Canada’s online gambling space is growing at a rapid pace. The industry currently generates sales in excess of $30 billion and is primed to continue growing.  

As more people join the fray, the questions are growing. What can you expect? Where can you find trusted online casinos? What do the rules look like? 

In light of this, we have compiled a list of the 50 most frequently asked questions relating to online gambling in Canada. We’ve addressed your burning questions so that you can stay informed! Plus, we’ve added handy categories to help you navigate these FAQs easily. 

 Top Canada-friendly Online Casinos 

1. Best online gambling sites for Canada? 

There are plenty of wonderful gambling sites available to the Canadian market. The top online sites are generally rated due to a variety of factors, including the number of games, payout size, speed of payment, trustworthiness, security and overall customer experience. To check out our top-rated Canadian online gambling sites, visit our Canada Online Casinos page. 

2. Are instant play casinos available in Canada? 

Instant play casinos allow for immediate play in a web browser and do not require an application to be downloaded. Thanks to HTML5 coding, instant play casinos are available in Canada, with many online sites offering the no-download version. 

3. Which online casinos offer the best payouts in Canada? 

Payouts are an important part of any online casino offering. The top payout rates for online casinos in Canada generally exceed 96%. For a comprehensive list of online casinos with high payout rates, have a look at our Canada online casino page.

4. Which Canadian online casinos can be trusted? 

There are several ways to verify the trustworthiness of an online casino. The first step is to check the licences of the online casino. If the licence has been issued by one of the industry’s top regulatory authorities, this is usually a good sign. Secondly, check if the games on the site undergo regular testing to ensure fairness. 

Testing bodies such as eCOGRA usually issue their stamp of approval to online casinos who have been audited by them, so be on the lookout for these badges on the casino site.  

GamblersPick has compiled a list of trusted Canadian online casinos and assigned them the Select badge. GamblersPick only awards this badge to casinos who are properly licensed and can show proof of fairness. In addition, casinos bearing the Select badge are licensed and regularly audited by an independent third party.

5. Which Canadian online casinos are good for beginners? 

When looking for a good casino, beginners need to consider two things: trustworthiness and ease of gameplay. 

Beginners should stick to online casinos in Canada that carry licenses from any of the top regulatory bodies, as this is generally a good indication of an online casino’s trustworthiness. As for gameplay, beginners should consider starting with online casinos that offer a wide variety of table games, especially blackjack, as this is seen as one of the easiest to comprehend. 

Most Canadian online casinos we feature offer blackjack, roulette and other table games which are easier for beginners to grasp. 

6. Do I have to download software to play at Canada online casinos? 

Not always. While some online casinos do require the downloading of software to proceed, many online casinos are ‘instant play’. This means that no downloads are needed. 

7. Are online casinos in Canada always open? 

Most online gambling sites in Canada are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What may not be readily available are the customer support lines.

8. Where can I find online casino reviews for Canada? 

While online casino reviews are readily available on the internet, if you’re looking for honest reviews, look no further than GamblersPick. 

9. What is the best online casino in Canada? 

While the title of ‘best online casino’ is quite subjective, the current favourite online casino among Canadians seems to be Jackpot City. Check out the GamblersPick review of Jackpot City.  

 Welcome Bonuses and Promotions in Canada 

10. Can I claim a welcome bonus when signing up at a Canadian online casino? 

Most Canadian online casinos offer a welcome bonus to new players who sign up. However, deposit rules may vary from casino to casino, so it is advisable to read up on the Ts and Cs before signing up. 

11. What are my chances of winning at a Canadian online casino? 

There’s no definitive answer here. While there may be statistical odds or theoretical Return-To-Player (RTP) figures available, the reality is that any chance of winning boils down to pure luck. Canadians looking to indulge in the online casino experience should never pin their hopes on the stated odds.

12. Are there wagering requirements on winnings in Canada? 

It depends on the casino. While many establishments still use wagering requirements, several top online casinos have taken to offering players wager-free deposits and Free Spins.

13. Can I gamble for free online in Canada? 

Plenty of online casinos in Canada allow users to play free or demo versions of games without having to first register. While no winnings can accrue from these free games, players will be able to get acquainted with the rules and gameplay before making any deposits.

14. How do I choose a real money Canadian online casino? 

There are several ways to go about choosing a real money online casino. You could spend hours, if not days, doing the research yourself. Alternatively, you can check out GamblersPick’s recommended Select list of real money Canadian online casinos.

15. Are there online gambling promotions in Canada? 

Yes, there are. Most online casinos in Canada offer a selection of bonuses and promotions to attract players. These bonuses can be quite varied, ranging from free spins to deposit bonuses to seasonal tournaments. Each online casino provides its own unique offering. 

For a great selection of online casinos with top promotions, be sure to visit GamblersPick’s Canada Online Casino page. 

16. Can you win money on online casinos in Canada? 

Winning is by no means guaranteed. However, if lady luck smiles down on you, there is every chance that you may pocket large sums of money from your online casino winnings. It should be stressed that online casinos should be primarily used for fun. Know when to stop, before the fun ends.

 Playing By The Rules 

17. Are online gambling winnings taxable in Canada? 

The good news for Canadians is that winnings from online gambling are not taxed. However, any interest earned on gambling winnings must be declared. 

18. Is online gambling in Canada legal? 

In short, yes. It is legal for Canadians to play at any offshore online casino. However, it is illegal for a company to operate an online casino in Canada without a license. 

19. Legal age for gambling online in Canada? 

The general minimum age for gambling in Canada is 19, except in Alberta, Calgary, Manitoba, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec, where the legal gambling age is 18 years. 

20. What are the online gambling rules in Canada? 

Canada does not have many rules when it comes to online gambling. The Canadian government made the decision a while back to leave the rules surrounding gambling (including online gambling) to each province.  

At present, the rules simply state that it is illegal to operate an online casino without a licence from the relevant authority. Canadian players, however, can play at an offshore online casino, provided that the casino is properly registered and regulated. 

21. Is online gambling banned in Canada? 

Online gambling is not banned in Canada. However, it is illegal to operate an online casino from within Canada without the proper licence. 

22. How can I find legit online gambling sites in Canada? 

One of the best ways to find legit online gambling sites is to check their licence. While there is never a guarantee of legitimacy, all good casinos should, at the very least, hold a gaming licence from a reputable regulatory body.  

Casinos holding licences from the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, the Curacao Gaming Control Board, Kahnawake Gaming Commission or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority are generally seen as safer bets, due to the stringent licence requirements of these authorities. 

If you’re interested in checking out safe and trustworthy Canadian online casino sites, be sure to visit the Gamblerspick Canada online casinos site and view a variety of Canadian sites bearing the signature Gamblerspick Select badge. These sites have been verified for quality based on trustworthiness, safety and customer experience. 

23. Can I play at international online casinos in Canada? 

Yes, Canadian citizens can play at international online casinos as no laws are prohibiting this. 

24. Can US citizens gamble online in Canada? 

The answer is yes. US citizens are free to gamble online in Canada, as there is no specific federal law prohibiting this. However, in terms of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, it is illegal for banks to handle any deposits or withdrawals related to a US player’s casino account. 

 Online Gambling Banking Options 

25. Can I gamble for real money in Canada? 

Yes, you can. Players can deposit via debit card, credit card, EFT or several other methods. This money can be used to gamble for real money winnings. 

26. Can I use PayPal when online gambling in Canada? 

Currently, online casinos in Canada do not accept PayPal as a form of transaction. The reason for this is that PayPal only operates in countries with clearly regulated and defined laws. As Canada does not currently have clearly defined online gambling laws, PayPal will not run the risk of processing any illegal gambling payments. 

27. Are there banking fees when playing at Canadian casinos? 

This depends on which banking methods are used. Some instant banking methods will attract a fee, while most e-wallet transactions will also see a fee charged. Most prepaid cards and credit cards do not charge a fee. 

28. Can I use my credit card when gambling online in Canada? 

Yes. Most online casinos available in Canada will allow players to deposit and withdraw money using credit cards. 

29. Can I play at online casinos using Canadian dollars? 

Yes, as most online casinos available in Canada allow users to play using Canadian dollars. 

30. Which Canadian banks allow online gambling? 

Currently, there are only 5 banks in Canada that allow online gambling, namely the Bank of Montreal, the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, the Royal Bank of Canada and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. 

31. Will I need to verify my identity before making a withdrawal? 

Most online casino sites in Canada will require verification before withdrawals can be made. This is mainly to prevent fraud and money laundering. However, not all online sites have made identity verification a requirement.  

 Safe and Responsible Gambling In Canada 

32. Who regulates online gambling in Canada? 

There is no specific body that regulates the online gambling industry as a whole. Due to changes in the Canadian Criminal Code, the regulation of gambling activity, including online gambling, fell to the specific provinces.  

Within Canada, The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is the regulatory body charged with issuing the licenses needed by online casinos to operate within certain Canadian territories. 

33. Where can I get help for gambling problems in Canada? 

For people struggling with gambling addiction, several organisations in Canada offer assistance. Industry-specific organisations include Gamtalk and Gambling Therapy.

34. Will my information be safe at Canadian online casinos? 

While it is never possible to guarantee the safety of any information, there are plenty of casinos that conform to the strictest levels of security and encryption to protect customer information. If you’re looking for online casinos that offer strong safety protocols, check out Gamblerspick’s list of online Canadian casinos that have received the Select badge of approval.

35. What is the online gambling regulation in Canada? 

From a regulation perspective, players from Canada can gamble at online casinos located offshore. The only requirement is that they be legally registered to operate.

36. re there safe online gambling sites in Canada? 

Yes, there are. Online casinos that are regulated by a top gaming authority are the safest options, as these authorities impose strict conditions on casino operators wishing to obtain a licence. Gamblerspick has put together a comprehensive list of safe Canadian online casinos for you to visit!

37. Is it safe to download software from online casinos in Canada? 

It is generally quite safe to download software from any licensed and trusted online casino in Canada. Always check the casino’s regulatory licences before downloading software. Online casinos regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority and the Curacao Gaming Control Board are usually seen as quite secure.

38. Is online casino gambling popular in Canada? 

Online gambling is growing in popularity in Canada. Almost 20 million Canadians actively gamble online. This has resulted in billions of dollars in revenue being generated.

39. What is the safest online casino in Canada? 

While it’s not easy to tell you what the safest online casino in Canada is, we can tell you that the safest casinos will adhere to the highest security protocols and will go the extra mile to ensure the protection of your sensitive information. This is why Gamblers Pick has a compiled a list of Canadian online casinos that meet their criteria in terms of, among other things, safety protocols. These casinos have been given Select status, meaning that they have all been verified for quality.

 Sports Betting in Canada 

40. Is sport betting safe in Canada? 

Sports betting is generally quite safe in Canada. While there is no foolproof system, Canadians can only place bets with betting houses that are properly registered and licensed. Players can feel reasonably safe in the knowledge that, barring any unforeseen issue, they are placing bets in a relatively safe environment.

41. Is online sports betting allowed in Canada? 

Much like online gambling, there is no formal law prohibiting online sports betting in Canada. Players are therefore generally free to place online sports bets as they see fit.  Canadian law does prohibit players from being found in illegal betting houses or casinos. 

42. Are there legal online sports betting sites in Canada? 

The only legal online sports betting sites in Canada are the ones carrying licences from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. That doesn’t mean that Canadians cannot enjoy betting on their favourite sports online, as there are plenty of offshore betting sites that cater to them.

 Popular Online Slots 

43. Can I play with free spins at an online casino in Canada? 

Yes. Many casinos offer free spins. These spins are generally awarded when a particular deposit amount is made. It is also usually linked to a specific online slot.

44. Are there progressive jackpot games at Canadian casinos? 

Yes, there certainly are. Canadian online casinos, much like other casinos around the world, offer a variety of progressive jackpot games. As these jackpots accumulate. Canadian players stand the chance to win millions.

45. What are the best online gambling slots in Canada? 

There are some incredible Online Slots available in Canada. Depending on your definition of ‘best’, this may vary. If you’re interested in checking out Canada’s top slots, head over to Gamblerspick’s Canada online casinos page now!

 Canadian Mobile Gambling 

46. Are there online gambling apps in Canada? 

Many online gambling sites in Canada also offer mobile apps. These online apps can be downloaded onto most Android, iOS and Windows devices. 

47. Best online gambling apps in Canada? 

While there are plenty of great online gambling apps available, there are several standout options for Canadians. These include LeoVegas, Play OJO, Unibet and Betway.

48. Can I play on mobile when gambling online in Canada? 

Yes, you can. Most online casinos have formatted their sites for play on almost any mobile device. Users can experience the thrill of online casino gaming wherever they go!

 Finding the Best Casino Games 

49. What is the best software for online casinos in Canada? 

Everyone has their favourites when it comes to the best software available. Some of the top software for online casinos are provided by the industry’s biggest names, such as Playtech, NetEnt, Microgaming and IGT.

50. Which software providers can be found at Canadian online casinos? 

Some of the industry’s top software providers can be found in Canadian online casinos. These include legendary companies like NetEnt, Microgaming, Quickspin and Playtech.

This list of questions is by no means exhaustive. They simply represent the most common questions currently arising from the Canadian market. Frankly, the more questions, the better informed the player. For more information regarding the world of online gambling in Canada, be sure to check out the GamblersPick Canada page.