Canada’s relationship with gambling has been somewhat sketchy. Although gambling has existed for many years in the country, it only really came under scrutiny in the 1800s. Later in the 1970s, the Canadian federal government began leaving regulation in the hands of the provinces, and in the 1980s brick-and-mortar casinos began to appear.
In recent years, the Canadian authorities have begun to relax gaming laws even further. Today, Canadians can bet on sports events, online and offline, if their provinces allow it. Some provinces also offer their own government-run online casinos, and Canadians can use international casino websites as well. Below is a look at the popularity of online casinos in Canada, what to look for when choosing an online casino and why.
The popularity and use of online casinos in Canada
The relaxation of gaming laws in Canada and a general change in attitudes towards gaming as an activity has seen online casino usage become more popular in the country. According to data published on the website of consumer and market data company Statista, the number of users in the online casino market is predicted to reach around 15.4 million people by 2028. User penetration, the proportion of users in the population, is estimated to be around 35.7% in 2024 but grow to 38.4% by 2028.
A more positive attitude towards gaming hasn’t been the only reason for the explosion in popularity of online casinos in Canada. Mobile gaming has also had a massive impact by making online casino gaming more accessible to citizens, who can play games specially designed for mobile devices while they’re on the go.
Choosing an online casino in Canada
Players face an overwhelming amount of choice in Canada when it comes to choosing an online casino. They can play on one of the government-operated online casinos of their province or at an international online casino. Note that different provinces have different rules around the use of their online casinos, so be sure to check these out before you start playing. If you’re looking for a reliable casino and aren’t sure where to start, you will find many online casinos available at casino en ligne Quebec.
But because of all the variety out there, how do you choose a suitable online casino? What should you look for?
Licensing
This is fundamental to avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous operators. If you choose an operator who isn’t regulated, you could risk losing your money regardless of whether you win or not.
Avoid gaming on the website of any operator that doesn’t hold a license (good operators display their licensing details clearly on the website). Licensed operators are more likely to offer fair gaming and to protect your personal information. If you’re not happy with a service or have a grievance with the operator, you can take it to the regulating authority.
Responsive customer support
Being able to contact the casino if you have an issue is important. Reliable operators will have good customer support, providing a variety of contact options such as chat, email and a telephone number. Their trained professionals will be quick to respond to your query or issue so that you can get back to your gaming as soon as possible.
Avoid operators who slow to respond or make it hard for you to get in touch with them. If you experience any troubles while using their services, you may not get the help you need, even though they’ve already taken your money.
Gaming variety
Good online casinos offer lots of games. Check, however, that the games come from trustworthy providers so you can enjoy fair, engaging gameplay. Serious online casinos want their players to have the best gaming experience when they use their services and will work with high-quality providers.
Bonuses
A good online casino will run lots of different promotions and offer bonuses so you have the chance to boost your bankroll and chances of winning. They’re also useful if you fancy a game but don’t want to spend your money on it. Instead, you can use the bonus to try it out and decide whether you want to play it further.
Different operators have different programmes, so look around and choose the one that best suits you. Always check the terms and conditions of the bonus before accepting. Then you can use it to your best advantage.
Payment options
Online casinos move with the times, which also means they offer different payment options so it’s easier for you to credit your account. Not only can you pay by bank transfer, but, in the case of a lot of online casinos, you can also use digital wallets, both to credit your account and to receive winnings. Some even accept cryptocurrency.
Online casinos have become popular in Canada, thanks to a relaxation of laws by the Canadian government and as a result of mobile gaming. When choosing an online casino, follow the advice above so that you can enjoy a safe but engaging gaming experience.
