario, many major sportsbooks expanded into the province. Caesars Sportsbook, the betting platform from one of the world’s largest casino companies, became available to Ontario bettors, while BetMGM and BetRivers both launched their sites in the province as well.
While it’s too early to determine how effective the regulated Ontario market will be, early signs are positive. The number of bettors has increased, and the percentage of online wagers placed by female players is growing as well. It’s an encouraging sign for the industry, and it should provide a strong base as it expands into other markets.
Another development that’s worth keeping an eye on is the number of illegal offshore online casinos operating in Canada. While reputable operators will cease to target the gray market, shady operators may continue to do so, which could push some players to international sites without proper licensing and regulation. This is not a risk that should be taken, and players should always choose regulated, legitimate online casinos when playing for real money. The iGaming Ontario logo is one easy way to verify that a casino has a valid license, and the government’s iGaming Ontario website publishes a list of licensed operators as well. This is an important step for the Ontario gaming industry, and it’s something that all players should be aware of.
