Online slots are more popular than ever with Canadian players, and there are a number of compelling reasons why. For one, it has never been easier for players anywhere in the globe to get involved, and this freedom definitely extends to players from the Great White North. The popularity of online slots is driven by several factors such as convenience, ease of use, trustworthy providers, player safety, game quality, and of course, the stratospheric prize money now up for grabs.
We will take a look why online slots Canada is going through something of a golden age, how the country reached this point, and more importantly, suggest some of the best online casinos for Canadian gamblers to get in on the action.
The history of online slots Canada
The history of slots in Canada closely mirrors the birth of the industry in general. It began way back in the 1880s when Charles Fey’s famous Liberty Bell machine erupted onto an unsuspecting public in San Francisco. It didn’t take long for this three-reel device to become a hit and inspire the production of countless imitators. Very quickly, the popular device advanced across the US before moving north across the border into Canada.
Gambling took a hit in 1892 when the Canadian government made the decision to ban it outright. But over the preceding years, the ban was gradually lifted due to public demand. It started with lotteries, bingo, then horse racing, before the 1970s ushered in a big shift to allow provinces to license and regulate gambling as they wished.
It was also around the 1960s and 70s when a technological shift in slots technology transitioned them from rudimentary machines to more sophisticated video slots. It started around 1963 with Bally’s original electric slot, and Fortune Coin Co popping up around a decade later. We say a shift, but these early slots were nothing like the audio and visual experiences we have today of course.
Fast forward a decade or two, and the first land based casinos were launched in Winnipeg and Montreal. This included the government-owned Crystal Casino which was an instant hit. After posting impressive visitor numbers, the flood gate was opened on land-based casinos in Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. Canadians wanted to gamble, and they wanted slots! While these new casinos offered plenty of table games, slot machines made up the bulk of the entertainment options.
Around the late 90s, the internet revolution began in earnest, and casino providers were quick to spot the opportunities this new connectivity offered. The first online casino is a hotly debated topic but most pundits agree on either Inter Casino or Microgaming’s Gaming Club. Either way, once the flag was planted, plenty of providers followed suit. Canada found itself once again on a frontier as the Mohawk Territory Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established in Quebec to offer gambling licenses on and offline.
The next step in the evolution of online slots Canada came from the introduction of smartphones and apps which brings us up to the present day. Now players can spin reels whenever and wherever there is internet coverage, providing unparalleled levels of convenience and anonymity.
Is it legal to play online slots Canada?
Like most countries, the issue can seem like a little vague, but when it comes to individual players, the law is clear cut. While providers are, for the most part, banned from operating online casinos within Canada, there are no laws preventing Canadian players gambling at online casinos based offshore. That being the case it pays to choose providers that are trustworthy and fully licensed by reputable regulators. These are the only casinos we would use and the ones we recommend.
This means sticking with online casinos based in Europe and regulated by bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. These are strict regulators that require evidence that games use fair random number generators (RNGs) and offer the best protection for players. There is no point using providers based in sketchy locations when there are so many legitimate ones to choose from. Here we list five excellent examples for Canadian gamblers below.
Best online slots Canada – Criteria
Since playing slots online is legal in Canada, what are the best online casinos for Canadian players? There is no shortage of providers, but there is a clear distinction between the good ones and the not so good ones. You can find in-depth information about how we judge an online casino here at the site, but just briefly the things we look out for are:
- A license and who regulates the casino.
- Protection of player information.
- Welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
- Game selection and software providers.
- Customer service.
- Banking methods, and withdrawal rules.
We put every casino through its paces and rigorously check to make sure that each one we recommend is worthy of your gambling dollar. The fantastic news for Canadian players is that stringent regulation has led to the proliferation of legitimate, transparent online casinos that provide the services they claim too. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some top providers for online Canadian gambling.
Best online slots Canada – Casino Brands
The maturation of the industry has led to a wide range of solid casinos online. To help quicken the search for your next favourite, here are five excellent examples to begin with. Not only will they have you up and running in no time, but they also stock slots from industry-leading developers that offer both fun gaming and excellent winning potential. Even more critically, they are well respected, trustworthy casinos that are licensed by strict European regulators.
Rizk
One of Rizk’s key attractions is their self-proclaimed ‘no bullshit’ approach. This means no small print to hide behind and confuse players. Along with a wide selection of slots, are extra details such as their Withdrawal Lock which locks in withdrawals and keeps winnings safe. Popular slots at Rizk at the moment include Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Bonanza.
Slotsmillion
Slotsmillion’s claim to fame is that it offers a virtual reality experience. Don a pair of Oculus Rift goggles for the full effect, (or without them on a PC) and players can trip around a virtual casino and bump into other players. The VR option is no gimmick though, as Slotsmillion back up the innovation with over 2,400 slots including old and new favourites such as Immortal Romance, Pink Elephant, and Danger High Voltage.
Mr Green
Mr Green has dazzled the gambling community from the day it was launched. Since then the popular Swedish provider has scooped up numerous awards including Socially Responsible Online, Online Gaming Operator, and Mobile Operator of the year. Backing up the accolades is an excellent selection of games, with hot slots at the moment including Release the Kraken, Fortunes of Ali Baba, Mysterious, Wings of Ra, and Temple Splitz.
Casumo
’More online games than castles in the UK’, so the saying goes at Casumo, a sleek, modern, provider of slots and more. Like Mr Green, Casumo has picked up their fair share of awards since launching in 2012. The trophy cabinet includes Rising Star, Mobile Casino Product, and Online Casino Operator of the year. It’s also a site that offers plenty of stats with daily, and yearly rewards and free spins prominently displayed. On the gaming side of things, Casumo offers an array of new and classic slots and what’s hot at the moment includes Starburst, Jammin Jars, Return of Kong Megaways, Dead or Alive II, and Fire Joker.
Dunder
Dunder is a clean, modern site that offers great bonuses and has a strong emphasis on jackpot slots such as the ever-popular Mega Moolah. Dunder was established by two enthusiasts in 2016 to provide a streamlined, easy to use site, with a strong customer focus. This means over 900 top games, and in a nice touch, they are split into very specific categories to make finding the right one a breeze. Check out categories like ‘Win both ways’, ‘Mythology’, ‘Special Wilds’, ‘Special Reels’, and a lot more. There is a wide range of scorchers at Dunder right now including Joker’s Jewels, Ocean’s Treasure, Legacy of Dead, Brazil Bomba, Racetrack Riches, and Dawn of Egypt.
FAQs
Do Canadian gamblers pay tax on winnings?
More good news for Canadian players is that online winnings are not taxable unless the person in question is a professional gambler who makes a living from gambling.
Can I play slots on my mobile phone?
Yes, if you use a modern smartphone you will almost definitely be able to spin reels on your device. Not only can you play games, but smartphone users can register new accounts, deposit/withdraw money, and contact customer service. Virtually anything you can do on a desktop you can do on a mobile.
What is a welcome bonus?
A welcome bonus is a sweetener that online casinos offer new customers. Say, a reward for registering, and usually, making a deposit. There are a huge variety of welcome bonuses from free spins, bonus cash, no deposit free spins, and more.
Do you have to play for real money?
No, when playing online slots Canada you do not have to play for real money. Most casinos offer a free play option to let their customers try new games risk-free. This is the perfect way of testing whether a slot suits you and learning the rules and how the features work.
What is a progressive jackpot?
Progressive jackpot slots have prizes that grow with every spin. Each time a bet is made, a portion is syphoned off to feed the jackpot. When you consider the number of players that can be feeding an online jackpot, it’s no wonder the biggest ones routinely reach into the millions of dollars.
How much money can I win?
There are few limits on how much you can win. Life changing jackpots are won regularly by online gamblers – including Canadians. The thing to keep in mind is that despite everyone having the chance, not everyone will win those mega payouts. That being the case, the best way to chase them is within strict bankroll limits that you do not go over.