At Casinos Avenue we have a long list of real casinos for Canadian gamblers to visit, from Toronto to Quebec, Niagra Falls to Calgary. Each is stacked with long lines of jackpot video slots, baccarat and blackjack tables, roulettes and multi-player poker.

But what about online? Is the same abundance of choice available for gamblers there too? The answer to that is yes, there are plenty of casinos and betting sites online for Canadian players.

But for anyone from Canada reading this article, we say it’s worth understanding the range of choices on offer before diving in. And in this short guide we help you to understand which is the safest option for you to try where you can be sure to get fair and secure, licensed gambling.


Is It Legal To Gamble Online in Canada?


Before we look at the different casino operators taking bets online in Canada, a short word on the legal situation. Currently, Canada is seen as something of a ‘grey market’ to online betting firms.

Under the laws of the country, the only businesses based in Canada who can legally take bets are the state-run casino and sportsbooks like PlayNow.com owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.

However, loopholes in the legislation mean that offshore operators, many of them successful firms from Europe with licensing in Malta, the UK and Gibraltar, are open to accepting custom from gamblers based in Canada. In fact, there are hundreds of casinos, including some very big names like 888 and Betway, who are based offshore and offer a top range of slots, live dealer and lottery betting in Canada.


So Which Online Casinos Should You Play At?


The state-run gambling sites in Canada that are the most popular include PlayNow.com in British Columbia, which we have already mentioned, and the OLG.ca in Ontario.

These sites feature a pretty decent range of games and gambling here gives you peace of mind that you are spending your money at a site run by a state-owned organisation, with taxes returned to the government.

However, a quick browse of some of the offshore brands will tell you that whilst these sites are not officially sanctioned, they are still completely legal, fully licensed by some of the best heavyweight regulators, and offer a much broader selection of games.

And if you check out any of the many listings sites that review Canadian gambling sites then you’ll notice that every few months new online casinos are launching with big money welcome bonuses and free money offers for customers in Canada. Which is another reason to check them out!

So, don’t be put off by the offshore tag either. Sites like the new Wildz Casino brand, or Captain Spins, are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority which upholds very high standards when it comes to fairness and security.

These operators will have been audited by a 3rd party organisation like eCorga to ensure all the game outcomes are completely random, and the businesses will have been audited to ensure your money is managed safely and securely.

It’s also worth remembering that these offshore sites offer a lot more in free money and free spins to their customers.

Typically, they have built their success in the competitive markets of the UK, Germany, and other big European countries. So, they understand that getting you through the door and keeping you on their games requires some incentivisation!

So, our advice is, if you are looking to gamble online in Canada, then don’t just look at the state-run sites. Have a look at the latest offshore casinos too. You might pick up a very good welcome package, as well as access to a massive selection of games!


Is Canada’s Online Casino Experience Likely to Change?


Finally, a few words on the future for gambling in Canada.

If you have a keen eye on the news then you might have noticed that a new kind of regulation is on the horizon, with the government looking to open the way for privately-run gambling firms like the offshore ones that we mentioned, to be licensed by the Canadian provincial governments.

This is a reaction to the high number of players who forgo sites like PlayNow.com for the experience at offshore sites. In the wake of the pandemic, the state is looking to raise money through taxes and taxing the wagering of all those gamblers is a great way to do this.

Already in the first part of 2021 we have seen the Private Members Bill C-218 pass its reading in the House of Commons which brings the legalisation of single event sports betting a little closer.

This would allow fixed odds sports betting at PlayNow.com and other state sites, but it is also seen as the first step on the road to opening up the market to private sportsbook firms, and eventually online casinos too.

So, whilst it remains business as usual so far in 2021, be ready for some big changes, and a more progressive regulated gambling market in the years to come.