In the past, land-based casinos dominated the gambling scene and many punters had to travel hours to reach the nearest venue. However, the industry became revolutionized when the first real money casino online was launched in 1994. Ever since, players have shifted their focus to online gambling, which is more fun and lucrative than visiting physical casinos.
However, you must be safety-conscious when playing at a casino site. Ensure that a platform is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario before registering with them. At the best online casino sites Canada, punters have access to an impressive range of titles, exclusive no deposit bonus offers, and top-notch customer support for an enjoyable yet secure gaming adventure.
History of Canada’s Gambling Laws
Gambling has not always been legal in Canada. Before more lenient laws were passed, no one could participate in such activities for centuries following the Criminal Code. There was a history of the natives playing games with sticks and bones before John Cabot landed in Canada. But all forms of gambling were banned when Europeans took charge of the region. In 1892, the Criminal Code was formed and implemented in all provinces.
It was in the late 60s that the country took a more liberal stance towards gambling, by allowing lotteries and a few other forms. The Government gave each province the autonomy to license and regulate gambling within their regions in 1985. However, the first land-based casino finally opened in Winnipeg in 1989. To date, the gambling laws differ between each province in Canada. For instance, the minimum age requirement is 19 years for all except Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba, which allow 18 years old. Knowing the Canadian gaming legislation helps you understand how to gamble in the country without breaking the law.
Land-Based vs Online Casinos in Canada
There are many reasons Canadian punters prefer playing casino games online, instead of visiting a gambling venue. Everyone loves convenience, which is exactly what online casinos provide. You can enjoy your favourite titles on your Android or iOS device, irrespective of the location. However, other players might seek the interactive nature of physical casinos. Below are a few differences between offline and online gambling.
| Land-Based Casinos | Online Casinos |
| Players have to spend time on the road to visit | Players can easily access their sites on mobile devices and desktops. |
| There are no bonuses available. | Online casinos offer generous promotions to reward new and existing customers. |
| Customers pay for services over the counter. | Punters have access to multiple payment methods for smooth deposits and withdrawals. |
| Players mostly have access to slot machines and a few table games. | They boast a diverse library of games including mobile slots, table games, and a live casino. |
| Guests enjoy an interactive experience and meet new people. | Playing online casino games is a bit of a one-man sport. |
Is Online Gambling Legal in Canada?
Presently, the Canadian gambling industry is ranked number eight worldwide, with an estimated 19.3 million active punters. The gambling laws of Canada permit individuals to partake in online gambling provided the casino site is licensed by the provincial authorities. Therefore, players must register with an online casino under the jurisdiction of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. However, there is another alternative for Canadian punters to access legitimate online gaming: offshore casino sites.
You must never compromise on registering at a trustworthy online casino with a valid license. Offshore sites might not be licensed within Canada, however, they hold licenses from reputable gambling authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission and Curaçao eGaming Authority. These bodies ensure the gambling site is compliant with standard industry practices. So, you can enjoy quality casino titles in a safe gaming environment. The legal age requirement is 19 years, but three of the provinces allow players 18 years and above to gamble.
Tips for Maintaining a Safe Online Gambling Experience
Safety is of paramount importance in online gambling, but new players are usually unaware of the best ways to protect their accounts. Since your personal and banking details are compulsory during registration, you must take necessary measures to maintain a safe gambling experience, including:
- Always choose a strong, alphanumeric password.
- Do not make payments over a public Wi-Fi
- Never divulge your account information to strangers
- Check the available security measures and safety protocols
- Select a reliable and secure banking method
Follow the tips below to stay protected:
Always Choose a Strong, AlphaNumeric Password
After confirming that the casino site is licensed, you can proceed to sign up. However, you must be careful when choosing a password during registration. It is safest to create a strong password that comprises a combination of letters, figures, and symbols. This is usually harder for hackers to crack than passwords containing names and personal info. Also, you can consider downloading a password manager to create and store passwords for your casino accounts.
Do not make payments over a Public WiFi
A rule of thumb for Canadian punters is to avoid making payments while being connected to a public WiFi service. Although playing over this connection looks harmless, your account is exposed to hackers during transactions for one reason: public WiFi lacks advanced security protocols. So, you could potentially be a victim of fraud or identity theft. It is best to disconnect your device from the WiFi when depositing or withdrawing real money from your account.
Never Divulge your Account Information to Strangers
Players are required to enter their details like name, address, nationality, email, and more while creating an account. This makes them susceptible to hackers and fraudulent sites with dubious intentions. However, the casino is strong enough to hold off attacks and preserve user data most time. You must avoid providing information to any persons calling to make enquiries, under the guise of customer support. The casino support will never ask you to divulge sensitive details.
Check the Available Security Measures and Safety Protocols
Although licensing is a sound proof of legitimacy, you must ascertain if other security measures are available to safeguard punters. Check for SSL encryption, which processes all transactions smoothly and securely. This tool keeps your banking information safe during transactions. Also, you should assess other protocols like advanced firewalls and testing agency certifications, which further assures the safety and fairness of a casino site.
Select a Reliable and Secure Banking Method
Transactions are a sensitive part of the gambling experience, so you must register with a casino site that offers trustworthy banking methods. Although there are many payment providers on gambling sites in Canada, you must look for reputable options, such as Visa, Mastercard, Interac, iDebit, Paysafecard, ecoPayz, and more. Canadian punters can access any of these methods for secure deposits and withdrawals on their casino accounts. To maintain a safe gambling experience, choose a payment provider that is legal within the country.
Setting Up an Online Casino Account
If you are new to online gambling in Canada, it might take some time to get up to speed. But first, you need to set up your casino account. Registering at an online casino is pretty straightforward, so follow the steps below to begin your gambling adventure.
- Choose an Online Casino
- Visit the homepage and click Sign Up
- Enter your personal information
- Submit and upload any necessary documents for verification.
Choose an Online Casino
Before creating an account, you must ensure the online casino is legitimate. Check for a license from a reputable gambling authority at the bottom of the homepage. If all is set, visit their website on your browser to begin the process.
Visit the Homepage and Click Sign Up
On their homepage, Click the Sign-Up button and a form appears on the screen with fields for your info like name, address, email, nationality, date of birth, and more.
Enter your Personal Information
Provide the necessary information in the appropriate fields. Also, endeavour to input only accurate information as you still have to verify your account subsequently.
Submit and Upload any Necessary Documents for Verification
Cross-check all the information for any mistakes and submit to create your account. You should receive a confirmatory email to start the verification process. Here, you have to upload proof of identity and a utility bill to authenticate your profile. This should only take a few minutes and you can log in to deposit and start playing games soon after.
What to Consider when Choosing an Online Casino
There are many factors for punters at the best payout online casino Canada to consider when choosing an online casino. You must assess the various aspects of a gambling site’s operations before registering on its platform. This reduces your chances of falling for scam sites with dubious intentions. A few criteria to assess include:
- Security and licensing
- Bonuses and promotions
- Games collection
- Customer support
- Payment options
Security and Licensing
You must check for a valid license from top regulatory bodies, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, and Curaçao eGaming Authority before registering with an offshore site. However, for local third-party operators, you should confirm the availability of an iGaming Ontario license. This shows the platform’s commitment to upholding rigorous industry practices.
Bonuses and Promotions
At dollar deposit casinos, you receive generous casino bonus deals after registering or for being a loyal customer. For new players, they provide a range of promotions, such as match bonuses, no deposit bonus offers, and free spins. Conversely, the best online casino rewards regular customers with cashback, reload bonuses, loyalty programs, and more. Always check the available promotions before signing up.
Games Collection
Another criterion to consider for gambling sites is the array of titles available in their library. You must choose an online casino with an impressive selection of games across popular categories like online slots, free slot games, table games, and live casinos. This way, you always have new gaming options to try when you get bored. Also, the games must be mobile-friendly.
Customer Support
Customer support is another integral part of a casino’s operations. You must assess the available support options and their quality before choosing a gambling site. The best online casino offers support channels like live chat, email, and phone numbers. Also, you might find an extensive FAQ section with salient information.
Payment Options
You should consider the payment methods a casino site offers when making your choice. It is best to go for an online casino with multiple banking services, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrency. Check their Cashier section for popular methods like Visa, Mastercard, Neteller Interac, iDebit, InstaDebit, Neosurf, and more.
Conclusion
Online gambling has changed the daily culture of the average Canadian, as a considerable percentage of the population above the eligible age performs these activities. Newbies might be confused about how to gamble in Canada for the first time. However, you can learn all that’s necessary to get started from this article. Soon, you’ll be playing for real money winnings like a pro.