Online Casino Canada

Choosing a Canadian online casino

There are a number of things to check before signing up to an online casinos. Players can read casinos reviews and the casino website.

Licenses

These offer assurance that a casino is legitimate under the legal authority of a government. Licenses ensure that games are fair, laws are respected and criminal activity is avoided. Well known organisations that issue licenses to casinos include the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). In Canada, the most well known authority is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake near Montreal. These organisations issue licenses to land-based and online casinos.

Deposit methods

Online casinos usually offer a selection of options for making deposits. Also, there is often the option to make payments in different currencies for players in different parts of the world. However, these options differ slightly for each one.

Typically, deposits can be made by credit or debit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa or Maestro. They can also be made by e-wallets, such as EcoPayz or MuchBetter. Prepaid cards, such as Paysafecard, can be used. Instant banking is another popular method, such as eCheck. Payment by phone is another option, through a service like Boku.

Games

There are different types of games at an online Canadian casino. Most commonly, these are: slot machine games, video poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, keno or live dealer.

The games offered are different for each online casino.. This also depends on the gaming developers that provide each gambling site. Each developer provides games with different titles, types and styles. Every casino collaborates with a certain number of online gaming providers.

Casino Mobile Versions

The average Canadian online casinos is fully mobile responsive, and some also provide a mobile app. This means that the pleasure of the gambling experience can be had wherever you happen to be. However, fewer games are offered on mobile devices compared to desktop. Also, some mobile games have a minimum deposit requirement. This means fewer games are available when making deposits of less than $10.

Support

Customer support is another factor to consider in choosing an online casino. When contact is not made in person, support that is reliable and responsive is important. Online casinos should offer support that is available round the clock.. It should also be given through phone and live chat, and available to a quick and efficient level.

Bonuses

Bonuses can make a big difference to the online gambling experience. These aim to attract new customers, and reward existing customers for their loyalty. Some casinos offer more generous bonuses than others, so these should be checked before playing. Another thing to check before playing is the requirements of each bonus, as they may have certain conditions. For example, wagering requirements often require 40 wagers to be made before the bonus can be claimed.

Casino Bonuses

Welcome bonuses

To welcome in new players, these bonuses are great for getting things started. They are usually given in match bonuses, so winning of the first deposit will be matched. These could be anything from 50% to 200% matches. Match bonuses are often given on the first deposit, or even the first four deposits. Sometimes, welcome bonuses also include free spins.

Free spins

Bonuses are often given as free spins. These can be taken on particular slots machine games at the casino, such as Mega Moolah, or ThunderStruck II. Usually, between 50 and 200 free spins are offered in a bonus. Players should be careful to check the rollover rules for free spins.

No deposit bonus

No deposit bonuses are when players do not even need to deposit money to begin playing. Right now it is common for casinos to offer this type of bonus to new players, and they provide the chance to win real money without paying anything. All players need to do is sign up to the platform and the deposit will be automatically activated. These bonuses are usually between $10 and $30.

Loyalty programme

Loyalty bonuses are also known as VIP bonuses. They are a way of rewarding players for their committed use of gambling sites. Usually this involves players reaching higher levels of loyalty programmes the more they play. Each level rewards players with a more generous reward, so they are encouraged to be more loyal.

Methods of deposit and withdrawal

The online Canadian casino provides different options for making deposits and withdrawals. However, these are not exactly the same as other countries and some methods are not available. The processing time for making deposits is instant for all payment methods. The different processing times for withdrawing funds differ slightly.Banking methods should always be safe and secure.

E-wallets

Unfortunately, fewer e-wallets are available in Canada when compared with other countries. Skrill and Neteller are not available, and PayPal is only with some casinos. The e-wallet options that are available include EcoPayz, MuchBetter, WebMoney and Jeton. Withdrawals processed from e-wallets are processed instantly.

Credit / debit card

These are the most common methods for making deposits and withdrawals. Withdrawals can be processed in up to 3 days. There is usually a service charge by the credit card company when making a withdrawal. Visa has recently become more popular as there are some restrictions in making withdrawals to Mastercard. Banks in Canada have become more strict with the online Canadian casino, so there is a chance transactions will be rejected.

Bank transfer

For those that like to manage their finances directly from the bank, this is a good option. Casinos provide bank details in their banking section. This is possible with Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal and CIBC. It is also possible with Scotiabank, but only for Crown Corporation-owned casinos. However, some credit cards from these banks do not allow credit card payments to casino sites. Withdrawals by bank transfer take between 3 and 5 days.

Prepaid cards

These can be an excellent way of managing finances and setting self-imposed limits. Each has a pin or serial number and they are available from retail outlets to various denominations. They include Paysafecard, Vanilla Prepaid and Astropay. Withdrawals can be processed in up to 3 days.

Instant banking

This new method allows players to connect bank details to websites quickly and efficiently. Banking numbers need to be entered in the banking section, then deposits can be made instantly. Withdrawals are also processed immediately. Popular options for instant banking in Canada include: Instadebit, eCheck, iDebit, Interac Online and InPay.

ECheck is a simple way of making direct payments into a seller’s account, after going through the automatic clearing house (ACH) network. This is known as electronic check processing because it works in the same way as a paper check, except funds are received by electronic transfer. This method is increasingly popular in Canada as it is quick, convenient and safe.

Pay by phone

Mobile payments offer a quick way of paying that will be charged to the user’s phone bill, or taken from their prepaid credit. This brings players more privacy as they do not need to submit financial details. Deposits can be made through payment service providers, like Boku. However, it is not possible to receive withdrawals in the same way, so another method must be used.

Cryptocurrency

There are currently two online Canadian casinos that accept Bitcoin (BTC) payments: Bodog and Slots.lv. A Bitcoin wallet will be required to scan the casino QR code and send the BTC to the address of the casino. Deposits are instant and withdrawals take between one and two days. Security levels are high and this is a payment method that is likely to grow in the future.

Methods of registration

Registration for a Canadian online casino is free. Usually there is a form to complete with personal details, such as name, address, email and phone number. Identity and address needs to be confirmed, and typically a text message will be sent to the phone for verification. Some casinos offer Pay n Play, which means players can automatically create accounts with their first payment. In these cases, the usual background checks are bypassed by handing this responsibility over to the bank. Deposits and withdrawals can be made using an e-wallet.

Online Casino Games

Slot machine games

Slot games are especially popular for mobile casino use, as they are easy to access. There is a wide range available, each with different themes and variations. Each slot game can have three or more reels, paylines, gamble screens, free spins and bonus features. Popular slots in Canada include Break Away, Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II and League of Fortunes.

Roulette

Online casinos bring the original experience to our screens, and also for mobile devices. Roulette is very easy to understand and play. The three different types of roulette are available: European, French and American roulette. Each of these have slightly different rules. Some sites, such as Jackpot City and Ruby Fortune, offer live roulette. Here, actual roulette wheels are films in locations Toronto or Riga, Latvia. Live roulette is not usually available on mobile devices.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular card game that is provided by the Canadian online casino. Players aim to acquire cards with a total of 21. There are many variations of blackjack. These include: European Blackjack, American Blackjack, Classic Blackjack Gold or Double Exposure.

Video poker

This online casino games combines poker with online slot games. It can also be played on computerised consoles in land-based casinos. It is simple and enjoyable, and has risen in popularity in recent years. Popular video poker games in Canada include Tens or Better Poker, or Better Level Up Poker. Both of these are from Microgaming.

Mobile apps

As previously mentioned, not every Canadian online casino has a mobile app. Those that do have mobile apps may offer fewer games and features compared to desktop versions. Also, bonuses and payment options may be limited. However, mobile casinos are becoming more popular so the technology is constantly increasing to meet this demand.

The following casinos currently offer mobile apps in Canada:

Jackpot City

• 71 Casino games available, including slots, blackjack and video poker
• Welcome bonuses offer deposits matched 100% up to $1600
• Graphics and gameplay optimised for mobile devices

Platinum Play

• Excellent selection of games from MicroGaming, such as Treasure Nile and Major Millions
• 9 Progressive jackpot slots games
• Generous bonuses available for mobile players

Ruby Fortune

• 35 mobile casino games to play
• Simple and clear interface and secure banking
• Welcome bonuses up to $750 in value plus exclusive promotions

Betway Casino

• Over 400 games to play
• Live dealer games also available
• Welcome bonuses worth up to $1500

Spin Palace

• 11 mobile games that include slots, blackjack and table games
• Welcome bonuses worth up to $1000
• SMS updates on additional bonuses

Mobile apps are also available in Canada from: Royal Vegas, MagicRed, Casino Chan, Euro Palace, Ruby Fortune, Play Amo, Leo Vegas, 888, Gaming Club, Cabaret Club, River Belle, 777, Lucky Nugget, Mummy’s Gold

Gambling regulations in Canada

Gambling was strictly illegal in most forms until the 1970s, when gambling laws were reformed. The new laws gave each province in Canada the power to license and regulate gambling within their own areas of legislation. This made online casinos and sports betting possible. Every operation needs to be government approved. Lotteries are also operated by provincial governments.

CBS.CA Articles Online gambling: Is it even legal?

The laws concerning online gambling in Canada are less clear. Government approved betting outlets allow bets to be made online, and casinos are run in some provinces. A Canadian online casino must be approved and licensed by the government. In Quebec, they must be run by Espacejeux. In British Columbia and Manitoba they must be run by PlayNow.

In the cases that companies from overseas are operating in Canada, the laws are not certain. It would seem to be illegal, but no one has been prosecuted to date. Bettors are advised to play at Canadian casinos that are licensed and have good reputations. Though the law is unclear, the responsibility will probably fall on the operator rather than the bettors.

Top countries for playing in offline casinos

United States

Many states of the US are opposed to the legalisation of gambling. However, the country still has enormous gambling centres like Atlantic City and Las Vegas. In 2016, the gambling revenue exceeded $110 billion, while average losses per adult were less than $500. More you can read at https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Gaming-Division/Gaming/Legalized-Gambling

France

France has a long tradition of gambling and some of the world’s oldest establishments. Online gambling is rising in popularity, with revenues reaching $2.59 billion in 2017. Paris is home to high quality gambling centres and resorts.

Macau

Despite being a small city state with a population of just 650,900, Macau has high gambling revenues that peaked at $50 billion in 2013. This makes the city much larger than Las Vegas in terms of turnover, and a hotspot for gambling tourism. Macau is also home to some of the world’s highest rated land-based casinos.

Australia

Gambling has become extremely popular in Australia in recent years. This includes slot machines, casino games, lotteries and sports betting. There is a no-tax-on-winnings policy that is especially beneficial to bettors. Adult gamblers spend up to $1200 a year at casinos.

Canada

Canada is less well known for gambling, yet there are many land-based casinos throughout the country. In total there are 85 casinos, all of which are government owned. Canadian adults spend on average $600 per year on gambling. The country’s budget is around $13 billion per year.