Online Casinos in Canada

Author: Steven D. Thompson

Updated: 10/11/2024 11:21 AM

Canada is one of the fastest-growing online gambling markets in the world. The number of real money online casinos that operate in this country grows by the day. Not all of them are legal and legitimate, though. That's why Betpack wanted to step into the mix. Our expert team did thorough research in the country and compiled a list of the best online casinos in Canada. If you continue to read, you'll also find tons of must-know facts about the industry.

Table of Contents

The History of Gambling in Canada

Indigenous communities in Canada have a long tradition of gambling that includes social and ceremonial games of chance. There was a blending of gambling traditions because European settlers brought their own methods. Gambling was common by the 19th century, but it was also subject to stricter regulations. While certain activities, such as horse racing, were exempted from the outright prohibition of gambling in Canada's Criminal Code of 1892, the vast majority of gambling was outlawed.

In the second part of the twentieth century, a lot of things changed. The federal government of Canada changed the Criminal Code in 1969 so that the provinces could run lotteries. By the mid-1970s, provincial lotteries had been set up. Because of this shift, gambling could be more widely accepted and regulated. One such organisation that came into being in 1974 is the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.

Gambling in casinos and charitable gaming both grew in popularity in the '80s and '90s. On January 1, 1989, Winnipeg, Manitoba welcomed the world's first commercial casino. Although initially unregulated, online gambling has grown substantially since its late 1990s emergence; today, regulated platforms are available in provinces such as Quebec and British Columbia.

Lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and online gambling are all parts of Canada's thriving gambling industry, which brings in a lot of money for the federal government and the provinces.

Online Casino Regulation in Canada

Whenever we go to explore the best online casino sites in a particular country, we always check the laws and regulations regarding the industry. In the case of Canada, online gambling is quite the topic here.

The Canadian government's approach to regulating online casinos is fragmented, with different provinces enacting their own regulations. Canada takes a decentralised approach, meaning that unlike many countries with a centralised authority, each province has the authority to manage and control online gambling within its borders.

Take Quebec as an example. The only legal online casino in the province, Espacejeux, is operated by Loto-Québec. Among the many games available on this platform launched in 2010 are slots, poker and sports betting. There are strict rules in place to prevent unfair gaming and protect players from problems such as gambling addiction.

Next up, we can talk about Ontorio. Allowing private operators to enter the market is creating excitement. This change is all about giving players safer, regulated options and keeping them away from risky, unregulated offshore sites. It is overseen by iGaming Ontario, an arm of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Providing a safe, fair and fun environment for online gambling is a top priority across Canada. As an example of how the right regulations can benefit all parties involved, some provinces are finding a middle ground between player protection and revenue generation to fund local services.

Introduction to Online Casinos in Canada

As more and more Canadians discover the thrill of playing their favorite games without leaving the house, online casinos are booming in popularity. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and live dealer games are just some of the many offerings at Canadian online casinos. With top-notch visuals, immersive gaming, and intuitive interfaces, these platforms aim to imitate the experience of classic land-based casinos.

Online gambling in Canada is regulated by a somewhat convoluted set of laws. It is against the law for Canadian businesses to run online casinos without a provincial licence, but Canadians are free to play at casinos located outside of Canada. With support for both English and French, the ability to use Canadian dollars, and a variety of local payment methods, many respectable international online casinos make an effort to attract players from Canada.

The online casino industry places a premium on security and fairness. Reputable authorities, like the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, licence and regulate top sites. They employ random number generators to guarantee fair play and state-of-the-art encryption technology to safeguard players' private and financial data.

Casinos compete for customers by providing enticing bonuses and promotions, such as free spins, loyalty programs, and welcome bonuses.

How to Start Playing at Online Casinos in Canada

Starting to play at legit online casinos in Canada is rather fast and easy. There are just a few steps that you need to complete. After that, you can enjoy their games, claim bonuses, withdraw your potential online casino winnings, etc.

Step 1

Choose a Canadian Online Casino

Browse Betpack's list of legitimate online casinos in Canada. Compare their features and pick an operator that meets your personal preferences.

Step 2

Access Its Website and Register

Access its website and click on the registration button. Fill in the required fields with information about yourself. Accept the T&Cs and confirm that you're of legal age.

Step 3

Deposit Funds and Claim a Bonus

Choose one of the available payment methods. Enter the details regarding the method and then, enter the amount that you wish to deposit. Then, claim the welcome bonus.

Step 4

Access Your Favorite Games and Play

Search for the best online casino games at the operator and access them. Set your bet and play. Make sure that you implement personal responsible gambling policies.

How We Compare and Rank Online Casinos in Canada

Whenever our team creates expert casino reviews, we always go a step further. That's because we want to make sure that our featured online casinos don't just meet expectations - they must exceed them. Hence, we consider several key features.

Licence / Security

All online casinos must possess valid licences. Furthermore, they need to use the latest SSL encryption security systems, have a KYC policy and enforce responsible gambling.

Casino Bonuses

Next, we look at the featured online casino bonuses. Not only should the bonuses be rewarding, but their terms and conditions should be easy to meet.

Casino Game Selection

Diversity is fun and key to having a good experience. So, the more diverse the real money casino games are, the better. Of course, they need to be supplied by the best providers too.

Payment Methods

Finally, we check whether Canadian casinos accept diverse payment methods. Local options take the lead here. Banking policies like fees and processing times are also taken into consideration.

Canadian Casino Bonuses

Once you sign up at a Canadian online casino, you'll be able to claim several types of casino bonuses. They will allow you to play real money games without wagering your own money. There are two types of bonuses that you'll come across at a Canadian casino online: deposit bonus offers and no deposit bonus offers.

Bonus	Explanation	Example
Welcome bonus	Also known as signup bonus. It's given to Canadian players that have just registered an account and made their first deposit. Unlike other bonuses, the welcome package is a one-time offer. The casino usually matches your first deposit and may throw free spins in the mix	150% welcome bonus up to €200
Reload bonus	Given to Canadian players that make recurring deposits in a selected day. Works on the same principle as the match bonus. However, instead of rewarding you on your first deposit of the day, a reload bonus will reward you when you make multiple deposits	50% reload bonus up to €100
Free spins	Only usable on online slot games. They come with a pre-set bet amount. You can play online slots for free while also remaining eligible for real money rewards. Free spins usually have a short validity period	100 Free Spins on Starburst
Cashback	Redeems some of your lost real money amount at the Canadian casino. Only real money contributes towards the cashback. Bonus money doesn't qualify. Cashbacks can be daily or weekly. Bonus wagering requirements on the winnings may apply. The percentage depends on the casino and your loyalty status	15% cashback bonus every Friday
Loyalty programs	Multi-level programs that have exclusive benefits. These benefits can include higher cashback percentage, higher withdrawal limits, special VIP match bonuses, faster withdrawals, and much more. To participate and level up, you need to play for real money and collect points. The exchange rate between real money bets and the points varies between casinos	Benefits like high withdrawal limits, special offers, birthday bonuses etc.

Top Canadian Online Casinos by Category

If you want to find online casinos that have the best ongoing promotions and meet your personal preferences, you need to be a bit more selective. Luckily, Betpack researched Canadian gambling sites well and compiled this list of top casinos based on their category.

Best for	Casino
Best Crypto Casino	Dealbet
Best Cashback Casino	Hashlucky
Best Game Providers	1Red
Best Mobile Casino	Betfoxx
Best Bonuses	Novibet

Popular Payment Methods for Canadian Online Casinos

One of the good things about all the top Canadian casinos is that they feature tons of payment methods. Thanks to that, you'll have major flexibility when playing popular casino games and claiming lucrative bonuses. Logically, some payment methods are more popular than others. In Canada specifically, the ones that prevail the most are the following:

Debit cards

PayPal

eCheck

Bank transfers

Cryptocurrencies

The most popular payment method at Canadian online casinos. Deposits are instant and no fees are charged. Withdrawals take 1-3 business days. The two most popular debit card providers are Mastercard and Visa.

Mobile Gambling & Casino Apps in Canada

Being able to gamble on the go has given Canadians the best of both worlds when it comes to online casinos. Canadian player now enjoy their favorite casino games whenever and wherever they like with a smartphone or tablet. The increasing popularity of mobile-first gaming experiences was reflected in the roughly CAD 4.9 billion mobile gambling market in Canada in 2023.

Canadian online casinos have made great strides in mobile optimisation and app development to provide players with an even better gaming experience on the go. Slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games are just a few of the games available in these mobile casino apps. Making them accessible to a wide range of users, they are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

In the realm of mobile gambling, safety is paramount. Encryption is a key feature of these apps that helps to keep players' personal and financial data safe while they make purchases. Plus, players can take advantage of convenient banking options by accepting major credit cards, e-wallets, and the widely used Interac system in Canada.

Your access to promotions and bonuses is just as seamless on mobile as it is on desktop. Participating players can access their welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards without ever leaving their mobile device.

Mobile gambling is a great alternative for both recreational and professional gamblers who wish to play their favorite games wherever they may be, thanks to the portability and security offered by trustworthy Canadian online casinos.

Online Casino Games in Canada

One thing that you'll notice about Betpack's recommended casino sites in Canada is that all of them have diverse game libraries. To make things even better, the games on these platforms are created by some of the world's leading game providers. That means that you'll always enjoy a decent gaming experience. As for the types of games, Canada online casino sites feature online slots, classic table games, jackpot slots, live casino games, crash games and instant-win games.

Online Slots: Let's start with online slot games, the most popular category at both online and land-based casinos. Slot games have tons of in-game features as well. These include free spins, bonus rounds, bonus wheels, multipliers, Wild symbols, Scatter pays, Megaways, Infinity Reels, cascading wins, etc. Once you get familiar with them, playing slots is very easy. You just need to set your bet and spin the reels. Random Number Generators ensure fair play as they create random outcomes for each betting round. The wide variety of themes and innovative mechanics keeps the gameplay exciting and engaging for all types of players.

Table Games: Traditional table games provide all the excitement of a land-based casino in the comfort of your own home at an online casino. Blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat are just a few of the popular games that players can enjoy without ever having to leave their homes. Players can enjoy a variety of these games at online casinos, with some even offering live dealer options that bring the action to life through HD video streaming. Everyone can place bets and communicate with dealers and other players with ease on platforms that are both secure and easy to use. Playing online table games is a great way for players of all skill levels to enjoy themselves, since they are available at all times and can be wagered at a variety of stakes.

Live Casino Games: Live games are becoming a major trend at the best online casino platforms in Canada. Unlike standard games, they don't feature demo modes. You can only play them for real money. Most table games have live variants (roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat). There are also game shows, which are quite unique in terms of the gameplay. Several features make live games so attractive. For starters, all the action takes place in real time. Trained professionals host the games and make every player feel like they are in the best casinos in the world. There's also the chat section where you can interact with dealers and players.

Crash Games: Crash games are a common feature at crypto real money casinos. These games are very simple to understand. Before each round starts, you have about 5 seconds to place your bet. Then, the main object in the game starts moving. The further it goes, the higher the multiplier becomes. However, there's an event called a crash. The idea is to collect the prize before the crash occurs. If it does, you lose the potential reward. Crashes are random and can happen at any moment.

Instant-win Games and Video Poker: Instant-win games include the likes of bingo, keno and lotto. They are available to play at any time and place and come in several shapes and sizes. Not only that, but online casino platforms are no strangers to launching special tournaments with great prize pools for these games. As for video poker, this is a mixture of poker games and slots. The gameplay takes place on a slot-like machine. The betting system and rules are the same as standard poker. The only difference is that instead of having multiple rounds (like all poker games), video poker has just one round.

Popular Online Slots for Canadian Players

Each real money online casino in Canada features hundreds of quality slot games, providing a diverse and exciting selection for every type of player. With such a wide variety available, you'll have endless options to explore, ensuring there's always something new to try. From classic three-reel slots to modern video slots packed with innovative features, the choices are abundant. If you're looking to try the best ones, here are some of our top recommendations. These games have been chosen for their popularity, engaging gameplay, and rewarding bonus features, making them must-tries for any slot enthusiast.

Slot	Volatility	RTP	Explanation
Gates of Olympus	High	96.50%	Set in Greek mythology, Gates of Olympus features a 6x5 layout with symbols like rubies, chalices, and crowns. High volatility offers potential rewards up to 5,000x your bet. Key features include tumble mechanics, multipliers up to x500, and free spins triggered by landing four scatters.
Mega Moolah	Low	88.12%	Mega Moolah is famed for its multi-million dollar progressive jackpots. With low volatility, players need three matching symbols on 15 paylines. It features wild symbols for wins and scatter-triggered free spins with a 3x multiplier. Four jackpot levels include Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega.
Divine Fortune Megaways	Medium	96.09%	Divine Fortune Megaways, powered by BTG's mechanic, offers up to 117,649 paylines. It includes Falling Wilds Re-Spins, expanding Wilds, and free spins triggered by landing four free spin symbols. Collecting bronze, silver, or gold symbols during free spins provides additional payouts.
Book of Dead	High	96%	Book of Dead, a popular Play'n GO slot, features Egyptian-themed symbols like scarabs and pharaohs. High volatility offers substantial rewards with features like free spins triggered by three scatters, expanding symbols, and wilds. The game has 10 adjustable paylines.
Great Rhino Megaways	High	96.58%	Great Rhino Megaways offers up to 200,704 paylines with a maximum payout of 20,000x your bet. High volatility means less frequent wins. It includes tumble mechanics, free spins, and varying multipliers. Landing four or more scatters triggers free spins with different multiplier options.

Top 10 Live Casinos in Canada

Live casino titles are set to become the most popular real money casino games in Canada. They offer a unique gameplay. If you're going to play them, you ought to do so on the best platforms. Luckily, Betpack did the hard work and found the top-rated live casino sites in the country. Here are the top 10 live casinos that you ought to consider.

Velobet
Royalfortune
31bet
Quickwin
Kripty
BetPlays
Hot.Bet
Dream.bet
Betovo
Lunubet

Traditional vs New Online Casinos in Canada

New online casino sites open their virtual doors for players from Canada every day. Hence, every gaming fan asks themselves whether they should try the new-established platform or go with the safe option and sign up at traditional casinos. Both options have their advantages. Here's what we have to say about them.

Traditional Canadian Casinos
Next-level security
On-time payouts
Most popular payment methods accepted
Average bonuses
Standard casino games

New Canadian Casinos
Yet to obtain the necessary security accreditations
Very little information regarding the payouts
Open to list up-and-coming payment methods
Extremely lucrative bonuses and promotions
Standard casino games as well as concept games

Most Trusted Online Casino Sites in Canada by Betpack

After doing a deep dive into the online casino industry in Canada, we were able to single out the most secure and most trusted brands on the market. They are known for their fantastic offers, including entertaining Canada slots, table games, lucrative bonuses and numerous payment methods.

Casino	Licence
Futureplay	Curacao
Winscore	Curacao
BetBeast	Curacao
RoySpins	Curacao
1xBit	Curacao

The reason why we consider these online casinos trusted is that they can provide you with ultimate security while you play games. Not only that but each listed online casino in Canada enforces responsible gambling policies and has fantastic player reviews.

There are almost no bad experiences on the sites. To make things even better, each of the listed platforms enforces fair play rules via RNGs and/or provably fair gaming. That means that the gaming environment is safe and all Canadian gamblers have equal chances of winning.

Conclusion

Canada is one of the fastest-growing markets for the online casino industry. That's one of the reasons why gambling sites are making extra effort to attract players. They do that via generous welcome bonus offers, featuring the most popular slots, mobile optimisation, top-notch security, responsive customer support and of course, effective responsible gambling policies.

As one of the most trusted online casino-related platforms, Betpack went the extra mile to find the best real money casino sites in the country. You're more than welcome to explore their offers and compare the results. Once you find the gambling brand that meets your preferences, you'll be able to register and play within minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?

Online gambling is legal in most provinces in Canada. Some regions don't regulate it well and hence, it's in the grey field. That means that although casino sites aren't allowed to be based there, Canadian players won't face consequences by accessing them and making a deposit.

How Old Do I Need to be to Gamble Online in Canada?

The legal age for online gambling in Canada depends on the province. The legal age in Manitoba, Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan is 18. The legal age for online gambling in the rest of the provinces, including Ontario, is 19.

Are Online Casinos Canada Safe?

If the online casino features a valid licence, enforces rules that minimise the risk of gambling addiction and has the latest SSL encryption, it's considered safe. All of Betpack's featured Canadian online casinos have these tools, which is why you're more than welcome to browse our brands.

How to Register at a Canadian Online Casino?

Registering at a Canadian online casino is rather simple and fast. First, you'll need to access its official website. Then, click on the registration button. The casino online will likely ask you to provide details such as your full name, DOB, email address, residing address and phone number. Create a username and password, accept the T&Cs and finalise the process.

Can I Play Free Online Casino Games at Canadian Online Casinos?

Some online casinos feature demo versions of their games. That means that you can try them out for free. You don't even have to register an account to do so. Demo play is the best way through which you can get familiar with the rules of a certain variant without having to lose real money.

What Payment Methods are Available at Canadian Online Casinos?

Canadian online casinos offer a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Some casinos also accept cryptocurrencies. These options ensure that deposits and withdrawals are convenient and secure.

Are there any Taxes on Online Casino Winnings in Canada?

In Canada, casual gamblers do not have to pay taxes on their online casino winnings as gambling is not considered a profession. However, if gambling is your primary source of income, you may be required to report your earnings and pay taxes accordingly.

Can I Access Canadian Online Casinos on My Mobile Device?

Yes, most Canadian online casinos are optimised for mobile use. They often have dedicated mobile apps or mobile-responsive websites, allowing you to play your favorite casino games on smartphones and tablets with ease.