Canada has become one of the friendliest countries for online casino gambling. As a result, there has been a surge of new online casinos over the last few years. With so many options to choose from, you could easily be overwhelmed. For this reason, we have compiled all important information that you should take into account before choosing a Canada-friendly casino, as well as a list of the top ten online casinos available to Canadian players.
Important Factors for Canadian Online Casinos
Player Security
Regulation and Licensing
The security of your personal information is a very important aspect regardless of what you do online. Trusted Canada-friendly online casinos share several common traits you can easily recognize them by.
- SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption protocols are in place for the purpose of protecting players and their personal information. This encryption technology ensures safe communication between computers connected to the Internet.The encryption jumbles up your sensitive data, making it impossible for hackers and other ill-intentioned persons to decipher it. Encryption of this type is practically impossible to break using present-day technology and it is considered a fool’s task to even attempt it. Most online casinos who accept play from the Great White North normally use either 128-bit or 256-bit SSL encryptions.
- Random Number Generators (RNGs) are utilized for the purpose of ensuring randomness and unbiased results. Without them, there is no way for Canadian players to know whether the games they play online are rigged or not.Reliable Canada-friendly gambling sites subject their RNGs to audits performed by third-party testing agencies like eCOGRA, TST (which also has offices in Vancouver), and iTech Labs, among others. The results of the fairness tests are published on the approved casinos’ websites so that players get to check the payout percentages of the games on offer.
- The High Return to Player Percentage (RTP) is another common trait of trustworthy online casinos that welcome play from the Canadian market. These percentages would vary between different trusted Canada-friendly casinos but in general should not drop below 95% or 96%.
- The valid license issued by a reputable regulatory body serves as a guarantee the Canada-friendly casino operates in line with the highest industry standards. This also ensures there is an authority players can turn to in case they have a dispute with a given casino operator. Offshore online casinos friendly to Canadians usually operate with licenses issued by the authorities of Kahnawake, Gibraltar, and Malta.
Online gambling within Canada is generally legal, although each province is granted the right to determine whether to legalize and regulate such activities or not. Canada comprises ten provinces and three territories. The gambling industry in each one is overseen by different statutes and authorities.
For instance, the Gaming and Liquor Act regulates gambling in the province of Alberta while gaming activities on the territory of British Columbia falls under the provisions of the Gaming Control Act. In order to offer their services in the country legally, casino operators must obtain licenses from the authorities of the respective Canadian province.
NB! Many offshore gambling operators accept bets from Canadian players under licenses issued in other jurisdictions. Neither provincial authorities nor the country’s federal government are known to restrict residents from accessing foreign-licensed gambling sites.
The province of Quebec tried to pass a statute that blocks the ISP addresses of offshore casinos operating without local licenses. The attempts died after the Supreme Court of Canada pronounced this practice was unconstitutional in July 2018. Canadian players themselves are not prosecuted by the authorities for gambling at offshore online casinos. There are no taxes on winnings generated on the web, either.
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Who Issues the Licenses of Offshore Canada-Friendly Casinos?
Most online casinos that are available to Canadian players are licensed outside the country. There are several reputable regulators to grant licenses to such offshore gaming sites. These include:
Kahnawake Gaming Commission
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission, located on the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. The Commission was established back in 1996 and deals with the licensing of various web-based casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting websites. Online casinos licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission boasts a good track record, offering fair and safe gambling experience to Canadian players.
Malta Gaming Authority
The Malta Gaming Authority was founded in 2001. It deals with different aspects of online gambling regulations, including the protection of underage and vulnerable individuals, the issuing of licenses, and the preservation of the games’ integrity. It also investigates and resolves player complaints in relation to its licensees.
Gibraltar Gambling Commission
The Gibraltar Gambling Commission is another trusted regulator, responsible for the oversight and the issuing of licenses to remote gambling operations. Some of the best Canada-friendly online casinos have obtained their licenses from Gibraltar.
Popular Software Providers
Online casinos are powered by several companies dedicated to the creation of online casino software. In the early days of the industry, it was the casinos who created their proprietary software. As time passed, third-party development companies emerged and since they provided a better service, they came to have a permanent place in the realm of online casinos.
Some of the biggest names among these software providers are Playtech, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil, Pragmatic Play, and Quickspin, among others.
Playtech
Playtech was founded in 1999 in Estonia with the intention of developing games and software for online casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting sites. The company also deals with the provision of live-dealer and mobile-gaming solutions. Playtech is continually expanding both its market presence and portfolio. The last decades saw several important acquisitions by Playtech, including those of Ash Gaming, Quickspin, and Eyecon.
Microgaming
Microgaming is deemed the first software creation studio but continues to perform well in this competitive industry. Established in 1994, Microgaming has no issues when it comes to keeping it fresh. The company constantly updates its products and portfolio which spans hundreds of casinos games, available in instant play or via a downloadable platform. This is also the name behind progressive slots like Major Millions, Mega Moolah, and King Cashalot that award multi-million prizes.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming deals exclusively with the provision of live casino games, enabling Canadian gambling buffs to enjoy an authentic experience on desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets. Evolution streams live games from its professional studios in Riga, Malta, Vancouver, Bucharest, and Stockholm. The software supplier can legally offer live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat to players from British Columbia under the licensing of the province’s Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is a Malta-based software supplier whose operations started in 2013. The company’s catalog may not be that impressive in terms of numbers but each slot it releases compels with unprecedented visual depth, superior animations, and seamless gameplay across all devices.
Quickspin
Founded in 2011, Quickspin was created by several experts with a vast experience in the online gambling industry. Gambling giant Playtech acquired the company in 2016. Quickspin specializes in the creation of advanced online slots and so far has around 50 distinct titles under its belt, including popular games like Sakura Fortune, Spinions, Sticky Bandits, and Big Bad Wolf.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is a name many casino buffs are familiar with. It stands for quality, playability, seamless gameplay, and integrity. The company has so far released over 80 slots based on HTML5, giving players instant in-browser access to a world of entertainment. Pragmatic Play offers its games on more than 75 markets, including the Great White North.
Popular Payment Methods
There are many ways for Canadian players to transfer money to and from their online casino accounts. Moreover, they can do so in their local currency, CAD, which is supported by all major Canada-friendly gambling operations. Check out the brief overviews below for additional information on some of the most popular payment solutions for players from Canada:
Credit and debit cards
Credit and debit cards are the preferred payment method of many Canadians due to their high levels of convenience and safety. They enable instant deposits and timely withdrawals. Ideally, Visa is the brand that you want to use but Mastercard and Maestro are also supported by Canada-friendly casinos.
ecoPayz
ecoPayz is an e-wallet that gives you the opportunity to conduct instant deposits and quick withdrawals with complete anonymity. In order to use it, Canadian players must sign up with ecoPayz accounts first and then top up their e-wallets’ balance with vouchers, credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or their local InstaDebit.
InstaDebit
InstaDebit is an ideal payment option for online casino players from the Great White North. It is an exceptionally secure banking method that enables customers to deposit directly from their online banking accounts. InstaDebit requires registration and works with banks across all of Canada.
iDebit
iDebit is a third-party online payment processor that functions as a mediator between Canadian casino players and their local banks. The method is currently associated with 8 major financial institutions across Canada – the Bank of Montreal, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Desjardins, the National Bank, the Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, Simplii Financial, and TD Canada Trust.
Interac Online
Interac Online is yet another Canada-friendly method you can use to fund your online casino account. Similarly to iDebit and InstaDebit, Interac Online allows players to deposit instantly by using the funds available in their online banking accounts. It works for customers of the TD Canada Trust, the Toronto Municipal Employees’ Credit Union, and the Columbia Valley Credit Union, among others. Players can have their peace of mind as Interac Online operates in line with the Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce.
Bank transfers
Bank transfers are also supported by the vast majority of Canada-facing online casinos. While this method is secure and easy to use, the transactions can take up to several days to clear. The longer processing timeframes may dissuade certain players from using this method of payment.
Canadian Casino Bonuses
At Canada-friendly gambling sites, you will have the chance to claim some sort of a bonus. These promotions normally come in the form of sign-up offers, welcome bonuses granted with deposits, reload bonuses, free spins, cashbacks, and loyalty programs.
Before we proceed to explain how each bonus type works, we would like to draw your attention to some of the most important terms and conditions attached to such offers.
- With deposit-related bonuses, players must comply with minimum deposit amounts that do not necessarily coincide with the minimum deposit limits at the casino. Some operators require their customers to opt in for the bonus with a valid promo code.
- Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or turnover) must be met before the player can withdraw cashable bonuses and any winnings resulting from the free play. The bonus (along with the deposit at times) must be wagered by the player the stipulated number of times before a withdrawal is possible. If you have a bonus of $100 with a wagering requirement of 35x its amount, you would have to wager $100 x 35 = $3,500 before you request a withdrawal or else your bonus will be confiscated.
- Game weightings are always in place when you play with bonuses. This term denotes the contribution toward wagering of the different game types available at the casino. The higher the contribution, the quicker you cover the playthrough. Slots, keno, and scratchcards have the highest contribution of 100%. Every $1 you spend on those clears the same amount from your playthrough. In contrast, table games with a 50% weighting clear only $0.50 per every dollar wagered. Of course, these percentages may vary across gambling sites friendly to customers from Canada.
- Game restrictions may apply to certain types of bonuses. Some of the available games are either excluded from the wagering or cannot be played at all with bonus credits. Some operators would exclude all table games and video poker variants from bonus play.
- Maximum bet restrictions are also in place at many Canada-friendly online casinos. The maximum bet would be around $5 or $10, although the exact amount depends on where you gamble at. Exceeding the stipulated amount results in bonus forfeiture.
- Due to payment-method restrictions, deposits via some payment services like ecoPayz sometimes do not qualify for bonus redemption.
- All these conditions can be found either in the casino’s general terms and conditions or on its bonus terms page. It is highly recommended that you read them prior to depositing any money and redeeming a bonus to spare yourself from any unnecessary headaches.
Now that we have gotten some of the key bonus terms out of the way, let’s have a look at what types of promotions Canadian players can normally participate in.
Bonus Types
Sign-Up Bonuses
Welcome Bonuses
Free Spins
Daily, Weekly or Monthly Reload Bonuses
Cashbacks
Friend Referral Bonuses
Loyalty Schemes
Sign-up bonuses enable new customers to test a given Canada-friendly online casino at no cost before they make a real-money deposit. These offers may come in different shapes and forms but often consist either of a small symbolical sum in free casino credits or of free spins on the slots. They are granted upon registration and do not require a deposit. The withdrawable winnings from sign-up bonuses are restricted to nominal amounts that rarely exceed $100 or so.
View more...Canadians can also receive a welcome bonus, which is granted to newly registered players who have funded their accounts for the first time. Welcome bonuses may sometimes be granted as a package where players have their first, second, third and fourth deposits matched with specific percentages in free credits.
The exact percentage amount varies in different casinos, with some operators matching the deposited amounts at 50%, others at 100%, 200% or even 500%. Complimentary free spins may also be included in the package.
In some cases, the bonus itself is withdrawable. It is first added to your bonus balance and is converted into actual cash in your real-money balance after you cover its wagering requirements. Also, the wagering of welcome bonuses should be met within a certain timeframe before the bonus expires and is removed from your account. Maximum bet and game restrictions may apply in some cases as well.
View more...Free spins are either added to deposit bonuses or are awarded on their own. This enables reel spinners from Canada to try the hottest slots in the casinos’ portfolios at no cost. The free spins are typically intended for use on select slot games and have their maximum bets per round restricted to a specific amount, usually no more than $10. They have wagering attached to the generated winnings as well as restrictions on the maximum profits players can withdraw.
View more...To encourage existing players to continue gambling on their websites, Canada-friendly online casinos treat them to daily, weekly, and monthly reload bonuses granted on their subsequent deposits. The deposited amount is again matched at a specific percentage but the casino may also throw in some free spins into the mix to promote the latest additions to its slot collection.
View more...Cashbacks are a form of compensation for players with funded accounts who happen to lose their entire deposits. To benefit from these rebates, Canadian player must deposit the minimum qualifying amount and if they bust it in full, the casino will refund a specific percentage of their net losses. One key trait of cashback offers is that they have no wagering requirements in most cases, which makes them easier to obtain.
View more...Canadian gambling buffs who invite one or more of their friends to an online casino are rewarded with friend referral bonuses. Invitations are usually sent by email. The referred friend must then register at the casino and fund their new account. Depending on where you play, you may be allowed to refer an unlimited number of friends.
View more...Loyal players can get more bang for their buck by collecting comp points and exchanging them for bonus credits or actual cash. Most online casinos run loyalty programs consisting of multiple tiers. Players are enrolled automatically after registering and depositing for the first time. The more they play, the more points they collect.
Leveling up to higher tiers comes with a variety of perks including faster withdrawal times, increased withdrawal limits, personalized customer support, better conversion rates for the comp points, and even trips to exotic destinations in some cases.
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Top 10 Canadian Online Casinos
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the best online casinos that Canadian players can frequent. Each one is a reputable and honest casino with a great track record of providing players with a fun and engaging experience.
Eurogrand
Eurogrand is one of the most beloved online casinos currently available to Canadian players. It is part of the prestigious William Hill Group, one of the largest in the industry. At Eurogrand players will be able to enjoy an extensive gaming library, consisting primarily of Playtech titles.
This includes virtual slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and progressive jackpots, among others. There is an excellent live dealer selection where you can play the live table games that Playtech has to offer. Eurogrand is also famed for its incredible promotions, and especially for its extremely generous welcome bonuses.
Canadian players can benefit from low wagering requirements if they play in their native currency, CAD. Customers have a variety of different methods they can use to transfer money to their Eurogrand accounts, including credit cards, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, and bank transfers.
The casino boasts a very competent customer service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Eurogrand offers its patrons a choice from downloading its dedicated casino client or utilizing the instant play interface to play directly in their browser.
Jackpot City
Jackpot City is managed by Bayton Limited and Baytree Limited and has been in operation for a long time, first going online in 1998. The casino is powered by Microgaming, one of the best software providers out there. Here you will be able to play the best products of this studio, including numerous slots, table games, and video poker variants. There is also a live casino, where you can play your favorite table games against professional dealers in real time.
The gaming library of Jackpot City is indeed something to behold, but the brilliance of this online casino does not end with the diversity of choice. New and returning players will be able to claim numerous bonuses and promotions, including free spins and deposit match bonuses.
Additionally, the casino supports a wide array of deposit and withdrawal methods to accommodate all types of players. The customer support team is on standby at all times via a convenient live chat facility.
Betway
This brand name is widely known in the industry and has become synonymous with top-tier entertainment and high-quality casino games. Betway is powered by Microgaming and features a great number of titles that you will be able to play at the click of a button.
Here you will find a cornucopia of video slots, table games, and video poker titles alongside a selection of live dealer games, bringing to your screen the true feel of brick-and-mortar gambling. The brand also incorporates a sportsbook and a poker room, if you feel like engaging in that sort of thing.
Betway provides players with a choice from many different payment services for maximum convenience. The casino also boasts short processing and withdrawal timeframes. Mobile users can take part in the gambling activities regardless of time and place thanks to the casino’s snappy and intuitive mobile interface. The operator has plenty of lucrative promotions up its sleeve to reward newcomers and returning players with.
Spin Palace
Spin Palace is an award-winning online casino, operated by Bayon Limited and Baytree Limited along with its sister casino Jackpot City. Spin Palace is a long-standing gambling operator whose history dates back to 2001.
Much like Jackpot City, this casino is powered by Microgaming, allowing you to enjoy the best that this supplier has to offer. The operator’s collection consists of high-quality slots, table games, and video poker titles. Its live casino is the icing on the cake.
The website features a slick and stylish interface that allows for easy easy navigation and is easy on the eye. New players can take advantage of a cool welcome package with bonuses on their first three deposits at Spin Palace.
The variety of deposit methods allows you to instantly top up your casino balance while the short payout timeframes guarantee you receive your winnings in a timely manner. Spin Palace supports a good number of international currencies, including CAD.
Guts
Guts Casino went online in 2013 and quickly became a favorite destination of players from Canada. Owned by MT SecureTrade Limited, it is the product of years of experience and expertise in the online casino industry. This online casino features games from a great number of software providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, NYX Interactive, and Play’n GO.
Here you will find only the best slots, video poker and table games alongside a live dealer section with live blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and casino hold’em tables with diverse limits. Guts Casino offers its customers many different promotions, consisting of free spins, match bonuses, and cashback programs.
There are also mobile-exclusive bonuses that can be claimed by anyone playing on a smartphone or a tablet. Guts Casino serves as a shining example of what the online casino industry can be and it is a choice casino for many players.
Rizk Casino
Rizk is also part of MT SecureTrade Limited alongside the above-mentioned Guts Casino. Rizk has been operational since 2016, featuring games by Microgaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and Play’n GO. The operator provides its customers with an overwhelming choice of slots, video poker, and table games of the highest quality. Its selection of live tables awaits players seeking a more genuine brick-and-mortar experience.
The casino ensures some of the fastest payouts in the gambling industry and claims to process e-wallet withdrawals within an hour. Payments are made possible with e-wallets, cards, vouchers, and online banking processors but some of the options are location-specific.
When it comes to promotions, you will be able to claim a very generous welcome package that consists of bonus credits and free spins.
32Red
Named after the roulette pocket of the same name and color, 32Red is an exemplary online casino that will certainly appeal to many players. Launched in 2002, its website is powered by none other than Microgaming, one of the giants of the iGaming industry.
At 32Red, you will be treated to the best games of this renowned software provider, including numerous slots and table games along with video poker and progressive jackpots. Of course, Microgaming’s Live Casino is also available to anyone who would wish to beat a human dealer instead of a virtual one. There you will be able to enjoy your favorite blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and casino poker games streamed to your computer in real time from professional studios.
It is a common fact 32Red is very generous in terms of promotions, offering players a wide variety of deposit-match bonuses alongside its very own Red Ruby Rewards Loyalty Scheme. This online casino has been a staple in the industry for more than a decade and by the look of it, it will continue to hold that position for many years to come.
Casinoland
Casino Land is an excellent option for Canadian players that seek a thrilling and fair gambling experience. In operation since 2015, Casino Land has a dedicated following of loyal players who keep returning to its website to enjoy the best Microgaming has to offer.
Here you will find a lot of high-quality casino games of all types, including hundreds of slots, video poker variations, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other table games. In addition to the virtual games, there are also a good number of live dealer tables.
To complement their unforgettable experience, the casino offers new players the chance to claim many bonuses as part of its welcome package. There are also many different payment methods you can use to move money between your bank account and the casino with relative ease. Overall, Casino Land provides an excellent service that you should definitely try out.
Royal Panda
Royal Panda is a new online casino owned by the company of the same name. It opened its virtual doors in 2014 and made quite an impact in the online gambling industry. The website is powered by a number of software providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, NextGen.
This multi-fold partnership enables Royal Panda customers to enjoy an extensive selection of games that spans some of the best titles these software providers can offer. Here you have access to hundreds of slots, table games and video poker options with incredible graphics and smooth animations.
To maintain its high standards of quality, Royal Panda provides prompt customer support every day of the week. The agents can be contacted via email, live chat, and telephone. Royal Panda offers players the opportunity to experience online gambling in its purest form.
Mansion Casino
An older online casino compared to some of the previous entries on this list, Mansion Casino has been operating flawlessly since 2004. It runs on Betsoft and Playtech software, and despite partnering with two suppliers only, the casino boasts an impressive gaming library.
To access the games, Canadian players can either download the dedicated casino client or utilize the instant play interface. Here you will find hundreds of slots, video poker, and table games, ready to be played at a moment’s notice.
In addition to the extensive virtual games selection, there is also an excellent live casino courtesy of Playtech. There you will be able to find all of your favorite table games, hosted by skilled dealers and streamed to your screen from a professional studio. Mansion’s is truly one of the best gambling sites that you can visit and you definitely should.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
What is the purpose of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)?
In 2022, the legal Ontario online gambling market was launched, with the first online casino in Ontario going live after it was licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The regulated iGaming market in Canada started opening its doors to players since Canada legalized single-game betting. As specific rules and regulations fall under the remit of provinces, Ontario became the first to introduce legal online gambling, with the AGCO being the regulator that issues licenses to operators in Ontario.
The province has set up a unique model for establishing a regulated iGaming market. Instead of simply licensing operators, the Ontario government launched iGaming Ontario, allowing operators to participate in the iGaming market of the province as private contractors. That means that each operator is joining forces with iGaming Ontario to have their input on the way the iGaming industry will develop in the future.
What forms of online gambling have been legalized in Ontario?
While each province in Canada is allowed to set up its own legal framework for offline and online gambling, currently, Ontario is the only province that has fully legalized online casinos and sportsbooks. The online gambling market in Ontario was launched in April 2022 and at the time of writing this, it has issued more than 70 licenses to big online casino and betting operators. When it comes to offline sports betting, Ontario has currently allowed only parlay bets on the Pro-Line system for those participating in land-based betting. However, with the regulation of online sports betting, the province has also introduced single-market betting for punters who participate in online sports betting.