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Online Bingo In Ontario Guide for 2024: How To Play Bingo
Playing real money online bingo in Ontario is governed by a regulatory framework that ensures the legality and safety of online gaming for residents. Following the legalization of online gambling in Ontario on April 4, 2022, operators must be registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and have an agreement with iGaming Ontario (iGO) to offer their services legally within the province​​.
Best Online Bingo Ontario Sites for Real Money
Below are some of the best legal and licensed online casinos in Ontario that offer Bingo.
The new bingo market in Ontario
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC), a government agency, previously held a monopoly on online gambling in the province, including bingo. However, with new regulations introduced to open the market, Ontarians now have a broader range of online gaming options. This move was part of Ontario's efforts to increase competition, generate tax revenues from online gaming, address money laundering and organized crime, and protect consumers by ensuring that games operators meet certain standards​​.
Bingo Operator Rules
To offer online bingo and other gaming services in Ontario, operators must undergo a detailed licensing process with both iGO and the AGCO. This process includes registering with both organizations, ensuring compliance with data security rules, completing anti-money laundering and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, and undergoing training on the Internet Gaming Notification Matrix. The fees for operating an online gaming website in Ontario are CAD $100,000 per year, per website, with additional costs for suppliers and manufacturers of gaming equipment and services​​.
Importance of Playing On Licensed Sites
For players, it's essential to engage with online bingo sites that are fully licensed and regulated to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience. The minimum legal age for gambling in Ontario is 19 years old, except for playing the lottery and bingo, for which the minimum age is 18 years old. It's worth noting that while casino winnings are not taxable for casual players, professional gamblers must include their winnings when filing income taxes​​.
Conclusion
The regulatory environment in Ontario is designed to protect players and ensure the integrity of online gaming operations. With the introduction of these regulations, Ontario residents can enjoy online bingo and other gambling activities in a secure and regulated framework, contributing to a responsible gaming environment within the province.
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