How We Review Canadian Online Casinos?
Our casino experts get a first-hand feel of these sites by signing up and testing out all that the site has to offer. While gambling platforms differ from each other, there’s a handful of criteria that the best sites have to meet. Our reviews are honest and unbiased, so we assess every single site based on the same set of standards:
Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses might as well be a compulsory part of online casinos nowadays because you’ll hardly find an operator that doesn’t offer these incentives. Players are also eager to find the best bonus offers to take advantage of. When assessing bonus offerings, we look at how generous the amount is but not only this. We also review the terms and conditions attached to the offer because that’s where the true value lies. Casinos that give players healthy bonus rewards with reasonable conditions get our vote of approval.
Games Library
What is a casino without games, right? The games library is the heart of any gambling website. Players want to see a variety of gaming options, and so do we. A large number of games is preferable, as it means players will have plenty of options to choose from. The best online casinos will have a library encompassing slots, table games, live dealer titles, and even specialty games like Bingo and Keno. More important than the number of games, however, is the software quality. Games with superb graphics, exciting storylines, animations, bonus features, and lucrative payout percentages will provide the best experience.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Real money gameplay is about placing playing online casinos for real money bets. Hence, the payment methods available are crucial. To support a wide range of players, the top sites should provide many diverse payment options that support deposits, withdrawals, or both. Reliability and safety are crucial for online banking transactions, so we look for reputable providers such as Mastercard, Visa, EcoPayz, Interac, etc. Deposits are generally immediate, but with withdrawals, payout times are a significant concern. The best online casinos should cut down wait times and guarantee that the available providers process payments in the shortest possible time.
Customer Support
Customer support is one of our top priorities. As a minimum deposit online casino sites should have two or more ways through which players can get in touch with them, such as Email and 24/7 live chat. Telephone support is always appreciated, and some operators include a contact form on the customer support page. We interact with the team to assess their response time and competence on casino-related matters. The best sites will also include a dedicated FAQ section with a handy list of common inquiries regarding registration, bonuses, withdrawals, and more. This adds several points to our ranking of the site.
Software Providers
The quality of games we mentioned earlier can be directly attributed to the software partners at the online casino. Popular names like NetEnt, Microgaming, PlayTech, and Big Time Gaming have a track record of releasing top-quality game creations. Hence, we make it a point during our online casino reviews to identify the software providers available. We don’t only search for big-name brands. We also have lesser-known brands like Rabcat and Ash Gaming that know how to deliver an entertaining title.
Security
The concept of security in the iGaming industry has to do with licensing and privacy of transactions. Licensing is the most important ranking criterion for our Canadian online casino reviews. A recognized license certificate guarantees that the online casino is not a scam since licensed sites have to comply with international gambling regulations that protect players’ interests. Strict privacy policies will include safeguards like SSL encryption, which protects players’ data and banking details from unauthorized parties or hackers. Adequate security is the essential requirement for any online casino to make it to our top recommended list. Most times, where security is lacking, we may blacklist the casino.
Why Read Online Casino Reviews? How Can It Help?
Online casino reviews are arguably the best way to get started on your casino gambling adventure. The reason for this isn’t far-fetched. The diversity in the online casino industry is one of its strongest points. Players have so many casinos to choose from, and the offerings at these sites are no less numerous. And new sites pop up every day. Unfortunately, not every operator out there is genuine. Of those that are, not every site will deliver an exciting experience. Reviews save you the trouble of going through those bad experiences.
Also, different kinds of players have different tastes. Some platforms are geared towards slot players specifically. Some are pro-table games, while others may give equal attention to both. If you’re an avid slots gamer, a slots-inclined casino may provide a better experience for you. This also extends to offerings like bonuses. Slots online casinos generally focus on rewarding customers with free spins rather than a cash bonus, for instance. The opposite would be the case where classic table games are favored. By reading an online casino review, you get all the knowledge required to choose the right gambling haven.
Online Casino Bonuses & Promotions
For casino operators, bonuses and promotions are a marketing strategy to draw in customers and keep them loyal in the long run. For players, on the other hand, these incentives are a bankroll booster that allows more gameplay time. And at the casino, every extra bet is an opportunity to hit a lucky payout. There are several kinds of bonuses available for new and existing players. Here are some of the most typical you’ll find on the online casino promotions page:
- Welcome Bonus: The Welcome Bonus is just as the title implies. It is the primary offering used to welcome new players to the online casino. Generally, this incentive is claimable just once per player and has to be activated within a specific time frame after opening a new casino account. The Welcome Bonus comes in various forms. It can be a match deposit bonus or a free spins bonus, or a No Deposit Bonus. Sometimes, rather than a single offering, players get multiple incentives combined into a Welcome Package.
- No Deposit Bonus: The No Deposit Bonus isn’t a staple at many casinos, but it’s one of the most valuable bonus rewards where available. It can be given as cash or as slots spins, but the No Deposit Bonus doesn’t require you to fund your casino account to claim it. It is the only incentive that is actually given for free. As a result, it’s often not a large amount. A typical No Deposit Offer is between $30 – $50 free cash or about 10 – 20 free spins.
- Free Spins Bonus: Online slots have a dedicated bonus incentive in the form of free spins. Essentially, these are freebies that can be used to spin the reels on slots. Casinos may offer free spins on a selected slot or group of slots, for instance, 100 free spins on Starburst or 200 free spins on NetEnt slots. They are usually released in installments over a couple of days. Free spins can be given as a standalone bonus. However, they are often offered alongside a Match Deposit Bonus as a Welcome Package.
- Match Deposit Bonus: This is the most common bonus type at an online casino. The Match Deposit Bonus requires you to make a deposit, after which the casino will match the amount to a certain percentage. A typical example of what you’ll find at an online casino is a 100% match bonus up to $1,000. Here, making a $200 deposit will give you $400 to play with. Essentially, you get double your starting bankroll up to a max of $2,000. Unlike free spins, it isn’t limited to slots. Instead, you can use it to place bets on slots as well as table games and live dealer titles.
- Cashback Bonus: At the online casino, cashback is a rebate on the amount spent on lost bets within a specified time. For context, a casino that offers a 10% weekend cashback will reimburse players 10% of the lost wagers made during the week. This offer is only available to loyal players since you need to have a record of activity at the casino to benefit from it.
- Loyalty Bonus: Most popular casino bonuses in Canada are a one-time offer or are available for a short period. However, the Loyalty Program is a recurring promo where players earn points and get various rewards as they play games. It is achievement-based with multiple levels. Every achievement or new rank attained comes with different benefits, and the higher you go, the more exciting the loyalty bonuses get. The program could be all-inclusive, or it could be a VIP scheme dedicated to the biggest spenders at the casino.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
The most popular payment categories among Canadian players are credit/debit cards, e-wallets, instant bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Credit cards include brands like Mastercard, Visa, and Maestro. These are great for deposits and bonus claiming. They can sometimes process outgoing transactions too. On the other hand, common e-wallets among players are EcoPayz, Click and Buy, and My Citadel. These are suitable for two-way transactions, and since they also serve as a storage facility for your funds, it’s easy to keep track of your gambling activity.
Interac and iDebit are some of the most widespread instant bank transfer methods at online casinos. They are Canada-specific, and they promote seamless transfers between your bank and the casino. Some options like prepaid cards are only limited to deposits. Neosurf and Paysafecard are mainstream among players and are a great alternative to funding your account without a bank account or a card. Deposits are the easy part while withdrawals can get a little tricky with ID confirmation and other verification procedures. Fortunately, as previously mentioned, the best casinos will offer reasonable payout times. Some online casinos require players to withdraw with the same method used in depositing. So make sure you check the T&C page for any such conditions before you make a deposit.
How Can You Select The Right Online Casino? Top Tips From Gambling Experts
Our online casino reviews are a guide to help you find the best sites to play on. Nevertheless, you don’t have to take our word for it or stick to our recommended sites. If you prefer to come to your own conclusion, the goal remains to land at the right online casino. With this in mind, our experts have compiled a list of tips to help you make informed decisions on your own. With these tips, you can spot the top casinos just like the pros do.
Read Reviews From an Expert Team
Reviews give a second-hand experience about a site. Effectively, they provide a basis, so you know what to expect going into a new gambling terrain. Most especially, online casino Canada review sites like ours provide information and verdict based on expert knowledge. So, knowing what we think about a casino will help reduce the risk of wasting your time and effort on bad or incompatible sites.
Make Sure That the Casino Has a License
Licensing logos are usually displayed at the footer of the casino site, alongside certificates for security and RNG audits. It’s crucial that you confirm that the online casino has a license before giving it a second thought. The most renowned licensors in the business include the MGA, the UKGC, and the Kahnawake Gambling Commission. Other recognized licensing jurisdictions are Alderney, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, and Curacao.
Search For Known Banking Methods
If you’re looking to the best slots online for real money at a casino, it would be nice to have payment methods that you already use. Nonetheless, if your current bank or card provider is not supported, ensure that the options available at the site are recognized brands. Usually, the most popular payment methods have attained such status because they apply adequate security measures and safeguards. This is in addition to the protocols put in place by the casino itself. Hence, there’s a greater guarantee that your funds are safe.
Understand Bonus Terms & Conditions
When assessing the bonuses at the casino, make sure that you read through the T&Cs first. Understanding the restrictions and requirements of the offer will help you know whether or not the bonus will prove profitable for you or not. The wagering requirement is the most prominent bonus condition. It’s the number of times you have to roll over the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings accrued. Other T&Cs are time limits, max bet, eligible games, etc.
Check out the Games Offered
Another helpful tip is to check the games available at the casino you wish to play at. These days, most gambling platforms allow players to try out slots and table games for free in demo mode. You don’t have to sign-up or commit to the casino to do this. Simply open the game in instant play and bet with free credits. This way, you can decide if any titles are to your liking.
Check the Payout Speed
The banking section at several casinos lists the available payment methods, their min and max limits, and payout times. Where this isn’t available, you can find out the payout processing times of your preferred banking option on the provider’s official website. Payout speed is a major topic among players. So you can also find out if a casino is a fast payout site on online player forums.
Customer Support
Although this may not be your priority, customer support can make or mar your gambling experience. Players often encounter issues with bonus claiming or payouts. In that case, it would be a gambling nightmare if the online casino is out of reach. Check that there are multiple contact methods. Email and live chat support are indispensable. The latter should be available 24/7 as it’s the fastest way for players to reach the casino.
Are Online Casinos Safe?
Online casinos are safe as long as they are licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. In Canada, the Kahnawake Gambling Commission is the top local licensing body. International licenses from the likes of the MGA and the UKGC are also held in high esteem. Licensed casinos have to adhere to strict gambling regulations, one of which is having adequate security.
In addition, operators are obligated to have their game RNGs (Random Number Generators) tested by an independent third party. This provides a guarantee of fair play on the part of the casino. While unlicensed casinos can manipulate game outcomes in their favor, a license restricts such unscrupulous activity. With every online casino review we carry out, we also do a background check into the casino operator, its past practices, and any affiliated sites. So, our recommended sites are especially safe.
Online Casino Software Providers
Software providers are third-party companies that create the games present at the casino, and we only advocate brands with a track record for quality. Here’s an overview of some leading casino game providers:
Software Company | Launch Year | Head Office | Products | Popular Games |
---|---|---|---|---|
Microgaming | 1994 | Isle of Man | Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Poker, Table Games, Live Casino | Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck, Immortal Romance |
NetEnt | 1996 | Stockholm | Slots Progressive Jackpots, Table Games, Live Casino | Gonzoโs Quest, Guns Nโ Roses, Mega Fortune |
Real Time Gaming | 1998 | Costa Rica | Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Table Games | Cleopatraโs Gold, Coyote Cash, Count Spectacular |
PlayTech | 1999 | Isle of Man | Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Poker, Bingo, Table Games, Live Casino, Sports Betting | Age of the Gods, American Dad, Man of Steel |
International Game Technology (IGT) | 1975 | Las Vegas | Slots, Progressive Jackpots, Video Poker | Cleopatra, Triple Fortune Dragon, Da Vinci Diamonds |
Evolution Gaming | 2006 | Riga, Latvia | Live Casino | Monopoly Live, Live Dream Catcher, Lightning Roulette |
Betsoft | 1999 | Malta | 3D Slots | FaFa Twins, The Slotfather, Mr Vegas |
Conclusion
Our online casino reviews culminate in a verdict that translates to the rankings we provide on the page. We ensure only to promote the best sites, and reading our reviews will reveal all the essential information that you need to know about a casino. We also regularly revise our reviews and keep the list updated. With our expert hints on how to hunt down great casinos on your own, you’ll be enjoying that fantastic gaming experience in no time.