Best Online Casino Sites in Canada
Choosing a new favourite online casino can be a real challenge for fans. The rise of the internet means that this is a highly saturated market, and it can sometimes be tricky to pick out the top quality offerings from the not so great. Read More
Canada’s Top Online Casino Sites
Canadian Online Casino
In the early days, gambling fans who wanted to enjoy their favourite slot games would have to physically head to a local casino – a physical bricks and mortar structure that would contain the latest slot machines. In many ways, they were similar to the experiencer we enjoy now; participants would enter their deposit, spin the wheel, and cash in if their luck was in!
This all changed in 1995 with the birth of the very first online casino. The internet had arrived and brought with it a whole host of changes, advances, opportunities, and chances to win, and this hit every area of everyday life – including the gaming industry. From this point, the number of online casinos increased dramatically, with each new product offering better graphics, more exciting deals, better odds, and a more extensive range of games.
In 2020, we take these features for granted and have a vast wealth of options at our fingertips. These can be accessed from the comfort of our very own home, or even while out and about if the site has employed full mobile optimisation. The way in which we interact with and play the casinos has changed – and this means that the industry has to work hard to keep up! With new innovations, titles, graphics, and ideas appearing everyday, this is a fast-paced and ever-growing environment that adds a touch of excitement to the mundane nature of everyday life.
As the name suggests, online casinos are casinos which are hosted and played purely online, though some brands may still retain a physical premises. The most common feature is slots, and there is an array of popular titles to choose from. Many casinos will also feature classics such as Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, Blackjack, and even Bingo, as well as Video Poker games such as Jacks or Better, Aces n’ Faces and Texas Hold’Em.
Live Dealer Casinos
Perhaps the most exciting evolution is that of the Live Dealer casino – a feature that is often considered an absolute essential in any modern casino. This is the chance for players to go head to head with a real-life dealer and enjoy the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of an authentic casino – no matter where in the world they are playing from! As you can imagine, these are a massive draw for players and can help to really generate an immersive, exciting environment to enjoy your favourite games, with Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and Baccarat proving particular favourites within this category.
What To Look For In An Online Casino
With so much choice available, picking an online casino is no easy challenge. With this in mind, Betopin has worked hard to break down the absolute essentials and help you choose the best online casino sites for your needs. Here are the most important things to consider before signing up!
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The Games Library
One of the most important factors to consider is, of course, the range of games on offer – this will be integral to your overall experience. You should make sure that there is a good variety of your favourite style, whether that be checking out the latest slots, heading back in time with vintage favourites, or staying sharp in a classic card or table game. By checking out the gaming options in advance, you can make the most of any deals and bonuses, and have a far more enjoyable time on the site!
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The Producers
Closely related to the games on offer, the producers are another must-check when you head to a new site. These are the names who decide which title and games are available in any casino, and seeing some big names mentioned assures you that you will have access to all your favourites. Classics such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Nyx Gaming, Evolution Gaming, and Betsoft are all great starting points; between them, this group of software producers can offer many of the most popular slots and games on the market, so you are sure to find something to suit you if these guys are involved!
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The Bonuses
One of the most important aspects to consider is, of course, the array of bonuses, deals, and promotions that are on offer to members of the site. As the old adage goes, there is only one chance to make a first impression, and a good quality casino should have this at the forefront of their mind. A generous welcome deal goes a long way in establishing and facilitating customer loyalty and gives you a valuable insight into what the rest of your casino experience will be like. Do they appear generous or stingy? Are there unrealistic restrictions or unachievable wagering requirements attached to the deal? Can you explore the content of the site as part of the offer? All these and more can be answered by the welcome bonus, and so it is imperative that you pay this aspect of the site close attention before committing.
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The Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are another essential element to consider when you are choosing a casino – they can make or break your overall bonus experience. Wagering requirements, or playthrough requirements, refer to the number of times a deal, plus any winnings incurred, as a result, will need to be played through before the total amount can be withdrawn from the player’s account as cash. This varies from site to site and game to game, but should always be checked prior to signing up for a bonus. You should also check for any restrictions; some sites limit the games eligible for meeting the wager requirements or else set a strict time limit – if this is not achieved, you risk losing your bonus plus any winnings. Make sure the requirements on the site you are investigating are fair and achievable to avoid any nasty surprises.
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The User-Friendliness Of The Site
Time is money, and the chances are that you would rather spend most of your time on the site enjoying the games and taking full advantage of the promotions and any offers you are eligible for. To help make sure that the casino site is intuitive, user-friendly, and functional. Pages should load quickly without a long wait, graphics should be high quality, clear and appealing, and there should be a search feature to allow you to get to your favourite titles in no time. Make sure you can manage your account easily – including making deposits and withdrawals – and that options for games are well laid out and easy to access. These may seem small but can have a significant impact on your overall enjoyment and the quality of your visit.
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Mobile Compatibility
In a world of constant communication, a mobile asset is essential for any high-quality online casino. Whether the site offers a dedicated app or simply allows for full access from a mobile browser, this is one of the things which can make or break your visit. Make sure that the mobile offering works to a high standard, and that you can access an excellent array of titles; some sites skimp on their mobile offering by limiting games, and this is frustrating to players. You should also check on any mobile-only bonuses or promotions; these can be very lucrative if taken full advantage of and offer a great incentive to play via mobile.
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The Payment Methods
The goal of an online casino should be to make the user experience painless, simple, and secure. This includes offering a good choice of quick and easy payment methods, so you can make deposits, trigger your bonuses, and enjoy the best games in no time. Similarly, any winnings should be able to be withdrawn quickly, without fuss, and using a fast method that is most convenient for you. Neglecting this area of your research can result in a frustrating experience down the line, so do your homework and avoid any nasty surprises! As a general rule, e-wallets such as PayPal are the fastest, most popular choice, but many players enjoy the option to pay via debit or credit card, prepaid card, or even bank transfer. Whatever works best for you, make sure it is available in the online casino you choose.
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The Customer Service
One of the most important considerations is the levels of customer service players can expect -this can really make or break your entire online casino experience. In the event that something goes wrong, or even if you just have a question or query, the level of customer service you receive is indicative of the quality of the site. Most of the top-rated sites will have a Live Chat, and in the best cases, this is available 24/7. Email support is also a popular option, and this can be administered via a dedicated email address or a form on the website. Some online casinos will still use telephone numbers, though this may have restricted hours. In addition, some of the top online casino sites will also contain an FAQ page or document, allowing players to answer their own questions quickly and conveniently.
When choosing an online casino, it is a good idea to make sure that your option has multiple avenues for assistance and that this can be accessed at a time that is convenient for you – and preferably 24 hours a day. You should also ensure that your language is covered and that you will be able to speak to an agent who is skilled in this language.
Online Casino Games
When it comes to choosing an online casino, the games take centar stage. As we discussed, these can have a significant impact on your decision and help you to narrow down the options to find the best site for your preferences. Online casino games tend to be broken down into a few categories to help improve access.
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Online Slots
Online slots are the modern evolution of traditional slot machines, revolutionized for the digital age. They tend to be the most popular options for many online casino fans, and this is primarily due to their simplicity. Players bet on the outcome of a spin, and results are determined by the symbols on the slot reels. If the symbols match, you are a winner! Additions such as Wilds and Scatters can help to add excitement to the game, and players can choose from a range of setups, including three reels, five reels, and beyond.
One of the major appeals of slots is that no skills are needed – the outcome is totally dependent on luck. Some of the most common and popular examples include titles such as Starburst, Immortal Romance and Book of Dead.
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Video Slots
Video slots are a type of online slot characterised by their high-quality graphics, sophisticated software systems, and plenty of opportunities to win. They differ from physical, mechanical slot machines thanks to their potential; players can choose a vast number of reels per game – there are no space limitations as there would be on a mechanical slot.
Video slots are low maintenance, easy to change, and mathematically precise to ensure total randomness. Whether you win really is purely down to luck of the spin!
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Jackpot Slots
Jackpot slots, also known as progressive jackpot slots, are another popular option amongst casino fans. As the name suggests, the jackpots are not fixed amounts; instead, they shift according to the bets made by players. Every time a player places a wager, the total jackpot increases and the total amount can reach millions of dollars. Once a jackpot is won, the prize shrinks back to the baseline standard, and gradually grows as more players participate.
Jackpot slots can be played within a single site, or across multiple casinos which offer the same jackpot slot – this increases the audience, and means the top prize can be won by anyone from a vast area! Progressive jackpot slots have the potential to net you a potentially life-changing sum – some totals run into the millions.
Table Games
Table and card games are a classic element of any online casino, and their popularity has translated well to the online space. The best sites will offer a rich array of options here, and some of the most popular include:
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Blackjack
Also known as ‘21’ Blackjack is a casino classic, and is easy to follow. All that is required is for players to reach 21, and aim to beat the dealer without exceeding this amount (known as ‘busting.’ Players and dealers start with two cards, and there is a choice to ‘stand’ – end your turn – ‘hit’ – accept another card, ‘double’ – take two cards – or ‘split’ – separate your cards into two hands. The goal is to get as close as you can to 21 without going over it, and the atmosphere can get pretty tense!
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Roulette
Another fan favourite is, of course, the roulette table. These blend luck and skill, as you pick a number from 0-36, and hope that the ball lands on your choice. Bets can also be placed on odd or even numbers, the colour, and columns.
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Baccarat
Baccarat, or Punto Banco, is a high stakes game, and not for the faint-hearted. Players choose to back the punter or the dealer to have the best hand. Betting on the correct outcome offers you a return of events. Successfully backing a tie returns you 8/1, and could prove very lucrative! In the event that the value of a hand goes over nine, ten is subtracted from the total.
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Craps
A little complicated, craps are nonetheless super popular. Players throw two dice, and the total determines the outcome. If the total of the two dice is 7 or 11, every player who placed a bet on the shooter will win even money. If, however, the total is 2, 3 or 12, you lose the bet. If another total is rolled, this amount becomes the ‘point.’ The shooter must then try and roll this point before they roll a seven, in order for the ‘Pass Line’ bets to win. If they roll a seven first, everyone loses.
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Three card poker
One of the most popular poker variations, this is a game with great potential. Players decide on the Ante bet, and then three cards are dealt. The choice is then to play, match the Ante bet, or fold. If the player’s hand beats the dealer, they are paid rewards on the play and ante bets. If the dealer does not hold a Queen or higher, only the Ante bet is honoured – the play bet will be returned to the player.
Live Casino Games
Any top online casino will enjoy a live casino, and this is an excellent way for players to enjoy every aspect of an authentic casino experience from anywhere in the world. Live dealers are on hand to deal cards, spin roulette wheels, and take care of all hosting duties to ensure that all your needs are fully catered for. All of the top-rated casinos will include this element, and it is a great way to enjoy your favourite games in a serious style!
Video Poker
Based on traditional five-draw poker, video poker is a growing trend amongst many online casino fans and is an essential element for a serious casino. Unlike traditional slots, video poker does require a degree of skill, and this makes it a tempting challenge for more experienced players. A player places a wager and then is dealt with 5 carsd. The player then makes a selection as to which card, if any, they want to hold, and additional cards can be dealt to complete the hand. If the hand is a paying one, then a payout is awarded, and another game can be initiated. In the top online casinos, there can be over 100 variations of video poker!
Popular titles include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and Double Double Bonus Poker.
Online Casino Bonuses
As we have mentioned, great bonuses are a crucial element of any online casino, and can really make or break the player experience. Some of the most popular types of bonuses include:
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Matched bonuses
As the name suggests, a matched bonus allows players to benefit from an increased deposit. An initial amount is placed, and the casino then matches this up to a certain amount – popular examples include 100%, 200%, and even 500%. These tend to be the most popular and common options offered for welcome deals.
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Free spins
One of the most popular types of bonuses is the free spins – the chance for players to enjoy a number of free turns on a selected slot title.
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No deposit bonuses
The no deposit deals are elusive but understandably super popular, and will allow free spins, a cash bonus, or another advantage, without the player having to spend any of their own cash on the deposit.
Online Casinos VIP Programs
In addition to welcoming new players, casinos also need to ensure that ongoing and return customers are valued and appreciated, and this is usually achieved through the implementation of VIP schemes. Most programs will offer an accumulation of points for playing particular games, and these allow the player to ascend the ladder. Each level unlocked offers greater rewards and bonuses, increased prizes, and the chance to access members-only deals.
Online Casino Banking Options
A good range of banking options is also essential for any online casino; the onus is on them to offer a variety of flexible, speedy, and convenient methods for their customers. The payment and withdrawal methods available in Canada include:
● Interac
● iDebit
● Instadebit
● EcoPayz
● Paysafecard
● Credit or debit card
● Skrill
● Neteller
● Wire transfer
● Bitcoin
● PayPal
● Trustly
● MuchBetter
● InPay
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions are addressed below:
What age do you need to be to gamble online?
Players will need to be 18 years old to register and play online.
When can I withdraw my bonus money?
Most bonuses will be subject to wagering requirements, and these will need to be met before you can withdraw any bonus cash. This refers to the number of times a bonus, plus any winnings, will need to be played through before the total can be withdrawn as cash from the account. This varies from game to game, so make sure you read the small print!
How do I make money on online casinos?
Making money depends largely on the types of games you play. Some, such as slots, are purely based on luck – there is no way to ‘beat’ the machine, or work out a strategy. Other games, including table and card games such as Baccarat or Blackjack, do require some degree of skill to win correctly.
How do I play casino games online?
Getting started with online casinos is easy! You simply head over to your chosen site, sign up, make a deposit, and start enjoying your favourite games in no time!
