iGaming 101
New to Ontario’s Regulated iGaming Market?

1. Choose a Site Run by a Regulated Operator

Ontario regulates several Operators that each offer a unique experience with different games and entertainment options.

You might be asking yourself 'how do I choose a website when there are so many to pick from?' The best thing to do is to look at some of the websites that Ontario regulated Operators provide to get a sense of the types of games they offer and what interests you the most.

Look for the iGO logo on the website before signing up so you can play with confidence. 

Why play on sites offered by regulated Operators?

• Your deposits are protected
• Your winnings are paid out
• Your personal information and data are secure
• Game play has fair competitive odds
• You have access to limit-setting features and other responsible gambling resources to keep your experience fun
• You know there is a legal business behind the site

2. Create Your Account

Once you’ve selected from the available regulated igaming websites, you’ll need to sign up for a player account. The process may be a little different for every operator but at a minimum you will be asked to provide some basic personal information which will then go through a verification process to confirm your identity. The information is required to be verified before your account can be created.

Set Up Your Digital Wallet

All igaming websites have a digital wallet. This is where you will deposit your money to play and withdraw your winnings. The first time you deposit money you will need to set up your digital wallet. The Operator website will give you instructions on how to do this.

3. Set Your Limits

Each Operator will have its own unique set of tools and options to help you have a positive playing experience. But there's one thing that all Operators have in common: deposit, loss, and time limits. These tools will help you set a budget and stick to it!

• Deposit limits — this is the amount you select that can be deposited into your digital wallet over a defined period of time. For example, you may choose to set a budget and deposit no more than $50 per month.
• Loss Limits — this is the amount you select that is the most you want to lose (winnings subtracted from amount spent) over a defined period of time. For example, you may decide that you don't want to lose more than $25 per day.
• Time Limits — this is the amount of time you want to spend playing over a defined period of time. For example, you may decide that you don't want to play longer than 2 hours per day.

You can choose to set your money or time limit over the course of 24 hours, 7 days, and a month. Operators may offer additional options so it's important to learn about all the tools and options that are available to you.

4. Learn the Game Before You Play

Now that you've got your account, set up your digital wallet and set your limits, you're ready to play! Next, do a little browsing… take a look at some of the games to see what piques your interest.

Operators offer a range of types of games for all different types of players and interests. There's something for everyone!

The main types of games that you'll find are:

• Slots
• Table games like poker, blackjack, or roulette
• Sports and event betting

Not sure what you're interested in?

For slot or table games, one really good way to know if you'll like a game or not is to play “Free-to-play” games on an Operator's platform. This gives you a chance to take the game for a test run and see if you like it without having to spend any money.

Before you start playing take some time to learn about the game, so you know what to expect. Every game will have an explanation of the way the game is played, how to make a bet, what is considered a win, the chances of winning, and player payouts. These games may work a little differently than other games you’ve played before so it's important to know exactly how to play and your odds of winning. Be sure to give the rules a read through before getting started.