Canadians now have more options when it comes to online casinos
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Gambling is a very popular form of entertainment in Canada and many parts of the world.
Online gambling regulations in the country have recently changed, giving Canadians more options for online casinos.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about online casinos in Canada.
Can Canadians play online casinos?
Yes, online casinos in Canada are 100% legal as long as they are licensed and regulated.
For many years, online casinos have been in a legal grey area in the country. Though online gambling was technically illegal, Canadians could play at offshore online casinos because they weren’t operating on Canadian soil. This led to a very active and profitable iGaming grey market.
To address this issue and redirect Canadian gambling dollars so that they were being spent in Canada, the government amended the Canadian Criminal Code in 2021. The changes have brought about new laws regarding sports betting and online gambling regulations. And considering how much sports betting is expanding across the country, this is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
So far, the provinces have adapted to the new online gambling laws at different paces and with different approaches. Most provinces focused on launching their own provincially regulated online casinos.
However, the last year has seen a surge in online casino launches across the country. Some provinces, like Ontario and Alberta, have allowed third-party competitors into the online casino space, contributing to that growth.
Thanks to these changes, it is now perfectly legal for Canadians to play online casinos.
What types of online casinos are available?
There are different types of online casinos available in Canada, though there is typically much overlap in what these sites offer.
Before Bill C-218, which amended the country’s gambling laws, Canadians could only legally place parlay bets on sporting events. However, Canadians can now participate in single-event sports betting in person and at online casinos.
In addition to offering sports betting, many Canadian casinos also offer video slots and casino games. Popular games you can find include live table games like poker and blackjack, roulette, and more.
Almost any kind of game you would expect to see in a real casino, you’ll be able to find a version offered at an online casino. Some online casinos may even provide online lottery services—both virtual scratch cards and draw tickets.
Some online casinos offer each of the previously mentioned game types, while others focus on just one or two. Regardless, there are many casino websites for Canadians to enjoy.
What online casinos are available in Canada?
Canadians have a great selection to choose from when it comes to online casinos.
First, Canadians can check out several provincial lottery or gaming websites to see if they have launched their own government-run online gambling platform. Provincially run online casinos are one of the safest and most secure options for gamblers.
There are also many third-party online casinos in Canada with excellent reputations. These sites typically provide a more extensive game selection, and many also offer promotions and bonuses.
A few of the most highly rated Canadian online casinos are Jackpot City, Spin Casino, Royal Panda, and the Bitcoin casino Cloudbet.
How to pick the best online casinos
Though there are many safe and legal online casinos in Canada, some still operate on the black market. Therefore, make sure you look out for a few specific things when searching for a secure online casino.
First, check the bottom of the homepage for license numbers or business registration information to ensure a site is operating legally. Also, check to see if they are regulated by or are associated with a governing body.
You will also want to ensure the site follows best security practices. This includes having an account login and using SSL encryption. Check what payment methods are supported by the website, and read the fine print for any fees or commission costs.
Another important thing to look for is contact information. Make sure there is a direct email, phone number, or mailing address to contact for customer support. Live chat options are even better.
Finally, check out the quantity and quality of games offered and see what appeals most. Make sure you’ll be able to get everything you want out of your online casino experience.
Now that you know everything you need about online casinos in Canada, we hope you win big!
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
