Since the last couple of years, the casino gaming industry has been booming with players from all over the world, including Canada. And in order to meet this rising demand, the number of iGaming websites has also increased. However, this has made the industry quite
What Are Online Casinos?
We have all been to brick-and-mortar casinos at least once in our lifetime. They are more like an indoor amusement park, but solely for the enjoyment of adults. Casinos are typically popular as they allow people to indulge themselves in a game of chance. Apart from the lavish themes, parties and drinks, there are plenty of games for people to engage in.
Roulette, slot machines, baccarat, blackjack, craps and keno – are all games of chance. These games have been enabling the gambling industry to make billions every year.
Online casinos on the other hand are the virtual versions of offline casinos or brick and mortar casinos. Like the offline casinos, online casinos offer players games of chance. The only difference is the number of games that each offers.
In an online casino, players can find an extensive list of casino games that are inclusive of slot machines, roulette, blackjacks, baccarat, craps, keno, etc. However, the best part about the emergence of online casinos is that you no longer have to make the trip to an offline casino. You can play all of these casino games from the comfort of your home.
Not to mention, these days you can make huge amounts of profits through online casinos. You make deposits using actual money and if you win, you end up bagging in huge profits. So technically, it is a win-win for everybody.
For those of you who despise having to go out, online casinos can actually be the perfect casino gaming platform for you! Some iGaming platforms offer both sportsbooks and casinos. These platforms have a good business going on as they find plenty of clients for both. This is why you will generally find the casino games feature beside the sportsbook feature for most iGaming websites.
Apart from the usual casino games, websites also offer live casino games with live dealers.
History of Online Casinos
Gambling can be dated back hundreds of years ago. But the creation of online gambling happened a while after the internet was invented. We are roughly talking about the mid-90s.
However, the pathway from being recently invented to becoming a multi-billion dollar industry did not happen overnight.
So today, we will be diving deep into the history of online gambling to provide as much insight as we can for our readers. Let’s get to it!
The Early 90s
In the year 1994, licenses for online gambling services were handed out by Antigua and Barbuda. The first online casino was developed by Microgaming, called the Gaming Club. Although the Gaming Club was developed in the very same year, it wasn’t until 1995 that it officially took off among players.
Yes, there have been claims of other companies like CryptoLogic, who have asserted that they were the first ones to bring in monetary online casinos for the general public. But till this date, Microgaming stands as one of the most authentic providers of iGaming platforms.
However, since CryptoLogic was established during the same time, people are always torn between the two. Especially when deciphering which one brought the iGaming industry to the public first.
By 1997, the World Wide Web was home to over 200 online casino websites. As per stats, the newly formed gambling industry peaked at a billion, progressing its journey to where it is today.
Current Scenario
As of now, there are new online gaming sites being created every day to meet the rise in demand. Most of the iGaming websites are new to casino gaming. That being said, there are plenty of others who have been in the online casino business long enough to have built a strong reputation for themselves.
Nonetheless, you have to remember that these online casinos would not have existed if it wasn’t for iGaming software providers like Microgaming. Today, there are numerous software providers who are developing casino games every day for the recreation of the general public.
Online Casinos vs. Offline / Brick & Mortar Casinos
It is needless to say that there is a magnitude of difference between online casinos and offline casinos. Here are a few of them which are worth mentioning –
If you have been to brick-and-mortar casinos, then you already know that they take place in confined spaces.
Logically, it isn’t possible for offline casinos to be able to offer hundreds of games for casino lovers all the time. This is why, for this aspect, online casinos are way better since they offer thousands of casino games to their players.
Not to mention, every game has its own variety with different themes and strategies!
Previously, people were pretty skeptical about signing up for online casino websites. This is because they were worried about the safety risks that the sites could entail. These days, every iGaming platform has a 128-bit SSL encryption protecting its database of user and transaction info.
As for offline casinos, they are already a safe space with people being thrown out the minute something illegal or dangerous is seen taking place.
Online casinos are great if you hate making the trip to brick-and-mortar casinos every time you crave some recreation. More so when the only offline casino in your city is miles away from where you are.
You can also have access to online casinos a lot easier due to the invention of apps, which you can access from your phones or tablets.
Monetary transactions are faster and easier at offline casinos. You pay the money and get chips in return to play the games. You can get instant cashback in case you want to withdraw money.
However, if we are talking about online casinos, it is slightly more difficult. The reason is that although you may have access to cryptos, e-wallets and credit/debit cards, completing transactions still takes time.
As mentioned above, there are abundant software providers who develop games for online casinos. So when you sign up at an online casino platform in Canada, you have instant access to thousands of casino games.
Conversely, when you are at an offline casino, your options will be limited. Mostly due to the setup being indoors. A brick-and-mortar casino can only offer this many games to you.
The overall experience of casino gaming is a lot more thrilling at physical casinos. This is mainly due to two specific reasons.
First, you get to socialize with as many people as you want. If you do not like playing casino games alone, you should definitely opt for offline casino gaming.
Another reason is that the live music, people, drinks, themes, dressing up and other elements of offline casino gaming only add to the experience. Everything seems a lot grander than online casino gaming.
Online casinos give you a head start by providing you bonus offers and promotions like Welcome Bonuses. Furthermore, you are also able to avail many other promotions in the course of playing. This prevents players from losing interest out of repetitive gaming.
Online Casinos in Canada
Do the online casinos in Canada deliver as much as they promise? Let’s find out!
The Canadian gambling industry has been making billions every year through its online platforms. And to meet the rising demand, rival websites are always developing innovative games to attract more players.
So if you are undecided about signing up for online casino sites in Canada, we would recommend you to give it a shot. From so many variations of games to choose from, we are positive that you will not be disappointed.
Another concern that users might have is whether the online casinos are safe. Canada is pretty strict about people or businesses breaking their gambling rules. This is why only the licensed sites are allowed for players in Canada. Some of the most renowned gambling authorities include Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission.
Plus, some casino websites also have a separate section for sportsbooks where punters can also place their bets. This makes online casinos in Canada a safe space for both casino lovers and punters.
How We Rank Online Casinos Canada
If you are new to the scene of online casino gaming in Canada, you might face some difficulty while signing up for a website. This is because, from a plethora of iGaming platforms to choose from, you may get a little confused about making the right pick.
To solve this issue, we have created a list of features that we think you should consider while signing up for the websites. So these are the aspects that we have taken into consideration while ranking online casinos in Canada –
License
Most casino players initially do not have the knowledge that is required to tell a regular online casino apart from a good one. However, one thing that these people generally rely on while making their decision is that the casino must have a license for them to register.
Having a valid license from any one of the reputed licensing authorities can ensure players that they are in safe hands. Moreover, since you deal with a lot of money transactions while playing casino games, it is necessary for the casino to be a valid one.
And the only way to consider it as a legit iGaming platform is to see whether it has a license.
Security
This is another aspect that has to be taken into account while signing up. Did you know that the percentage of people who are undecided about signing up on these platforms are mostly worried about security issues?
When you register at a new iGaming website, you enter your personal details like your name, address, phone number etc. And not just that, you also enter your banking details in order to complete future transactions.
So, if you want your personal documents and information to stay safe and secure, opt for an online casino that is protected with 128 bit SSL encryption. SSL is well-known for providing security by safely storing personal information. This prevents third-party apps from snooping in through customer details.
Games
Yes, you may have your favourites while playing casino games. But at one point, it is bound to get a little repetitive on your end. And no one would want to die out of boredom (that too while trying out recreational activities like playing casino games!).
This is one of the major reasons why players always take a look at the category of games available is because they want to have access to thousands of games at once. iGaming developers also go out of their way to ensure that every game is unique and different from each other.
For instance, fresh themes are always taken into account before developing new games. And apart from the theme, developers also work on other technical aspects to enhance the overall experience of users playing the game.
Therefore, the next time you are signing up at an iGaming platform, we would definitely recommend taking the time out to go through the games available. The more games a site offers the more fun you will have.
Promotions
One of the major perks which only online casino players get to enjoy is the availability of bonus offers and promotions. Online casinos are always coming up with exciting offers and promotions for their users, to keep them entertained for as long as possible.
Rival casino platforms are always competing against each other by making their Welcome Bonus as enticing as possible. The reason being, whenever a visitor lands on the home page of the casino website, they are bombarded with multiple bonus offers. From these offers, the one which is used the most to attract players is the welcome bonus offer.
In short, the greater the offer, the greater the number of people signing up for that website.
You can think of the purpose of these offers to give them a head start in the world of casino gaming. If they genuinely seem to be enjoying the offers, they will, without a doubt, continue to use the platform for playing casino games.
Some popular bonus offers include – free spins, no deposit bonus, welcome bonus, tournaments, etc.
Terms & conditions
Yes, none of us like to go through the details when trying to make a decision about signing up for an online casino website. However, experts suggest that the key to nailing your decision is to go through the terms and conditions with utmost sincerity and focus.
This is because although the bonus offers and games may seem like an irresistible offer to most, they may not seem as appealing once you go through the terms and conditions. You will realize that there’s a lot at play when you actually take the time to go through these details.
For example, the number of times you have to wager a bonus amount is something that should be crystal clear to you. Not to mention, certain offers are eligible to customers with given conditions. So if you are not well caught up with the terms and conditions of these offers, you might get frustrated afterwards.
This is why you should always take a quick glance at the terms and conditions provided by the website. Nonetheless, we understand that it can be a LOT. This is why, when you have narrowed down your search to two or three casinos, give the terms and conditions a read. We can assure you that you will not regret it afterwards.
Payments
As far as payment is concerned, we all look for flexibility when playing casino games online. Not everyone has the same preference when choosing a payment option at an iGaming platform. You only choose the one that you are most comfortable with.
Hence, whenever you sign up for an online casino, take the time to go through the payment options that are available on the website. The more payment options they have, the more flexible the process.
Some of the most popular payment methods include:
- Instant Banking – iDebit, e-Check, Interac, Citadel
- E-Wallet – EcoPayz, InstaDebit, Jeton, MuchBetter, WebMoney
- Prepaid Cards – Neosurf, Revolut, Paysafecard, Flexepin, AstroPay Card
- Cryptocurrency – Ripple, Bitcoin, Litecoin
- Credit Cards – MasterCard Credit, Visa Credit
You have to keep in mind that not all of these payment options have the same time for withdrawal and deposits. Moreover, you may or may not find the same payment method for both withdrawals and deposits.
User Interface
A great user interface is as important as any other feature while looking for iGaming platforms. If users are not finding it a piece of cake while navigating through the website, chances are that they won’t enjoy spending hours on the site.
As you can see, this is a major disadvantage because as an online casino, you would want your users to stay glued to their screens during their free time. You would want them to keep making deposits so that you never run out of business.
But in order to do this, they must feel at ease while using the website. More so when you realize that if the features are too hard for them to get a hold of, they will just close the tab.
Therefore, if you are a casino player looking for good online casinos, do sign up for the website only when it has a great user interface. Till then, keep looking because we can assure you that there are plenty of well-known online casino platforms with good user interfaces.
Types of Games You Can Play at Online Casino
Now that you have an overall idea of what to look for as far as the features are concerned, let us get into the details of the games that you can find on online casino websites.
Every year, software providers try to step up their game by developing fresher themes to attract the players. This is because the basics of the games will always remain the same for games of chance. What you can do is bring out variations with the themes, play with the colours, introduce new characters and make the overall gaming experience more interactive.
So, let us take a look at the different types of casino games that you will be able to discover at online casino websites in Canada.
Slots (different types)
Slots is the most straightforward casino game that you can find on an online casino website. It is as easy to lose as it is to win money in a game of slots. And one single win in a slot is enough to redeem whatever you have lost to make this big win.
But did you know that there are different types of slot games available for players to indulge in? Here are the different types of slot games that you will be able to find in any online casino platform in Canada.
Who isn’t familiar with the classic three reel slots? They are the most traditional design of slots that you can find both offline and online!
Did you know that the three reel slots are also known as the ‘One-armed bandit?’ Wondering why? It is because of its resemblance with old-fashioned machines which work with a single lever.
Slot machines with three reels are the easiest to learn. You need to get three identical symbols to bag the win. This is one of the games of chance which has made Las Vegas the city of casinos.
Compared to offline slot machines, the online ones give better profits. This is because of the PRNG algorithm which is used for online slots.
The five reel slots are an enhanced version of the class slots. However, unlike the classic slots, the video slots do not have a lever that you usually have to pull. Instead of a lever, the five reel slots contain a button. All you have to do is press the button to see how your luck plays out.
If you have been playing five reel slots in both offline and online casinos, chances are that you already know of its popularity. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that the five reel slot is also known as the video slot because of its video screen?
Well, since the video slots are digital, they have impressive graphics, sounds and videos which are able to lure in players one way or the other.
Furthermore, five reel slots have a way better payout than the classic slots. The reason is that it has more pay lines, which automatically increases the odds, giving players a higher chance of winning. You can also make use of the bet multipliers which come with the free-spin mode of video slots.
The Six and seven reel slots are an upgraded version of the classic slots. For these slots, the same grid as the video slot is followed. When you have this many reels, the matches are longer. All in all, it is quite an exhilarating experience when you have 6-7 matches on the six and seven reel slots.
What’s more, in these slots, the chances of having three or more identical matches are greater. And these call for automatic free spins.
Progressive slots are very different from the classic or seven reel slots. Also known as a progressive jackpot, in this particular slot, players make a wager. The amount wagered is added to the progressive jackpot. Sometimes, you will also hear people calling it the accumulated jackpot.
No matter what you choose to call it, the purpose of it remains the same. Generally, casinos interconnect or the online slots of a particular website are interconnected to build the jackpot. This means that the amount held by the jackpot can even cross millions very easily. This makes it a perfect option for you to try out your luck and win!
But to save yourself any disappointment, it’s always better to keep your expectations in check. Given the number of players participating in a single game, you have to remember that the chances of winning are pretty slim. The payout is great nonetheless.
A little disclaimer: You have to wager the maximum amount in order to participate in a game of progressive slots. Therefore, be prepared to risk more than your usual amount for playing progressive jackpots online.
In case you needed an indication for technology advancing at a faster pace than most people realize, we would recommend taking a look at interactive slots. Interactive slots are designed in a different way, which sets them apart from classic slots. These slots have multi reels, as well as pay lines.
Interactive slots are no less than a video game. Experts suggest that players who are familiar with how video games work will be able to perform in interactive slots a lot better than the others.
Therefore, whenever you hit a bonus stage, you will have to use your skills to increase the odds. As you increase the odds, the profit margin you make, without a doubt will be a lot greater.
VR slots exist to give the players an immersive experience into what it would have been like to play at an actual casino. It is almost crazy to even think of the realistic casino experience that a VR slot is able to give to players.
When you are playing a VR slot, you will be able to experience a real casino from the comfort of your home. You will find yourself inside a skyscraper, surrounded by hundreds of slot machines and people.
So if you are looking for options to get started with your casino gaming, you can give the slots a try. More so, now that you are familiar with the different kinds of slots that exist in an online casino platform. They even have more variations that are brought about by iGaming software providers!
Table games
If you have been to a brick-and-mortar casino, then you must have seen the many types of games being played on the casino tables. The hustle and bustle of the crowd around the tables is where the true spirit of the casino lies! As the name suggests, table games are the games that you play on a table at an offline casino. These generally involve cards and are ever-green since people can never have enough of the variations of card games. Some of the more popular table games for online casinos include the following:
Created in the 1400s, Baccarat means zero. Also known as Punto Banco (player bank), in a classic game of baccarat, you can place your bet on player winning, banker winning or a tie.
On the first try, baccarat might seem slightly difficult to get the hang of. But as you practice, it’ll come easier to you than it did on the first try. Yes, you may come across plenty of variations for a classic game of baccarat, but the basic rules of the game remain the same.
In online baccarat, all you have to do is make a wager and then hit the button which reads ‘deal’ and you’re all set! There are no set strategies per se that will ensure you a win in a game of baccarat. However, as per expert suggestions, playing on the banker’s side can surely increase your chances of winning. It is also recommended to not opt for betting on the ties.
Remember, no one can master baccarats in a day. You can try out the baccarat at free online casinos for practice. The more you practice the better you get at this game. But do note that at the end of the day, the end result depends on sheer luck and nothing else.
The highest you can do is try your level best to influence the outcome by wagering on what seems the best option for you.
If there is one casino game that is the most popular after online slots, it would without a second thought be a classic game of blackjack. Like every other casino game, it will take some time to understand the rules of the game, especially if you have never played it before.
As a player, you can either choose to hit, stand, double down, split or surrender in a game of blackjack. Remember, the trick to winning this game is to play skillfully. However, the main issue arises when you have to take the odds into consideration.
Therefore, it is crucial that you know how to calculate the odds because this is how you will be able to make the right choice. Some common tips include standing when there’s 20 and hitting when there’s 9.
The best way to get a good grasp on a game of blackjack is to go through an in-detailed guide or video on it.
Craps is a game of dice. It was first invented in London, which then magically transported to New Orleans. If you have been lucky enough to witness a game of craps before, then you are familiar with the amount of excitement and crowd this game can bring about.
A game of craps might seem a little difficult at first due to the particular lingo that is used to play the game. But it gets easier when you know the lingo. In simple words, every player gets a chance to roll the dice. Based on the results of the dice, bets are placed by the rest of the players.
If you are looking for a table game that offers the best odds at an online or offline casino, you should definitely give the craps a try.
Essentially, in a game of roulette, the player makes their bets on where the ball will land on a spinning wheel. It is indeed a game of pure luck as you may never know where it will land. There are many different variants of roulette that you will be able to find at an online casino. Two of them being the American roulette as well as the European roulette.
Most online casinos appoint a live dealer who is generally in charge of a game of roulette. This dealer is helpful for dealing the cards appropriately through the screen. Not to mention, plenty of online casinos offer exciting bonus offers for players who love a classic game of roulette.
Poker is one of the most popular games in an online casino platform. The key reason behind this is that you can play a game of poker in a number of ways. Some of which include Caribbean Stud Poker, Video Poker, Texas Hold’em, Pai Gow Poker, Let it Ride, etc.
Nowadays, you will be able to find more variations of this particular game online. Texas Hold’em is undoubtedly one of the most popular versions of poker which has made it to the television a number of times.
In essence, poker is a game that is fairly easy to learn. You have four different betting options to choose from. These include the flop, the pre-flop, the river and the turn.
We would definitely suggest looking into the rules and practicing on free casino platforms to understand how the game really works.
Live dealer games are exactly what they sound like. You play casino games with an actual live dealer while sitting in the comfort of your home.
Evolution Gaming was the first company ever to make casino games with live dealers in the year 2006. You can find all the table games at an online casino with live dealers. These include the blackjacks, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, roulette and three card poker.
Do look for casino websites that offer great bonus offers for live casino games. This will make the game even more exciting to begin with.
A game of bingo is a mentally stimulating and fun game that you can play from the casino app on your phone. Players are required to match the number on cards with the bingo cards. If you are able to form a sequence, then you win!
As you can tell, there are a number of variations in this game. However, the common ones include 90-ball bingo, 75-ball bingo, 80-ball bingo as well as 30-ball bingo.
Once again, we will be adopting the literal meaning for a game of scratch cards. In scratch cards, players have to use their mouse or hand to manually scratch on the surface of the card. If there are similarities with the symbols, then you win a prize.
Types of Promotions You Can Expect
Majority of the online casinos succeed in attracting customers to their official website by offering enticing bonus offers and promotions on their home page. Here are some of the most popular bonus offers or promotions that you can find at any iGaming platform.
Welcome Bonus
Every online casino website tries to be as innovative as possible while creating its welcome bonus offer. It is the first offer that visitors get to see on their homepage. Therefore, rival websites are always competing against each other by trying to make their welcome bonus offers as tempting as possible.
Meaning, the greater the welcome bonus, the greater the head start to online casino gaming.
Some welcome bonus offers also consist of packages where they get quite a mix of bonus offers together at one go!
However, you must remember that most welcome bonuses can be availed after you have made your first deposit to the iGaming platform. Do keep an eye out for the wagering requirements and be prompt about claiming the offer.
No Deposit Bonus
No deposit bonuses are special kinds of bonuses that do not require you to make a deposit in order to get the bonus. This means that you do not have to worry about placing your deposits in order to claim the bonus.
These bonus offers generally have a time limit attached, which is why it is essential to grab the offer before it disappears.
Cashback Bonus
The most common type of cashback bonuses are the ones that you receive after subsequent losses in multiple games. The casino websites often do this in order to keep up the spirits of the users so that they can try out their luck one more time before giving up.
Alternative cashback bonuses include the ones which you are able to avail weekly or monthly. Since these are only made available once a week or month, the wins are pretty huge.
Wondering how this works?
Well, based on the number and amount of deposits you have made throughout the week or month, the casino website will offer you a cashback bonus. This may range from a mere 5% to 10%, depending on the online casino you have signed up for.
Apart from these three enticing bonus offers one can also benefit from claiming the free spins campaign offers, reload bonuses and the VIP programs. We would definitely recommend signing up for loyalty or VIP programs as they open doors to numerous bonus offers that are not available for regular players.
Payment Methods in Online Casinos Canada
In order to play at an online casino platform, you have to make deposits after registration. Which calls for the flexibility of payment options offered by a particular site.
Some of the most popular payment methods in online casinos Canada include American Express, Apple Pay, Bitcoin, Credit Cards, eCheck, EcoPayz, Entropay, Flexepin, Google Pay, iDebit, InstaDebit, Instant Banking by Citadel, Interac, MasterCard, MuchBetter, Neosurf, Neteller, Payeer, PayPal, PaySafeCard, Qiwi, Skrill, Visa, Zimpler, etc.
As mentioned above, the maximum and minimum deposit amounts will vary from one casino to the other. The time taken for completing transactions will also differ depending on the payment method that you have chosen for yourself.
However, the basic rules for making deposits or requesting withdrawals remain the same, such as:
- Look for an online casino site that offers your preferred payment options.
- Then you have to sign up on that casino website.
- Head to the banking page.
- Select withdrawals or deposits.
- Next, you will be provided with a list of available payment options.
- Choose your preferred payment method and enter the amount to get started!
Customer Support Options
You can contact customer support in the following ways:
Live chat
Almost every casino website has a live chat option where you can pose your queries 24/7.
Phone Support
If there is a phone number provided by the casino website, you can use it to make them a call.
Most online casinos share their email address for users who need to get in touch whenever they have queries.
Other ways to get in touch with customer support is to fill out complaint submission forms, alternative dispute resolutions and social media support. However, do ensure that the site you have signed up for is offering basic customer support like the live chat option, phone number and email address to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions: Online Casinos Canada
These are some of the most frequently asked questions by people who are curious about how the online casino gaming scene works like in Canada –
Can I play real money games at online casinos Canada? Yes, you can play real money games at Canadian online casinos. Blackjacks, roulette, slots, keno etc. are some of the games that you can play with real money at an online casino.
Can I trust online casinos Canada? You can trust Canadian online casino sites as long as they are licensed and have proper SSL encryption to protect your personal details.
Can I play online casinos Canada using mobile apps? This will depend on the casino you have signed up for. Generally, all renowned casino sites have a dedicated app for their users. So, if your casino has an app, you can for sure download the app on your phone and play.
Can I play for free? There are many casinos that offer a free trial version before you are asked to sign up to continue. So yes you can play for free.
Which casino game is perfect for beginners? The slots are perfect for beginners at an online casino platform.
Wrapping Up: Best Online Casino Sites
To conclude, this is an A-Z guide on the online casinos in Canada for all of our Canadian readers out there. But yes, this guide can be used for online casinos worldwide. Beginning from the history of online casino gaming to the kind of promotions offered by casino websites, we have covered every aspect of online casinos in Canada.
Now that you have an overall idea about what Canadian casino websites have to offer you, why not sign up at an online casino and give your gaming luck a try?
