Online casinos are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the luxury of playing slots and table games without having to travel or leave their homes. Over the past decade, there has been a huge rise in the number of gambling sites that offer casino games, poker and sports betting. That means you can bet on football or basketball and play the latest slots while you wait.
What Do Canadian Casino Sites Offer?
Quite literally, you’ll get exactly what you’d expect to find at a brick and mortar establishment, albeit with more choice and comfort. You’ll get the latest table and slots games. Also, the best video poker, keno, and bingo from top software providers. Canadian customers can expect a myriad of payment methods as well as fast withdrawals. The bonuses and promotions are a great attraction for many players but there are things to remember. The different types are detailed below.
Bonuses & Promotions
Bonuses are a marketing ploy to entice new signups. They tend to be offered as percentage match deals on deposits. The welcome bonus is the most lucrative and will often double or triple your bankroll.
Of course, you don’t have to play for real money. Most of the sites will have a fun play option after you register a new account. Below are the most popular promotions.
No Deposit Bonus
The no deposit bonus is the most sought after by those looking to play for real money without risking their hard-earned cash.
The casino gives new players a small amount of money to gamble and win real money. The amount you can win is usually capped at $100. Play through and wagering requirements must be met. Some casinos require you to deposit before cashing out any winnings.
Free Spin
Free spins can be given as a no deposit bonus or as part of a welcome package. The number of spins varies. They can be tied to a single slot machine or a small set from a chosen software provider. One of the more recent offerings are non-wagering spins. You get to keep what you win with no play through requirements.
Welcome Bonus
This is reserved for new players. It is a first deposit bonus or part of a welcome package that includes bonuses on subsequent deposits.
The amount given can vary. The standard offer is a 100% match on your first deposit.
A welcome package can offer up to $1,000 or more, but remember, these are still percentage matches on your deposits. In order to get the large sums offered you have to deposit larger amounts.
Some welcome packages also include free spins given in segments over a specified number of days.
Reload
This promotion is available for all players and is a percentage match on your next deposit.
The percentage offered can vary. There may be a minimum deposit requirement, too. Some sites have different reload promos available every day of the week. Many can be redeemed more than once.
Cashback
This is a way to reward players for their continued business. Players can get between 10% and 20% cashback on their losses or their deposits from the previous week.
Terms & Conditions
It’s important to understand that all bonuses and promotions comes with terms and conditions. You’re not getting money for nothing! It is vital that you read and understand these first.
Like the roll-over in sports betting, wagering requirements are the amount of times you must bet your bonus in order to become eligible for a withdrawal.
The standard amount is usually 30x for deposit bonuses and can be up to 60x for no deposits and free spins.
Be sure to check the game contribution percentages, too. Not all wagers are equal. Slot machines, keno, and scratch cards can contribute 100%. Blackjack, roulette, and video poker all vary, and some excluded entirely.
The best Canadian casinos have a fun play option that allow customers to enjoy the games at no risk. It’s a great way to evaluate the casino’s software before playing for real money.
Fast Withdrawals
Withdrawals shouldn’t take weeks to arrive in your bank account.
The best sites will list cash-out times by method. They should also include their pending process time.
A 48-hour pending process time means the casino takes 48 hours to process your request before issuing payment. Add this to your payment method’s processing time.
For example, Neteller has a 24 hour processing time. If the casino takes 48 hours to process your request, then you expect your winnings in 72 hours or less. Bank transfers can take up to 3 days.
Banking Options
Payment methods and currencies accepted should be readily available.
Canadian players will want to play in CAD to avoid currency conversion fees. Look for a list of quick and safe banking methods including e-wallets like Instadebit.
Casino Games
The more games on offer the better.
Make sure the casino’s software is up to date and fair. eCOGRA or TST approval means the software’s RNG has been tested and audited.
A full suite of games should be available. Look for slots, progressive jackpots, table games, live dealer tables, and video poker. There should be plenty of table game variations with betting limits to suit your requirements.
It is important to look at the software provider and their reputation. New titles should be added on a regular basis. Jackpots should be paid out regularly, too. A winners list is often displayed at trustworthy websites.
A good casino will list its return to player (RTP) percentages. Games that have 95% or higher RTP’s provide a greater chance of winning long-term. Progressive slots tend to have lower RTP’s but the potential for life changing jackpots keeps them popular.
Sports Betting At Canadian Gambling Sites
It’s not uncommon to find sites with both sports betting and casino games. This allows customers to place sports bets and play slots or table games using the same account.
Popular Canadian sports like Hockey, NFL, NBA, MLB and horse racing will have lines for single game and in-play betting. Ice Hockey is the #1 sport in Canada. Read more about betting on the NHL here.
In-Play betting means you can watch the game and make live bets simultaneously. You’ll find more markets here including next score, first team to score, score at half-time, etc.