In this comprehensive guide to online casinos in Canada, we cover everything you need to know about the country’s thriving online gambling scene—from regulations and laws to the best casinos and their key features. Read on to find the perfect platform you are looking for in Canada.
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Canada’s Online Gambling Landscape
The indigenous people of the First Nations in Canada engaged in stick gambling and dice games, but as European settlers came in, activities like card games began to emerge. New gambling reforms were introduced in the 1970s, including the legal gambling age. However, government-issued licences were expensive, and this increased the cost of casinos’ services such that only the wealthy could afford them.
Online gambling opened the doors for more people to join in the 1990s as the internet became more accessible. Up to 64% of Canadians now participate in some form of gambling, including lotteries and casinos. Provincial governments are charged with regulating gambling within their borders.
Apart from the historical acceptance of gambling as part of Canadian culture, the country’s proximity to the US has played a crucial role. Canada is also a technology-driven country with high internet usage, and this has contributed to the spread of online gambling.
Gambling Regulations in Canada
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, providing gambling services in Canada is illegal unless it is regulated by a provincial authority. The federal government sets out the broad legal framework for gambling activities in the country, but the specific regulations and enforcement of those laws are largely left to the provinces. Each province has the authority to establish and regulate gambling activities within its jurisdiction, which includes both land-based and online casinos.
While the federal law restricts unauthorised gambling operations within Canada, there are no specific laws preventing Canadian players from participating in gambling activities at offshore casinos. Hence, many of these best online casinos welcome Canadian players by offering local payment methods and tailored bonuses.
Here’s a brief overview of online gambling regulations in some of the Canadian provinces as of November 2024:
Ontario
Ontario has regulated online gambling since April 2022. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) allows both private operators and the government-run Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to offer online gaming.
British Columbia
Online gambling is legal and regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which operates PlayNow, the province’s official online casino and sports betting platform.
Quebec
Online gambling in Quebec is regulated by Loto-Québec, which operates Espacejeux, offering various online gambling options, including casino games and sports betting.
Alberta
Alberta offers online gambling through the government-run Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) website, PlayAlberta.ca, which provides legal online casino games.
Upsides and Downsides of Playing at Canadian Online Casinos
Deciding to gamble at a Canadian online casino may not be a straightforward decision for some players. If that’s you, an assessment of its pros and cons would be helpful to guide your decision. Here are some:
Pros
Legally regulated provincial casinos
Convenient Canadian-focused payment options
Canadian Dollar is accepted
24/7 customer support in English and French
Tailored casino game selection
Cons
Legal ambiguity for offshore casinos
Some provinces lack specific online gambling laws
Potential for fraudulent sites
Our Approach to Finding the Best Online Casinos in Canada
At Revpanda, our team of experts is constantly on its toes, working to find the best online casino sites for players in Canada. To do this, we regularly interact with relevant stakeholders and join industry events relevant to this region. This enables us to note the most important factors and trends affecting customer satisfaction when it comes to gambling online. In addition, we critically analyse every Canadian real money casino to ensure that we only end up with the best. Here are some of the criteria we use to select our recommended casinos:
1
We Look for Licensed Online Casinos
The key to finding the best casino for Canadian players is to opt for only the licensed ones. This is crucial because having a licence proves that a casino is overseen and by internationally recognised bodies. These include the Malta Gaming Authority, Curaçao eGaming, and more.
2
We Confirm Their Accessibility to Canadians
Next, we confirm that the online casino actually welcomes players from Canada. We start by accessing the available languages at the casino. English and French are two of the most popular languages in Canada, so we prioritise those. We also look through the available currencies and payment options to see if they are suitable.
3
We Check Their Game Library for Popular Games in Canada
Everyone visits casinos to play popular online casino games, and this applies to Canadian players too. We’re keen on finding casinos with diverse game selections from the top providers in the industry. Our preferred casinos have an array of exciting casino games Canadian players love, including video slots, table games, live dealer games, and entertainment game shows.
4
We Assess Their Bonuses and Promotions
Generosity with bonuses is another key criterion for us when it comes to selecting the best online casinos. Yes, the casino should have attractive offers like the welcome bonus, weekly reload bonuses, cashbacks, etc. However, the bonus wagering requirements should also be fair and reasonable for players to enjoy winnings from these bonuses.
How to Gamble Safely and Securely at Canadian Online Casinos
There are thousands of legit online casinos on the internet for you to choose from to meet your gambling needs. However, there are also many unreliable sites where criminals lie in wait to scam and defraud people. Here are ways you can ensure that you have a safe and secure experience when gambling online:
Register at casinos with verifiable licences only; stick to online casinos licensed by provincial authorities if possible
Check out casino reviews by other Canadian players
Use secure and convenient payment methods you are familiar with
Prioritise casinos that offer tools for responsible gambling practices
Verify the availability of your preferred customer support channel, e.g. phone call, live chat, etc
A Guide to the Different Canadian Online Casino Types
As you navigate the Canadian online gambling space to find a casino site to play at, you’ll come across different casino types. Here, we take a closer look at these varying casino types and their unique offerings. This will help you decide the type that fits your gambling preferences the best.
Live Casinos
Live casinos integrate the best of online and land-based casinos. Using sophisticated technology, these casinos offer interactive gambling experiences where real-time gaming sessions are streamed to online viewers. Most of these casino games are usually card games like Baccarat and Blackjack.
European Casinos
These online casinos exist primarily to cater to players living in Europe. However, some extend their services to customers in North America, including Canada. European casinos are usually regulated by agencies like the Malta Gaming Authority and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Casinos with Sportsbook
By combining an online casino with a sportsbook, players who enjoy both types of gambling can access them on one platform. These casinos allow you to keep your gambling funds in one wallet and eliminate the stress of logging on to multiple platforms to gamble.
Offshore Casinos
An offshore casino is one that is based in and regulated outside a player’s home country. So, for Canadian players, every online casino not regulated by the provincial authorities in the country is an offshore casino. Many offshore casinos welcome players from Canada and even offer them country-specific bonuses.
Fast Payout Casinos
As its name implies, a fast-payout casino is your best bet if you want your withdrawals within hours. Because of the overall goal of fast withdrawals, payment options at fast payout casinos are limited. They usually include e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, which offer faster withdrawals.
Crypto Casinos
At crypto casinos, deposits and withdrawals are done using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. These casinos also offer greater levels of anonymity and security.
No-KYC Casinos
No-KYC casinos eliminate identity verification, which you’d find at most conventional online casinos. Although they offer more privacy, there are higher risks involved with these casinos. Hence, most Canadian players at these casinos use cryptocurrencies for payments.
Low-Deposit Casinos
These casinos are designed to accommodate players with small budgets. At low-deposit casinos for gamblers in Canada, you can bet with as little as 1 CAD. This kind of payment structure works best if you’re not sure if you’d like to be consistent at the casino.
Canadian Casino Payment Options for Deposits and Withdrawals
The best part of choosing casinos tailored to your needs as a Canadian casino player is the user-centric experience you get. One of the essential components of this experience is the offering of local payment methods for Canadian gamblers. They include:
Interac
This secure and popular payment method allows users to make direct transfers from their casino straight into their bank account. It comes with low transaction fees and instant deposits, even though withdrawals may take slightly longer.
Deposit time: Instant
Withdrawal time: 1 to 5 business days
iDebit
With iDebit, you can transfer funds from your casino to your bank account without sharing your bank details with the casino. Like many other payment methods, it facilitates instant deposits; however, the withdrawal time may take a while.
Deposit time: Instant
Withdrawal time: 1 to 3 business days
InstaDebit
Similar to iDebit, InstaDebit offers secure and instant transfers between a Canadian player’s bank account and an online casino. It supports both deposits and withdrawals.
Deposit time: Instant
Withdrawal time: 1 to 3 business days
E-Wallets
It’s easy to find online casinos for gamblers in Canada that use e-wallets like Paypal, NETELLER, and Skrill. These payment methods provide an extra layer of protection and make funds within easy reach for gamblers to play their favourite casino games.
Deposit time: Instant
Withdrawal time: 1 to 24 hours (depending on the e-wallet provider)
Credit/Debit Cards
Many online gamblers in Canada also prefer to use credit/debit card services like Visa and Mastercard for their gambling needs. This is because they do not require intermediaries. They are also reliable, even though some banks in Canada may not favour gambling transactions.
Deposit time: Instant
Withdrawal time: 3 to 5 business days (can be longer for credit cards)
How to Identify a Trustworthy Casino in Canada
Online casino hunting can seem like finding a needle in a haystack, but there are many good ones waiting to be discovered. Here are proven steps you can take to find one:
Time Needed:
5-10 Minutes
Device Required:
PC, Smartphone, Tablet
STEP 1
Ensure the Casino Accepts Canadian Players
Check if the casino is licensed by a Canadian authority, such as British Columbia Lottery Corporation or Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). If not, verify that the casino accepts Canadian players and holds licence from a reputable authority.
STEP 2
Take Advantage of our Recommendations
Our attention to detail here at Revpanda means that we only end up with top-tier real money casinos in Canada. You can maximise this to find a casino you’d enjoy playing at, saving yourself stress and time. In our casino reviews, our experts take you through our thought process as we decide where each casino excels.
STEP 3
Check Canadian Player Reviews and Reputation
Research reviews from Canadian players on local forums and review sites. Casinos with a good reputation in the Canadian community are more likely to provide fair gameplay and timely payouts.
STEP 4
Confirm the Availability of Customer Support
If an online casino will be considered reliable, then you should be able to reach a customer rep in no time. The more available they are via phone calls and live chats, the better for you.
Must-Know Casino Bonus Types for Canadians
Bonuses not only extend your playing time but also boost your wins for you to withdraw and spend. Here are popular bonuses you’ll find at Canadian online casinos:
Welcome Bonus
Every time you create a new account at an online casino, you become eligible for the welcome bonus. Most casinos offer free spins and a percentage of your deposit as their welcome bonus.
Match Deposit Bonus
This is a popular casino bonus that rewards your deposits with a percentage of that percentage. For instance, a match deposit bonus for a 50 CAD deposit can be 100% of this amount, earning you 100 CAD. In some rare cases, the percentage can be as high as 300%.
No Deposit Bonus
With the no deposit bonus, you are awarded bonus money with no deposits required. In most casinos, it forms part of the welcome bonus, allowing players to explore the casino risk-free.
Reload Bonus
A reload bonus is reserved for existing players at an online casino to encourage them to play more. It is usually a deposit bonus that applies to recurring deposits.
Cashback Bonuses
A cashback bonus will earn you a percentage of all the losses you’ve incurred within a specific period. For example, you can win a 10% cashback on losses up to 100 CAD within a week.
High-Roller Bonuses
If you love to bet large sums at online casinos, the high-roller bonus is for you. It typically involves large deposit match rewards and higher deposit or withdrawal caps.
Best Real Money Casino Games Available in Canada
Real money games are the meat of gambling for every player, as it is where entertainment and profit meet. Canadian gamblers enjoy a wide range of casino staples, but here are some of the most popular in the country:
Online Slots: Slot games are widely played in Canada due to their variety, simplicity, and, of course, the potential for sizable wins. Whether you’re an experienced gambler or a greenhorn, gambling with online slots is always a good idea. Popular slots include titles like Mega Moolah and Starburst.
Blackjack: Easily one of the most-played casino staples, blackjack games offer a fusion of strategy and luck. Players also find them exciting because of the blackjack live dealer games now available at most online casinos.
Roulette: Another set of popular casino games in Canada are roulette games. There are different versions of roulette, including American and European roulette, both of which are widely played in Canada.
Poker: Poker is a popular pastime both in online casinos and more casual social gatherings in Canada. The casino game also offers a mix of skill and luck, and this is why many players find it appealing.
Progressive Jackpot Slots: Unlike the conventional slot games, the more you bet on a progressive jackpot slot, the bigger the price becomes. After a person wins the progressive jackpot, it resets and begins to increase again as more people bet.
Live Dealer Games: Players at online casinos in Canada also regularly play live dealer versions of baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. They provide an immersive gambling experience without players having to leave the comfort of their homes.
Online Casinos vs. Landbased Casinos in Canada
As popular as online gambling is in Canada, the country also has a rich on-site gambling culture at its land-based casinos. How do both casino types compare? Let’s find out.
Online Casinos
Land-based Casinos
Accessible anywhere in the country
Only open to residents
Accepts other payment methods like cryptocurrency
May be restricted to cash transactions only
Wide range of promos
Limited bonuses
Offshore casinos may lack proper regulation
Regulated according to the Criminal Code
Customer Support at Online Casinos in Canada
The only way to interact with the operators of an online casino is via customer support. This is why you need a responsive and professional customer support team to attend to your needs. More importantly, this team should be easily accessible, as their absence causes unresolved gambling difficulties.
Support Channels
Response Time
Ideal For
Live Chat
Instant
Rapid troubleshooting
Email
Up to hours
Detailed explanations
Phone Calls
Instant
Feedback
Conclusion: Finding the Best Online Casinos in Canada
In Canada, online casino regulation is primarily handled at the provincial level, with each province having its own set of laws and regulatory bodies overseeing gambling activities. As you dive into the world of gambling at online casinos in Canada, remember that several factors contribute to a safe and rewarding gambling experience. You should consider the casino’s reputation, its game offerings, bonuses, and payment methods. All you need to do is follow the steps we’ve shared. If you’re not sure where to begin, look through our recommendations and read our reviews for in-depth analysis of the casinos’ features.
Yes, online gambling is legal in Canada, but it is regulated at the provincial level. Each province has its own regulations to operate online casinos. While players are also allowed to participate in offshore casinos, though these are not subject to Canadian regulations.
There are several options for deposits and withdrawals at Canadian online casinos. They include local options like Interac and iDebit, e-wallets like Paypal, Neteller, and Skrill, credit/debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, prepaid cards like Paysafecard, and even cryptocurrencies.
Yes, they do. You can play live dealer versions of casino staples like Baccarat, Blackjack, and Roulette, at these casinos. This guarantees an experience that gives you the best of both worlds.
Sure, you can. Canadian casino sites are accessible on different mobile devices, on the Android, Windows, or iOS operating systems. Some even have mobile apps you can install for easier access.
Yes, you will find loyalty/VIP programmes at the top online casinos in Canada. These programmes are designed for high-rollers and come with exclusive benefits as you gamble more.
Your best bet for finding the best Canadian online casinos is to check out our recommended online casinos. We investigate the core aspects of each casino, like their game offerings and bonuses to save you time and energy.
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