Even individuals that are completely new to the world of gambling surely know how popular this practice is all over the world. While betting is not allowed everywhere, there are many countries that have legalized the activity as they realized that such a move comes with many benefits, including substantial economic ones.
However, if you are just starting to dip your toes into the gambling waters, you might not be aware of the local laws and regulations in terms of gambling or understand how to choose the right games and casino for yourself. Here is what you need to know if you want to play in online casinos in Canada.
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Canadian laws and regulations concerning online gambling
Until 1984, all gambling legislation and activities were controlled by the federal government. Then, in 1984, there were some changes made to the Criminal Code, and the control over gambling was transferred to the provinces, which allowed every province to create its own laws and regulations when it comes to betting activities. So, for starters, if you want to join an online casino, you need to familiarize yourself with the laws of your province.
A little bit of research will tell you that each province has its own gambling sites where its residents can play casino games, instant lottery, and engage in sports betting. Keep in mind that these services are typically geo-fenced and only available to Canadians that live in that particular province.
On the other hand, there are also many foreign online casinos available in Canada. While casinos need to be based in Canada and have a license in order to operate, these out of the state casinos have found a loophole. They are basing their servers on the Kahnawake reserve territory, a self-governing territory within the borders of Canada. These casinos are more popular than those that are run by the provinces as they provide players with more options.
In summary, online gambling in Canada is legal. You can choose between licensed province-run sites and foreign casinos, and even if you play in an unlicensed casino, you will not get in trouble.
Popularity of online casinos in Canada
If you’re wondering why online casinos are so popular in Canada, the reasons are quite straightforward. For starters, it’s fun and exciting. Then, many people appreciate the fact that they can enjoy these games from the comfort of their homes on the devices that suit them most.
Moreover, it’s very easy to deposit and withdraw money as various payment methods are supported, such as Interac, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies. Lastly, the winnings are not taxed, which is also a big plus.
Picking the best online casino
When it comes to picking the best casino, you need to be on the lookout for several things. While you might not be in trouble with the law if you play on an unlicensed gambling site, you are compromising yourself. So, always check that the casino you plan on joining is reputable and has all the necessary licenses. If you’re not sure how to do casino research, you can always turn to trustworthy review websites and find the top Canadian casino sites in no time.
Besides ensuring that the casino you are looking into has the stamp of approval from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), you also want to see the payment methods they offer and how long it takes for transfers to go through. You want a casino that will get you your winnings within a day or two tops.
Finally, you want to see the kinds of games a casino offers. Are there thousands of options? Is there everything from slots to table games? Does it offer a live dealer option? Moreover, the bonuses a casino offers are also important. See whether there is a welcome bonus and what the requirements for unlocking it are. Do some research to see what other bonuses and promotions you can expect in the future.
Choosing the right games for yourself
Lastly, you want to choose the right game to play. While there is no need to limit yourself to only one type of game, you can start with one or two and then expand as you get a bit more skilled.
For instance, you can play slots first, as they require no special skills. Over time, you will understand exactly what each button does and what each bonus means. The graphics and various themes will surely keep you entertained, and you might even win big if you opt for jackpot slots.
On the other hand, if you want a card game, you can go for blackjack as the rules are quite easy to understand. For a table game, try roulette as there is no need to make complex bets in the beginning, and you can simply bet on black or red.
As online gambling is legal in Canada, all that you have to do is find a reputable site and choose which games you want to play. Good luck!