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How Online Casinos affected Land-based Casinos growth in Canada, Online Casino Players of Land-Based Casinos in Canada

Online Casino Players of Land-Based Casinos in Canada

At first, when online casinos were introduced to the market and it was seeing a huge increase in popularity, many thought land-based casinos popularity will see a downslide and be doomed. The reason people had this thought was that online casinos offer thrills that players could get in one go while sitting at the comfort of their home or any place they feel convenient. There are also live dealer games that see the players acquire experience from different players across the world. The same can also be said for casino operators like Churchill Downs Incorporated, who launched BetAmerica. This can be used as a sportsbook and an online casino that offers games like baccarat, video poker, slots, roulette, and blackjack.

How Online Casinos affected Land-based Casinos growth in Canada

This expectation was squashed as it was proven that land-based and online casinos can both co-exist. But what can’t be helped is that online casinos have changed how brick and mortar establishments operate ever since their introduction. In this article, we will be discussing how online casinos have affected and changed the land-based casinos in Canada and across the world.

Land-based Casinos launching their online equivalents

The online casino industry in Canada is one of the most lucrative businesses in the world, as it has been estimated to be valued at over US$92.9 billion in 2023. The competition and the ever-growing popularity online casinos are showing to brick and mortar establishments have inspired them to join in on the fun to create their very own alternatives.

This can be seen as land-based casino giants like Ceasers Windsor Hotel & Casino launched their Ceasers Online Casino for the gamblers. The platform operates as a normal online casino would, where players can play video pokers, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and many more.

The same can also be said for casino operators like Churchill Downs Incorporated, who launched BetAmerica. This can be used as a sportsbook and an online casino that offers games like baccarat, video poker, slots, roulette, and blackjack.

This can be observed across the world where the giant casino is based, like the Grand Casino Luzern in Switzerland, Bragg Gaming Group in Canada, and Casino Maverick in Argentina.

Reduction in Traffic (Foot)

It should come as no surprise that the emergence of online casinos affected the foot traffic of land-based casinos. While the entertainment scene have mostly brought in new players, they have also been able to lure in gamblers that visit the brick and mortar establishments regularly, even high rollers have been attracted.

This is because online casinos can’t be restricted with location, distance or traffic. They can easily be played any time the people wished to. People can easily bask in the thrill of playing online casino while moving to their desired location or at the convenience of their home.

There is also the fact that online casinos have a huge library of the game available and most of these games can be played or hosted in a land-based casino. There are many variations of the same type of games, and they can’t be found at the local casinos. With this, they can easily lure in new players and the high rollers offering them eye-watering bonuses and promotions.

Even with all these, Canadian real money online casinos in will still not be able to bring those feeling players to get when they step into the gaming hall to gain a thrilling experience, so gamers will still visit the casino to enjoy that experience.

While online casinos have taken the internet world to be its playground, the land-based casinos have been doing quite well and they have no problem adapting to the changes brought about by online casinos. The land-based used the advantage of the virtual world to promote their space their physical brick and mortar establishments. In this way, they can easily stay connected to their regular customers, while bringing more comfort and convenience to the table.

Best Land Based Casinos in Canada

Canada is a very beautiful and large country that is very much out of the North American continent. With long stretches of mountains, and among beautiful landscapes, you can also find several land based casinos and other tourist sites that have made both tourists and locals can afford to enjoy a life full of adventure. However, if you don’t know these places or the country as such well, it can be difficult to find a good casino, but don’t worry, below you’ll find the best land based casinos in Canada, whether you’re in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, or some other city in this cold country.

River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond

The River Rock Resort Casino is just a few minutes away on the outskirts of Vancouver City, very close to the Fraser River. This is one of the largest casinos in Western Canada, which takes advantage of the natural beauty of the landscape to decorate the city. In this large land based casino you can appreciate over 1000 slot machines, more than 110 table games, which include blackjack, poker, craps, and baccarat. In addition, there are sections for different types of players such as creative players or VIPs. For those players who frequent the venue, they have a loyalty program known as Encore Rewards. This place is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. You must be 19 years of age or older to enter, and have at least two different forms of government-issued identification.

There are also several restaurants in this casino, which keep everyone who approaches and stays in the place full of food, and there is also the option to stay in one of the luxurious rooms of the Four Diamond Resorts Suites, with world-class service options. At the resort you can enjoy free time at the spa, swim in the pool, take a walk in the sea or watch a play.

Niagara Casino, Ontario

Generally, most people who come to this city is to know the magnificent waterfall, the famous Niagara Falls, but many of these people also go to the city of Ontario to meet and bet on the facilities of the Niagara Casino. With two floors and an area of over 8,000 square meters, the Niagara land based casino has over 1,300 slot machines and 40 gaming tables where you can play poker, blackjack, roulette, Mississippi Stud, and others. This place is also known for being one of the places where more poker tournaments are held throughout the year. Its loyalty program, known as Players Advantage is available to all those frequent players, these points obtained in the loyalty program can be exchanged for hotel stays, concert tickets, etc.

If you decide to go and spend a lot of time gambling, you can consider one of their different gastronomic options to treat yourself without having to exaggerate your budget. At the Niagara casino, you can eat at the Market Buffet, Perks Café or at LEV2L Sports Bar & Entertainment. This place also becomes the protagonist for comedy shows, live music, and other eventualities. There are no rooms or hotels in this casino, but there are good accommodation options in the surrounding area.

Hard Rock Casino, Vancouver

Perhaps the most popular land based casino in Canada, the Hard Rock Casino is also Vancouver’s largest gaming venue with over 7,500 square meters of different games. This casino has over 940 slot machines, table games, which include baccarat, pai-gow, blackjack, and craps. For poker lovers, there is a dedicated gaming room with five tables for poker only. At Hard Rock Casino they also care about those who can’t bet much and created a small game room where you can make small bets on slot machines and other mini-games that allow you to enjoy a pleasant time without having to waste money. For the big bettors, there is also room, this is the Sala Privé, which has private rooms for VIP players. The casino also has the Encore Rewards program with which frequent players can accumulate points and redeem them for different rewards or promotions.

This Hard Rock does not have any resorts or rooms for its visitors to sleep in, but it has a direct partnership with the Executive Plaza Hotel, which provides a free shuttle service from the hotel to the casino and back. At the casino, you can also enjoy food, drinks and nightly ambiance for a night or a full day.

Montreal Casino, Quebec

Having prominence in Canada for being the largest casino in the country and one of the largest in the world, there is the Casino de Montreal in Quebec. It is located on the island of Notre Dame, near the Ville Marie neighborhood in the city of Montreal. This casino has three buildings, which are connected to each other, which cover an area of more than 500,000 square feet of different games, in which there are more than 3000 slot machines, 150 tables for games and poker tables in special places. Among the different table games are blackjack, roulette (American and European), baccarat, Caribbean Stud poker, Pai Gow Poker, Casino War, sic bo, traditional poker, craps, and many more games. This place is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and people over the age of 18 can enter.

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Ontario

The Niagara Fallsview Resort in Ontario is one of the best land based casinos where you can enjoy a good game and at the same time have a spectacular view of different landscapes, since from this place you can see the famous Horseshoe Falls. This casino opened its doors in 2004, and since then it has been worth every penny invested by the government of the city of Ontario. The Niagara Fallsview has over 3000 slot machines, more than 120 gambling tables, where you can bet on roulette, baccarat. Craps, blackjack, and poker. Slot machine bets can be as low as 1 cent or as high as $1, and table limits vary. For high rollers, there is a private solon known as the Sapphire Room or Salon Privé where the limits are higher.

This casino is also home to a luxurious 374-room hotel, with gymnasium services, spa, souvenir shops, restaurants, and a large theater.

These are the top 5 casinos that exist in Canada, places of recreation and gambling where people go to enjoy fun moments and also win some extra money. If you have to go to this country and you like to gamble, you should consider some of these options for better enjoyment.

Or, you can try your luck online instead. Looking for the highest bonus, best bonus or free spins? Click the link, choose a casino and start Casino Saint away!

Legal Online Casinos in Canada

Over the past two decades, the online gambling platforms have outweighed their land-based counterpart in terms of convenience and higher potential winnings. However, many Canadian players may doubt whether it’s legal to wager real money online.

The most straightforward answer is yes. For a legal online casino Canada to operate within Canadian territories, it must meet certain requirements and hold a relevant licence. In this article, we walk you through the entire process of finding the best legal casino online in Canada.

Page contents

List of Best Legal Canadian Casinos Online

Highly trusted Highly trusted casino

Good choice of payment methods

Instant play site offers plenty of games

Lucrative welcome bonus to new players

VIP program available

No phone support

Live chat is not 24/7

Licensed casino

Loyalty program available

1,500+ games

Bonuses on first 3 deposits

Live chat is not 24/7

Crypto-friendly establishment

Frequent tournaments and lottery

Reload offer on weekends

Generous VIP program with redeemable points

Bonuses are not available in cryptocurrencies

Highly trusted Highly trusted casino

High-quality gaming products with exclusives

Excellent live casino

User-friendly interface

Welcome bonus does not require a deposit

Only one withdrawal method

Short support working hours

Top game selection Casino have top game selection

Excellent software providers and game selection

Two Welcome Bonuses

Trusted UKGC and MGA licenses

Live chat only available to registered users

2% withdrawal handling fee

Top game selection Casino have top game selection

A selection of over 1,300 games

Fast withdrawal times

Secure data encryption and safe payments

Charges a fee of C$5 for an inactive account after 12 months

You can only claim one bonus at a time

Top game selection Casino have top game selection

Fast withdrawals

24/7 live chat support

Mobile friendly site and games

Bitcoin options available

No customer support phone number

Highly trusted Highly trusted casino

24/7 live chat support

No withdrawal limit

Mobile friendly site

Over 1700 games to play

Dedicated VIP program

Modern design Casino have modern design

Quick and easy payouts

Great promotions including C$20 no deposit bonus

Round the clock customer support

Excellent rewards program

Restricted in several countries

Limited payment options

Choice of welcome bonus offers

Canadian dollars is an accepted currency

Live support

Withdrawals subject to a 2% fee

Live chat only available after registration

Great mobile Casino have great mobile

Unique bonus offer

Hundreds of games

Numerous casino licences

Massive selection of games

Top software providers

High withdrawal limits

No 24/7 live chat function

Highly trusted Highly trusted casino

Big collection of casino games from top-tier providers

Innovative deals that regularly expand

Mobile-friendly site

Holds multiple licenses, including from the UKGC, and Malta Gaming Authority

Customer Support not available 24/7

Modern design Casino have modern design

Fast support

Numerous casino licences

2,500+ games available

No phone support available for Canadians

Large game selection

24/7 support

Lots of tournaments and promotions

Cryptocurrency accepted

Great mobile Casino have great mobile

Mobile app and mobile-friendly site

Great welcome package

Live chat available

Lacking in software providers

No telephone customer support

Modern design Casino have modern design

Nicely designed site

Huge range of games and software providers available

Lots of exciting promotions

Lack of e-wallet payment options

Highly trusted Highly trusted casino

24/7 customer service

Secure license

Mobile app

Reliable since 2003

Fast payouts

Top game selection Casino have top game selection

Easy to navigate

24/7 customer support

Wide range of software providers

Thousands of games to choose from

Top game selection Casino have top game selection

Great welcome bonus

Wide range of game providers

Fully licensed

Loyalty program

Highly trusted Highly trusted casino

Live chat available

No withdrawal fees

Many payment options

Mobile friendly

One software provider

Modern design Casino have modern design

Lucrative welcome bonus

Hundreds of games

Daily challenges

Live chat is not available 24/7

Top game selection Casino have top game selection

Exclusive welcome package

Variety of payment systems

Huge array of software providers available

VIP program available

Low monthly withdrawal limit

Long withdrawal times

Modern design Casino have modern design

Wide range of casino games

Great set of bonuses

Fully licensed and secure

No downloadable mobile app available

Welcome bonus with 5 different options

Fully licensed

3,500+ games

No mobile application

How to Choose the Best Online Casino to Play?

Check Our List of Top-Rated Legal Casinos

Picking the right legal online casino may seem a daunting task at first, especially for players new to the hobby. The first step involves researching a few different legal online casinos in Canada. To make things even simpler for you, we’ve put together a list of recommended operators in this article.

Choose the Best Casino for You

Now that you have a few options to visit, you can browse the games and features available. Some operators focus more on slots, while others offer various card games. It’s also useful to consider the promotions available.

Register an Account

Once you’ve found a platform that fills all your requirements, it’s time to register for an account. Sign-up is a fast and painless process taking only a few minutes to complete. Furthermore, you’ll need to verify your details.

Play and Win!

After your account is fully verified, you can either play a few demo rounds to learn the ropes or deposit funds into your account and start playing for real money.

A Brief History of Gambling in Canada

Until 1969, gambling in Canada was illegal and seen as a vice, causing many to look down on those involved. In 1971, the government passed amendments to the bill. This act allowed provincial lotteries and two horse racing events to take place every year.

By 2001, you could find over 31,000 slots and 1,800 bingo halls in Canada, making it a gambling mecca for many individuals. Some of the best destinations included Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. This was also when online casinos entered the scene, with providers like Royal Vegas opening its virtual doors to the public.

Today, you can find many legal casinos online, each boasting massive game libraries and convenient features. While it’s hard to predict the future, constant technology improvements should allow the online gaming industry to keep growing.

The Criminal Code

The criminal code is a legal bill that defines illegal gaming in Canada and the charges for those found guilty for not adhering to these laws. It prohibits any online gambling platforms from operating within Canada’s territories. On the other hand, provincial governments can still legally hold lotteries.

Regulation of Legal Canadian Online Casinos

Players can legally participate in online gambling platforms as long as the site is situated offshore. Users are, however, required to register an account before placing any wagers. On top of that, provincial governments that operate online casinos to generate funding are entirely legal and safe to use.

Understanding Offshore Operators

Online casinos are legal and can offer Canadian citizens their services as long as the company isn’t located inside one of the Canadian territories. That means the operator’s servers must be located offshore (in another country) and hold a valid gambling license for that location.

Gambling laws don’t punish players for participating in real money betting at offshore casinos. That is why we recommend these platforms for Canadian citizens wanting to gamble online.

What kind of games are available in Legal Canadian casinos?

Now you know more about regulation, history, availability of legal casinos in Canada. But what about games, that are available for play? Let have a look closer at the most common and popular games, also you will find out the average RTP (return to player) of your favorite games. This information will help you for sure to choose the best option for gambling!

Online casino games RTP

Casino game	Average return to player %
Slots	92 - 98%
Baccarat	98%
Blackjack	99%
Roulette	94 - 97%
Craps	98%
Scratch cards	92%
Online Bingo	70 - 80%
Online Keno	67% if you play 5 numbers (best option)
Video poker	99.5%

Top 5 Legal Canadian Casinos

Gamblers choosing only legal websites to play their favorite casino games. This allows players to have all chances to win, which is not possible at all in illegal scripted versions. That's why to save your money we collected in this top with legal casinos, where you will find useful and relevant information about the license, software and more.

Spin casino

Spin casino was established in 2001 and it should give players peace of mind that the casino is licensed both by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and Malta Gaming Authority. Spin Casino has an impressive range of games provided by big-name game producers such as NetEnt and Microgaming. They have hundreds of slot games, many of them featuring a jackpot. Spin casino offers live dealer games from Evolution Gaming and it also has sports and esports betting. Games can be enjoyed from desktop or mobile platforms.

Royal Vegas casino

Royal Vegas Casino is fully licensed by The Malta Gaming Authority and is also accredited by the eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. The casino offers over 700 casino games including slots, table games and progressive jackpot games and they are all provided by multi-award-winning software provider, Microgaming. There is a range of live casino games on offer from industry-leader, Evolution Gaming. Royal Vegas is a mobile-friendly, easy-to-use casino with a reputable name in the iGaming industry.

Nomini casino

Nomini casino is owned by Araxio Development N.V., a company incorporated under the laws of Curacao where the casino holds its license currently. Payments are provided by Tranello Limited, a company registered in Cyprus. SSL encryption technology makes your data secure and there is 24/7 customer support in case something goes wrong. Nomini has lots of gaming software providers, such as NetEnt, Elk Studios, Big Time Gaming, Play'n GO and Red Tiger Gaming while live dealer games are provided solely by Evolution Gaming.

888 Casino

888 Casino is a reputable iGaming company that holds three different licences, namely from the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. 888 Group is one of the biggest names in the online casino industry and it is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The casino offers an impressive range of games, including hundreds of slots. Some of the games are developed by 888 itself, while they use game providers NetEnt, Yggdrasil and Red Tiger. Many of the casino’s games are exclusive to 888. They also offer sports betting and live dealer games.

Lucky Nugget casino

Lucky Nugget is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, the world’s top gambling authority, as well as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. The casino is one of the oldest online casinos in the world and it is a trustworthy establishment. SSL technology keeps the players’ personal and banking details safe and if anything goes wrong they can be contacted 24/7 via live chat. Lucky Nugget is a user-friendly casino offering over 250 Microgaming games, including slots, some with progressive jackpot and Baccarat, Craps, Keno, Poker, Scratch Cards, Video Poker, and more.

How We Pick the Best Canadian Legal Online Casinos

Finding the right online casino that’s legal can prove difficult if you don’t know what to look for. In this section, we guide you through our process of picking the best platforms and which aspects we pay close attention to.

History of Gambling in Canada

Think gambling is a relatively new phenomenon in Canada? Think again. Of the two words Gambling and Canada, the latter is actually way ahead on the Canadian gambling timeline.

Canada was born in 1867, but long before the guy who adorns the 10-dollar bill became our first Prime Minister, the natives were testing their luck with various forms of gambling.

In 1497, John Cabot discovered a native population who played games of chance. The games were said to help their physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Cabot dug deeper into the phenomenon and unearthed proof that people were gambling as far back as the year 6000 B.C.

Of course, dice and cards weren't the norm way back then. The gambling scene in Canada back then involved sticks and pebbles, but the basic gambling concept was the same.

But just because something had been done for years, it doesn't mean that it would remain respectable.

An outright ban of gambling - and a change of heart

In 1892, the Canadian Criminal Code banned every form of gambling. That didn't last too long, though. As times changed, so did perceptions on gambling. In 1900, bingo and raffles were permitted for charitable purposes. Ten years later, horse racing was added to the list of acceptable forms of gambling. And in 1925, fairs and exhibitions were granted the right to hold gambling events.

In 1969, the Canadian government saw huge value in lotteries. So they amended the Criminal Code to allow both the federal and provincial governments to run lotteries to fund special projects. The very first lottery was held in 1974 to raise funds for the Olympics in Montreal.

Over the years, the provinces were given more rights to run lotteries, horse races, video slot machines, and casinos. Today, you can find casinos in almost every province in Canada. And over the years, they've become huge attractions for people who love to gamble and be entertained.

The casino-government relationship in Canada varies from province to province. In some provinces, casinos are owned and operated by the government. In other provinces, they're owned by the government but operated by private enterprise. No matter who runs them, they're big business generating big profits.

The rise of land-based casinos in Canada

$439 million. That's how much Caesars spent on renovating and rebranding the casino in Windsor, Ontario a few years back, which is now known as Caesars Windsor. The Ontario casino on the Detroit border rivals some of the high-end casinos you'd find in Sin City.

On the surface, a half-a-billion dollars seems like a hefty figure to spend on renovating a casino that was already serving its purpose and attracting crowds. Prior to the transformation, Casino Windsor wasn't exactly a dump. Sure, it was showing some age, but you can find a lot less impressive casinos across the U.S.

And it's not like people who love to go to Vegas are going to suddenly stay home because a casino has been remodeled to feel like Vegas. Nothing can replace Las Vegas, and diehard Sin City fans will still head to Nevada to get their casino fix.

So who exactly was Caesars competing with? Some argue it was MGM on the Detroit side. But let's face it. Detroit is, well, Detroit. And citizens on both sides of the border would much rather head to the much safer Windsor than deal with who knows what in Detroit.

The real competitors live thousands of miles away, but as close as just a click away.

How online casinos and poker rooms have changed the game

Today, thousands of real money online casinos dominate the Canadian casino space. Hundreds of poker rooms and literally thousands of different online casinos do what the government couldn't do - bring a casino into the homes of people who love to play games of chance.

And you don't even have to search hard to find one. In Canada, it's common to see advertising for free-play poker sites and casinos on national broadcasts, including sporting events.

Billions of dollars are being spent on gambling by Canadians, and online casinos that aren't necessarily based in Canada are taking a bulk of the money. So does that mean that the government casinos are taking a hit? Not necessarily.

In Ontario, the government has authorized several new casinos to be built. Private Las Vegas enterprise has jumped at the opportunity of operating a casino in Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and elsewhere, and it's only a matter of a few years before new, luxurious gambling palaces open up.

If anything, online casinos are actually fueling interest in land-based casinos. For many, playing online doesn't replace playing live just as buying a CD doesn't replace going to a concert. If you love gambling, you'll be after all sorts of gaming experiences - online and live.

Just look at the World Series of Poker for proof. In 2001, before the online poker boom, there were 612 entrants in the Main Event of the World Series of Poker. In 2012? A total of 6,598 players took a seat in the Main Event.

How the world views gambling today

Online gambling has actually brought semi-professional gambling into the mainstream - and it's completely changed the social perception of gambling. Just take a look at poker again for proof. Prior to the 2000s, if you told someone you played poker for a living, you were viewed as a degenerate gambler or a criminal. People assumed you played in illegal card rooms or in underground basement casinos. And if you got far enough in the conversation to tell them you played in legal poker rooms in Las Vegas, they'd likely assume that you live in your car, trying to repay a series of gambling debts.

Today, if you tell a new acquaintance that you play poker for a living, they might assume that you're well off, perhaps living in the lap of luxury. If you're playing poker for a living, the new argument goes that you're obviously making good money at it.

The change in perception comes from the fact that we've all watched doctors, lawyers, accountants, day traders, college professors, and all kinds of professionals trade in high-paying jobs for poker chips. We all realize that gambling is more than dropping chips on the felt and crossing your fingers. It's about knowing how to make the right bets at the right time, and it's about outsmarting your rivals.

The future of gambling in Canada

For Canadians, gambling is all about options. In Canada, you can play online. You can play in a government-run casino. You can head to a racetrack. You can play in privately operated casinos, like Caesars Windsor. You can play pretty much anywhere.

That's the reality today. But what does the future hold?

As the provinces get into the regulated online casino space - British Columbia and Quebec both have casino sites, and Ontario is building one as we speak - Canadians are going to have even more choice. The provincial online casinos might have to join forces to create a national online casino if they want to compete with international sites that have a decade-long head start.

But no matter who comes out on top - whether government online casinos, international online casinos, or a healthy mix of everyone - one thing is almost certain. Canadian gamblers will continue to have tons of choice. And at the end of the day, that makes the Canadian casino player the ultimate winner.

The Rapid Growth of Online Casino Gaming In Canada

Canadians enjoy greater freedom when it comes to the regulation of online casinos. The gambling culture in Canada is a lot more relaxed than it is in the United States. Canadian players tend to enjoy a wide range of online games, notably provincial lottery games. For the fiscal year 2017/2018, the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Authority generated a net profit of $2.49 billion, despite a decline in lottery ticket sales.

Online casinos are playing an increasingly important part in the gaming industry, with land-based casinos losing market share to high-profile iGaming operators. Canadians are spoilt for choice when it comes to online gaming activity. Players are buoyed by the advances in technology, notably the integrity of accounts and online gaming operations. The shift towards online gaming is part of a much broader trend. Statistics indicate that the value of the worldwide gambling industry may hit $180 billion within the next two years, driven in large part by the ever-expanding entertainment industry.

The Canadian online gaming industry generates an estimated $31 billion in gross revenue per year, with $14 billion per year in purchased services. This information provided courtesy of HLT Advisory was part of a much broader national study conducted in tandem with the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA). The popularization of online gaming has been fuelled in large part by the mass adoption of mobile gaming technology, particularly iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. High-speed, secure Internet services with 4G, and 5G development are fast-tracking the online gaming industry across Canada and North America.

Players across Maple country can easily tap into the wealth of online casino games – slots, card games, table games, and live dealer games – available at reputable online casinos operating in Canadian cyberspace. It is worth pointing out the Canadian government leaves it up to individual provinces to determine the legality of online gaming services. A similar trend is taking place in the United States, with the federal government allowing individual states to determine for themselves whether they wish to regulate online gambling.

Several Canadian provinces have adopted a no-go approach to online gambling, while others have embraced it. The liberalization of online gaming across Canada is slowly gaining momentum. Provincial legislators recognize the importance of deriving revenue streams from regulated online gaming activity, as opposed to black-market operations which cannot be taxed. A robust focus on crafting comprehensive legislation to facilitate online gaming frameworks is now the order of the day. Québec led the charge with respect to the iGaming sector.

This provided the momentum for other Canadian provinces to follow suit. While change typically requires time, other Canadian provinces like Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, et al are increasingly more relaxed in their stance towards online gaming. There is less resistance to operators wanting to set up shop in Canada and run legal online gaming services. Nowadays, most everybody understands (regulators, business owners, and government bodies) that people have switched from land-based gambling to online gambling, in much the same way as they switch from traditional in-store retail shopping towards e-commerce operations.

The shift from a land-based casino to an online casino is a no-brainer for Canadian players. It is far more cost-effective, convenient, and comfortable to simply power up a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS device and play real-money casino games than it is to frequent a land-based casino. Therein lies the limitation of bricks and mortar establishments: they are expensive to set up and maintain, and they are limited in terms of how many people they can attract.

The US model in regulated states allows land-based casinos to set up online casinos, in partnership with software providers. The shift to online gaming is an inexorable development, and part of a much greater global trend. The technology is such that players can barely tell the difference between a live dealer casino and an in-person casino experience. Nowadays, the technological advancements, security protocols, and feature-rich platforms provided to players are unassailable.

Rapid and Unprecedented Growth across Canadian Provinces

We are seeing augmented gaming unfolding at a rate of knots, with real money gambling applications available to legal-age players across the country. The world is on the cusp of dramatic and unprecedented developments in the online gaming arena. The engaging aspects of these casino games are evident for all to see, thanks to powerful software providers like NetEnt, Playtech, Microgaming, Dragonfish, and ilk. According to statistics, there are some 100+ casinos operational across Canada.

These are managed by a conglomerate of Native American tribal operators, government agencies, and private owners. These encompass sports betting operations, casino, horseracing, bingo, and lottery. Presently, there are no casinos in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, or Labrador. Toronto and the province of Ontario is home to many fine casinos, notably The Stars Group. This province also makes up 43% of all gambling revenues generated in Canada, and it accounts for the lion’s share of growth in the country. Ontario features an online lottery, multiple casinos, and province-managed online sports books.

Other notable Canadian provinces include Québec and British Columbia. Québec ranks at #2, just behind Ontario, and enjoyed strong growth in online gaming and lottery sales in 2017 of 5%, although casino gaming overall grew by a paltry 2% in the same year. The rapid growth of online gaming is testament to a burgeoning player base which is demanding such services. British Columbia too is enjoying surging levels of popularity in the online gaming sector. Although it has a much smaller population relative to Québec, it features a more robust market. While Canada’s market is certainly a sliver of what the US market is, the countries cannot be compared in terms of market size. Canada’s population is a fraction of the US population, yet there are many important parallels, and lessons to be learned between these neighbors.

Gambling Laws in Canada

Betting games came to Canada many years ago. Playing cards were introduced around 1497 when John Cabot frequented the Canadian shores. Games like blackjack, and poker were inspired by centuries-old games like faro. While government certainly wanted to limit gambling activity, there was no desire to ban all gaming outright.

In the 1970s, the Canadian government decided to leave all gambling regulation up to individual provinces. This has given rise to a robust, and developed casino sector across Canada. The first casino in Canada was built in Winnipeg in 1989, followed by scores of others in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Québec, et al. VLTs (video lottery terminals) enjoyed surging levels of popularity in 1990s, and beyond. Horse race betting, and live casinos complemented the wide selection of games at Canadian casinos. Since the government is a lot more relaxed about online gambling in Canada (as of 2019 it is considered a victimless crime), it is not actively policed and players are not harassed.

Responsible gaming conduct is expected and promoted across Canada. Multiple polls already suggest that Canadians are receptive to online gambling, and have no problem playing the lottery, enjoying slots, or betting on card games every now and then. Canadian players are allowed to play at foreign-based online gaming sites, and they do so with increasing alacrity. Whether it’s slots, card games, video poker, live dealer games, keno, roulette, or sports betting – Canadians enjoy betting.

The security of online casinos in Canada is always a high-profile topic. Fortunately, each Canadian province has the authority to determine the level of security protocols necessary to provide a safe gaming framework. Canadians are encouraged, but not coerced, to play at only Canadian-regulated online casinos since these must comply with the safeguards put in place. Various third-party services like eCOGRA Safe & Fair, and others are extremely important when it comes to assessing the credibility, safety, and security of online casinos.

The tribal casino industry is particularly lucrative, with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) being responsible for the licensing and regulation of many online casinos in Canada. Other government agencies are also involved, notably the CGA (Canadian Gaming Association) which are powerful organizations supporting players’ rights in the case of wrongful, negligent, or improper conduct by online casino operators.

Notable Developments in the Canadian iGaming Sector

The province of Ontario is moving to speed up the privatization of online gambling. With some 15 million residents living in the province, there is huge demand for online gaming services. Ontario’s authority is the OLG (Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation), and it is in the midst of establishing higher levels of competition for legal gambling activity. This will bring many privately-licensed operators to market in Ontario, which will likely be adopted in other Canadian provinces like Québec.

If things move according to plan, various apps will be launched for many online gaming operators in the province. The current state of Canadian legislation vis-a-vis gambling is such that anyone can visit an online casino and gamble, without prejudice. The digitization of the gaming industry taking place at a rapid pace, as evidenced by the growth of online gaming in countries across Europe such as Spain, Belgium, and Italy.

The rapid growth of online gaming is ably assisted by the innovation taking place at casino sites. Deposits and withdrawals are available quicker than ever before, and games load up instantly and play direct off the browser – no download needed. The most popular Canadian payment processing options include Visa, MasterCard, Interac, and cryptocurrency. Gaming platforms support many of these payment methods, thereby facilitating a more user-friendly experience. Provided online casinos do not unlawfully advertise in areas where online gambling is illegal, it’s all systems go. The CGA released the National Economic Benefits of the Canadian Gaming Industry Report in 2019. The study indicates that legalized gaming generated revenues of $16.1 billion (gaming revenue) and $1 billion in non-gaming revenue, for a combined total of $17.1 billion. The industry generates $9.2 billion annually, and provides employment to 182,500 full-time workers.

All trends indicate growth in the Canadian gaming industry, which includes online gaming activity. Ontario leads the way when it comes to economic benefits, with British Columbia in second, Québec in third place, and Alberta fourth in line. Viewed holistically, the Canadian online gaming industry is growing at a steady clip, although the absolute numbers are significantly less than its southern neighbor.

The Popularity Of Online Casinos In Canada

The online gaming community in Canada continues to expand in 2020 with a wide variety of Canadians’ options to enjoy. Irrespective of the Coronavirus outbreak, the market is thriving, and many companies worldwide have been shutting down.

When guests must remain socially remote, online casinos are secure because guests can access online casino services at home.

Online gaming’s increasing success

Land-based gaming has long been popular get the facts with Canadians, and the industry has been successful. Internet casinos, which have attracted immense popularity over the years, have replaced land-based facilities. Canada is one of the world’s largest online gaming nations. As more people join the industry, the request for casino get the facts entertainment continues to increase. It is expected to be even higher by 2025.

Online casino gaming factors that are common in Canada

Various factors led to Canada’s rising success in 2020. Consider the most important ones.

Games for Live Casino

The days have gone by where games such on the blog as Roulette, Baccarat and Blackjack had to be visited by a nearby casino. Owing to technical innovation, these games can now be played anywhere. Casinos have live casinos where you can enjoy a spanning gaming experience with other Canadian players. The action is transmitted live to allow you to follow any case easily. You have to make sure you have a good internet link. Technology has made access to hundreds of different betting options for iGamers fast, including slots, poker, bingo or sports.

Smartphones and tablets give on the blog players a greater sensation of comfort and protection to play their favourite casino games online on the move.

Culture

Gamers make bets more often as they don’t have to gamble on desktops or computers with their smartphones. The compact design of mobile devices has significantly contributed to allowing players to have their casinos wherever they go. If it were not for change, This would not have been possible with technology that facilitated gaming on smartphones and tablets.

Gambling rules of Lenient

Many Canadian jurisdictions do not have stringent online gaming laws. Players can then easily access online gaming websites that are legal offshore. Players trying to join gaming websites will find many online sites. Canadian players are approved by most sites licensed outside Canada. Canada’s clever online gaming regulations led to Canada’s growing success in 2020.

Promotions for real money are a big part of Canadian sports. Bonuses are an available Exciting betting feature and a great way to boost the bankrolls of players. Several players are drawn to online gaming because exclusive prizes and promotions are available. This has contributed to a booming market.

Secure and trustworthy options for payment

Online gambling owes its tremendous success to secure, reliable and convenient banking options in Canada. It is awesome to deposit and withdraw money in online casinos within a short period. If people had to wait for days before making their deposits or withdrawal, they would lose interest in online gaming.

The available choices are easy and secure, ensuring that players are safe while they transact online on iGaming sites. To ensure players’ personal and financial data remains safe, casinos use world-class encoding technology. This insurance made online casinos in Canada famous in 2020 to a large extent.

Land based casinos

While playing casino games online can be convenient, nothing quite beats the thrill of walking into a plush land-based casino, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a taste of luxury. Whether you’re playing slots with friends or enjoying the company of other casino goers around the roulette table, that unique casino experience is not to be missed.

Canada’s history of casino gambling doesn’t go back as far as its neighbour to the south, but since gambling was legalized in the country in 1972, it has been busy making up for lost time and can now boast some of the world’s best casino facilities. There are over 80 land-based casinos in the country, and many are set in the most stunning scenery you can imagine.

One quirk of land-based casinos in Canada is that each one is regulated by the province in which it is based, rather than by an international regulatory body, so visitors should be aware that the rules and regulations in Canadian casinos will vary according to location.

Otherwise, Canadian casinos offer the familiar land-based casino experience. You will find slot games, table classics such as roulette, craps, baccarat and blackjack, and the latest video poker machines. Slots are the most popular games at most land-based casinos, along with video poker, but as always if you’re looking to maximise your winning chances, you should be seeking out the games that offer the biggest payout percentages.

Players looking for a life-changing win will focus on the well-known progressive jackpot titles that offer a prize of potentially unlimited size. These slots machines can lead to some mammoth payouts but just as with playing progressive jackpots online, land-based casinos require you to wager a certain amount to be in with a chance of scooping the jackpot.

land based casinos

When playing roulette in a land-based casino, it’s a good idea to opt for the single zero roulette variant, which have a much lower house edge than the American Roulette games with their double zero slots. Blackjack is another popular land-based casino game that can offer skilful players a chance to win, though to succeed at Blackjack requires players to use the best strategy and play each hand correctly.

Canada’s land-based casinos offer a high quality experience that can rival the best of the Las Vegas resorts, and they have become popular destinations for local players and tourists alike.

There is a wide range of land-based operations in Canada from stand-alone casinos to luxury resorts that feature bars, entertainment centres, sports broadcasts and bistros. Land based casinos that are part of larger complexes often feature hotels, dining facilities and all of the amenities that a top class holiday resort can offer, making them an ideal destination.

Thanks to Canada’s well-regulated gambling industry, all the land-based casinos in the country are run to the highest standards and the staff who work in these facilities generally live up to Canada’s reputation for politeness and hospitality. So if you’re thinking of visiting a land-based casino in Canada, here are five of the best around.

Caesars Windsor

Part of the world-famous Caesars Entertainment Group, this is a modern, luxury casino resort based in Ontario and set in typically stunning Canadian scenery. With an impressive array of casino games, slots, video poker and sports betting opportunities, Caesars Windsor gives the complete gambling experience, and offers a wide range of amenities and leisure activities, along with the full complement of hotel facilities and a competitive customer loyalty scheme.

Casino de Montreal

A gaming location for true land-based casino connoisseurs, the Casino de Montreal is located in one of the most vibrant cities in North America. If you’re looking for a state of the art urban casino, you won’t find many better than this, and as the biggest gaming resort in Canada, it is a delight for fans of table games, slots and poker. Casino de Montreal offers high quality dining and entertainment, and while it doesn’t provide the extensive accommodation you will find at some casinos, this is not a drawback for tourists, as the casino works with local hotels to offer good deals on accommodation.

Casino Niagara

The older of two main casinos in the famous Niagara Falls area, Casino Niagara doesn’t have the same high profile as its nearest rival, which is a shame, as this classic venue has a great deal to offer the average casino goer. It packs in an impressive number of gaming options and takes good care of its clients with a range of perks, deals and promotions, as well as offering some quality entertainment and dining options. Above all, it provides a distinctive, laid-back atmosphere, which makes it a pleasure to spend your time in.

River Cree

The River Cree is the model for modern casino resorts in the way that it has adapted to meet the demands of an evolving market and the changing expectations of the twenty-first century player without sacrificing its identity as a premium casino provider. While the resort has expanded to offer facilities such as shopping, dining, and live entertainment, and regularly hosts conventions and other large gatherings, it has retained an easy-going ambience that both regular casino visitors and newbies will enjoy.

River Rock

As well as being the largest gaming facility in British Columbia, offering an unrivalled selection of games and slots titles including 114 table games and 1,100 slots machines, River Rock is also a complete holiday resort, offering leisure, dining and entertainment opportunities for the whole family. Famous for the quality of its hotel accommodation, it also has a rich array of dining options, an attractive customer rewards program, swimming pool and an entertainment theatre, and it is set in some of Canada’s most attractive scenery.

Las Vegas

When looking for gambling outside Canada, we advise you to check out our Las Vegas casino guide. It has information about all the casinos and hotels in Las Vegas.

Canada Online Casinos

Online casinos that accept Canadian players

Canada is known for many things, and one of them is the high number of online casino players in the state. Canadian players are spoilt for choice when it comes to playing their favorite games at real money Canadian casinos.

However, not all online casinos in the Canadian market are recommendable. But don’t worry: we have done the hard work for you and put together a list of the best and most reliable online casinos that accept Canadian players.

Here are the features you should expect from our list of top Canadian online casinos:

Fully regulated and certified casinos

Secure and quick payment methods

A comprehensive and varied game selection

Best Canada Online Casinos

Canadian residents are faced with a lot of options when it comes to gambling online. Whether you are playing for fun or real money, there seem to be hundreds of casino sites to choose from in Canada.

It’s not always easy to find the best casino to play at. Our experts have done extensive research and share with you the best online real money casinos that accept Canadian players in the table above.

Legit Real Money Casinos That Accept Canadian Players

There are several factors we considered before recommending these online casinos to our Canadian readers. The first thing we checked was whether the gambling site is registered and licensed by a reputable authority.

We believe that the best Canadian online casinos should have features like varied and secure payment methods, excellent game selection, reliable live game providers, good customer care, etc.

You can rest assured that all the casinos on our list aced all these categories.

El Royale Casino

El Royale Casino is one of the leading casinos in the Canadian gambling industry. Although launched in 2020, the online casino has proven through its fantastic service that they are here to stay.

Canadian players will fall in love with the site’s attractive theme that is compatible with various devices. The online casino also features a wide array of games and amazing bonuses.

When it comes to banking methods, they allow deposits with all major credit cards, gift cards and Bitcoin. They have an impeccable track record when it comes to fast and secure payouts and even allow credit cards withdrawals – which is not common in the online casino industry.

El Royale Casino

MyBookie

Although relatively new, MyBookie promises an overall enjoyable experience to Canadian players.

Its exciting features include a varied game selection, a wide range of banking options, a friendly user interface and reliable customer service.

The gambling site features a simple and attractive theme that loads well both on your desktop and mobile device. MyBookie is a sure bet for players who live in Canada.

MyBookie

Slots Empire

If you are looking for a customer-friendly casino to play in Canada, Slots Empire is your best choice. Established in 2019, the casino features many slots and table games that will get you asking for more.

The best part about Slots Empire is that Canadian players can deposit and withdraw using a wide range of payment methods, including Bitcoin.

Slots Empire is a mobile-friendly casino so you will also get to play games and claim bonuses on-the-go.

If you are into the brick-and-mortar casinos experience, make sure you check out their live games as well!

Slots Empire

Other Canada Online Casinos

There are other online casinos worthy of note that accepts players from Canada. These casinos may not be top rated like the ones listed above; however, they are safe and suitable to play on.

Jackpot City Casino: An attractive Welcome Bonus and interesting game selection make Jackpot City an appealing option for residents of Canada. Launched in 1998, the site is a well-known brand that you can trust. Their Live Casino receives lots of praise from players.

Betway: Betway is an established site that has been in the industry for over 10 years. Microgaming is its software provider and guarantees a large game selection. Its large list of accepted currencies and languages makes it an especially interesting option for Canadian players. They will happily take your Canadian Dollars.

What Makes An Online Casino Safe For Canadian players?

Safe real money casinos for Canadian players

Safety is a paramount factor in choosing casinos, and Canadian online casinos are not the exception. Before choosing a casino to play for real money in Canada, you need to be sure that your private information and funds are secure and that the casino upholds fair play.

Here are what you should take into account when picking an online casino:

License and registration

The first thing you should consider is whether the casino is licensed and registered by a reputable authority. Gaming commissions and other regulatory authorities subject casinos to a series of tests before they license them.

Online reputation

Check the reviews of your preferred casino online. Through review sites and customer reviews, you can check whether player experiences have been positive and whether the casino is reliable. You can also know if the details and features on the gambling site work efficiently and are user-friendly (payouts, bonuses, and customer service).

Finding out whether the casino is legal in your location

Some of the online casinos available to Canadian residents are licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Other Canada-friendly sites are licensed by other legit gambling commissions. Make sure to do some research and seek professional advice when in doubt of a casino’s legitimacy.

How To Join An Online Casino In Canada

Joining an online casino is simple and straightforward for Canadian residents. After making your choice, continue to the site to register. You will be asked to fill out your name, date of birth, and address.

Follow these steps to sign up:

Pick a safe and reliable online casino that accepts Canadian players

The first you need to do is choose your preferred casino from the top Canadian online casinos in our list.

Sign up at the Canada online casino of your choice

After that, visit the casino site and register. You will be asked to input your Name, Age, Address, and other personal information. This is where you will also fill out your username and password.

Make a deposit

Before you can start earning real money, you will have to deposit in your account. Head over to the cashier page and choose your preferred deposit method. Our Canadian online casinos have banking options suited especially for Canadian players.

Claim your welcome bonus

Sign-up bonuses tend to be the juiciest so make sure you remember to claim it. Check out the online casino’s promotions page.

Start playing games

The whole sign-up process will take only a few minutes. After that, you can just pick your favorite game and start playing and winning real money.

Popular Games You Can Play At An Online Casino In Canada

Perhaps the most important feature of online casinos is the games they offer. Just like its land-based counterparts, online casinos offer a wide array of games.

While some of these games are based on luck, others require skill to win. Here is a list of casino games that you would find on at Canadian online casinos.

Online Casino Slots

Online casino slots are one of the most popular games among Canadian players. Players mainly prefer them because of their amazing graphics, excellent soundtrack, and simple gameplay. Another reason why slots are highly preferred is because of their high RTP.

Table games

Table games are a norm at Canadian online casinos. You will find several variants of these popular tables and card games available: Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Jacks or Better, Pai Gow, etc.

Specialty Games

Specialty games are games that don’t fall into the regular types of games you’d expect to find in a casino. They include variants of bingo, scratch cards, and Keno. They are also quite popular among Canadians.

Live Games

A Live casino affords Canadian players the chance to enjoy a real-life casino experience from the comfort of their homes. With the help of a 3D studio, live feed, and real dealers, players can enjoy the gameplay and excitement associated with a land-based casino.

Sign Up And Start Playing At A Legit Canada Online Casino

Living in Canada is not an obstacle to enjoy a nice dose of quality online casino action whenever you feel like it. Several online casinos cater to the gambling needs of Canadian residents.

Since not all of them are worth your time and money, we listed several vital factors you must check before playing on a casino. The top Canadian casinos on our list check these factors and more!

If you’re based in a different country, check out our experts’ recommendations:

Your Canada Online Casino Questions Answered

How popular is online gambling in Canada?

Online gambling is popular amongst Canadian residents. A 2016 statistic shows that over 60% of the Canadian population participate in online gambling.

Can I gamble online using Canadian Dollars?

Yes, you can. There are some online casinos on our list that accept payment with Canadian Dollars and you can always use international credit cards to deposit as well.

How do I make online casino deposits and withdrawals from Canada?

Making deposits and cashing out from your Canadian online casino is very simple. Head on to the cashier page. Choose your preferred deposit/withdrawal method, input your amount, and submit.

Are online gambling winnings taxable in Canada?

You don’t have to pay taxes on gambling winnings from online casinos, sports betting, and other gambling platforms in Canada.

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Online Gaming Legality

Please check that your target operators do indeed have the necessary certifications and / or gaming body approvals.

Legality typically depends on your country of origin, as well as the district or region from where you are accessing the website.

Problem Gaming

Please visit GA if you lose the ability to control your betting patterns online.

Please be honest with yourself and refrain from playing in heightened emotional states.

So, let's define, what was the most valuable conclusion of this review: At first, when online casinos were introduced to the market and it was seeing a huge increase in popularity, many thought land-based casinos popularity will see a downslide and be doomed. The reason people had this thought was that online casinos offer thrills that players could get in one go while sitting at the comfort […] at Online Casino Players of Land-Based Casinos in Canada