Help & Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our help center! Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about online casinos in Canada, bonuses, payments, and responsible gambling. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us.
Getting Started
Who is this site for?
Canadian Online Casinos is specifically designed for players in Canada who want to find safe, reputable online casinos. Whether you're in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or any other Canadian province, our reviews focus on casinos that accept Canadian players, support CAD currency, and offer payment methods popular in Canada like Interac.
How do I choose the right online casino?
Choosing the right casino depends on your priorities. Consider these factors:
- Licensing & Safety: Only play at licensed casinos with SSL encryption
- Game Selection: Look for casinos offering games you enjoy (slots, table games, live dealer)
- Payment Methods: Ensure the casino supports Interac or your preferred deposit/withdrawal method
- Bonuses: Compare welcome bonuses and wagering requirements
- Customer Support: Check for 24/7 support in English/French
- Withdrawal Speed: Some casinos process payouts faster than others
Our reviews evaluate all these factors to help you make an informed decision.
How do I sign up at an online casino?
Signing up is simple:
- Choose a casino from our recommended list
- Click the "Play Now" button to visit the casino's site
- Click "Sign Up" or "Register"
- Fill in your details (name, email, address, date of birth)
- Create a username and password
- Verify your email address
- Make your first deposit to claim the welcome bonus
Most casinos also require ID verification before your first withdrawal.
Legal & Safety
Is online gambling legal in Canada?
Yes, online gambling is legal for Canadians. While the Criminal Code gives provinces authority to regulate gambling within their borders, it doesn't prohibit Canadians from playing at offshore online casinos licensed by reputable international authorities.
Provincial regulations vary:
- Ontario: Launched regulated iGaming market in April 2022 through iGaming Ontario
- Quebec: Operates Espacejeux, the provincial online casino
- British Columbia: Offers PlayNow.com
- Other Provinces: No specific online gambling regulation; residents can access offshore casinos
All casinos we recommend are licensed by recognized gaming authorities and legally accessible to Canadian players.
How do I know if an online casino is safe?
Safe casinos have these characteristics:
- Valid License: From authorities like MGA, Curacao eGaming, UKGC, or provincial regulators
- SSL Encryption: Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar
- Third-Party Testing: Games audited by eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or similar organizations
- Positive Reputation: Good reviews from players and industry watchdogs
- Responsible Gambling Tools: Deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks
- Clear Terms: Transparent bonus terms and withdrawal policies
Every casino we recommend meets these safety standards.
What licenses should I look for?
The most reputable gambling licenses include:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): One of the most respected EU licenses
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): Stringent requirements, excellent player protection
- Curacao eGaming: Common for offshore casinos, offers decent oversight
- iGaming Ontario: For Ontario-regulated casinos
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission: Based in Quebec, regulates many international casinos
Avoid casinos without any visible licensing information.
Can I get in trouble for gambling online in Canada?
No. There are no laws prohibiting individual Canadians from gambling at online casinos. The criminal code addresses operators, not players. Canadians are free to play at licensed offshore casinos without legal risk.
Bonuses & Promotions
How do welcome bonuses work?
Welcome bonuses reward new players for signing up and making their first deposit. Common types include:
- Match Bonus: Casino matches your deposit by a percentage (e.g., 100% match up to $500 means a $500 deposit becomes $1,000)
- Free Spins: Free spins on selected slot games
- No Deposit Bonus: Small bonus just for registering (rare)
Always read the terms and conditions, especially wagering requirements.
What are wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements (playthrough requirements) specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw winnings. For example:
- $100 bonus with 35x wagering = must wager $3,500 before withdrawal
- Lower wagering (20x-30x) is better than higher (40x-50x)
Some bonuses have wagering on bonus only, others on bonus + deposit. Always check the terms.
Are casino bonuses worth it?
It depends on the terms. Bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements (35x or less), no maximum bet limits, and good game contribution can provide excellent value. However, bonuses with very high wagering (50x+) or restrictive terms may not be worth claiming.
Our reviews calculate the actual value of each bonus to help you decide.
Can I withdraw my welcome bonus immediately?
No. All bonuses have wagering requirements that must be met before withdrawal. You'll need to play through the bonus amount multiple times first. Only your winnings from bonus play (after completing wagering) can be withdrawn.
Payments & Banking
What payment methods are available for Canadians?
Popular payment methods at Canadian-friendly casinos include:
- Interac e-Transfer: Most popular in Canada - instant deposits, fast withdrawals
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard (some banks block gambling transactions)
- E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter, ecoPayz
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin (instant, anonymous)
- Prepaid Cards: Paysafecard, Neosurf
Interac is preferred by most Canadian players for its speed and convenience.
How do I use Interac at online casinos?
Depositing:
- Log in to your casino account and go to the cashier
- Select Interac e-Transfer as your deposit method
- Enter your desired deposit amount
- You'll receive the casino's email address
- Log in to your online banking and send an Interac e-Transfer to that email
- Your casino account is credited within minutes
Withdrawing:
- Go to the casino cashier and select withdrawal
- Choose Interac e-Transfer
- Enter your email and withdrawal amount
- Casino sends you an Interac e-Transfer (usually within 24 hours)
- Accept the transfer through your online banking
- Funds appear in your bank account instantly
How long do withdrawals take?
Withdrawal times vary by casino and payment method:
- E-Wallets: 0-24 hours
- Interac: 24-48 hours
- Cryptocurrency: 0-12 hours
- Credit/Debit Cards: 3-5 business days
- Bank Transfer: 3-7 business days
These times are after the casino's processing period, which can range from instant to 48 hours. First-time withdrawals may take longer due to ID verification.
Are there fees for deposits or withdrawals?
Most reputable casinos don't charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. However:
- Some casinos charge for inactive accounts (no activity for 6+ months)
- Your bank may charge currency conversion fees if you deposit in a currency other than CAD
- Some payment providers charge their own fees (check with your e-wallet or bank)
We highlight any fee structures in our casino reviews.
Why do I need to verify my identity?
Casinos are required by law to verify player identities to prevent:
- Money laundering
- Underage gambling
- Fraud and identity theft
You'll typically need to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Sometimes: photo of your payment method
Verification is usually required before your first withdrawal.
Games & Gameplay
What games can I play at online casinos?
Online casinos offer hundreds or thousands of games across categories:
- Slots: Classic 3-reel, video slots, progressive jackpots, Megaways
- Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants
- Live Dealer: Real dealers streamed via video (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, game shows)
- Video Poker: Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker
- Specialty: Scratch cards, keno, bingo, virtual sports
Can I play casino games for free?
Yes! Most online casinos offer demo (practice) mode for slots and table games. You can play with virtual credits to learn the games before risking real money. Live dealer games usually require real money play.
Are online casino games fair?
Yes, at licensed casinos. All games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) that are regularly tested by independent auditors like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Gaming Laboratories International. These tests ensure:
- Results are truly random
- RTP (Return to Player) percentages are accurate
- Games aren't manipulated
Stick to licensed casinos we recommend to ensure fair play.
What is RTP and why does it matter?
RTP (Return to Player) is the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. For example:
- 96% RTP slot returns $96 for every $100 wagered (on average, over millions of spins)
- Higher RTP = better odds for players
- RTP is calculated over the long term, not individual sessions
Look for games with RTP above 96% for the best value.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes! All casinos we recommend offer mobile-optimized websites or dedicated apps for iOS and Android. You can play slots, table games, and even live dealer games on your smartphone or tablet. Mobile casinos offer the same bonuses and payment options as desktop versions.
Responsible Gambling
How can I gamble responsibly?
Follow these responsible gambling practices:
- Set a budget before you play and stick to it
- Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose
- Set time limits for your gaming sessions
- Never chase losses - accept that losing is part of gambling
- Don't gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence
- Take regular breaks
- Keep gambling as one of many recreational activities
- Use casino tools like deposit limits, loss limits, and reality checks
What responsible gambling tools are available?
Reputable casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily/weekly/monthly deposit limits
- Loss Limits: Cap how much you can lose in a period
- Time Limits: Restrict how long you can play
- Reality Checks: Pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from the casino
- Cooling-Off Periods: Short breaks from gambling (24 hours - 6 weeks)
Where can I get help for a gambling problem?
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available:
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (Ontario residents)
- Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-347-8888 (British Columbia)
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: ga-canada.org
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: ccsa.ca
- Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.ca
All helplines offer free, confidential support 24/7.
About Our Site
Are you an online casino?
No. We're an independent review site that evaluates and recommends online casinos for Canadian players. We don't operate any casinos ourselves.
How do you make money?
We earn affiliate commissions when players sign up at casinos through our links. This means if you click a "Play Now" button and register at that casino, we may receive a commission from the casino operator.
However, we never let these relationships compromise our editorial integrity. We only recommend casinos that meet our strict quality standards, regardless of commission rates.
How do you choose which casinos to recommend?
We test every casino against rigorous criteria:
- Valid licensing from reputable authorities
- SSL encryption and security measures
- Game quality and variety from top providers
- Canadian-friendly payment methods (especially Interac)
- CAD currency support
- Fair bonus terms with reasonable wagering requirements
- Fast, reliable payouts
- Responsive customer support
- Positive player reviews and reputation
- Responsible gambling tools
Only casinos that pass all tests make our recommended list.
How often do you update your reviews?
We continuously monitor the casinos we recommend and update reviews whenever significant changes occur (new bonuses, policy changes, game additions, player complaints). Most reviews are fully updated at least quarterly.
Can you help me with a problem at a casino?
While we're not affiliated with the casinos and can't intervene directly, we're happy to provide guidance. If you're experiencing issues (withdrawal delays, bonus disputes, etc.), first contact the casino's customer support.
If the casino doesn't resolve your issue, you can file a complaint with the licensing authority (MGA, Curacao, etc.). We can also include your feedback in future reviews to warn other players.
Still have questions?
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, please contact us. We're here to help!