General Information
Are online casinos always open?
We've never heard of a casino online that has closing hours. It's safe to say that if a site is down, they are doing important maintenance or having server difficulties. With our recommended sites, you most likely won't run into these things.
What casino sites are good for beginners?
Good beginner sites are those that have a nice selection of games with wagers of all sizes. We would recommend Ruby Fortune or 32Red.
Games
Can I play online for free?
Yes. You can play for free, for life. Your time on the demo games is unlimited. You may or may not need an account. It's worth noting that you will not be able to play every game available; only those which offer free mode play.
How long after creating an account can I play?
You can get started playing the demo games instantly. Real cash games will require you to make a quick deposit. You should be able to start playing within just a few minutes.
Is there a benefit to using downloadable games?
Downloadable games tend to have slightly better graphics, sounds, animations and user interfaces. Some people also like that you can play the free demo games without internet access. This is a nice feature which you can hone your skills with at any time.
Is there a benefit to using no-download games?
When you play the in-browser games, you can play instantly. You do not have to download any software and take up your valued hard drive space. Mac players often have to use the instant play games because most casinos do not have special Mac casino software. The visuals and sounds are just about as good as the downloadable software.
What casino game has the best chance of winning?
Depends on who you ask, but if you go by the house edge, blackjack has the best chance of winning followed by roulette and baccarat. Poker players may tell you that poker is the easiest game to win at as long as you know what you're doing.
Is online roulette fixed?
No. Roulette is a game of chance and backed by an independently audited random number generator (RNG). Sometimes you will get lucky and sometimes you will not.
Bonuses
How do I know what online casino bonus is best for me?
Choosing a bonus can be a challenge. First, it's a good idea to understand the different types of bonuses. From there, you should know how much money you will add to your account. Read the terms and conditions and find out if you can realistically meet the playthrough requirements. In addition, you'll want to make sure the bonus accepts your preferred game(s). For example, if you will only stick around the blackjack table, a bonus may be difficult to obtain, but not impossible! Be sure to read more about the types of bonuses here.
How do I receive a casino bonus?
To receive you casino bonus, you will need to make a deposit, collect so many loyalty points, refer a friend, etc. With welcome bonuses, this may be automatically added to your account. In some cases you may have to submit a special code, contact customer support or even call the casino to verify you would like to take advantage of it.
Banking
Are there fees for deposits or withdrawals?
In general, most casinos do not charge any fee for making a deposit. There could be associated fees on your end. For example, if you are using Interac, you will have to pay a small flat fee. Depending on the withdrawal, there could be a small percentage of the total or a flat fee from the casino and/or third party site.
How do I collect my casino winnings?
Withdrawing cash will depend on the casino. In general, you can make a withdrawal using a variety of different methods like credit or debit card, Instadebit, eCheck, WireCard, etc. You may or may not be able to use the same method as you did with the deposit. Take a look at our other pages which discusses deposits and withdrawals for more information.
What is the smallest deposit needed to play online?
This varies from site to site. In general there will be a minimum deposit of C$10 - C$30.
Can I play online without a credit card?
Yes. You can play real money games without a credit card. eWallets, debit cards, eChecks and bank transfers are alternative ways to play online.
Safety & Security
Is my money secure?
When you play on top recommended casino sites, your money is completely secure. The operators run a very successful business and have a reputation to maintain. As you'll see in our reviews, casinos listed have been around for at least 10 years or is backed by the Canadian government.
Is my personal information safe?
Your personal and financial information is protected by a 128 bit SSL security certificate. This form of encryption guarantees all of your sensitive data is safe at all times. It is the same measures your bank uses.
Can new casinos be trusted?
Online gambling is always changing and there are new casinos that pop up out of nowhere. These sites can be launched very easily if you have the time, money and knowledge. While we like to give everyone a fair chance, it is always a good idea to approach a new site with caution. If you are keen on gambling at a new site, do some research, read reviews and find out what the gossip is. Trust us, it will be there. If everything seems to be legit, take a look around the site. Look for certifications, FAQ's, support, payment methods, etc. Government backed casinos would be the exception in that you can pretty much guarantee complete trust.
Can people cheat when playing in online casinos?
Online casinos have made cheating very difficult, but not impossible. There are certain games which players will attempt to get a one up on the casino. For example, some will count cards in blackjack, others will bait in a lot of unskilled players to a poker table and then show off their mad skills, winning the jackpot every time until people realize what's going on. To hack a game, cheat at a slot machine or switch out the craps dice as you see in the movies is not possible.
How can I avoid rogue casinos?
This is simple. Read the reviews and find out what others are saying. We have listed a wealth of rogue casinos on this site, so head there next to find out which sites you do not want to be on. We keep this page updated on a regular basis.
Responsible Gambling
What is the minimum age to play at an online casino?
Online casinos accept players which are of the legal age in their respected location. In Canada, the legal age is 19 in most provinces and 18 in three. If you get caught playing at a casino underage, you will be immediately banned.
Where can I get help for a gambling problem?
There are numerous support groups, people, communities and medical facilities ready and willing to support anyone who believes they have a problem gambling. You can reach out to the following groups to get you started:
Gamblers Anonymous - www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Problem Gambling CA - www.problemgambling.ca
Gam-Anon - www.gam-anon.org/
If you don't see your question here, let us know. We're always happy to help a fellow gambler out.
