Short answer

• If you are in Ontario, the safest choice is to play only on sites listed by iGaming Ontario / registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Those sites are provincially regulated, must follow player‑protection rules, and have legal accountability. (igamingontario.ca)
• If you are elsewhere in Canada, the safest options are either the provincial lottery/operator site for your province (example: BCLC/PlayNow in BC, Loto‑Québec/JeuxLoto‑Québec in Québec, AGLC/Play Alberta in Alberta) or reputable licensees that operate under recognized regulators (Ontario-licensed operators, or long‑standing First Nation / Kahnawake‑licensed operators). (igamingontario.ca)

Examples of well‑known, regulated operators serving Canadian players (examples only — check current iGO/AGCO directory before signing up)

• Popular operators that appear in the iGaming Ontario operator directory include: BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, Caesars, LeoVegas, PointsBet, BetRivers (Rush Street), theScore, and others. These operate under Ontario’s regulated market and must meet AGCO / iGO standards. (Use the official operator directory to confirm which sites are currently authorized in Ontario.) (igamingontario.ca)

How to verify a site is trustworthy (quick checklist)

1. Licence / operator listing — look it up on the regulator’s site:
   • Ontario: iGaming Ontario operators directory (official). If the site and operator appear there, it is regulated in Ontario. (igamingontario.ca)
   • Other provinces: use the provincial lottery or gaming authority website (e.g., BCLC, Loto‑Québec, AGLC) to confirm local offerings.
   • If a site claims a Kahnawake license, you can check Kahnawake Gaming Commission listings; many long‑running Canadian‑facing sites hold those licences. (morrisonhouse.ca)
2. SSL / HTTPS — the site should use secure encryption (padlock in browser).
3. Clear T&Cs — wagering requirements, withdrawal limits and ID/KYC rules should be explicit and easy to find.
4. RNG / fairness audits — look for proof of independent testing (e.g., eCOGRA, iTech Labs) and published RTPs.
5. Transparent banking — trusted payment methods for Canadians (Interac e‑Transfer, Visa/Mastercard, PayPal where offered, e‑wallets) and reasonable withdrawal times.
6. Reputation & reviews — check multiple review sites and independent player feedback (and watch for patterns of payout complaints). Avoid sites with large numbers of unresolved payout disputes.
7. Responsible‑gambling tools — self‑exclusion, deposit/ loss limits, cooling‑off options and links to help resources must be available.

Why regulated sites are safer

• Regulators such as the AGCO/iGaming Ontario require controls for game integrity, player protection, anti‑money‑laundering and age verification; deposits and payouts are subject to oversight. Playing on a regulated site gives you formal recourse if something goes wrong. (igamingontario.ca)

Practical tips before you sign up or deposit

• Confirm the exact domain listed on the regulator’s operator directory (criminals clone websites).
• Start with a small deposit and do a test withdrawal to confirm identity/KYC and payout speed.
• Read the withdrawal policy carefully — some welcome bonuses have high wagering requirements or exclude withdrawals until terms are met.
• Keep records of chats/emails with support in case of a dispute.
• Use bank/Interac or reputable e‑wallets rather than unfamiliar crypto services unless you understand the risks.

Responsible gambling and help

• Use the site’s self‑exclusion or deposit‑limit tools if you need them.
• If gambling is causing harm, contact local resources (Gamblers Anonymous, provincial helplines) or national services (e.g., Canada’s ConnexOntario in Ontario or other provincial assistance lines). Regulated operators are required to provide links and tools for help. (igamingontario.ca)

If you want, I can:

• Look up the current iGaming Ontario operator list and give you the exact, up‑to‑date list of authorized casino and sportsbook sites available in Ontario today (I’ll pull the official directory and cite it).